Not all the Islands are in the Caribbean

Last week, in my blog post Palm Tree Therapy, I made a comment that not all islands are in the Caribbean.  When I typed those words, I did not think that it would create a discussion at Strictly Sail this last Saturday.  Some of the nice folks at Unsalted Sailing and BayBreeze Yacht Charter were using my line while they were talking to attendees of the show.  This got me dreaming (thinking).... what are some of the islands that I would like to sail to that are NOT in the Caribbean.  Here is my island bucket list.

Apostle Islands
The Apostle Islands are located in Lake Superior and consist of 22 different islands.  This is Unsalted sailing at its best.  Clear water and wilderness await my dream trip to Lake Superior.   You can spend days bopping from island to island exploring nature.

Beaver Island

www.cruisingthegreatloop.com/

One of my dreams is to sail to Beaver Island.  It is located in Norther Lake Michigan and has a unique history. It is know as the only Monarchy in the United States.  You will have to Google it.  The other reason that I want to go to Beaver Island is that I am I guy and just the name makes me laugh.  (Juvenile I know).

Ellis Island
My dream is not really to travel to or land on Ellis Island.  My dream of a landlocked sailor is to sail passed Ellis Island on my way to completing the Great Loop.  Nothing would make me more proud to be an American than to be able to sail past the Statue of Liberty.  How cool would that be?

Dry Tortugas
I find that not many people have heard of the Dry Tortugas.  Many are also not aware that the Dry Tortugas are actually in the United States and are one of our national parks.  Fort Jefferson is the protector of the Gulf of Mexico.  These seven islands are only accessible by boat, preferably sailboat.  Your jumping off point will be Key West.  Key West is also an island not in the Caribbean, but did not make my list.  I will sail there, but it would just be a by-product of making a run for the Dry Tortugas.

My final island, that is on my list of islands NOT in the Caribbean is....

The Bahamas
Yes, the Bahamas are part of the Caribbean Community, but technically they are not part of the Caribbean.  They have the climate, the culture and the look of the Caribbean without being located in the Caribbean.  The Bahamas are actually part of the island chain where Cuba is located.  I have actually been to the Bahamas several times.  We have traveled to the parts of the Bahamas that all tourists visit.  I really don't like      this part of the Bahamas.  I told my wife that the only way she is going to get me back to the Bahamas would be on my own sailboat after a Gulf Stream Crossing.  Hopping from island to uninhabited island floating in that green turquoise water would be the best.

These islands are the dreams of a landlocked sailor.  Those dreams drive him crazy.  Thinking and planning for the trip are just as fun as making the journey.  Not all islands are in the Caribbean, but these islands are in the heart and soul of this sailor.

Sailing as a By-product

I love to sail.  I love to be on the water.  There have been times when the act of sailing has been a by-product of the weekend.  Here are top four things that I would rather be doing on our sailboat.

Swinging on the hook.
Ok, for you non-sailors, this is the gentle swaying motion that the boat makes when it is being held in place by the anchor.  Setting the anchor is an art in itself.  But, once the hook is set, it is time to break out the food and drink.  Nothing fancy, just good food and your favorite adult beverage.  A few of these beverages and you are ready to watch the sunset.  While swinging on the hook is a great time to grab your favorite sailing magazine (I prefer Cruising World and Sail.  My wife prefers her novels).  Either are suitable pass times while on the hook.

Sleeping on the Water.
Sleeping on the boat for a long weekend, is like sleeping on a water bed except the entire bed moves,  not just the part you lay on.  It is quiet and soothing.  This is one of my favorite things.  As soon as the sun goes down, I can't keep my eyes open any longer.  All of the stress of work goes away. 

Watching the kids play.
When the kids are aboard, we have a set schedule.  Swim, dry-off, eat and repeat.  This schedule may be repeated up to four times a day, if not more.  They too love the boating/ cruising lifestyle.  Sometimes they don't understand why we have to sail.  (They do like to steer.)  Because the kids like to boat with us is one of the reasons why we are needing to upgrade to a larger sailing vessel.

Eating
What does eating have to do with sailing?  Well nothing really.  We just like to eat and drink while sailing on our sailboat.  Eating is preparing ahead of time and heating on the boat.  We generally don't cook on board. We cook at home and bring food on board that can easy be heated up quickly.  One of the best weekends that I had on the boat was in late fall and I was the only one that was willing to face the chilly October air.  On my way to the sailboat, I stopped by Domino's and picked up a large pepperoni pizza.  I ate it for dinner that night, then for breakfast and lunch the next day.  It was great.  The cold weather kept the beer cold too.

I would be happy to do these things over the course of a weekend.  If we can get some sailing in as well, then that is just the iceing on the cake.  Funny how things work out that way.  Who would have thought that a boat was just to sleep, eat and play on and that sailing is just a by-product.

The Law of Diminishing Returns

Law of Diminishing Returns

I am sure you have experienced this law.  It goes like this.  You are excited about purchasing an item.  You use that item as much as you can each day or week.  After a while, other things get in the way or you just lose interest.  The law has worked against you.  You will find the best boat deal when the sellers returns have been diminished.  Then, my friend, it is a buyers market.

Let me tell you a story of a fish tank that my wife and I owned.  We won a 55 gallon fish tank from a Petsmart raffle.  We put hours into setting it up, filling it with water and adding fish.  We really enjoyed watching the fish swim around and eat.  But, fish that eat also poop.  After several weeks, it was my job to clean the fish tank.  Over the years that we had the tank, every time I had to clean the thing my level of enjoyment dropped a notch.  We had hundreds of dollars tied up in the tank, but when it hit that moment, (when the pain in the ass factor exceeded the enjoyment) I would pay you to just take it.

The same can be experienced in the sailboat market.  The story goes that one buys the sailboat with the idea of sailing off into the sunset, only to have the maintenance and storage costs of the boat catch up with them. They don't want to sell the boat, but they have to (the wife said so).  They will happily sell the boat to the person who will love and cherish the boat and fulfill their dreams of taking her over the horizons.  Then at that moment, it is a buyers market and you are using this law of returns in you favor.  I have said before, that there is no consistent pricing in the used sailboat marketplace.  I am dreaming of a larger boat and am looking for one that is right with this law.

Palm Tree Therapy

A sunny disposition will get you so far, then you need palm trees.  Wherever palm trees grow, time slows down and worries fade away.  It is just not the same here in the Midwest around an oak tree or pine.  Palm trees provide for free what your therapist charges huge sums for a similar feeling without the scenery.

Today, here in the Midwest, it is a mild January day.  High of 42 degrees and no snow or rain.  Really, not a bad day at all.  But, I can't stop thinking about "Being somewhere between the Islands and the Artic".   Rod Call, owner of Snoloha, knows this feeling all to well.  Rod's company helps to stimulate "Palm Tree Therapy" with his line of lifestyle gear from Snoloha that puts you in an island adventure state of mind. 

This week is Strictly Sail Chicago.  As we cross off the days on the calendar,  Strictly Sail Chicago is the Midwest sailors call for the start of spring.  Our sailboats have been in storage for a couple of months now and we are starting to think about our boat todo list.  Strictly Sail is the wake up call to start planning upgrades, charters and gear.  This year I will be talking to boat brokers to help me find my next boat to fit the needs of our growing cruising needs. 

Not all islands are in the Caribbean.  Stop by the Unsalted Sailing Booth 160 at Strictly Sail and ask Rod about Salt-free Island Sailing and check out some gear to keep you in the sailing mood.  In the meantime, I might not be in a "Palm Tree Therapy" location, but I am in the "Palm Tree Therapy" state of mind.

Palm Tree Therapy II

$1000 Sailboats

Everyday I scour the internet looking for a suitable sailboat that meets my needs and the needs of my family.  Sometimes you don't see anything new being listed.  Sometimes there is plenty of listings to look through.  The one thing I can say for sure is that there is no consistent pricing in the used sailboat marketplace. 

Today I found a 1984 Cal 27.  List price $1000.  First question:  What is wrong with it.  Second question: What is wrong with it.  The question beckons, why would such a large sailing boat be listed for such a dirt cheap price.  The listing got the best of me and I called.  I was told that the boat has been in storage for 5 years.  Storage is a natural enemy of any sailboat.  The longer they sit, the more the elements (sun and water) destroy the boat.  It can be even worse if the boat is not covered or that there are opening in the boat that have allowed water to penetrate.  Next, I was informed that all the sails, lines, and interior cushions have all been stored indoors at the marina and that they are in fine condition.  Still after 15 minutes talking to the owner, I still have no better idea of the condition of the boat than when I first started.  My personal rule of thumb is not to spend time going to look at a boat if the owner is not willing to e-mail you pictures.  The only exception to this rule is, after talking to the owner, that you come to the conclusion that attaching pictures to an e-mail is a real challenge for them.... like breathing.


To any extent, my interest has been peaked.  I am looking at my calendar now trying to figure out a time to go and see this boat.  My expectations are low.... very low.  I would rather be surprised, than disappointed.  I will be writing a whole blog post on what people actually put in their listings when they are trying to sell a boat.  It will be interesting.  I will keep you posted.  

1984 Hunter 27

I learned how to sail on a Hunter sailboat.  I still have an affection for them. They are well built and the folks at Hunter Marine have always lead the pack on innovation. 

I found this 1984 Hunter 27 on Craigslist.  Located in Holland, Mi for $9800.  You can find the listing here. 
This is a serious contender for my next sailboat.  This boat has been fitted with a furling head sail.  This allows you to deploy as much or as little sail as needed.  I also like the wheel steering and inboard motor on this boat. 

This boat is capable or lake crossings, island cruising and sailing the intercostal.  To top it off, at this price, it is a great midsized boat that is sure to hold its value. 

Strictly Sail Chicago

I just got my 2012 tickets to Strictly Sail Chicago.  I find it funny to head to Chicago in the middle of January to look at sailboats that would be used in spring or summer.  I like to think of the Chicago show as the start of spring.

This is our third year going to Strictly Sail.  The first year my wife and I went, we signed up to learn how to sail.  Then the second year we went to just look at boats and dream.  This year we are going to visit with boat brokers and talk about used boats and we are looking to charter in the BVI later this year with Footloose Charters. 

Strictly Sail has everything you would want.  They offer seminars on sailing,crossing oceans and product demonstrations.  They ship in nice new boats that are on display for you to walk through.  There is even food and wine.  No matter what your reason for attending Strictly Sail, you are sure to have a good time.

Any opportunity to shop for a boat.

I think that every trip should be traveled in such a fashion so that one can visit/look at a sailboat that is for sale.  I had the pleasure of creating such an opportunity last week while visiting Naples, Florida.  I knew I would be around marinas while in Florida.  I knew I would be able to "look" at some sailboats.  I did not know that I would actually be looking at a boat that meets my criteria for my next boat. 

While flipping through Southwinds Magazine, I found a O'day 28 tucked away in the back classifieds under "late listings".   At first glance it met several of my criteria: Wheel steering, 6 feet of headroom, enclosed head, roller furling, and at a fair price.  The fact it was in sunny Naples was just a bonus.  Time for a road trip.

I was in Florida with fellow Rotary Members from Danville, Indiana.  Monday morning, some of them were flying home.  I volunteered to take them to the airport.  This put me 45 minutes closer to the O'day.  After dropping them off I was only a hour and a half away.  I was on my way to Cortez, FL.

The boat was listed by Cortez Yacht Sales.  Upon arrival I met George, and we were off to see the boat.  We drove to some condos on the canal and met up with the German owner.  He was opening up the boat as we arrived.  "May I?", I asked.  In perfect English the German invited me aboard and excused himself allowing me time to get to know the boat. 

George rambled on about the features of the boat, while I was busy sticking my head in the bilge and everywhere else it would fit.  After about a half hour, I was thanking George for his time and I was back in the truck with a two hour drive to contemplate the purchase.  Could I get the boat up to Kentucky Lake in 7 days?  Could I find a slip on short notice in Naples?  Was it going to cost me an arm and a leg?  It was all the way in Florid too.

After two hours, I was hungry and tired.  Those Rotarians sure can party and the short night was catching up to me.  I decided that at the end of the month I was planning on attending Strictly Sail Chicago and I would wait to see what the local boat brokers have to offer.

So it is on to another adventure on the 28th.  The whole family will be attending Strictly Sail.  We will be looking at boats and dreaming of the places we will go.