Cruising Hiatus

[Gerry]

So we've returned from a 12 year slow cruise of the Caribbean, Central America etc, needed to come back so I could get a couple of new hips ( second one now 2 weeks old), catch up with family and do some work on the boat.

Been here a year now. It's been good but unsettling! Spent most of the time in a marina-so I can continue to get on and off the boat and we can still liveaboard. Well except for the immediate weeks after surgery...Will I have gone soft and hate living at anchor?

Now it's time to start planning the future but I am at a bit of a loss. Feeling a tad scared about getting back on the ocean again, what will I have forgotten? Will I still like it? Not so worried about coping physically that all seems to have gone very well but more the actual process of leaving again. Sounds a bit sad?

Where shall we go? Fancy colder water sailing for a change. That involves installing a solid fuel stove, better sprayhood etc which we have been getting to grips with.

Anyone out there gone through a similar experience? I'd love to hear your tales and thoughts.Deep down I know that I want to carry on cruising but right now it seems like a huge uphill haul......

 

[oldvarnish]

Never underestimate the length of time that anaesthetic can continue to swill around in your body, and depress you - its only been two weeks. It's no time to make any choices, other than to get fit again and then see how you feel about the ocean.

 

[Gerry]

Yes the anesthetic is no doubt still swilling around the veins!Just mulling over the issues and debating the alternatives....so many choices. Appreciate the words of wisdom x

 

[rivonia]

Been there done that and got the T-shirt. It is now two years since I had my left hip replaced. After eight weeks back to the boat - in the Marina. After 3 month went for three month sailing. Perfect bloody perfect.

So Do take it very carefully. Your body will let you know when it is safe to set sail, as mine did. It was just me and my wife.

Good luck

Peter

 

[AndrewB]

Been there done that and got the T-shirt.

Ditto. Sold up in Australia last year with a heavy heart, thinking SWMBO and my health problems had put paid to the cruising life. So we go home to the UK where SWMBO gets a new shoulder, heart surgery for me. We sit round for a bit, then what to do? Do up the flat, yes very nice. Now what? A flat doesn't do anything or go anywhere, does it? Early this year we find ourselves on a gentle charter in sunny climes. We don't fall apart, so what about another yacht? So now we've joined the Meddy fleet, and life seems meaningful again.

Still regret selling our first yacht and long-time home in Oz, though.

 

[Gerry]

Interesting! So it ain't over till the fat lady sings....better keep my mouth shut then!
This was always planned to be a break in the cruising life never a full stop which is why I have been somewhat surprised by my reaction to the enforced stationary period.
Probably expected more folks to have faced the same problem, does that reflect that there are not that many long term cruisers out there these days do you think?