Help for a non sailer going sailing

[i_know_nothing]

My other half has always had the ambition to sail around the world and is coming very close now to getting together enough money to go, he is also being offered the ideal boat to go in. He may well be buying a boat in Guatamala so would then like to start the journey from there, possibly not an around the world trip just yet, but round the caribean and where ever it takes us from there. The problem being that I am not very sea worthy, have little experience on a boat and get sea sick. Is there anyone else out there who is in this possition or has ever been in it who can share their experience with me as I am in two minds as to whether it is a wise idea to go along or to sit at home twiddling my thumbs for a year waiting for him to come home.

Any advise would be very welcome!!

<hr width=100% size=1><P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1>Edited by i_know_nothing on 12/11/2003 14:21 (server time).</FONT></P>

 

[Chris_Stannard]

After many years at sea my experience is that most people who get seasick are like that for two or three days at the beginning of a trip and then get accustomed to the motion. I also think you would be better with him than to let him loose by himself for a year.

Word of caution, I would think there could be all sorts of problems with buying a boat in Guetamala, like registration and ownership, to say nothing of getting a respectable survey done there, what to do about VAT and taxes when you go to other countries. I do not have any personal expereience of that area but had enough problems buying a boat in holland which you would have thought was straightforward.

<hr width=100% size=1>Chris Stannard

 

[i_know_nothing]

He has experience of the boat he may be buying as it belongs to a friend of his. It was originally brought in Miami then he sailed it over to Guetamala. I don't know if this makes any difference, I leave all that marlarkie to him. If it isn't straight forward at least that gives me a bit more time!


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[zephyrsailor]

go. you can always come home again if you hate it.

<hr width=100% size=1><font color=purple><A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.yachting-school.com>http://www.yachting-school.com</A></font color=purple>

 

[graham]

I get seasick on large ships but oddly not in small boats .Iknow some otherwise excellent yachts people who get sick but only for a day or so.

The trick is to get the feel of the boat by some short day sails before setting off on a long passage.

I sailed out of Belize 20 odd years ago. beatiful place to sail but at that time Belize city was very poverty stricken and rife with crime.

Ive never been to Guatamala ,in my ignorance I didnt even know it had a coast on the Carribean side.

Why not give it a try on the condition that if you dont like it head for nearest airport?

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[i_know_nothing]

Nope I think your right, not ignorant, me thinks that the boat must be in Livingston or something, as its definately over that side somewhere!

Have any of you got wifes or girlfriends that you have dragged off with you, I think dragged maybe too strong a word, but you know what I mean! How did they fair??

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[Fill]

Mrs mate decided that I was going to go sailing with or without her. She decided that she could sit alone on her own or come too. The first trip I ever made I was unwise enough to reveal the destination was France for a little French supper and a small voice asked if there was a spare berth.

On a more serious note she decided that she wanted to know what to do herself. So she booked a comp crew course with Southern Sailing. It turned out it was an all girls course apart from the instructor and the tales that came back were impressive - and probably not to be repeated here. However, she came back with a grin on her face having thoroughly enjoyed herself. Since then she has done day skipper and shorebased yachtmaster.

Now that I have taken early retirement we hope to go long term sailing, but are planning to take it slowly, gradually increasing distances. Mrs mate is eligible for a bus pass, has severe arthritis and says if she can do it, anyone can do it.

Good luck & enjoy (sailing is meant to be fun.)

Fill

I'm captain of this ship & have my wife's permission to say so.

<hr width=100% size=1>Fill

 

[mickshep]

Met Samantha December 2000, she had never even been on a boating lake. took her to sea once, flat calm, she thought it not too bad, next trip was bringing new boat from Holland to the North East of England, Loved it, no stopping her now. She has also agreed to marry me so I say go for it. Reckon next boat will be from the States. Fingers crossed. Cheers, Mike.

<hr width=100% size=1>"Naaa mate, she's made of tin"

 

[ruthhobson]

Like others have suggested - do the comp crew. You'll feel better when you understand what's going on around you (and why). It will also give you chance to form your own opinion about sailing without the other half hovering in the background.

Ruth

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[PeterGibbs]

The more you know what it takes to go long distance sailing, the more confident you will feel, the less anxious, the less affected by sea / weather / and the small space on a vessel - never overlook this last item. If you and even your beloved cannot find your own space on the vessel, if it is not so laid out that you can each retreat and breathe, there will be trouble. Ask any LD sailors. It isn't the sea - 'cos that is only agitated some of the time, it's the lack of breathing space for each partner!

All the above advice looks right - if you don't get stuck in to the courses, and the learning, you should't do it. It's not an arduous or impossible learning curve but it is a must.

PWG

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