post-cancer boat buying crisis

[Porthandbuoy]

You’re bonkers, but in the nicest possible way.
Learning to sail from scratch before setting sail on your own boat in around a year’s time is pretty ambitious; doable, but pretty ambitious.
You say you’ve campervanned around Europe. Doing the same afloat on the rivers and canals sounds a better option to me.
But whatever you decide, just go for it. Don’t delay.

 

[L_555]

With the exception of the child and dog...this sounds curiously familiar...

I bought my first (and only) boat post-cancer with the idea of prepping it for a circumnavigation. I did already have a fair few sea miles under my belt from sailing on other people's boats and crewing on deliveries and had few commitments (no house, car or children). The plan was to live life to the full as the probability was that the cancer would return. But each year was a delay, I had trouble talking my partner round to the idea, then I ran out of savings and had to get a job. Long story short, I beat the odds and the cancer has stayed away but I never left.

My top tip: Do it. Really do it. Stamp your foot and say "I'm doing it". But *Make sure* that you do it. Have a schedule which already has slippage time built in and if it looks like overrunning, throw money at the problem to get it back on track. Yes you really wanted to try doing that bit of fibreglassing yourself but if you don't have time, pay someone. Yes it's really prudent to know how all the systems work but if you don't have time to learn, learn when it breaks. If you're like I was, right now it's amazing to be alive and have the ability to do the extraordinary but you have two time based enemies: The possibility of cancer returning and the unavoidability that the longer it doesn't, the more you'll slip back into everyday concerns (career, money, getting older etc.) and the less likely you'll be to do it.

I have a close friend with a centurion 32. It's a fabulous boat, fast upwind, points incredibly well and he regularly single-hands it. The offset prop might make med mooring "interesting" and there might be more comfortable/suitable boats out there for a new sailor+son but having a boat and just doing it is what counts. Don't read a bunch of reviews, decide what kind of boat you want and then hunt for it. Go wander round some yards. Talk to some brokers. Take your son. Take a sailor friend. See what's there, what's a bargain that's ready to go but the owner needs to sell quickly. The brokers I've met aren't like dodgy used car salespeople: they've been honest and helpful.

As bedouin said, *don't* fall into the trap of buying something in need of renovation with the rationale that you'll learn as you work. Buy something that's ready to go. There'll be *something* wrong with it, and you can learn to fix things as they break.

If your friends are pro sailors hopefully they can teach you, allowing you to save money and train on your own boat with your son included. Do start learning the theory asap (books/classroom/online course as budget and convenience dictates).

Good luck: "JFDI". Don't lose momentum.

thank You and great to hear you are cancer free.

 

[L_555]

Bonkers of course, but that's hardly going to make you stand out here! I'm of the belief that 'now', with the virus doing what it's doing, and with the world being static, that it's probably the very best time to buy a boat, as the prices are in the order of "I'll make you an offer, take it or leave it?".
There appear to be SO many boats up for grabs that these came up on Apollo Duck, which might be suitable for you. A boat's only worth what someone will pay.
Given what you've survived, sailing will be a joy that makes you scared, cold & wet as well as the best of the best feeling.
Do it, and do it well; I'd reckon that any son would thank you for it; the dog might reserve an opinion though...

Thanks for the listings!

 

[L_555]

Not sure where you are in France, but there are some great sailing schools - including the famous Glenans, based on an island in South Brittany which might appeal to your adventuresome spirit. They do yachts and dinghies, and your son might love the dinghy course.
If living in France and planning to sail across Europe, possibly worth buying a boat locally rather than coming back to the U.K. for one. UK’s Brexit mess could complicate the boat VAT stratus and is best avoided, plus there are plenty of boats in France well known to the local boating industry.
Enjoy your adventure

Thanks very much- I am lucky to be in the alps- just near Chamonix . We have sailing in Annecy and also lake Geneva, so will look into a course there. Nearest coastline is Genoa in Italy or the South of France. I also am an Irish passport holder with an address in the UK and tax resident in France, so could be a bit of a grey area where to buy a boat!

 

[L_555]

It's worth noting that forum members will help regarding inspections of boats you like the look of, even if a long way to travel. I did a "survey" for a forum member who lived in Scotland, the boat was on the south coast!!

As you may have guessed by the replies you have already received, we are rooting for you, so just ask! Good luck

That's lovely- thank you!

 

[L_555]

Get yourself on YouTube and search for all the sailing related content .... there are hundreds of stories of other peoples endeavours and experiences, some good, some bad, some an inspiration - all food for thought.

What you are planning is achievable, and you're not necessarily nuts ..... be realistic and go into it with your eyes open and find your own way. There will be enough opinion and advice to make your head spin - especially if you ask any questions about anchors or traditional vs modern designs, trust yourself and seek out those few down-to-earth fonts of all knowledge who can really help you.

Go for it .... I did a fantastic week on an RYA course with my mum when I was around 10, we were on our own boat, a Kingfisher 20+ and those memories have stayed with me my entire life, as have all the family sailing holidays - adventures every one.

Thanks- yep- I have done some great lurking on here- it's a bit like being in the pub- starts off on one topic, and by the end of a thread is talking about the price of diesel!

 

[L_555]

Don't hesitate, just do it. The Wauquiez Centurian is a good boat. If you can learn something before setting off then do so, otherwise take someone experienced for a bit till you get the hang of it. There are plenty of kid boats around. Facebook kids4sail for plenty of advice, meetups and support. We had 3 years cruising with the kids and loved it all, they got so much out of it.

Thanks for the info!

 

[L_555]

Just a footnote on why sailing is so powerful post-cancer. The process of cancer treatment, unless you yourself are an oncologist, can be immensely disempowering. Your fate is in someone else's hands. Your timetabling is out of your control and down to "the system". You spend much of your time endlessly waiting for late appointments in a dry sterile hospital environment under artificial light. If you're young and otherwise healthy, you feel out of place amongst the old and the dying. And depending on your illness and treatment you can end up weak and physically disempowered.

Sailing gives you everything back: freedom, self-reliance, a sense of controlling your own destiny and a direct connection to the elements. It can be as physical as you want it to be: suitable for gently easing a weakened body back to fitness but with the potential to stress every muscle you have and remind you you're not done yet.

absolutely- I continued to ski (albeit a couple of hours at a time maximum) during chemo and it was exactly that- a good reason to be alive!

 

[L_555]

Could your friends who you mention are ex pro sailers give you an introduction to sailing,just a week end with your son would throw up any real problems with your idea and give an opportunity to see if it’s possible with just your son and if he likes it.Certainly a boat up to say 28 foot is manageable but if you know little and your son less it could be a fraught adventure.

yep, that would be the plan- thankyou

 

[L_555]

Do it, your not mad at all. My wife had kidney cancer. Removed and given the all clear 2 years after. 3 months on and they dscovered mets in the chest and skull. So don't waste your time. She is, thankfully, stable at the moment. Its incurable, as opposed to terminal (right now) and we have very similar plans to yours. We have the boat already, and I can sort of sail. (I learned by buying one and sailing) We need to work for another few years and get her son established on his own. My own two are already self sufficient (ish) Then we will downsize and sail for the med.
You have the advantage of being in france already so make sure your boat is there, wherever you buy it, at end of the transition period, and keep the harbour/marina invoice as proof.

Go for a weeks holiday and do a comp crew course, read the rest and once you have your boat, pay an instructor for a few days to teach you the basics of operating your boat and practical navigation etc.

It will be the best thing you ever did, good luck.

Thanks- exactly this is why I want to do it- I have a friend of 41 on her third encounter with breast cancer,three monthly checks to ensure it is 'stable' is as good as it gets for her now.

 

[L_555]

If you're a UK citizen already living in France you've probably got the residency/Brexit/Schengen visa thing covered already. I think broadly speaking you have two options, first is pick the area that you'd like to sail in and buy a boat there if you can - you won't be sailing the whole med in one season and it will take significant time to get from UK to the med. However second option is doing UK to med either through the French canals or by taking your time on the sea route which would be great adventures in themselves. Very best of luck with all your plans and keep coming back with any questions...

yep- keeping myself open to all options!

 

[L_555]

Go for it. Go small, go simple, but go. There has been a lot of good advice on here. As said, do not fixate on any particular type of boat, but on the one that needs the least work.
The suggestion to explore the canals is not all that wrong, to get you're feet wet, so to speak and until you have gained confidence handling the boat.
Another option would be to buy a boat in Holland, where thousands of miles of canals link up with inland lakes and a chance to practice sailing and all in a relatively less demanding and more benign environment.

Yes indeed- I have considered this and boats in Holland seem to be very well-maintained. Also considered similar for Lake Geneva, but the chance of getting a berth is nigh on impossible!

 

[L_555]

Wauquiez Centurion 32

Just in case the original poster hadn't seen this thread.

Looks like a lovely class of boat.

OK it hasn't got 2 bathrooms but looks fine for a lady a son and a dog.

yes indeed, my main priority is seaworthiness and safety over modern comforts- this, along with things like a Rustler, Seacracker and contest seem to come out well on sail boat data at least!

 

[L_555]

As others have said go for it, you've had lots of great advice about learning so I won't repeat it. There are plenty of good, cheap boats out there, some at ridiculously low prices now. Just watch out for the big ticket expenses. A new engine can cost as much as your entire budget, sails half of it and rigging the same, but there are boats out there in your price range where they've all been replaced recently.

Take your time looking at boats, view plenty and bring a knowledgeable person with you with a checklist, it's so easy to get carried away and miss the basics, we did that once and regretted it from the moment we took possession, (but that ended up the only boat we sold at a profit).

Finally I wish you every success, go for it and have fun with your son.

thank you! I am trying to limit myself to boats with pretty newish or low hours engines if nothing else, given the oost of a new one- if anyone sees anything they think is suitable, feel free to send me a PM!

 

[L_555]

Thank you all for your support and your myriad of suggestions.I will keep you in the loop!

 

[Concerto]

To your list I suggest you add the Westerly Konsort. Slightly more expensive than a Centurian but very similar amount of accomodation as it has a transom hung rudder. Also available with twin keels which might be better for you than a fin.

Another suggestion would be the Moody 30. This has a loo compartment that spans the width of the boat and for long term use might be worth having. I nearly bought one but the owner was wanting a stupid amount of money and ended up unsold for 7 years. Lack of attention caused the cockpit drain to block and eventually flooded the boat and eventually sold for peanuts 2 years after I viewed it.

 

[laika]

Bit of a problem with the lakes and canals rather than sea suggestion in Europe: No dolphins. I mean I accept that some people are in this game for the racing, the love of varnish, the whiff of styrene or whatever, but I'm mostly in it for the dolphins.

Now ideally with mediterranean sun, light blue clear water and a cheesy 80s Eric Serra backing track but here's s clip from the bow of a centurion 32 last year in slightly chillier conditions approaching salcombe from falmouth

 

[steve yates]

Thanks very much- I am lucky to be in the alps- just near Chamonix . We have sailing in Annecy and also lake Geneva, so will look into a course there. Nearest coastline is Genoa in Italy or the South of France. I also am an Irish passport holder with an address in the UK and tax resident in France, so could be a bit of a grey area where to buy a boat!

u
You personally are sorted then then, the boat is separate from you. Simplest to buy it in eu, or if uk have it in eu before end of December.
By the way I used to live in Argentiere, just up the valley from Cham.

 

[L_555]

u
You personally are sorted then then, the boat is separate from you. Simplest to buy it in eu, or if uk have it in eu before end of December.
By the way I used to live in Argentiere, just up the valley from Cham.

Cheers Steve- I am in the Houches! I used to live in Argentiere- just behind the Office Bar- that was pre-child though...

 

[L_555]

Nowe that restrictions are being lifted a bit more in France, I am going to take a quick trip to the coast this weekend, and as many of you have said, get a feel for boats by having a look at several! Also going to airbnb on a little sailboat (without moving anywhere to see how we all cope- baby steps...) Would anyone happen to have a checklist of things I should be looking at? (obviously after this would involve a return with someone with far more knowledge and a survey)..merci