Where there's a will there's a way

I found this interesting article about a sailor, Martijn Dijkstra, from Holland. I found it very inspirational because he is cruising on what appears to be little money, a lot of hard work and ingenuity. 

http://towndock.net/shippingnews/prinses-mia

Princes Mia in Oriental, NC
(photo from Towndock.net)

Very good article that touched on his cruising philosophy and how he handles problems with little money.

Great read on another wet, windy and miserable day here in southern Virginia

Changes

Just got back from a workout in the park with Crystal, temperature was a beautiful 70 degrees today. 

Now it looks like we're in for some gale force winds and rapidly dropping temperatures overnight. The temps will be in the 30's within 24hrs....

So goes the weather in southeast Virginia.

Go with what you have- An Alberg 30

If you don't know by now, all boats are a compromise. Some shine at certain things and fall short on others. There is always a great debate on which boat is right for this or that. There are many opinions on the subject; just look at any internet forum. My best advice is go with what makes you feel safe, secure and comfortable. But opinions are like assholes: Everyone has one...and they usually stink. 

That being said, I am a firm believer that you should go cruising or sailing with what you can afford. I also believe in go-small-go-now; hence, my reason for buying the trusty old Alberg 30. She is slow, with a primitive inside cabin but I'm confident that she has been there/done that. If I had the money would I have a different boat but it would probably just be a larger version of the same old slow, primitive boat. I love the look of older classic sailboats, and most importantly I get that warm fuzzy inside when sailing with a full keel boat.

I have attached a link to a video of Matt Rutherford where he talks about his circumnavigation of the Americas. In the video he talks about preparing, sailing and traveling on a small 27ft classic sailboat. He says go with what you have or you'll never go. I agree

Link to video

My first sailboat- O'Day Daysailor II

Here is the O'day Daysailor II I learned to sail on 25yrs ago. I had many great sails on her. This is where she is today, hopefully someday she will return to the water once again!

Great sail yesterday

Finally got of the dock yesterday. It was a great day for a sail. Outside temps were mid to upper 60's and wind was out of the west south west at steady 17knots with gusts to 20-23knots. It made the bay a bit rough but nothing too terrible. Here a few shots from the GoPro from the day.

A bit choppy on the Chessie yesterday...these are the conditions Sal likes best!

Is the camera on? yep seems so

First mate a bit over dressed for the occasion

reefed main and working jib seemed about right yesterday for a nice day sail

Putting things back where they belong after a good day out on the water

Classic Trawlers/Power Yachts

 Classic and beautiful yacht

 Holy varnish work, absolutely beautiful!

 Coastal Queen

1914 originally steam powered now has a diesel and in need of restoration named Strathbelle

While I am a sailor at heart and hate using/paying for fuel, I have to say I love these classic yachts. I am sure they are lots of work and cost a pretty penny to maintain, but they are extremely easy on the eyes.

I'd like to take a trip down the intracoastal on anyone of them!

no title necessary

This is how I feel most days... especially when I'm not sailing!