The Plan

I've done more thinking since my last post (a LOT more), and came to a conclusion as to what is really most important to me: getting another sailboat and to keep the journey going. I'll admit I didn't know much of anything about sailboats when I purchased Winchelsea, and I lucked out that she was very seaworthy and in great shape. However, she was far from my ideal boat. I'd like something a little smaller, in the 28' to 30' range with an outboard instead of a cramped inboard. Not only will that be ultra convienent if the engine decides to die (pull it off, put a newer one on) but the space saved below is significant.

Anywho, the only thing standing between me and getting a new boat is a bit of cold, hard cash. I'll definitely have to work a bit to save up enough for her, as well as some buffer money when I set sail again. I'm thinking something in the order of a year or so. With day work on boats being relatively scarce, I went to some businesses that specialize in charters and sailing lessons to see if they needed any help. They all said the same thing: get your captains license. I actually have enough sea time to get my Master, 25 ton license, not just the basic 6-pack. I can move up to the 100 ton with more experience on larger boats. It will serve a few purposes: being able to captain charter boats, both now and later on my own; it will add a touch of seriousness to my resume; and people will have to call me Captain Keddy. I'll be taking that course in January. After that, I'll do whatever job I can that pays the most and is still related to boats. Yes, even if that means whoring myself out for a year on a mega motor yacht. I think it will be worth it though, it is something to add to the sailing resume, to say that I've put my time in on those type of boats. Hey, maybe I'll even meet a great lady friend along the way who'd like to join me on the next leg of the sailing adventure.

So there it is. I want to purchase another boat, but have to find a way to get money to do so in the process, without going back to a desk job. I'd love to keep travelling as well, which remaining in this industry should allow me to do. It took me a week or so since I've been in Fort Lauderdale of wracking my brain as to what my next steps were going to be, but it is a huge relief to have a blueprint to go by.