I’d never even been on a sailboat before coming up with this “crazy dream” of living on one! No one I know has a sailboat, I don’t come from a long line of sailors [or even pirates for that matter…lol]. I’ve worked as a police officer since 1995. First in the US Air Force for four years and the remainder at a medium-sized suburb city of Fort Worth, Texas. I’ll publish the name of the city after I retire.
Speaking of retirement, that’s happening either mid-2017 or early-2018.. That’s the time I plan to move from a land-based life to a life of basically “going where the wind takes me.”
Síochána [Peace],
Mike
Here’s a map of my travels around the world so far….mostly while in the US Air Force, but there’s also a lot of personal travel.
We left Kemah almost two years ago and its been a blast, we sold our stuff and just left. We have a friend who’s chartering in the bvi if you want to come see how it is. We’ll be there in dec. and jan. if plans work out..
Thanks, Troy! Sounds like a blast. I’ll check into that possibility.
You guys ever get back to Kemah?
We go back about once a year, 4 daughters in the Houston area, 3 grandkids, mom up in ft. Worth, so we go see friends and family for about 4 weeks or so. This year it will most likely be when we get to st. Martin, depending on flight costs. The charter boat is called alternate latitude, great guy and he’s running specials. Take care and come on to the islands!
Thanks for the info, Troy. I was curious about Kemah, because we’re in Burleson [just south of Ft. Worth] so Kemah’s not too far.
Hey Mike!!! Great to hear from you on our blog…(scottmichellevoyage)
Your story is very similar to ours. We had never been on a sailboat either when we decided to do this. We’ve learned a lot this past 18 months.
I wanted to respond to your
Oops.. Having Internet issues here on Scott Michelle voyage. Anyway…we tried adhesives on the port lights but still had leaks until we used butyl tape…which we got at camper’s world. It FINALLY did the trick! Good luck with your sailing dream! We will be following your blog !! Now that you’re back to full duty…be safe out there!
(I grew up in Alaska..before my Dad became a charter boat captain for halibut fishing, he was an Alaskan State Trooper.)
Hey, Wanted to drop a line and say Hi! My husband Andy and I are planning the same thing. We are both retired Police Officers working second jobs and are ready for a change. We have been looking at catamarans about 40′ seems to look like a good size. We have no sailing expierence although I have spent quite a bit of time on power boats, we currently live on the water in MD and have a 28′ Formula powe boat. We are looking at doing a live aboard sailing class possibly this fall in the Virgin Islands. Just can’t wait to get started. Kathy and Andy Siske
Hey there Kathy and Andy! So glad you found our blog and thanks for the comments. Let me know how the classes go for you in VI. I’m setting up schedule for sailing lessons this spring. I’m down to 2 years, 4 months until I’m eligible for retirement. It’s happening fast. Keep in touch and hope to hear from you soon.
Mike
Just ran across your blog and just wanted to say hello and good luck to you guys. My husband, Kevin and I live in Fort Smith, AR and are counting down the days until we sail away. We are currently shopping around and doing research for our first boat, as well. We have had a little more experience than you, but not much. We began taking yearly trips to the BVI in 2008, and went to Key West to do a week long ASA course. Kevin has crewed 2 times during Caribbean 1500. We are actually leaving in 2 months to take our kids for their first experience to the Spanish Virgins. We are excited to see how they like it. I look forward to watching your progress. My mom and dad and both sisters live in FW. My brother in law is a Detective with FWPD, Phil Lathem. Small world!
Your plan sounds like a blast! I’m sure they’ll enjoy it immensely.
Thanks for the comment and well-wishes. Same to you guys!