My last year in college, I joined my university's sailing club so that I could take a cruise in the Bahamas over Spring Break of my senior year. When I got there, I said to myself, "Maybe I can sail my own boat here someday." After graduating, I bought a 14 foot open boat for $300 and starting learning to sail. I started racing, won a few trophies, and started moving up in boat length in pursuit of my dream.
Six years ago, I bought the biggest boat that would fit under the railroad bridge between my lake and the rest of the world. It is a 2002 Beneteau 361 with a 3 cylinder diesel engine. Every decision about the outfitting of the boat has been made with a voyage in mind. She has new bottom paint designed to float her in salt water (I had always used fresh water paint before). She has a full sail inventory of new sails designed for a wide variety of wind speeds and conditions.
In May, I had an opportunity to retire early after a 35-years of climbing several corporate ladders. Since retiring, I've bought the charts and been doing serious research about my trip. Years ago I started referring to my dream voyage to my wife as my "Bucket Trip" because I want to do it before I kick the proverbial bucket. (By the way, I don't think I'm anywhere close to that because my doctor says I am in perfect health...but who knows!) But I do know this...I won't always be able to do it, so why not now?
One by one, I have knocked off my excuses. I called the insurance company. They said go for it.
I've been over every system in the boat looking for trouble. Can't find anything.
I called my friends that always said they would go with me for parts of the trip and they said, "I'M IN...LET'S GO!"
Now hurricane season is almost over and my last excuse is almost gone.
