and now for my next trick…

Since deciding not to invest in and go on the world journey via the M.V. Narrative I’ve taken some time to think about what’s next. I’m graced with the ability to do a lot of different things and while that’s great it has lead to some decision lock. However, after going over all my backup plans and letting myself dream, the possibilities have started to narrow.

With my little metaverse group I’ve researched the possibility of creating a tiny home village. Again looking at the intentional community and affordable housing ideas I explored in Arizona. This has it’s pros and cons, but in the end it’s just to soon. I’ve only known the people I’d do this with less than a year and 2 of them are still starting out in life. Plus as a group, we are not entirely sure we want to do it in the US, which brings a lot of complications. Over all the explorations and research say I can do it. So I’ve designated some of my retirement money for this possibility and we as as a group will explore this in a slower way. Perhaps it will be where I settle down in a few years.

Currently, the desire for adventure, travel and a challenge is still there. You might even say the sea is still calling. So I have been exploring “boat life”, specifically buying and living on board.

It’s a rather crazy idea that I’m far from ready for. So as it was with the M.V. Narrative I’m setting it as a goal with the understanding that it’s about the journey. Worse case it’s keeping my brain healthy as I age by learning a lot. Well, maybe worse case is death, but I won’t be doing anything rash.

I have some sailing experience from when I was younger and I’ve boated here and there over the years, mostly in the South West. I’m comfortable on those lakes and rivers in most any kind of craft. But I have very little ocean or “blue water” experience. So the first step, even before setting foot on a boat, is starting from scratch. As if I know nothing.

To that end I’ve started educating myself. I’ve read through U.S. Coast Guards Navigation Rules and Regulations (a nightmare of a read). Watching a lot of you tube videos on other peoples experiences. I’ve been practice sailing in a well rated simulator 1-2 hours a day (25 hours so far). I’ve got a little knot kit to refresh myself on the basics. I’ve taken a course recommended by the USCG on boat safety and law. As well as taken the Florida boat operators license test. Passed with 98% because two questions where confusing. Oddly, it’s not a license required if you are born before 1988 so I didn’t need to take it. But again, it’s prudent to make sure I have all the knowledge.

Next steps are getting out on the water in a few different boats, going to the Ft. Lauderdale international boat show with my friend Karine in October, taking some on the water classes and gaining as much experience as I can before committing to anything. I’ll likely crew on a few as well.

What kind of boat? A primary concern for me is fuel. The traditional yacht or even small cruiser are serious polluters. Better than they use to be, but still. Lets not even think about how bad supper yachts often are. Which leads me to sail boats. Both mono-haul and catamarans are possibilities. The down side to a sail boat is that it’s a fair amount more work and much harder to operate alone.

There is however a developing market for electric, solar powered boats and hybrids. Which have a lot of appeal as well as sail boats. I particularly like the ability to stock up on food and not need to come back to supply for a very long time. You can even make water at sea these days. Even internet is a lot more available than I thought.

The end goal will be to skilled enough to do it alone. I want that kind of challenge. However, initially I’m likely to need extra eyes and hands. Cheep vacation in exchange for crewing anyone? 🙂 No experience necessary.

We’ll see how this plays out, but I belive it’s always worth the effort to follow a dream and find where it meets reality. Besides, the fortune cookies tell me to go for it!