As I sit and read others posts, it helps to know I'm not alone.  When I was young, people would ask what I wanted to be when I grew up, and the only answer I could honestly say was, "I want to sail around the world".  Sometimes they would laugh, and others would frown hinting their displeasure at such a ludicrous notion, but the Dream remained.  

In the early 80's I had the good fortune to read Robin Grahams book, "Dove" and later Tanya Aebi's, "Maiden Voyage".  Both helped me keep the Dream alive, and helped me realize I wasn't alone.  It was helpful to know other's had this same, "Crazy" notion; the desire to wander.  

In the 90's the Dream was a constant.  Conversations w/friends, acquaintances at parties, all would soon learn about the Dream.  It felt as though talking about it would keep it alive, and at this point in my life, it was keeping me alive.  

Following the turn of the Century (I was single in those days) the Dream persisted, and as income increased firmer plans began to emerge.  These plans were instrumental in keeping me single.  Very few women I met were interested in sailing the bay, let alone sailing around the world!  Consequently, I was single for quite sometime.  Then, I met my wife.  It is a wonder to find someone that loves you more than her own fear, and the dream suddenly became real.   

The wife and I spent many days and nights wandering marinas looking at boats pointing out the things we liked and didn't. The ideal boat was somehow mythical, and no reality fully met our criteria.  Finally we had a sizable sum of cash, and we began to search in earnest. We looked at numerous boats appraising their disadvantages, and merits...all between 38 and 45 feet.  The months slid by, and nothing was, "Fitting" the dream.  Until....

I found an ad for a WS32... She was in Sausalito, an easy drive from our home and worth a peek, even though she was, "Only" 32 feet.  As soon as we stepped aboard, we were both smitten.  After a brief consultation, and a survey, the deal was struck, and the boat was ours.  

Today, Dulcinea sits in her berth in Richmond.  We frequently spend weekends there completing projects in preparation for the big day!  When will that be...that is undecided as family and finances require our current attention, but now I know the day is coming.  Soon the sun will rise at our backs, the Golden Gate will pass over our heads, and we will turn left into the unknown.  

Brett

I'm new this forum, but have been a W32 owner and a dreamer for almost a decade now.  My wife and I bought a smaller boat and cruised the east coast and bahamas fresh out of college.  When that trip ended, a westsail 32, Tahara, nearly fell into our laps.  As well as two boys, jobs, a couple of cars, and a house.  The Dream was quickly put on hold.

But now that our two boys are a bit older (and can swim), we're preparing Tahara for the big wide blue! I have loved listening to all of your stories, it's like sitting around a campfire with some good-old friends.  

I believe that cruising is more a state of mind than an actual state of being.  To live simply, in harmony with nature.  To be adventurous, and push yourself beyond your comfort level. To be self-reliant and resourceful, often with little to no budget.  To wake up in the morning and breathe that salty sea air that fills your whole being.... ahhhh, to be sailing.

I wish all of you the best in your travels.

Fleck