My name is Charles, and I have a sailing background that I'm sure mirrors many other folks out there. When we were younger kids, our dad had a MacGregor 25 sailboat on a trailer, and would take us on the lake. Time went on, the boat was sold, and years passed with no sailing at all. A few years back, my brother found himself the proud owner of an O'Day 23, and that sparked a renewed interest in sailing, not only for him, by myself and my father again as well.
The year after my brother got his, I found myself the owner of an Exclibur 26. It was rough to say the least, but it offered a chance to get into sailing on my own, while also learning the basics of repair and workings. I kept that boat for three years, between two different lakes - Cayuga, and Ontario. Cayuga was her first home, and I spent almost every weekend that summer on board. I tried my hand at a lot of things, including fiberglass work, rebuilding the interior, wiring in new batteries, solar power, electronics, changing hardware and more. I moved the boat to Lake Ontario for the next two years, giving me an opportunity to get more miles under keel as well as a chance to experience more weather, and conditions. After three years of ownership, I felt ready to move on. So I let the boat move along to someone else, and proceeded to spend the summer of 2017 boat-less. My brother had his O'day still, and let me use it from time to time, and I did a few outings on her. But my plan was to wait for 2018 to find the next, bigger and better craft to get into.
After nearly 2000 miles at the helm so far, it's time to move up to something more comfortable. So now I'm in the stages to tidy up a Newport 28 and see how many more adventures I can find.
Outside of sailing, I have many other hobbies and enjoyments - Hiking, cars, computers, music, movies. There's not much that I don't enjoy, which is a great diversity to be privy to. I spent the summer of 17 rediscovering what it means to find enjoyment in the little things, with good company and sights. If you haven't yet done the same, I encourage you to do so.
Oh, and I also work full time as a programmer for a local telecommunications company. No, that doesn't mean I'm loaded. It means I am like everyone else, and I'm just choosing to make the most of my free time and opportunities. Excuses are easy to make. Happiness and fulfillment is the challenge. Embrace it.
After nearly 2000 miles at the helm so far, it's time to move up to something more comfortable. So now I'm in the stages to tidy up a Newport 28 and see how many more adventures I can find.
Outside of sailing, I have many other hobbies and enjoyments - Hiking, cars, computers, music, movies. There's not much that I don't enjoy, which is a great diversity to be privy to. I spent the summer of 17 rediscovering what it means to find enjoyment in the little things, with good company and sights. If you haven't yet done the same, I encourage you to do so.
Oh, and I also work full time as a programmer for a local telecommunications company. No, that doesn't mean I'm loaded. It means I am like everyone else, and I'm just choosing to make the most of my free time and opportunities. Excuses are easy to make. Happiness and fulfillment is the challenge. Embrace it.
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