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Only so much time to live

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JohnP
Master Marine Consultant

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1520 Posts

Initially Posted - 06/22/2010 : 06:42:22

Preparing to head out on my C-25 for a 3-day sailing trip, I met a new marina neighbor in his 40's who had just bought an old C&C-27 in great shape. After discussing his plans for local cruising and then delivery of the boat down to NC where he will spend the rest of the Summer, we talked about his reasons for going sailing this year.

I was surprised to learn that he is dying of a certain rare degenerative disease! He's had dozens of surgeries and other treatments. He quit his job, bought a boat, and plans to keep heading south for the Fall. His medical treatments may interrupt some of the sailing, but he has told the doctors at the university medical center that he is now living to sail, not to be a patient of theirs - The hospital visits will have to be delayed some times this summer!

We all have only so much time to live, and I agreed with my new dock neighbor that it's important to enjoy the peace and beauty of sailing while we can.

I motored out, set sail, and beat into an east wind to head eastward to the Bay to start my weekend trip.

JohnP
1978 C25 SR/FK "Gypsy"
Mill Creek off the Magothy River, Chesapeake Bay
Port Captain, northern Chesapeake Bay

Edited by - on

Renzo
Admiral

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USA
621 Posts

Response Posted - 06/22/2010 : 06:53:26

Navigo Ergo Sum !!!!

Edited by - on

redeye
Master Marine Consultant

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3476 Posts

Response Posted - 06/22/2010 : 07:02:52

Navigo ergo sum - I surf therefore I am.

Is that correct?

Edited by - on

delliottg
Former Mainsheet C250 Tech Editor

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USA
4479 Posts

Response Posted - 06/22/2010 : 07:56:20

Closer to: I sail (or navigate), therefore I am.

Edited by - on

DaveR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2015 Posts

Response Posted - 06/22/2010 : 08:14:46

Something very ........... peaceful about the way you wrote this post John. A lot of us are just here, this guy is LIVING LIFE. But we're all dying. Just some sooner than others. Get out there. Enjoy life, do what you love and do things right so you don't have to wish you did later :^)

Edited by - on

delliottg
Former Mainsheet C250 Tech Editor

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USA
4479 Posts

Response Posted - 06/22/2010 : 09:09:13

I actually think about this nearly every day. I like my job, I have a nice house, two cars, a truck, two boats, a dog & cat, and a great wife. I'd trade most of them to be out cruising instead of working. Sometimes I think about a "bucket list" becoming necessary like John's new neighbor who has limited time. He's doing what I dream about doing, although I don't want to be doing it in his circumstances. I do wonder what it would take to push me over that line though.

Rita & I looked at a boat to retire on about a year and a half ago, but it would have required that we sell the house (not the best market), sell the boat & truck (not the best market), etc. It was too much to do at once and we'd have lost tens of thousands of dollars on the sale of the house. Plus the sellers were in a pretty big hurry (they were moving to the east coast to start new jobs and were on a timetable), and we'd never have been able to sell the house in time, which would have required we sell stock & liquidate IRA/401k's, etc. which I'm loath to do. I plan to live the rest of my life on those funds.

But what if it got us out cruising?

Edited by - on

limey156
1st Mate

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89 Posts

Response Posted - 06/22/2010 : 09:56:43

see, this is where i have an advantage over most of the Gents on this forum. as a young guy (26) i seem to be the odd man out around here. After buying Sun Dancer earlier this year, i think i have decided i am going to only work my way up in boat size till i live aboard. I plan on redirecting my life/investments now and trying to pick an early age (40?) to retire and start cruising. i think i can semi-retire and start cruising in about 15 years, if i play my cards right. how much do i need to get into a boat capable of crossing oceans? :) I cant wait to spend a good few years learning how to sail with this boat!

Now to convince the Wife :)

Edited by - on

Prospector
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
3159 Posts

Response Posted - 06/22/2010 : 11:25:30

Edited by - on

redeye
Master Marine Consultant

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3476 Posts

Response Posted - 06/22/2010 : 11:39:17

Rent the moorings for two weeks, that's what I'd love to do... and see how they like it...

Edited by - on

delliottg
Former Mainsheet C250 Tech Editor

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USA
4479 Posts

Response Posted - 06/22/2010 : 12:03:40

We got so close to going down to BVI to do that a while back, but I ended up having surgery instead. Still want to do it. Who knows, maybe I won't like it, but I really-really want to give it a try.

Edited by - on

piseas
Former Treasurer

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USA
2017 Posts

Response Posted - 06/22/2010 : 13:31:44

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by delliottg
 We got so close to going down to BVI to do that a while back, but I ended up having surgery instead. Still want to do it. Who knows, maybe I won't like it, but I really-really want to give it a try.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

David, A trip to BVI fell thru for me as well. But I really, really want to do that. Hey if you decide to go and want another couple, let me know.
Steve A

Edited by - on

GaryB
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4311 Posts

Response Posted - 06/22/2010 : 14:20:38

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by limey156
 see, this is where i have an advantage over most of the Gents on this forum. as a young guy (26) i seem to be the odd man out around here. After buying Sun Dancer earlier this year, i think i have decided i am going to only work my way up in boat size till i live aboard. I plan on redirecting my life/investments now and trying to pick an early age (40?) to retire and start cruising. i think i can semi-retire and start cruising in about 15 years, if i play my cards right. how much do i need to get into a boat capable of crossing oceans? :) I cant wait to spend a good few years learning how to sail with this boat!

Now to convince the Wife :)
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

there's only one flaw in your plan. You got married!

I had the same plan right up to the point where I walked in the door one day and my wife said "Guess what, I'm pregnant!" Life hasn't been the same since.

Curmudgeon in training.

Edited by - on

Tradewind
Admiral

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USA
531 Posts

Response Posted - 06/22/2010 : 15:19:33

I only have 6 months to live, just don't know when that 6 months starts. It's important to be thankful for every day and make the most of every day.

Edited by - on

Nautiduck
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3704 Posts

Response Posted - 06/22/2010 : 18:30:01

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by piseas
 <blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by delliottg
 We got so close to going down to BVI to do that a while back, but I ended up having surgery instead. Still want to do it. Who knows, maybe I won't like it, but I really-really want to give it a try.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

David, A trip to BVI fell thru for me as well. But I really, really want to do that. Hey if you decide to go and want another couple, let me know.
Steve A
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
Put us on the list too! It would be a kick to do a BVI trip with a bunch of forum members.

Edited by - on

Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
9085 Posts

Response Posted - 06/22/2010 : 20:25:46

My wife and I had a plan... The kids were grown and gone, my job was mostly travel and I expected to continue for only a couple more years... (Edit: Passage was ours then.) We were thinking seriously about where we really wanted to live (Talbot County MD, or the eastern CT shore), and what boat(s) we might have there... and where we'd travel to... We were close--getting the house in shape to sell... and suddenly we were losing a two-month battle with melanoma. Two months, start to finish, and it was over. Now "we" is me. And what I want to do is sorta meaningless.

We didn't want to be foolish and end up being a burden on our children, but....... (Make up your own moral.)

Edited by - Stinkpotter on 06/22/2010 20:40:15

Voyager
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
5410 Posts

Response Posted - 06/22/2010 : 20:30:47

Randy - Brilliant idea! This November or February would be perfect!

I've always been driven to enjoy the little adventures of life with friends - day-trips, road-trips to see friends, hiking trips with work buddies across New Hampshire's White Mountains, multi-day bicycle trips across New England with old college buddies, then when the kids came along, getting out in our canoe, kayaks and then the daysailer. And all the family vacations and road trips. Its the little adventures that we all can achieve that create memories.

One day Cathy asked me, "so if you love sailing so much, why not get a boat you can really sail? Where you can take longer trips and cover greater distances? Why not get a boat we can all enjoy? One that you don't have to launch and retrieve from the trailer every time you want to go out?

"Do it while you can still do it, while you can still handle the elements, manage the physical demands and have enough years of it to get your complete satisfaction.

"Of course, you'll have to see what kind of boat you can afford, you might have to get an older boat, but if it was kept up pretty well in the past, it'll probably be not much different than a newer boat. Start looking - we will find the money somewhere - take out a loan if you have to. But give yourself permission to do it. Start today - it may take you a while to find what you like and can afford. But you will.

A few years ago, we set our sights on a Cal 24, an O'Day 26, or a Catalina in that range. We looked at plenty of boats that needed a lot of work. Then, somehow Passage appeared and I missed it! A guy in the neighboring town moved more quickly than I and got her.

The story of Passage has been told many times in episodes related elsewhere by the DPO and I. But that's a whole 'nother story.
[Edit: while I was writing my entry, Dave penned his interlocking story]

In the past four seasons I've learned how to sail her, how to shepherd her across broader waters and greater adventures, how to "become one with the boat". This year, I plan several three day and five day sails around Long Island Sound and southern New England waters.

If time, demands of work and the creeping vines that grow around my ankles will allow me to, these are the little adventures that will go into the book of memories. This thread has reminded me of my resolve.

Edited by - Voyager on 06/22/2010 20:32:34

Nautiduck
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3704 Posts

Response Posted - 06/22/2010 : 21:10:29

Dreams, whether ultimately realized or not, are part of what makes life meaningful. Dave, I trust that those years of planning and dreaming still hold a special place in your heart.

As for a BVI trip we can't do the fall (Football - Go Ducks!) but January or February would work.

Edited by - on

Prospector
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
3159 Posts

Response Posted - 06/23/2010 : 04:39:49

If you guys do this, be sure to post your dates. Serendipity happens. I start a new job next week, but you never know, I may be able to get a week off after Christmas.

Edited by - on

tinob
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1883 Posts

Response Posted - 06/23/2010 : 06:59:08

This brings to mind a fellow that i ran across in Key West some time ago. I was jogging along the sea wall when I noticed this guy fussing about his inflatable and a bicycle chained to a lamp pole. Stopped to talk a while and his story was that he comes from Alaska and stays in Key West 'till Alaska's winter passes, lives on his inflatable under a tarp supported on his oars. The bicycle his only transportation. When Alaska warms up he deflates his boat rolls it up and rides his bicycle/boat to the train station and hauls tail back home.
Something along the lines being expressed here, sort of.

Val on Calista '83 Catalina tall Patchogue, N.Y.

Edited by - on

jerlim
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1484 Posts

Response Posted - 06/23/2010 : 08:30:59

...when man makes plans...God laughs....

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delliottg
Former Mainsheet C250 Tech Editor

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USA
4479 Posts

Response Posted - 06/23/2010 : 09:11:02

<hijack>
I've started a thread [url="http://www.catalina-capri-25s.org/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=21765"]on chartering boat(s) in BVI[/url] in the cruising forum for anyone who's interested.
</hijack>

Edited by - on

redeye
Master Marine Consultant

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3476 Posts

Response Posted - 06/23/2010 : 09:38:55

I asked The Moorings for paperwork and got "pre-certified" so to speak.. They sent me a "Skipper" card so should I ever want to rent one I can go out with just the preflight chalktalk.

Sure thing Little Buddy...

Edited by - on

Prospector
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
3159 Posts

Response Posted - 06/23/2010 : 10:13:55

POst relocated to cruising forum.

Edited by - Prospector on 06/23/2010 10:55:39

aeckhart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1709 Posts

Response Posted - 06/23/2010 : 10:34:03

My brother has a phrase capturing this subject - "life is short, eat your dessert first".

Edited by - on

OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3475 Posts

Response Posted - 06/23/2010 : 16:07:44

Hey Al - My wife and I did that once - eating our dessert first !!

A long time ago, I had a business trip to Japan. One restaurant we went to we had to bring the waiter out to the storefront display to show him the meal we wanted (They only had a japanese menu.) For a change from the japanese food we had been eating, this reataurant also served american food and I selected spagetti and a chocolate sundae. We selected both the main and the dessert so we wouldn't have to go back out again to the display. So...I guess the sundaes were ready first and that's what they brought us. Then we ate the spagetti.

Sidenote: I noticed all the waiters watching us as we started to eat the sundae. The chocolate tasted like bakers chocolate. I noticed a small paper cup with clear liquid in it next to the sundae - It was liquid sugar (I guess for americans that like their sweets) so I poured the liquid all over the sundae and it tasted fine. The waiters, I could see them acknowledge our figuring this out and then they all went back to their business.

Okay...not quite eating dessert first because life is short..sorry for the diversion.

Edited by - on

redviking
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1771 Posts

Response Posted - 06/25/2010 : 11:41:51

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by limey156
 see, this is where i have an advantage over most of the Gents on this forum. as a young guy (26) i seem to be the odd man out around here. After buying Sun Dancer earlier this year, i think i have decided i am going to only work my way up in boat size till i live aboard. I plan on redirecting my life/investments now and trying to pick an early age (40?) to retire and start cruising. i think i can semi-retire and start cruising in about 15 years, if i play my cards right. how much do i need to get into a boat capable of crossing oceans? :) I cant wait to spend a good few years learning how to sail with this boat!

Now to convince the Wife :)
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Good luck with that. At 42 and 37 respectively, my wife and I decided to bite the boom and haul up the anchor. Three years later we have had to stop and refill the cruising kitty - thanks Wall Street - so, go now, go whenever, don't wait... I know guys who were 39 when they had a heart attack and that was it.

We bought a cruising boat that had been around twice already but was well maintained for $50K. All of the tricks, not as comfortable as we might want. We like each other.

sten

St. Pete Flooreeda for hurricane season....

Edited by - redviking on 06/25/2010 11:47:23

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