Watch: August 2020 Best Sailing Day of the Year
Looking to learn more about coastal and bluewater sailing
Dear Captain,
I learned to sail a Hobie 16 on Mission Bay in San Diego many years ago. Since 2011 I have had a 1977 Cal 2-27 on Lake Pend Oreille in North Idaho and love snagging one of the many county maintained buoys for overnight stays.
After earning our ASA 101, 103, and 104 certifications in Hawaii, Seattle, and St Thomas, my best mate Dana and I purchased SV Audeamus, a 2014 Beneteau Oceanis 37 in April 2022 and motored the 500 miles from Acapulco to Puerto Vallarta in five days, no stops. We spent several winters enjoying the boat there, but decided to move it back to the US and did a 17 day, 1,300 mile Baja Bash in June 2024.
I am a 67 year old straight guy that retired from the US Navy as a mustang lieutenant back in '94. I was a bridge officer and qualified as OOD underway aboard USS California. I'm comfortable with charts, radar, radios, and electronics in general, as well as being at sea for extended periods of time.
I did a second career in technology at a large financial firm, and I still tinker. I enjoy designing and building small components to make things work together. I've been a licensed ham radio operator for over fifty years. I'm pretty good with tools, but claim no skills in engine maintenance. However, I do know how to operate a paint brush.
I enjoy cooking healthy meals and am happy to take my turn. I prefer lots of veggies, sauces from scratch, curries, stews, and the smell of a good meal simmering. But, to be clear -- I'm not looking for a galley position.
I love to explore, and I hike pretty much year round. I am an avid skier and snowboarder, but want to start spending the season in warmer climes. I am especially interested in getting back into diving. I want to wander from port to port, play in the water, climb the hills, meet the locals, enjoy the food and wine, and see more of this wonderful planet we call home.
Dana and I have been traveling pretty regular and we take a lot of pictures. You can see some of my favorites at http://rjseelbach.us, and lots more of them on my Facebook timeline at https://www.facebook.com/rocky.seelbach
I look forward to hearing from you.
Close