Looking for sailing experience - hopefully to start a journey to ownership
I wish to get into sailing having spent my early retirement in France, some distance from the sea. I have recently returned to NW England, having spent 17 years living and self-employment in France. During the winter, we now have a home in Southern Spain overlooking a harbour so mooring a yacht there looks attractive, especially if costs can be shared with others. We still intend to spend our summers in England.
I learned the fundamentals of sailing in a Wayfairer on Lake Windermere, during a 1-month Outward Bound course in1970.
My wife is not so keen on sailing and so we owned a canal boat during the1980s. Steering a GRP boat into a 7ft lock is good practice for navigating tight mooring spaces. It also gave a valuable insight to life onboard in confined spaces
Around 1989 we took a 2-week Ionian Flotilla holiday based in Lefkas where the first week was to get to a competent sailing level in dinghies in readiness for the 2nd full week of sailing around the islands. No certificate was issued but valuable safety and navigational skills were passed-on.
In 1997 we chartered a yacht and skipper with friends for 2-weeks sailing, snorkelling and having fun in the British Virgin Islands, providing us with insights into sailing and racing in tropical waters. The boat was built for comfort with 2-AC sets, but we still managed to win a Pro-Am race from the Bitter End yacht club by 24-mins.
I currently intend getting my Competent Crew certificate in Gibraltar. Before that, I am keen to gain any hands-on experience crewing with an experienced skipper, if an opportunity arises with CrewBay.
I have a Professional Background as a retired Consulting Civil Engineer with strong problem solving and technical skills. I enjoy barbecuing and cooking on a 2-ring stove, which, hopefully this would make me a valuable addition to any crew. I am reasonably proficient in French and can get by day to day in Spanish.
Despite my age, I am reasonably fit and cycle regularly, ensuring I can handle the likely physical demands of sailing. I am a competent swimmer with life saving and personal survival skills.
Traveling to and sharing costs would not be an issue for me. I am eager to embrace new sailing challenges and contribute positively to a crew dynamic.
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