How to get from desert to sailing blue waters?

Hi,

As mentioned in another thread - we've been toying with the idea of selling my house and getting a boat.

Living in land - I have limited sailing experience at the moment, so as far as sailing goes. I know we're up to sleeping / being at sea as far as the basics go from experience with past holidays - but have very limited knowledge on what we're actually supposed to do if owning a boat and not just paying a charter co.

The idea would be to purchase a blue water suitable catamaran with the idea of getting lessons to learn the ropes (whilst living on board - as per another thread). To learn basic maintenance while we're on it - and pay professionals to help for stuff we can't DIY, as well as to pay for tutoring on how to sail properly, etc - with the hope of first taking it out on weekends, and then sailing up and down the east coast of Australia, and finally - the main dream of taking to international waters.

I was wondering how can I go about doing this? What things do I need to be aware of, and is this even possible in Australia in the current climate? Has anyone else been down this pathway, or know how to get started.

One concern I have is insurance. I hear stories about them being more and more difficult to deal with (for experienced sailors). Is it even possible for new / entry levels to get onboard (excuse the pun) with the sailing life now? Is a boat license enough for insurance companies to insure me? Or can we get clauses to state no sailing without a certified professional until we get ticked off? What regulations and/or certification do I require to get from where I am now (no boat, and just a boat license) to being able to sail day and night, and cross oceans?

Additionally - what options are available for someone like us to purchase a boat that will be suitable, and not get ripped off. As a clueless couple - it seems that there could be pitfalls with being sold a vessel in need of more maintenance that meets the eye, etc. Is it just a matter of finding reputable brokers and paying for inspections to have someone with knowledge do the inspections on our behalf, or buying through certain brokers that are known to be honest, etc?

We've tested the waters already - we've taken holidays where we have spent numerous nights on boats before - the last for 5 nights when we bareboat chartered a ~40' catamaran, and frankly fell in love with the whole experience, so keen to look at the next steps.

Just wondering what pathways are available for me to achieve this? We don't live near the coast at all, I don't have the option of living where I currently learn to sail first on the side, so we are considering purchasing my boat as a home for my family at the same time as learning to sail (if this is possible - question raised on another thread).

In the end -I'm just wondering how someone like us (inland desert dwellers) get from where we are to sailing our own catamaran and sailing the world.

Cheers

NC

The only way to get there is by doing.

Analysis paralysis can stop anyone's dreams.

The thing with life I've noticed recently is no-one wants to experience a failure. However it's an inherent part of life. Generally people become better people with them as it teaches you the limitations and what you need to learn more about to become better.

You have the right to limit those mistakes when out to sea where things are more precarious and it's very wise to do so... things do happen out there. And asking questions, good planning and staying within your limitations is the best way but remember even the most experienced sailors can get into trouble.

The only advice I can give you is don't go all in on the first attempt unless that's your personality and you are prepared for the consequences. Make sure whatever boat you buy you have at least two thirds left over. That will give you the space for trial and error. And plenty left over for spare parts and things unseen. It may also give you the space mentally without financial pressure.

My experience was craying and tuna longlining of the south coast in my 20's. Wanted to get into sailing in my 30's so I did a keelboat course at SOPYC. Great experience. Realised I could not afford a yacht unless I went all in so bought a cheap Hobie 16...beach cat. No keel worries either. Recommended for two people but in the end could sail that bad boy solo fully wound up. Exhilarating fun.

Good luck with it hope it works out well.

Thanks all for your replies...

@simmrr - Your suggestion about spending 2/3rds of what we can afford is something that sounds very wise. I imagine that it's a common mistake to stretch the budget to get that nicer boat, and then not be able to afford to continue! That's a great reminder.

At this stage we're not even sure whether we can, or what is involved - or where to go or who to talk to, which is why we're reaching out here.

I have limited information (enough to know there are areas we need to learn about), but searching the internet comes up with a lot of confusion at the moment.

Is the following a plausible scenario:

- Purchase a blue water catamaran that is suitable for living on, and suitable for sailing the world.

- Move into that catamaran as our new permanent home.

- Pay someone to give us training on our own catamaran to get whatever experience (and certifications?) we will require.

- Get more experience with day sailings locally.

- Once proficient, start with coastal sailing and travel around Australia

- After a certain amount of time where we're competent and confident with our sailing experiences, perform any required maintenance for long term sailing, and then sail abroad.

Do we require anything more than a boat license to buy and sail a catamaran? Being a sailing vessel, is a boat license even a requirement? (I have one, but just don't know the legal implications). Are there different types of licenses, ones that allow for sailing during night, etc?

What do insurance companies normally require before they'll insure you? (I've heard insurance renewals are a nightmare these days).

If we end up deciding we want to sail around the world and return to Australia - we've heard that you have to pay 10% of the vessel's worth in tax to bring it back into the country after it leaves the country each time. One story we've been told is of someone who purchased a boat over seas and sailed it back to Australia. They've apparently said they can never leave Australia in the boat again without having to pay another import tax which is 10% of the vessel. They also mentioned this is why many foreigners skip visiting Australia, because they have to pay a 10% value of their vessel if they come here for an extended period of time. After searching on the internet trying to clarify, I found a whole lot of confusing and partial information on this, so I'm quite confused regarding this.

Cheers

NC

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DrogueOne said..
Love a good boat search, as do many here.
So, how big are you thinking? You haven't mentioned children, just the two of you?
Sounds like you have done lots of research on a range of topics already so let's walk the show room floor.
Here are two I would be looking at:
yachthub.com/list/yachts-for-sale/used/sail-catamarans/schionning-11-6-waterline/268062
and
yachthub.com/list/yachts-for-sale/used/sail-catamarans/farrier-f-41/263888

What do you think?
As for your specific questions I think you will find as you start wasting your time choosing you wonderful new-to-you floating home, the known unknowns will become knowns and the unknown unknowns will start revealing themselves.

Hi DrogueOne,

Thanks. We'd be looking at 3-4 people in total. One couple and a teenager - with an option for a second couple for part of the trip as either crew, or guests.

While I enjoy looking at boats - the fact is that we're not ready to actually grab one just yet - we first need to work out whether or not it is possible with our current personal circumstances to achieve what we want, and that's why I'm trying to get answers to all the unknowns first.

I figure there's no point us buying a boat now, to find out that we can't get training and/or won't get accredited for 6 months so we'll have a boat we are living on but don't get to sail for half a year, or to buy one now and then find out we can't get insurance due to inexperience, or can't live on it for a few months due to xxx or yyy, etc. That's where I'm wanting to work through all the logistics, and legalities first so then when we're ready to look - we have everything else covered and know how to move forward.

At present this is a dream that I'm working hard to find the obstacles we need to overcome so I know how plausible it is to turn it into a reality.

Cheers

NC

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garymalmgren said..
Hi Noclue
Simple question.
Is there a body of water near you that you could use for sailing experience/practice. A trailersailer is the way that many foods slip into larger boats.

Thanks Gary. Nothing significant locally at all. That's why most of my sailing has been done while on holidays. As mentioned, last one was a 5 day bareboat charter of a 40' cat which was thoroughly enjoyable, and really got me hooked into the idea. We were able to handle the basics of that (jib and mainsail), so really keen to continue moving forward from there and get more professional experience on larger boats anyway - which is why we're looking at the possibilities of relocating to the coast and living on a boat as part of our accommodation too.

I've seen plenty of schools where you go out on their boats, but not sure what is available for learning on your own boat.

- NC