SURVIVED OUR FIRST HURRICANE SEASON!

First of all - our hearts go out to all of those on the East Coast who were affected by Hurricane Sandy and other storms that have hit the East Coast this season.  Our prayers are with the millions were affected as they continue to deal with the aftermath.

All of our friends told us we weren't thinking clearly when we left the Chesapeake Bay in April for our journey down the ICW- "Who would cruise down the ICW to Florida just prior to hurricane season?"  I have to say - when Ed suggested it and others shared their thoughts - I was very nervous.  But living aboard with Ed has taught me so much these last two years.  You respect Mother Nature and always remain cognizant of weather not just where you are - but in our case, living aboard in Florida - we are always watching any tropical storm that is forming off the coast of Africa or the Caribbean.   We were very lucky this year -- if we had still been in Maryland, we would have suffered more high winds and tides from the Hurricanes and storms that hit the East Coast.  Our friends back at the marina we left were spared from heavy damage - but the devastation in NY and NJ was truly sad.  Yes -- we survived this Hurricane Season -- but that doesn't mean we will let our guard down for the years to come.

S/V Liberty

We have several friends who set sail the first of November to begin the trek South -- Our friend Joel left the beginning of November on S/V Liberty (he lives aboard his beautiful used sailboat in Maryland  - he bought a few years ago - a 42' Hunter) - Unfortunately, he fell at the Coinjock marina in NC and had to abort his planned journey - he's not certain if he will try again when his knee heals this year - but definitely will be heading south next year.

Another couple from our Maryland marina has made excellent time on their gorgeous 43' Beneteau, S/V Sloop John Dee, - they have had quite an experience coming down the ICW - they are already in Charleston!  It sure makes Ed rethink if he'd like to go back to a used sailboat.

Joy & Walt of S/V Joy of Tahoe

Our friends who live aboard their beautiful 44' Lagoon Catamaran (S/V Joy of Tahoe) (originally they were from Lake Tahoe)- have also pulled up their anchor after 3 years in Maryland on the Chesapeake Bay and are heading south too.  They left 6 days ago and are already in Charleston, SC.   They are mostly doing bluewater sailing because of their 75' mast height and their desire to actually sail and not motor all the way.  There are several fixed bridges of 65' and you are limited on the ICW.  We love seeing this migration - we sure miss them.  We know they will miss the friends they have made in Maryland - but that is the beauty of being a liveaboard - you can change your surroundings whenever the bug bites - your destination can be anywhere you choose - without having to sell or pack everything - just pull up the anchor and head for a new destination!  We cannot wait til they all get here!  Joy and Walt were the couple that joined us the first two weeks on our journey in April and Ed spoke of his sailing experiences and the joys of bluewater sailing vs the ICW - Joy told Ed yesterday - she can totally understand that sense of exhilaration of the open sea he spoke of.

Jan & Joy on S/V Joy of Tahoe

Ed on his 43' Swan sailboat on Passage to Caribbean

I can honestly say moving our used motor yacht, M/V JJFlyGirl, was definitely worth it - even though there have been lonely times since the marinas in Florida don't have many liveaboards and we had no friends here when we first came.  But since we've been here - I have been blessed to meet a very special person with so much the same values and common interests.  We met at a doctor's office in Boca Raton and found we only live less than a mile away from each other.  She has introduced me to her special friends from high school - since she grew up in this area - as well as is teaching me to play tennis and working out together.  I have also met the wife of one of Ed's former colleagues and she is putting up with my golfing "skills"!  She and her husband are also boaters and liveaboard their used sailboat, a 38' Shannon (S/V Just Imagine) in the Mediterranean during the summer.

It is hard to believe that winter is almost here - we are relaxing on the aft deck with a glass of wine and a cold beer while our friends and family are suffering through some freezing nights.

Our 43' Swan during Winter Blizzard of 2010

Ed Loves Bluewater Sailing

Ed in Galley of S/V Joy of Tahoe

Paradise!!

So, here would be the appropriate time for me to put in a good word for my husband (Capt Ed of Paradise Yacht Sales) -- when you are ready to experience this adventure -- come for a visit anytime and experience this amazing lifestyle.  He can help you make your dreams come a reality so you, too, can be in Paradise!




Ed says if you are currently "tied" up at the dock and working your to-do lists - don't wait any longer - your list will never be completed!

It is an awesome lifestyle whether it is for the weekend or the summer or the entire year -- don't let life pass you by without having experienced the adventure of a lifetime - you, too, could be a cruiser or a liveaboard.

Cruising the Caribbean