And then there was the beginning

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The Preparations:

As many already know, we are about to embark on a great adventure. We have bought a sailboat and are planning on cruising in the Caribbean Islands starting from Charleston, SC to the Bahamas, Virgin Islands, Grenadines, and all the way down to Bonaire and Aruba. Then the plan is to make our way through the Panama Canal. We will continue to sail along the Pacific Coast hitting Costa Rica, Mexico, and California as we make our way back to the Puget Sound here in the Northwest. There is a lot of flexibility with this plan, so don’t be surprised if we cross the Atlantic to the Med or end up somewhere in the South Pacific like the Marquesas or Tahiti. The idea is to live the sailing life, traveling and seeing the world by boat, and gaining a new perspective on life.

Every journey begins with a first step, in our case, finding the perfect boat. We found one at the Annapolis Boat Show in October, a new Beneteau 473. She awaits us eagerly in Charleston while we make final preparations in Portland. As many of you know we have struggled in the naming of the boat, but have finally decided on Rum Runner. She has three cabins and two heads (bathrooms for you land lubbers) and is properly equipped for the long journey ahead including a big galley, 100 HP motor, and all of the latest electronic equipment (GPS, Radar, Satellite, etc.). Truly the perfect boat.

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Photos

Boat Show
Here we are at the Annapolis Boat Show- picking out our boat!

Beneteau
Check out all the boats- love it!

The Rum Runner
Can't believe this is our boat!!! The Rum Runner awaits us in Charleston, South Carolina.

Comments

[Carrie Shoup]

Best Wishes
We wish you all the best on this exciting journey! Jay, you had to have learned alot from your Grandpa about sailing and now you get the opportunity to live a dream! He would be excited for you both! Can't wait to hear about your voyage! Carrie (Erin's Mom)

[BOB AND JUNE JOHNSON]

BON VOYAGE
CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR PURCHASE OF THE SAILING VESSEL AND DECISION TO TRAVEL THE WORLD BY BOAT. WOW! YOU ARE FORTUNATE. We hope your venture is exciting and rewarding! Your boat looks fantastic. We will be tracking your progress and remembering you in our prayers for a safe and successful voyage. We will be waiting to read your best selling book that is sure to follow. love, Uncle Bob and Aunt June; Victorville, CA

[Christine]

Glad to see you taking this journey!!!!
Very excited to hear about your travels... reminds me of when I took 6 months off to travel... makes me want to quit and do more traveling!!!! I hope both of you have lots of fun and remember lots of great memories!!!! Will check in on you later.... Christine Becker

[Ryan Krause]

And Away They Go
I can't believe the time is almost here. I'll be living vicariously as you two sail the globe. I can't wait to hear of yout adventures. Best wishes for calm seas, beautiful sunsets, and always getting the last mooring available.

[Nancy Rodger]

hi
We really miss you guys. Tile guy will be here tiling, but we would rather have you. Richflix will be arriving at Kay's by Friday the 30th via UPS. I am packing my virtual travel bag in prep for the real one, a bathing suit and sunscreen. Anything else? Does Kona need anything?

[Phil Cardwell]

You are missing lots of meetings at ESI
Hello Jay and Jen, Congratulations and I'm excited to follow your journey. I was just reading a sailing magazine in my cube, yeah cube life for the rest of us, and thought of you both. I hope your journey is starting well and I wish you both fair winds and following seas. Take care. Phil

[Carrie, Marjorie, Blue, & Claire]

Thinking Of You
We're all getting really excited for you. Sure it's just right around the corner until you all set sail. Just wanted you to know that you are all in our hearts and thoughts. Blue boy really misses the salty dog...sending his slobbering kisses your way...and a nibble here and there from Claire. We are anxious and thrilled for when the "ANCHORS AWEIGH!" "WISHING YOU FAIR WINDS AND FOLLOWING SEAS!" "GODSPEED!"

[Joe Phillips]

Friend of Bob and June
As you already know most people never take that first step towards their dreams. Proud of you! I do not know you yet, but I hope someday to meet both of you. Maybe when you are on the west coast. I too am a sailor. I know your uncle Bob and aunt June. They are wonderful people and very excited for you to follow your dreams. I will be following your trip through them and your blog. Good luck, Joe