Thank you!
First off, thank you all for the initial feedback! I can already tell I'll be spending WAY too much time on this forum, ha! Sorry for the delayed responses but our 3rd son came into the world last week so we've had our hands full to say the least. None the less, based upon everyone's responses, my wife and I are now even more excited to start this new adventure.
O C Diver: I 100% agree with you on the discipline aspect with the children and respecting the meaning of the word NO, especially on the water. I think my military side might assist in that important understanding between a Captain (mom/dad) and their crew (kids). My wife reminds me almost daily that I have trouble expecting too much from a 5 year old...but you can't blame me for trying, right?!
GDavid: I couldn't agree with you more on ensuring my wife is on board with this idea. Before we purchased our sailboat, I joined my wife when she took ASA101 just to to get a true reading on weather or not it something we should pursue as a couple and it worked out great. We've also been to a few boat shows together as well and always enjoy day dreaming about what the future might hold.
Hippocampus: With the kids being so young, the homeschooling aspect won't be an issue for when we want to travel as oldest will be finishing up their first year of kindergarten. However, we've talked extensively about what it would take to ensure their future education if by chance we choose to stay on the go and keep the adventure alive. Luckily we have a few family members who have gone with this option with their kids and have solid resources if we so choose to pursue that.
mvweebles (Peter): Thanks for the pep talk! I agree that the sailing world can go overboard at times with the certifications/training but I think it's definitely prepped us for pursuing this new adventure. bumfuzzle.com is great! Thanks!
Lepke: I appreciate your humor
we'll need a solid dose of that if we ever make this work!
Rgano: thank you for your service! Can only imagine the fun stories with the grandkids.
Kthoennes: that’s a fantastic outcome with your kids! I can only hope that we can scratch the surface on that goal. Thanks for the motivation!
Judy at JWY: If my kids end up on a similar life path as yours, my wife and I would be more than happy that our job was done correctly. Well done! I completely agree with you on the division of responsibilities while under way…something we try to do at home as well at least when I’m not on the road!
Pete Meisinger: Completely agree with your concern on experience level which is exactly why I’m trying my best to get ahead on this one and start today. Another thing we are considering is just setting up shop at a local marina and concentrate on day/weekend trips for the first couple months before possibly embarking on a “mini-loop” around the Delaware peninsula. Time will tell...
Circumnavigator: CCA looks like a great organization and I will definitely keep it in my cross check throughout or initial purchase and training phases. I’m absolutely planning on hiring an instructor if we purchase through private party vs. broker but I’m not even sure where to start looking in that category? Are you able to point us toward any sources in the Annapolis region? Thanks!
Proudsailor: Thank you for your service! The Zartman family adventures are motivating to say the least! Totally agree with you that all my earliest boating memories seem to stand out more than all the others. Kids are very impressionable at those younger ages which is why I’m hoping to recreate it for my kids. Let us know when you find that trawler and come on up to the Severn River ?
AnnapolisJoy: thank you for the local club references. That will be a top priority for us next boating season once we get used to being a family of 5! I’m looking forward to doing some volunteer instruction (possibly even at the Naval Academy) after I retire in early 2024 so I don’t want to pass up any opportunities to help craft our kids future and ours as well! If you ever need an extra deck hand and I’m in town, keep me in mind!
Thank you everyone and looking forward to getting underway!
-David and Sarah +3