I bring you Jay and Nicole.We met these two the other night and not only are they a total riot, they are a total inspiration.
They met this summer working at a restaurant in Long Beach Island, NJ. She is a part time dinghy sailing instructor, he works part time in a surf shop and has a penchant for spear fishing.
Even though they are just friends, they decided they needed to head South for the winter. In a sailboat.
So what did they do? They bought a boat for 7K on Craigslist (a Sabre 28), closed on it about two (yes, TWO) weeks ago, threw all of their stuff aboard (including FIVE surfboards!) and just left the dock last week.
I love these two.
Her only experience is in dinghies, and he took an outward bound sailing course...when he was fifteen.
Sure, on their first night out they didn't want to try navigating into a new harbor in the dark so they decided to try mooring on a lobster pot in the open ocean (hilarious story, actually) - but they learned a lot that night (namely never to try to moor on the open ocean using anything, let alone a lobster pot) and they continue to learn a lot each and every day. Just like us.
They are doing it. Totally stripped down, totally bare bones, but they are doing it. They didn't spend a ton of money, they only have the slightest clue what they are doing, and they are living their dream. It's really not that complicated when you break it down.
Did I mention they have a fridge?...With chilled white wine? We became fast friends the four of us and will probably cruise down to Florida together.
So...for all of you who think you "can't" do whatever it is you want to do - take a look at these two and take a leap of faith!
Love,
Brittany (& Scott)
16 comments:
What a great story, good for Jay & Nicole! You should tell them they need to start blogging about their adventures!
Very cool. Like Lin & Larry Pardy have said: "Go Simple, Go Small, but Go Now".
Are Jay and Nicole blogging about it?
How fortunate for you guys to have found kindred spirits to share your journey with too!
They don't have a blog - but I told them they should! I will definitely post it if/when they get one up and running... :)
Cool! We met a couple who left as 'friends', 2 years later they were married :) Ahhh, the universe works in mysterious ways.
You are absolutely right, a total inspiration!! So fun to have sailing buddies! Enjoy!
Just found your blog....hooked! Who is the photographer?? Your site is really set apart and ahead of so many! Your spirit and enthusiasm is infectious! I was bit by the sailing bug later in life...but wouldn't change a thing! I'm just ready to get out there as well!
Alright, now I want to hear this hillarious story about the couple who attempted a mooring in the open ocean, and via a lobster pot?! I really need some additional hillarity in my life this week. :)
You guys are awesome, and your adventures continue to brighten up my week. :)
Maisis - ha, thanks! They literally misjudged how far they could get and it was getting dark so they decided to just wait out night...by mooring in the open ocean...he's a surfer/fisherman with knowledge of tides and what not - and he had once moored a fishing boat to a lobster pot so he figured it would be the same on the sailboat. SO they did, and got tossed around like rag dolls for a few hours...poor Nicole was puking her guts out and sleeping in the freezing cockpit and finally they decided pulling into an inlet might be the better bet. Which it, obviously, was....
@ Hillary! Thanks for the awesome compliment!! Glad you are enjoying - stay along for the ride and maybe we'll see you out on the water one day! :)
Oh - and I am the photog (Brittany) :) I use a little canon power shot POS that actually SMOKES everytime the flash goes off! ahahha!
Cool story! It reminds all of us that we definitely don't need all the bell and whistles (even if they are nice, like a fridge ;) ). Looking forward to hear about their adventures.
Great post! Love hearing inspiring stories. The anchor holding us back is our house, but we're determined to get it sold by this Spring. This story is a great reminder that it can be done.
I cried when i read this. A good cry :)
Brittany,
Thank you so much for sharing Nicole and Jay's story with the world. I am Nicole's Aunt and I couldn't be more proud of her. She is an inspiration to her younger cousins and to me. As one who had a hard time with her decision to go, I realize now that she is living her life and making the most of it. And in this family, there's not always alot of God given time to do that. I am so thankful that she and Jay have made friends along their journey. You will all be in our blessings this Thanksgiving Day!
Love, (Aunt) Meghan xoxo
You guys are awesome! I have been following your story for a while now without comment, but now feel that you have been a inspiration to me as I too have been contemplating the sailing lifestyle. I live on the west coast so my "route" would vary from yours. Good luck in your travels and best wishes.
Great story; it shows that you really CAN do it, you just have to WANT TO.
Post a Comment