I have been sailing and boating all my life and my husband has as well. When we first married in 1979 I wanted to move aboard a boat. The idea of living on a boat was fascinating to me. My husband wanted room for “stuff” so we lived in houses like “normal” people. We would live on a boat someday... Maybe after the kids grew up and moved away.
After two sudden deaths in the family we realized that someday never comes for many people and we decided to take action and not wait for someday.
My husband, 12yr old son and little dog found and moved aboard our Aleutian 51 sailboat in 2002. We left 3 months later and cruised Mexico, the South Pacific, Hawaii and returned to LA where we have lived aboard ever since. Our daughter joined us for a summer break from college and stayed a year cruising from Tahiti to Hawaii.
We found it interesting when visiting with other cruisers in remote anchorages that their favorite spots were our least favorite and their least favorite spots were our favorite spots. People want different things from cruising. We enjoy remote places off the beaten path. Many of our cruising buddies look for the tourist areas.
Our favorite spot so far would have to be Penrhyn ( a small atoll in the Cook Islands). The island is beautiful and people warm and welcoming. Another favorite is the Tuomotus in the South Pacific. The snorkeling is the best we’ve experienced.
After returning to California, our son graduated film school and bought a boat of his own that he lives aboard in the same marina as us. We enjoy visits from our kids and friends and also enjoy spending time alone.
We have spent the last two years refitting Mermaid and are heading to Mexico in mid-November. From there... Who knows? You can follow our adventures on our blog www.svmermaid.com.
Comments