LIVING ABOARD ~ MY LIFE ON A SAILBOAT ~ PART II

                                                            
LIVING ON A SAILBOAT ~ ARE WE CRAZY? ~ Part II
By the middle of July, it was time to say Goodbye. After a mind-blowing Bon Voyage Party, we were on our way. Just like that, we felt like a couple of contestants on a new reality TV show! The "Dream" was to run away and sail down the coast. The "Prize" was supposed to be anyplace warmer than Vermont and then finally the Bahamas.
We motored down the Champlain Canal, the Hudson River, took a left at Manhattan, up Long Island Sound and into Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island. It was a glorious 13 day trip, stopping and anchoring along the way. The plan was to visit friends for 2 months, say See-Ya-Later and continue down the coast to North Carolina in time for winter. We didn't win first place, but we were runners-up!

                                                                     
MARINA LIVING
Things don't always work out the way you want. Almost four years later, we're still in Rhode Island, living on our 30 foot pimped out Pearson sailboat. Our address is a marina with a swimming pool, brand new bathrooms, showers and washers and dryers. "NIRVANA" is tied to a dock with high-speed internet, air conditioning and a million dollar view. We have waterfront property all year round ~ and yes, that also means we live on the boat in the dead of winter! There have been times when we've had 8" of ice around the boat and I slid all the way down the ramp on my butt! OUCH! We've dropped things overboard, had mechanical breakdowns, lived through a blizzard and gone through some horrible storms.
                                                                           
MY "EASY BAKE OVEN"
I traded in the big bakery equipment for a two burner gas stove with an "Easy Bake Oven" and a hand mixer. It's truly amazing what I can produce in such a small space. I have all my professional chef's knives, kitchen gadgets galore and my Pampered Chef stuff. My galley (that's what you call the kitchen on a boat) is tricked out with more gadgets than most chef's home kitchens! We don't have hot water or a shower and just got a fridge 6 months ago. There's a composting toilet in the head (that's a bathroom in a boat) and a wind generator for our 12 volt power. We have a TV, but we can only watch dvd's on it. I have my laptop and a great stereo system with all the music one could want.
                                                                            
SEALS AND SNOW
We have two cars in the parking lot and my hubby goes to work every day. There's fish to catch, sunsets to watch, snow to shovel and a full moon to kiss under. We have people over for dinner and dock parties in the summer. There's a grill at the top of the dock and lots of friends to share food, wine and fun with. We've been visited by seals and swans, kids and grandchildren. There's always a holiday to celebrate and we decorate with Christmas lights and a wreath. We're really no different than you, only our house floats! Life is good.
                                                                      
Even though I dream of drinking margaritas on a warm sandy beach, I still love my little boat. Don't get me wrong,  a bigger boat, a shower and a square bed would be nice ~ like in the near future! I can't imagine another lifestyle other than the one we're living right now.

                                                                            
BON VOYAGE!
So, what do you think about that? Are we crazy or are you envious? If you still can't believe it, feel free to pick what's left of my brain!
                                                                              

Comments

[Mary C. Anderson]

I love the ocean. I love the sound, the smell and the way that it makes me feel so calm. I think what your doing is wonderful. It must be fun to live your dream.:) Thank you for sharing your story. I am looking forward to more of your adventures. In the mean time stay warm.

Mary

[Jai]

Hi! I just wanted to let you know that I think it is awesome what you are doing here! I, one day, aspire to do this as well. Fair winds and following seas!

[Danielle Williams]

My husband and I are thinking about buying a boat and living on it in Newport, or the surrounding area. He is a born and raised Newporter and I am an transplant from Maine. Do most marinas allow people to live on their boat all year? We are just in the beginning stages of planning, any suggestions? You guys are too cool!

[Barbara Sargent]

Hi!!

Please sign me up if you have a "mailing list". I am hoping to be where you are in two years. Soooooo..... please advise all you are able. Thank you Barbara Sargent

[elena]

Hi
I am purchasing a 46' blue water sailboat and love to cook. Do you have recomendation on stoves and any other great equipment to have?
Thanks

[Kate]

Ah! You have a composting toilet! That's crazy, we're planning on adding one to our sailboat but never heard of anyone doing that before, except for you. Any recommendations? =)