Advanced Hurricane Preparation

Hurricanes. One of the largest causes for concern for any cruiser. Unavoidable devastation for some, a wild ride for others. Smart thing is to get out of the way and plan your course accordingly. Yet despite best efforts and communication, hurricanes are still Mother Nature’s doing and we all know she’s as unpredictable as the day is long. Over the years resources have improved to better predict, plan, defend and hopefully reduce the impact and effects on the lifestyle. 

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Repairing a Hole

No captain wants to hear the words “we are taking on water”, but if it does happen I hope you can resolve it as successfully as we did! Sadly, I ran our Lagoon 410, Guiding Light, onto a reef out at Glover Atoll in Belize. The charts for this area are spotty at best and as we were leaving the atoll along a route I had mapped out from the anchorage we turned into the morning sun.

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Is Buying and Refitting a Project Boat Worthwhile?

This is the age-old question - Are you better off buying a cheaper boat and re-fitting it, or finding one that’s ‘turn-key’? What if all you can afford is a doer-upper? Will it save you money in the long run, and how long is that run likely to be? Weeks, months or years? Do you need to be a jack of all trades and have experience in marine restoration projects, or can any Tom, Dick or Harry do it?

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Solo Sirocco

This previous owner had sailed Sirocco all the way from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean during his one-year sabbatical. What drew me to Sirocco was its blend of factors that perfectly aligned with my vision. I was on the hunt for a 29-34 foot boat, ideal for solo sailing, and it had to fit within my budget, which was around $20,000. In the end, Sirocco not only met these criteria but exceeded them, as I acquired her for $17,000. 

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