Fear creeps in. . .

[Marlene A. Sassaman]

With less than 30 days until departure, I am finally getting nervous. Daily thoughts pop into my head like,
"What if you hit something and the mast falls down cracking the deck?"
"What if I have a bad dream that a giant shark slid into the cockpit and snaps my arm off while I sleep on deck?"
"What if, what if, what if?"
"What ever made me think I could do this, as I reset the anchor for the 6th time during an afternoon thunderstorm?"
"Do I really think I can do this?"
"Why can't I be content to sail around the river?""
"Why wouldn't any of my girlfriends accompany me?"
Golly, just thinking of these questions is making me crazy. Time to make out an inventory list, order some charts, a backup auto helm, a weather widget for my Garmin gps and focus on a safe voyage.

Any ladies have the time and desire to join me on my northbound round trip cruise from Melbourne, Florida to Sandy Hook, New Jersey with a day sail around the Statue of Liberty. My boat is comfy but primitive with a two burner galley, port a pot, cushioned interior, and two lovely trampolines for lounging. The route is mostly ICW with some coastal cruising. Let me know, I plan to ship out between May 29 and June 1.

[Phil Prater]

Once upon a time, many years ago, I made a living racing motorcycles. Every single time, going to the line, I would have butterflies so bad, could and one time did, actually throw up in my helmet. The instant I was on the start line, waiting for the green flag to drop, it was all gone. I think it will be the same with you. Once underway, you will be fine, your fears will be gone, and the adventure will begin. And by the way, if your not aware, there is a nice little park, in behind Lady Liberty, where you can anchor up for the night. Or at least there was a couple years ago, last time I was there.
Fair winds, and enjoy.
Phil

[Paul Schroder]

If worms had machine guns, birds wouldn't mess with them. But they don't!

Get out there and relish the fact that you CAN be out there!

[Kate]

You Go Girl!

I look to Samatha Davies for inspiration and now I can add you to my list. You'll have the most amazing experiences of your life. Best of luck and keep us posted.

Cheers and admiration,

Kate

[Liv]

Marlene,
You're planning this sail and it's something you want to do so this must be in your heart and in your soul. If this is so, then you must do it and you'll deal with all things and overcome all the obstacles that may be in your way..
You'll be so proud of yourself when you reach your destination and we'll be proud with you.
I'm not a good enough sailor yet to be of help to you but I hope you'll find a friend to share this sail with you. If not remember "you're woman, we can do anything".. LOL

Liv, a friend

[Veranda]

Hi Marlene,

There are plenty of northbound cruisers sitting in Vero Beach right now, us included. Even though you may be on your boat by yourself you're not going to be alone. Don't be shy about using your VHF, help, answers or comfort is only a click away.

Some days are diamonds while other days are rocks. Its worth dealing with the rocks to experience the diamonds. We've met several women traveling alone by boat and they do fine. We start heading north around May 18 feel free to contact us if you have any questions. Our blog has a "Wheres Veranda" feature that lists all the anchorages that we've used along the eastern seaboard, it may be of some help to you. You can reach us there, or here or at [e-mail] You'll be ready, relax and enjoy the trip, you'll see America as you never have, its really special.

Bill
s/v Veranda
Veranda422.blogspot.com

[LOLA]

I know you will be fine...There are many Ladies in our Female Group you could consult with as well...someone to sail with would be nice...you may want to ask there.

Wish I could, but I would be more of a burden at this point...see me next year.

Good luck

[Marlene A. Sassaman]

Golly, I am in awe of your response to my questions. I so need these words. Thank you for understanding. Maybe there is a God who has put others on this earth to alleviate my thoughts of insecurity. Bless you! Marlene

[Orvil Newton]

"What if you hit something and the mast falls down cracking the deck?"

You won't, you are much too careful for that and if something does happen you will deal with it and learn from the experience

"What if I have a bad dream that a giant shark slid into the cockpit and snaps my arm off while I sleep on deck?"

Time to get rid of the "Jaws" DVD. That's just silly. There are no sizable sharks in the ICW.

"What if, what if, what if?"

What if you have a great time, gain experience and self confidence, a new appreciation for life and a thirst for adventure?

"What ever made me think I could do this, as I reset the anchor for the 6th time during an afternoon thunderstorm?"

If you know you may have to reset the anchor, you know what made you think you can do this.

"Do I really think I can do this?"

Of course you do. And you are right - You can do this!

"Why can't I be content to sail around the river?"

Because you have that spirit of adventure that drives the few of us who actually cast off the lines and grasp all that life has to offer.

"Why wouldn't any of my girlfriends accompany me?"

Because they don't. They are not among the few; and after you have accomplished this they will envy you.
If no one will go with you go by yourself if you are comfortable handling the boat single handed. We will be with you in spirit, if not in body. Everyone has doubts about embarking on a new adventure. There is always risk but you are prepared and you have planned for it, and your little trip is not so risky, really.

[Pete]

You are planning to give me a shout when you're in the neighborhood, aren't you? I live about 5 miles (by boat) from Sandy Hook, and my boat is about 15 miles away. It'd be a damn shame for you to shlep all the way from Eff-Ell-Lay and not say 'hi'.