Cruiser COACHING with Capt. Deb

1. Dream Stage: You Are Actively Dreaming About a Life on the Sea

• In this stage, you are envisioning the possibilities and drawing inspiration from the idea of life on the water. The dream is in your mind, and you’re motivated to turn it into reality.

  • Envision Your Future: You start imagining the freedom and adventure of living aboard, considering destinations and the lifestyle that comes with it.
  • Research and Inspiration: You immerse yourself in blogs, books, videos, and social media, following other sailors and learning about their experiences.
  • Building Desire: Whether you’re dreaming about sailing around the world or spending weekends in scenic harbors, you fuel your passion with stories of cruising lifestyles, community, and exploration.

  This stage is about sparking that sense of adventure and curiosity about the ocean lifestyle, which will drive the next steps.

2. Decision Stage: Education Both Practical and Theoretical – Learning About and Doing, Taking Action

• At this point, you’re transitioning from just dreaming to actively preparing. You start learning about the technical aspects of sailing, getting hands-on experience, and refining your goals.

  • Practical Experience: Trying different boats through sea trials, joining friends on their yachts, and experimenting with various types of vessels to find out what suits your needs.
  • Education & Courses: Enroll in sailing courses to gain both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, such as navigation, seamanship, weather forecasting, and boat maintenance.
  • Experience Chartering: Book a charter trip for 7-10 days to experience what it’s like to live and sail aboard a boat, understanding the logistics, comforts, and challenges of life at sea.

  This stage is all about refining your understanding of sailing and boating, giving you the tools you need to make informed decisions about the next steps.

3. Action Stage: Your Vision Is Clear and Specific

• Now, you’ve set your sights on the type of sailing life you want, and you’re ready to take the necessary steps to make it happen. You’re committed and moving forward with purpose.

  • Boat Purchase: After research and sea trials, it’s time to choose and purchase your boat. Consider factors like size, maintenance, and equipment suited for your type of sailing.
  • Ongoing Education: Continue to expand your knowledge, whether it’s advanced sailing courses, navigation classes, or mechanical training to ensure you’re well-prepared for the responsibilities of boat ownership.
  • Boat Delivery: Once your boat is purchased, you’ll take delivery, inspect the vessel, and ensure everything is in working order.

  In this stage, you’re actively making your dream a reality by taking concrete steps, including boat ownership and learning more about the practicalities of life at sea.

4. Realization Stage: You Bought Your Boat!

• This is where the excitement of boat ownership begins to take shape. Now it’s time to handle the paperwork and logistics of getting your boat ready for the cruising life you’ve imagined.

  • Paperwork and Registration: Complete the necessary documentation to register your boat, including insurance, licensing, and all legal requirements for cruising.
  • Commissioning Your Boat: Prepare the boat for your specific needs. This could involve outfitting the vessel with cruising gear, adding navigation equipment, or customizations.
  • Bringing in the Experts: You may need a coach, instructor, or captain to help with your boat’s commissioning and to guide you through any training or operations specific to your boat. This is a great time to address any concerns and make sure you’re ready for the next phase.

  This stage is about transitioning from ownership to active preparation for your cruising lifestyle, ensuring that your boat is ready for the adventure ahead.

5. Living it Stage: You Are Cruising, Using Your Boat as You Envisioned

• This is where the dream truly comes alive. You are now living aboard or cruising in the way you always imagined, enjoying the fruits of your hard work and preparation.

  • Cruising and Exploration: You’re using your boat to explore new locations, whether coastal cruising or long-distance passages, experiencing the freedom of the sea.
  • Living the Lifestyle: From anchoring in beautiful coves to enjoying the camaraderie of the sailing community, you are fully immersed in your new lifestyle, whether full-time or part-time.
  • Living the Dream: This is the culmination of all your previous planning and hard work. You are living the ocean dream, enjoying the beauty, adventure, and freedom that comes with it.

  At this point, you’re not just a sailor — you’re living the life you’ve always dreamed of, making the most of every moment on the water.