Matt was supposed to take a sailing certification course next week with our 13 yo son. However, our son decided he didn’t actually want to get certified, or go sailing, so we cancelled the trip. But instead of the company offering a refund for the 5-day liveaboard course for two (which was not cheap), they offered to let us take the course whenever we are ready.
So now Matt and I are going to have to take the course together. Now don’t get me wrong – spending 5 days with my husband on a boat would be awesome – it’s just that figuring out the logistics of leaving kids behind is daunting. I know other parents who go on vacations together, leaving kids behind, so I know it is possible – but we’ve never done it. The boys have never spent the night away from home. And although we are lucky to have our parents (boys grandparents) who live in town and could, at the very least, tag-team the week, our boys can be a handful – I’m not even sure I would subject my enemies to five full days. haha.
So, do we try to squeeze it in this summer before school starts – when the boys don’t have to be anywhere at any certain time (i.e. no getting ready for school drama), but that leaves 24/7 with grandparents? Or do we wait until school starts when gramma can drop them off for 7 hours and get some free time – but then more things can go wrong – drop offs / pick ups / trouble at school / who knows?!
And the other thought (well, several thoughts)
- We are already chomping at the bit to take off on our round-the-world journey. Will spending a week on a sailboat right now make us even more stir crazy? If we walk away from the trip ready to live on a boat, and have to come home knowing we can’t leave for a few years, will it inspire us? or will it depress us?
- Maybe we should wait a year to take the course – then we will be one year closer to our goal. But we plan to sell our house in a year – so the logistics of kids spending a week with grandparents might be even more logistically crazy if we are in the middle of selling/moving and trying to get away for a week.
- On the other hand… What if we take the course and I hate it? Wouldn’t it be better to know that now? Or would it kill the “dream” completely? I know there are other ways to travel around the world… but we’ve been dreaming about a boat.
Sailing… (who knew it would be so complicated!?)
Michelle,
Haveing just came back last month from taking our ASA class’s (101,103,104) in Grenada, I can honestly tell you it will seal the deal for you and Matt. Just like you we dont plan on leaving just yet, we too have to settle debts first and save for our life at sea. We really wanted to see if we would enjoy sailing after being power boaters for many years. We loved it and are already making plans to charter again in the next 6 months to get more practice now that we are both certified. And now would be the time to find out if it’s compatible for you, before you sell the house and disrupt your lives completely. Good luck with your decision.
Thanks so much!! We are both very excited to get started. We are taking the 101/103/104 also – good to know it was worth it.