Postponed, Not Abandoned: My Summer Sailing Dream Delayed

Sailing timeline delay — Heartbreaking status to give, but necessary

The Vision

So, here's the deal: I had this grand plan to spend the summer of 2025 sailing around the Caribbean, living my best life as I hit the big 4-0. I mean, what better way to celebrate a milestone birthday than with sun, sea, and sailing? This was more than just a casual idea; it was a full-blown goal, one I’d been plotting and scheming for what felt like an eternity. And by eternity, I mean years. We’re talking serious dedication here—getting my finances in tip-top shape, learning the ropes of sailing (literally), and rallying the troops: my spouse, friends, family. I had to make sure my work was in order so I wouldn’t end up living in a cardboard box after all this. Plus, I wanted to share my epic adventure with the world. But alas, it looks like my grand sailing escapade is going to have to wait a bit longer.

Challenges

Timeline Constraints

Initially, my timeline was tighter than a pair of jeans after Thanksgiving dinner. I had to wait until I filed my taxes before I could even think about financing options for buying a yacht. Filing taxes is like the adult version of cleaning your room—necessary, but oh-so-dreadful. Once I got that out of the way, I could finally start exploring my financing options and get serious about yacht shopping. I even had a list of loan vendors ready to roll!

Once I secured those financing options, I was ready to dive into the world of yacht shopping in early March. This month became my personal yacht safari, filled with research and visits to potential yachts that fit my criteria. After some careful consideration (and maybe a little daydreaming), I narrowed it down to three promising contenders:

Lagoon 42 (2018): This beauty is known for its spaciousness and comfort. Perfect for lounging around with a cocktail in hand!
Lagoon 38 (2016): A slightly smaller model that strikes a balance between performance and livability. Think of it as the Goldilocks of yachts—just right!
Lagoon 42 (2019): The shiny, newer sibling of the 2018 model, boasting all the latest bells and whistles. It’s like having the newest iPhone, but for sailing!

However, during my visits to the first two yachts, I ran into a few hiccups that made me rethink my timeline:

For the Lagoon 42 (2018), I found out it was already under contract. Talk about a bummer!
The Lagoon 42 (2019) was a bit too rich for my blood and didn’t quite meet some of my must-haves. It’s like finding out your dream car is just a tad out of your budget—ouch!
The third contender, the Lagoon 38 (2016), came with its own set of logistical nightmares. It was located way too far away, making it impractical to reach the starting point for my sailing trip. Even if I went under contract immediately, the distance would turn my sailing dreams into a logistical nightmare.

Financial Climate

Just when I thought I was ready to buy a yacht, the financial climate decided to throw a giant curveball my way. Seriously, it felt like trying to catch a greased pig at a county fair—everything was slippery and chaotic.

Getting a loan for a yacht is a bit like trying to get a date on a Friday night; it all depends on the current interest rates set by the Federal Reserve. There was talk about possible rate cuts that could have made my yacht dreams a reality. But of course, those cuts didn’t happen in time for me to seize the moment. It’s like waiting for the perfect wave and then realizing it’s just a tiny ripple.

And let’s not forget about the hefty down payment—usually around 20% to 30% of the loan, which would translate to about $80,000. That’s a serious chunk of change, especially with the economy doing the cha-cha dance.

The financial markets have been as stable as a tightrope walker on a windy day, thanks to all the trade-war drama. The uncertainty has made my financial cushion feel more like a deflated balloon. I’m trying to stay calm and manage the risks, but it’s tough out there!

No Perfect Boat (Yacht)

Finding the right catamaran is like searching for a unicorn—challenging, and you might end up with a horse instead. I need a spacious vessel for both work and fun, with smartly designed separate workspaces. Essential features include a generator for power and air conditioning to keep me cool during those hot summer months.

Ideally, I want a catamaran located in the U.S. to dodge those pesky tariffs and extra costs that come with importing. Plus, buying domestic is way less stressful and fits better within my budget.

I’m on the lookout for a relatively new catamaran, maybe slightly used to avoid the dreaded depreciation. It’s like shopping for a used car, but with more sails. Trustworthy dealers with good reviews are a must, and the boat has to pass all safety and operational checks. No one wants to end up with a floating lemon!

The limited inventory that meets my criteria is making this search feel like an episode of a reality show—lots of drama, but not much to show for it. I’m hoping to find the right catamaran between March and April to fit my schedule and make a smooth transition to life on board. Despite the challenges, I’m keeping my fingers crossed for the perfect vessel when I pick this back up in November.

Hurricane Season

Let’s talk about hurricane season, which runs from June to October. I was already pushing my luck with the timeline, trying to come back in August. But trust me, August is the latest I want to be far from friendly shores. Once the window closed for me to close on and receive the yacht, plus transport it to the starting point by my desired date, I had to face the music and acknowledge the need to postpone.

If I was going to delay by even one month, I figured, why not just wait until November? I’d be buying a yacht for just two months, then storing it for five months, only to be stuck in holiday chaos for another two months. It just made sense to refocus and purchase the yacht at the end of the yachting season when inventory is higher. Charter companies and owners are often looking to unload their yachts at the end of summer, and many are already stored for that period anyway.

What next

While my sailing dreams are temporarily on hold, this isn't the end of the journey—it's merely a detour. The vision of cruising through the Caribbean, feeling the sun on my face and the wind in my hair, still dances vividly in my mind. I’m determined to keep that dream alive, and here’s how I plan to navigate the waters ahead:

Regroup and Reassess

First things first, I’ll take this time to regroup and reassess my goals. This means diving deeper into research about the yacht market, keeping an eye on interest rates, and exploring alternative financing options. I’ll also be refining my list of must-have features, ensuring that when the right boat does come along, I’m ready to act swiftly.

Charter Plans

In the meantime, I’m excited to announce that I’ll be planning a charter in June in the beautiful Abacos. This will not only give me a taste of the sailing life I crave but also provide an opportunity to network with fellow sailing enthusiasts and perhaps even find valuable insights into yacht ownership. I'll share some more information as I finalize the plans, the guest-list and information.

Conclusion

I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for the support and understanding from my family, friends, and community. Your encouragement means the world to me, and it reminds me that I’m not alone in this journey. Together, we’ll keep the spirit of adventure alive, even if it means waiting a little longer.

This experience has taught me that sometimes waiting is just as important as the destination. The anticipation, the planning, and the moments of reflection all contribute to the richness of the journey. I’m learning to embrace the process and trust that the right opportunity will present itself when the time is right.

As I look ahead, I’ll be sure to keep everyone updated on my progress and any new developments. Whether it’s sharing my charter experiences or insights gained along the way, I’m excited to continue this adventure, even if it takes a little longer than originally planned.

So here’s to the future—full of possibilities, adventures, and perhaps, one day, a catamaran sailing through the Caribbean waters!