Wednesday, January 13, 2016

We're swallowing the Hook and Selling Catchin' Rays

Its probably a little sudden and unexpected, but after a few conversations among the three of us, we've come to the decision to swallow the hook and sell our boat.  Although it was never something we intended to do forever, it's most definitely sooner than we all had wanted. 
So what happened?  Why sell the boat after only a year out on the water?  Well, its for a few reasons that makes this decision a little easier:

1. Tami's foot is permanently screwed up and it makes it very difficult to explore islands when you can hardly walk.  Not that she can't walk on it at all, but when she does use it just a little bit, she pays for it dearly with pain that I can't imagine - so that makes using it a costly activity.  Part of the reason we decided to go sailing in the first place, was being able to explore the places we visit, and while her electric scooter and a bicycle would help, there's only a handful of places that makes riding a scooter possible.  So we were left with mostly pushing her around on a wheelchair - making the "exploring"  part difficult and unpractical.  But the one thing her foot did not stop us from doing, is setting sail to begin with - we could've cancelled the plan altogether when she was injured, but we didn't - we had to do this, we had to set sail one way or another, and so we did.  And its not something we regret in the least - in fact, its quite the opposite - we all have a story that is permanently documented on YouTube for our grandchildren's grandchildren to see...and its something we're all very proud of.

2. Its something that we wanted to do as a family, and having Justin not part of this season has made us begin to think of life after sailing.  And while the real reason he's not here right now is a combination between both of our decisions (and a little complicated) the fact is not having him here gave me one less reason to continue to sail.  And although Justin still wants to have a presence on the sea, he's found other interests and a companion that now take a higher priority in his life than being a deckhand on Catchin' Rays. 

3. We want to be able to live a life that Tami can enjoy to its fullest and having a life on land seems to be the best choice.  We'll eventually get a newer motorhome and be able to pull our scooters wherever we go (we don't have them yet, but after our adventure in The Saints, we're definitely getting some.) But that will have to wait just a bit while we get the boat sold.  We're listing her with 123Hulls in the BVI's and if you ever wanted a solid cruising catamaran that's loaded with everything you can think of, we can hook you up.

Thanks to everybody that subscribed, watched, and commented on our videos on YouTube and this blog - we had a blast documenting the whole story, but I'm pretty sure I'm done with that part of my life.  I'll keep the channel up and running, but probably won't be adding anything new for awhile as our next chapter in our lives will most likely not involve editing and producing videos or updating this blog.

28 comments:

  1. It has been great following you on youtube. I am glad that we were able to follow you on your adventures. Maybe once you get an RV you can continue the channel as you travel. Good luck on your next adventure.

    Mike & Connie

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  2. I am so sorry Tami's injury not healing properly, I remember in one of your post about a Future Motor home and hitting the Nascar scene.Absolutely all the best to the Rays and Thank You for sharing your life with us!

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  3. All my love. I'm so glad you shared the adventure you did have. Thank you. The lure of the sea has to be second to family. So proud you made that tough decision. Family first

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  4. Sad but obviously for solid reasons. Family and quality of life come first. To say that I thoroughly enjoyed your videos is a serious understatement. The quality of filming and editing was always TOP NOTCH. Thanks for the journey; and be safe and enjoy life.
    Ken Lynch

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  5. Wow,I am sure it for the best but I would be lying if I did not say we are saddened. You did something that my wife and I would love to do. (maybe sooner rather then later) Fair winds and good luck. It has been incredibly fun following your journey John and Betsy McIntosh

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  6. Holy Shit Batman!!! Man oh man, we never got our chance to brave the high seas together, our boats bashing into the wind and waves (because no matter which direction we are going, the wind is always on our nose). But seriously, I totally get it, and you are doing the right thing for all the right reasons. It must be totally sucky for Tammy, I know she wants to do all those things and all, but everything on a boat is ten times more difficult. Anyone that doubts that has never lived on a boat, it is the truth. Tammy deserves the best, and it will be a lot better for her to be on a stable platform, instead of a boat. I have a question though, can I have your sign that says "If The Boat Is Rockin', Don't Bother Knockin'!!""???
    Best of luck, you owe us a visit in the Keys anyhow!!!!!!!

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    1. Thanks Chris, and yeah, its kind of sad that we didn't get to sail together like Blackbeard and Captain Hook (couldn't think of another pirate) But we definitely do owe you a visit and hopefully we'll get to do that sooner than later. Or maybe, when you get your bad-ass little boat, we can come visit you and show you how to sail PAST Georgetown! We'll keep in touch and the sign was lost overboard because the boat was rockin' too much.

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  7. Kevin,
    All the best to you and your family, brother. Thank you for sharing your inspiring family adventure with us and inspiring me to accelerate my retirement cruising plan. You and Brian Troutman (SV Delos) are my re-engineering heroes when it comes to mechanical systems and seeing your boys involved in that endeavor is heartwarming. I know you've got some more great adventures ahead of you and I wish you and yours great joy in the undertaking.
    Stay well, Bro,
    Stu Moore

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  8. Sorry to hear you are stopping cruising, yours was one of the most interesting blog us arm-chair cruisers could read and view. Still completely understandable and you had a great adventure with new ones to come. Another cruiser who switched from boat to RV is Bumfuzzle and they continued the bog as just a new chapter in their lives.
    Look forward to more adventures
    Doug in VT

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  9. Thanks for every video, and thank you for sharing your life with us!!

    I agree, when you get rolling in an RV, show us what's up in the Land Yacht.

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  10. HI all, what a real shame. I enjoyed every video and have been looking forward to the next one more than the new season of Game of Thrones. I was inspired to the point of deciding to take sailing lessons this year and at some point charter a Cat and have a taste of the dream that you have enjoyed whilst owning Catchin Rays.

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  11. You forgot to mention how living with your Brother in Law for a few months, while on land, was the highlight of your year and couldn't wait to get back. Seriously though, sad that you are not continuing but when you get the motorhome we can do some traveling together.

    Brother in Law

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    1. That's funny brother-in-law...but actually not too far from the truth - and we've already thought about hooking up with you guys on some RV expeditions, that will for-sure happen in the not-to-distant future. Take care and we'll see you guys soon enough (at least for a little while anyway.)

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  12. Thank you for sharing these great adventures, it brought a lot of joy to me and I have been inspired by you all.

    Mario (Netherlands)

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  13. Thank you for sharing these adventures and for beeing a great inspiration to me and my girlfriend.
    We've realy enjoyed your video's and wish the best to you all.

    Greatings from the Netherlands

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  14. Hey buddy. Sorry to hear that, but you gotta do what you gotta do. And as you said, you have a great adventure in your memories. Sorry I haven't been keeping up with you guys like I should have, but marina WiFi and Youtube just don't get along very often. Wish we could have caught up someplace warm for sundowners...maybe something else will work out in the future.

    Take care and best of luck in whatever new adventures await you.
    -Mike
    ThisRatSailed

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  15. Wow. Hugely unexpected and I took it pretty hard. I was sad for hours while processing this news. I enjoyed watching and reading your blog and videos since day one. You and your family are such impressive people- I learned so much from you and the whole boating community was better for you being out there. I loved how you went to extra trouble to clean up the netting that hadn't even stuck to your anchor so others would be spared the trouble you had. You wisely planned the whole adventure and provided us with what you learned about the financing of it. Really good people and I'm sad to not have this blog in my life any longer. I know you and the family will continue to have great adventures and stories because your heart is in the right place and you are all just great explorers and doers. Kindest regards,

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  16. Sorry to read this.. But hey, you are in the 0.01% of people who will ever have an adventure like this. You can count yourselves in the "non excuse" group.

    I'm sad that we didn't get to meet as your site and conversations through Facebook were invaluable to me while I start my adventure. I look at the now empty spot at Robbies and can't help but picture your boat there.

    Fair winds or smooth roads my friend!

    P.S. I may still hit you up on Facebook for advice every now and again!

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  17. Its hard to process your post. Reading your blog and watching your videos really made me think that buying a boat and sailing all over the world was a realistic goal. Although i completely understand your reasons for selling the boat and not continuing on with your adventures It still sucks. Good luck and that thanks for the great videos!

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  18. Charles Reece/Ship HappensJanuary 21, 2016 at 8:31 AM

    Kevin, I was surprised as everyone to hear this. It seemed Tammy's foot was getting better. Sorry you are having to move in a different direction but the family is most important. I did want to thank you for your videos. We are from Houston and are planning to cruise full time when I retire in two years. My plans were to make it to Turks and Ciacos but your videos have inspired me to shoot for Grenada. I so want to dive the statues of the children. Sorry, we never got the chance to meet on the water but good luck in your travels and hope you do keep this blog open as I refer to it often. Tammy prayers for your continued healing and God bless you and your entire family Kevin.

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  19. Did your cat sell already? I don't see it listed on 123Hulls. Good luck to you and yours on the next chapter of life!

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    1. No, its not officially listed yet, but the broker is working on it as we speak. Hopefully within a week it will be live.

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  20. Dude - thanks for sharing a part of your life with us "yet-to-be" cruisers ... Godspeed in your paths of life.

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  21. Dude --- I read your full blog from the early days. Thanks for sharing a peek at a part of your life and adventures for us "future cruisers". Godspeed on your next path of life and those adventures that await ....

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  22. Thanks for sharing your journey. We couldn't believe what a brave and strong woman Tami was when she kept going. Good luck with the sale and in your knew adventures.

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    1. Thanks and your welcome - and yes, Tami is a trooper. Btw, we already sold the boat as the wire transfer was sent yesterday.

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  23. Well, luckily I got to binge watch your videos all at once as I am prepping our cruising days. I really enjoyed your videos and wish you well on your new adventure. We own a little beer joint on the East side of Ft Worth ... Anytime you're in town I would love to buy you a beer and pick your brain. Coincidentally, I lived in a condominium at runaway bay in 1997 for a bit. I hear they have burned down now. Anyhow, safe travels to you! www. Facebook.com/leftystx. www.facebook.com/ericentrekin

    -Eric Entrekin

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