[C320-list] Where should we move to?

[Allan Field]

Jeff - I am not sure that cruising grounds anywhere in the US are quite as
rich and varied as the Chesapeake Bay.  For example, I have been sailing out
of Herrington Harbour South for the past 20 years and there are still
numerous places to drop the hook for an overnighter that I have not yet seen
but still are on the list.  And if you have 2 weeks, there are no limits to
what you can do and where you can go.  We have gone north to Georgetown on
the Sassafras River, just south of the C&D Canal, and south as far as
Norfolk and a lot, but not all, in between.  Folks on our dock constantly
talk about where they are going to move the boat to and live when they
retire.  Linda and I are so grateful to already be there!

We put heat and A/C on Sea Shadow so start sailing just about the last week
of March and sail until the first week of December routinely.  This past
winter was a gift as the boat stayed in the water and I was able to sail in
January.

As for places to live, I would suggest coming down and exploring both the
eastern and western shores of the Bay.  We don't intend to ever leave
Columbia but there are so many tempting places... - Allan  

-----Original Message-----
From: c320-list-bounces at catalina320.com
[mailto:c320-list-bounces at catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Jeffrey Hare
Sent: Thursday, May 03, 2007 11:05 PM
To: 'C320-List'
Subject: [C320-list] Where should we move to?

Hi All,

   Shelly and I are Looking for some opinions, and I was told this list is
likely to harbor it's share. :)

We currently keep our boat in Newburyport, MA. (USA).

My wife says she's tired of only being able to sail 4-5 mos out of the year.
I have the assignment of finding new cruising grounds and the timeframe is,
and I quote:  "I'll put a sign on the house today if we find somewhere we
want to be instead"

Here is the situation/criteria:  (no particular order)

1) We're spoiled by the seemingly endless sailing destinations of the New
England Coast, so we need many interesting destinations that can be reached
in the 2-10 day trip variety.
2) We're not retired yet, (and far from wealthy), so we have to work.  She's
a pharmacist, I'm an software engineer/electrical engineer.
3) We have two young rugrats (who also like to sail).
4) We need to have a sailing season that is longer than what we currently
have.
5) Lively nightlife, regional culture, low crime rate, etc is also
important.
6) Must have decent quality public Schools.
7) Housing / cost of living should be comparable or less.
8) Even though my wife suggests it from time to time, I'm not ready for a
liveaboard.  (No place for the woodshop).. ;)

We did consider taking a year or two to just go cruise, but we waited too
long, and now Amanda's in school.

So...

We're currently looking along the eastern seaboard around the Delaware,
Virginia, the Carolinas, Georgia.  We're not crazy about being Hurricane
Bait, but would consider the Gulf of Mexico or Florida if it's appealing in
enough other ways.

Without getting into any wars about has the best sailing 'turf', what do
people think of their own cruising grounds?
Pros/cons?  

Thanks, as always!
-Jeff Hare


PS:  Orlando, are you coming to the East Coast this summer?