I’ve been called a Trust Fund baby. Multiple times. Because how else do we budget to travel full time? I laugh out loud each time it happens; because truly, nothing could be further from the actual truth. And guess what? Both Mark and I come from a very modest background. So how in the world did we just spend 3 years cruising around the Caribbean?! And more currently – how exactly are we managing to just buy a catamaran and go again?
The Simple Truth
We work. And I don’t just mean we have jobs. I mean we work our asses off. (Did you think there was short cut? A magic pill? Sorry folks.) But. The more specific answer? Real Estate. Real Estate is what got us out on the water – and the rental income kept us floating happily along. And now again we turn to real estate (AND jobs) to fund the next boat/adventures!
How about that Catamaran?
I’m not going to lie – selling Luna Sea 1 in 3 weeks was a very pleasant surprise. And the equity we had in the girl will contribute significantly toward Luna Sea 2. But we are looking at slightly newer catamarans and what we got for our 2002 Beneteau 393 is just not going to cover the bill.
So, if we were already out there, happliy bobbing in the ocean in a different boat – why are we back on land? Did we run out of money? Did we decide we don’t like each other after sharing 300 square feet for 6 years? Is there something sinister going on? These are legitimate questions that were asked when we hit the road for our 3 week summer road trip. (Because who doesn’t need a land vacation after returning from 3 years at sea?) Not gonna lie, people love drama. But the answer is really pretty boring. We missed our family and decided we ultimately wanted to try a larger, more comfortable boat. So while we headed back for some family time, we decided it was the perfect time to go for that larger boat we’ve been dreaming about!
Plenty of Time to Plan
While we were pretty sure we could (and did) get jobs, I make zero effort to hide the fact that offices make me anxious. I can’t see myself at a desk long term. So what kind of work makes me excited? How can I make money AND not go stir crazy? For me, the answer is remodeling a house. Or maybe even a couple of them. (Catamarans aren’t cheap!)
Sailing back to the States provided loads of hours to think about, research and discuss our options. We both had job offers pretty much as soon as we hit land. That’s a major benefit to returning to our home port. After living in Savannah for 20 years, we know a couple people.
The same week that we landed in Savannah, bought two cars and had an offer on Luna Sea 1 – we also found some friends who were selling their home in Pooler, Georgia. (Because they are smart and moved to the Virgin Islands!) So yes – within one week of returning to our home port, we had cars, jobs, sold the boat and made an offer on a house! No wonder we needed a vacation…
For the next few months to a year or so, my future involves lots of painting, cleaning, landscaping and general remodeling. Walls will change, floors will disappear and return, and havoc will probably reign. Between jobs, the remodel and Molly’s ever increasing need to be glued to our sides, we have a full plate. But that doesn’t stop the fun!
Upcoming Adventures
This isn’t our first rodeo. When it comes to setting a budget, finding a boat and leaving the States, having a plan is Step One. Staying motivated is the critical Step Two. So while our focus will be work and a remodel, trips are planned. Catamaran shopping has commenced. YouTube videos are creeping back into our lives. And seeing all of the adventures our boat friends are on keeps us going!
Annapolis Boat Show
Speaking of YouTube videos, if you have subscribed to our channel (Thanks!) then you already know we are getting back into our own video groove. Loads of footage rests on our hard drive – just waiting to be edited for your viewing! And with the Annapolis Boat Show coming up, we hope to give you a glimpse into our catamaran shopping as well. So hang in there with us – there is so much more to come! We are pretty excited to get back to Annapolis after our epic visit two years ago.
Back to Savannah
While, as usual, we aren’t sure what the future holds – and our plans change everyday – I am so ready to get my hands dirty and get to work on this house! I will be sure to share before and after pics – so stay tuned for remodel stuff, boat shopping, land trips and more! And if you’re passing through this area on your boat, let us know. We are open to sharing our land space, budget tips and boat stories 🙂
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HI, I sure enjoyed your visit !! THANKS for the HUGS 😉
Is that the house you are redoing?? Pretty house ! ! ! I’m so glad to be able to know you’re OK and moving right along. HUGS
Hi, I´m here just to say that you are damm right. Funding dreams needs hard work for people from modest background as you say. And it seems we share similar views on how to do it. Right now I am in the middle of buiding a house only to sell it later and buy a catamaran to live aboard. Cheers!
Congrats! Hopefully we will cross paths out there one day, when we each find our catamarans. 🙂
😳😂🤣 Funny…was this comment “trust fund baby” online or in person…. because I can just imagine the look on your face and I’d hate for them to miss it. 🤦🏼♀️
Both. And I’m sure YOU realize my face was not remotely veiled. One in person, the wife made the comment and didn’t notice my reaction – but the husband did, and instantly started stammering and back pedaling. But hey, we all sometimes forget to use our filters 🙂
Oh you guys…
It’s such a pity we didn’t get to actually meet while we were each passing by Puerto Rico (but on opposite sides)! =/
We can relate in almost every possible way, and there’s no doubt when we do finally get together there will be entire lifetimes to talk about! 😉
Our path has always been the same as what you describe above (living in the moment, listening to ourselves, making extreme change overnight, and as soon as we realize what it is we want next rolling up our sleeves and getting to work to make it happen)! Good for you guys!!
I’d love to say that reading this post has us ready to jump off the boat and start another remodel, but we’re still recovering from the last ones, so we’ll just have to live vicariously through yours for a little while.
That said… if you need someone who understands to lend an ear don’t hesitate to reach out.
If you need a few days on the water/off an island don’t hesitate to reach out.
In fact, if you need anything at all don’t hesitate to reach out.
You got this (but you already knew that)!!!
bryan+jen
Thanks guys, for the kind comments! And lookout, we may do some boat hopping next hurricane season… After we wrap up this remodel and knock out a few planned land adventures. And while we wait on our catamaran to present itself… Cheers!
Hey Guys… Congrats on all the happenings. Maybe we’ll see you at the Annapolis Show. Mel and I will be there. Best,
Chris
Hey Chris! Thanks for stopping by. We would love to meet up with you guys in Annapolis. We may head up a couple of days early. Let’s sort something out.