Here is a little about my life and an adventure I am beginning. I have been a water bug my entire life and love surfing, diving, kiting, everything to do with the ocean. About three or four years ago I became intrigued with the world of sailing and cruising. I began reading all about it and researching what type of boats are solid safe cruising sailboats. Last year I found an abandoned 26’ sailboat in a boat yard near my home on long island. Turns out the boat is a Victoria Frances 26. A small “pocket cruiser” designed by Chuck Payne to be a simple sturdy boat designed for ocean cruising. I bought the boat for $800.
Victoria Frances 26
I spent a year ripping off rotten decks and delaminated fiberglass then building the boat back up and outfitting her for ocean passages. I named her “Tula” which is “balance” in Sanskrit. I have been living on and sailing Tula since September and recently finished a solo shake down trip through New England visiting Montauk, Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, Newport, and Block Island.
Tula in Nantucket
It was an amazing feeling sailing my home wherever I wanted to go using the wind to move me. I got into some intense situations on this trip. Surfing down 6ft swells funneling through Vineyard Sound and a week later, staring at the Montauk lighthouse for 5 hours in snotty 5 ft. seas at night going 1.5 knots against the ripping current just to get to the harbor. I can’t remember the last time I cried out loud but I cried that night. I also pissed my pants. I couldn’t let go of the tiller long enough to get my oil slicks down in time. Oops. Needless to say I learned the hard way how important it is to study the currents and how much they can hurt or help you. I also learned what a 3’10” draft really means. It means you can’t go in water less than 3’11” or you get stuck. And getting unstuck is a pain in the ass! In three days I will be heading out the Fire Island Inlet to begin my journey south for the winter. I’m shooting for Florida, the Keys, or Bahamas to live and work until lifeguard season starts up again in the Northeast. I hope to continue learning and training as a waterman and hopefully find work that demands these skills from me. Follow me on my adventure and if you enjoy what I put out there I would be honored if you “like” and “share” my posts with your friends!
Great story Billy! Good luck on your journey! Ill be following!
Good luck, hope to see you next summer
Billy, I’ll be watching and reading the whole time. Keep on livin the dream…
Billy i am so happy for you that you got this going so fast. I wish you all the luck in the world. Fair winds and following seas. Maybe someday i’ll be sailing beside you.
You are an inspiration.
Good luck and be safe. Looking forward to living vicariously through your adventures.
Billy, thank you for sharing your experience w Tula. Henry and I just put our beloved dreamboat to rest for the winter and now we will be able to live on the water vicariously through your blog. Tula is such a perfect name for ur boat. Living in balance is my mantra for everyday, (maybe it’s because I’m a Libra) but with balance we’re able to reach our healthiest and highest potential.
I came to this understanding when my world was turned upside down w my cancer experience. It’s through crisis that we have to greatest opportunity to dive deep into our inner awareness to uncover what’s really important to us .I named the boat we had during this time,Gratitude. Living everyday w an open heart filled w love & gratitude & a mind/body in “homeostasis” (balance) is what gained from this life lesson. Together w Tula, you’ll discover the importance of focus, balance, relationships…the possibilities of illumination are endless. As a mother, I wish u smooth sailing with no drama; as a seeker, I wish you safe travels filled with peace, balance , clarity & love. Be well &
take care of each other, Dale
Thank you so much Dale! I have already learned a lot from Tula (the boat and the balance) and I am positive I will learn a lot more. Thank you for your kind words and support. I hope I can keep you guys entertained with my travels through the winter!
Inspiring. I’m the new owner of a 1973Contessa26, built in my home town, Toronto