April 1999

This FAQ is a result of the many questions we've gotten from family, friends, and co-workers:

I heard you're leaving. What are you doing?

We are taking about a year off of work to travel by sailboat. As many of you know, we love to sail, meet new people, and explore strange new worlds. Oh, pardon me, that sounds like Star Trek. We are really hoping to have some adventure and become more interesting people in the process. Being very interested in the natural world both above and below the water, sailing becomes a great way to travel. And traveling this way is doable for a couple.

Are you crazy?

Maybe a little! No actually, we have been planning this for about 18 months and talking about it for much longer. We have friends that are making their way to South America right now. We've also met and talked with many others who have done this as well. And to a person, we've never heard anyone say they were sorry for it.

Where are you going?

Our intended destinations include New England this summer and the Bahamas next winter. However, on a sailboat, your realize two things: you don't get anywhere very fast and the wind often blows from where you want to go! So we are somewhat limited as to how far we can go in only a year and we may have to adust our plans along the way.

How can you afford to do this?

We're DINKS (double income, no kids), we sold our house, saved a lot, and it can be very cheap to travel by boat. We expect to spend no more than $2,000 per month total. And actually, our biggest expenses will be land based. In order, our largest expenses will be our mortgage payment on the boat, health insurance, storage expense, boat insurance, then food, living expenses and boat maintenance.

What will you be doing while on the boat?

We will probably be underway about three days out of every week. While underway, we'll obviously be busy sailing and navigating. When we stop, we'll have all the usual life chores of cleaning, grocery shopping, laundry and maintaining the boat, all of which take three times as long as on shore. We'll certainly make time to explore the new places we visit. I (Jim) want to do some writing and learn to speak Spanish.

What kind of boat?

We have a 34 foot long sloop rigged sailboat named 'Watermark'. Inside the boat are several sleeping quarters called berths; a kitchen also known as a galley; a bathroom with shower which on a boat is called a head; a fold down dinning table and a navigation station which also doubles a desk. The boat has an auxiliary engine for when there is no wind and an anchor for when there is too much. We carry enough water (76 gallons), used very conservatively, to last about a ten days and enough fuel (30 gallons) to motor about 400 miles. Getting back and forth to shore is via our 8 foot inflatable dinghy called 'Waterspot'. There is no TV but plenty of books, CD's and a laptop computer for communication, business and entertainment. The engine charges our batteries from which we power our lights, navigation instruments, fans and computer.

How long are you going for?

We anticipate being away for only about one year. We both have family and many friends in the Maryland area that we will miss very much and I not sure if we could stand to be away for much longer. Also, our inherent need to be productive would preclude whiling life away on a tropical island.

Are you going around the world?

Sadly no. The world is so big and our boat so small. Besides, it would take much longer to plan a voyage of that type and we would be away for very much longer. Most people undertaking an around the world sailing endeavor usually commit a minimum of three years and most a more leisurely five years.

Will you stay in hotels?

Only if the boat sinks! Our boat, while small, has comfortable sleeping quarters. We have spent many nights sleeping aboard over the past 6 summers. No air conditioning, but it's usually cooler on the water and there's usually a breeze. And besides, we really don't like those little mints on the pillow that much anyway!

Where will you cook and eat?

Our boat has a small kitchen called a galley. Amenities include a two burner stove, a pint sized oven, hot and cold running water and an engine driven refrigeration system to keep cold foods cold, but no freezer. The icebox has the capacity of about one shelf in a normal refrigerator. No microwave, no dishwasher. And food storage is always limited so one has to be selective on what to take. Many sailors also love to grill but we prefer fresh breads, fruits and vegetables.

Why now?

Why not now?

Who are you going with?

Besides Joyce and I, we are taking our two felines, Apollo and Atlas. Our 4 year old indoor cats have not been sailing so we have no idea how they will adapt. Should be interesting to find out.

Are you going with other boats or friends?

While we do know of others who will be out there at the same time, it's neither probable or desirable to travel with the same crowd for very long. Sailors tend to move at different speeds, at different times, and with different interests and aversions. We prefer to go when there is wind and wait out calm periods. While is always nice to see a familiar face, much of the fun is in meeting new folks, hearing their stories both small and tall. Hopefully some our family and friends will meet up with us along the way.

Can I contact you while you are away?

Yes, please do so. We have an email account that we hope to check regularly at jbbolton@yahoo.com. We've also set up this web site in which we'll keep our written and photographic journal. Check in often to see how our cats are adjusting!

Are you just quitting your job?

Jim is taking a leave of absence, but Joyce was unable to as her position was a contractual position that was renewed annually.

Are you scared?

Yes, but what major life change isn't?

What do your family and friends think?

After the initial shock, they have been incredibly supportive. Some are involved by taking care of our mail, handling our bills, and storing our more precious possessions.

What are you doing with your house?

We decided to sell our house last year in anticipation of this voyage so it wouldn't delay our plans once we were ready to leave and also to save money. We were ready for a change anyway after living in our house for 10 years, and it happened to coincide nicely with our grander plans.

What are you doing with your stuff?

Photo albums, clothes and the few things we really don't want damaged are going to relatives. Some stuff that we no longer want or need got sold. The rest we are storing with a moving and storage company.

What will you use for transportation besides your boat?

Mostly, we will be relying on walking where we can or taking public transportation, or renting bikes.

How much does it cost?

As much or as little as you want. It's a matter of choices and priorities. The costs greatly increase if we decide to dock our boat at marinas and eat out often, or can be pretty low if we anchor out and eat meals aboard.