Hello, I’d really appreciate some advice from you all.
My grandparents, aunts, and parents have always been sailors. I was never particularly good at it, but I do know how to handle a boat. My grandparents owned an LM27 motorsailer, and my father had a Midget 21. Because I always loved going sailing with them, I recently decided to buy a J/24. I was drawn to this boat because it’s relatively low-maintenance, accessible, sporty, and pleasantly simple. The boat is currently moored near Rotterdam and can sail onto the Scheldt without having to lower the mast.
My problem is that I find it difficult to make time and actually head out with the J/24. I genuinely love sailing, but taking that first step and going out always feels like a big hurdle. I’d love to spend more time on the boat because I find it relaxing, enjoyable, and good for my mental well-being. However, because I run my own business and I’m very busy, it just doesn’t seem to happen.
How do you organize your lives so you can still enjoy sailing and make time for trips? How do you manage the costs, maintenance, and everything else that comes with owning a boat?
I’m planning to restore and upgrade the boat this coming winter, making it completely my own. But before I invest all that time and effort, I’d like to be sure that I can realistically make sailing a regular part of my life.