Audio slide show | Small boat, unknown destination
Oct 12 2009 in Boats by Marty McOmber
A boat’s size matters less than where it takes you and what it inspires. For writer and journalist Dan Richman, sailing is more than a hobby. It’s a passion that he came to later in life, but with all the zeal of a newfound love.
In this audio slideshow — the latest in an occasional series by Three Sheets Northwest exploring the relationships between boats and the people who sail them — we find out that some journeys have an unknown destination.
After working all winter on restoring a lovely Montgomery 17, kept at the Shoreline house where he lives with his wife, Richman found himself with more time on his hands than he expected this summer. A longtime journalist at the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, Richman lost his job when the newspaper folded its print edition earlier this year. But the joys of summer sailing have given way to the anxieties of finding his next career stop, raising the question of just how sailing will fit into his new life.
I love your story and I feel and understand all your challenges, passions and questions. I have always dreamed of sailing and living on a boat and traveling the world. Hearing and seeing your slide show reminded me it’s possible. Thank you. Follow the winds and the water. You’ll find your place.
Great story and I loved the photos!
Marty,
Five years ago, I decided to combine my passion for filmmaking with my passion for sailing. It can be done! You just need to make some adjustments in priorities. Your stills and narrative are great story. Would love to see you shoot some video. We should talk.
Thanks Tory. I’m a big fan of following your passion, too. Thus Three Sheets Northwest. We appreciate the kind words. Moving from being a writer to doing photography and audio is a great deal of challenging fun. Video is up next, so stay tuned. We’d love to talk more about it.
Keep sailing gets my vote!
I’m 57 myself and not long ago faced the same situation you’re in. To make matters worse I’m a newly wed.
I’m the luckiest man in the world. My wife shares my passion for sailing and about two years ago we made the decision to become full time cruisers. Since that day all my efforts have been towards that goal.
I’m a freelance writer. One of the jobs I contracted for was as a marina reviewer for an annual publication. I also write articles for several yachting magazines.
This is a kind of Field of Dreams answer or suggestion, but … if you build it, they WILL come. There’s no reason you can’t make career and passion for sailing companions in life instead of having to choose one over the other. It just takes determination.
Go for it!!
George Boase
WOW
Sailing, sailing, over the bounding maine.
You had a good time, and now we’re glad
You’re home again.
Love, Meludin & Alex
Nice story, D. Liked the part about serial passions. You’ll find a way….
xoxo
nice article! GREAT boat! even has the motor on the ‘correct’ starboard side
dave scobie,
M17 #375 – SWEET PEA,
kent, WA
Good luck finding another career
Eldor