I have been sailing nearly since I was born.And if I wasn’t sailing, I was swimming competitively. Towards the end of my high school years, I began racing sailboats with a friend of mine from Carlyle Lake. My passion for sailing, as well as the urge to be near the water, grew stronger. After completing two years of college in St.Louis, I transferred to SIU Carbondale where I lived on a houseboat instead of a dormitory. This gave me a chance to really learn what living aboard was all about. Through the constant break-downs, hauling water in the winter cold, tip-toeing over ice-covered docks, and other adventures, one could say I learned more at marinas than from college. Over the past few years I’ve gained a few friends; many of them being older than myself. Along with my actual uncles, these individuals were always there to lend me a hand when I needed it most. Whether it was working on boats, sitting back and talking boats on the water with a drink in hand and good music playing in the background, or making rounds up and down 30A, you could say that I’ve got a few uncles not unlike the one mentioned by Jimmy Buffet in the song that became my vessel’s namesake.
“Pascagoula Run” is a 1985 Dehler 31 sailboat. The plan is to restore/refit the vessel, work out all the kinks, and then head out on a walkabout. My first mate/girlfriend, Emily, is helping me to make this goal a reality. I am very lucky to have someone with as much patience and dedication as Emily. She truly is my best friend.
See You On the Water,
Joel, Emily, and the Pascagoula Run
Hey guys, glad I found this blog. I am in about exact same situation: old boat needs fixin, ready to go on the big adventure, girlfriend of 2 years my first mate 🙂
Looking forward to more posts!