We received a call from the marketing department at Leopard because they have been watching our videos and following our trip. After a phone interview they posted this story on their website. We look forward to meeting Katie and the marketing department from Leopard Catamarans at the Annapolis Sailboat Show this year.
Link to article
Julie and John Applegate
Lennie and Randy
John and I wanted to reach out and let you two know how much you have motivated us to get back on the cruising lifestyle. We have been waiting till our 10 year old gets to college but your one week month approach has us thinking that we could move up that timeline and follow your footsteps (John wrote you a quick note on Youtube). We love you vblog the best as you not only show us the positive side of the lifestyle but also the challenges and hurdles that need to be addressed. This honest and open “conversation” is exactly what is needed and makes me feel that this is more doable as you two have shown us where the mines are within that minefield (well at least some of them). John use to own a 46′ monohaul when he lived in Amsterdam (prior to me…) and is now excited about a cat. We are looking at the Leopard 48 so your series is perfect.
Have you watched the Chase the Story youtube series? It is another good one…within Tasha blog she posted a good article about the challenges of buying a new point and the potential “gotchas.” If you have not read it here is the link…http://turftosurf.com/5-lessons-in-outfitting-a-new-boat/
John and I would be curious about your opinions on your experience compared to theirs (Tasha and Ryan).
Again huge huge huge Thanks for all your efforts. You have also motivated me to start my own blog regarding my journey (body transformation, recovery and spiritual journey)….maybe in a few short years it will shift to our sailing journey like yours.
BTW – After watching your series we are now heading to Fort Myers to do the Offshore Sailing School 5 day class. John has his RYA Yachtmaster but I have nothing…so I will be starting from scratch and John will be right beside going over the basics with me. John’s view is that anytime on the water is fun and you can not review enough….
Julie and John Applegate
happytogether
Hi Julie,
Thanks for your post. I am thrilled to hear that our trip is motivating you. I watch a lot of sailing Vlogs and yes they are all different and have their own style and we are glad you like ours. I read the entire post from Cheeky Monkey about boat buying and there experience is common and their advise is excellent. THANK GOD we outfitted our boat in Florida where we spoke the language and had a fantastic outfitter. Although we were on the boat every day watching we did not have a bad install at all. Just Catamarans has done hundreds of leopards so they knew the boat and how to outfit it and where everything went. We still had one electrical gremlin that took 6 months to solve but that was it. Glad you are taking the sailing school. I have never done it and I don’t know what I don’t know. Although I have been sailing all my life:) Read my post on the once a month thing. It works well if you can swing it and once you get into the routine its no hard. Keep in touch and let us know how the sailing school and boat shopping goes. Randy & Lennie
Williamlype
I am so grateful for your forum.Really looking forward to read more. Much obliged. Faul
happytogether
Hi and thanks for reading! I really appreciate your comments and its very motivating. Randy