EP-153 From Landlocked to the Bahamas: Robert Sweet’s Sailing Journey Part 1

In this episode of Sailing and Cruising the East Coast of the United States, Bela Musits and co-host Mike Wasserman welcome special guest Robert Sweet — a sailor with an unconventional beginning. Unlike many lifelong sailors, Robert lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, far from the ocean. Yet his passion for sailing grew steadily, from childhood outings on a 19-foot O’Day Day Sailer to charting trips in the Virgin Islands. Bela and Robert dive into the unique challenges and rewards of becoming a boat owner later in life. Robert shares how he and his wife — both in their 60s — transitioned from occasional day sails on vacation to seriously planning for boat ownership. Their journey began with modest sailing experiences: a Sunfish on Long Island waters, renting Hobie Cats on holiday, and the occasional skippered day sail to a coral reef. Over decades, the idea of owning a boat evolved from a casual dream into a concrete goal. To prepare, Robert and his wife booked progressively more immersive sailing experiences. They spent a night aboard a sailboat on Puget Sound, completed ASA 101 and 103 courses in San Diego, and tested overnight stays in various harbors. Each step helped fill gaps in their knowledge — for Robert, understanding onboard systems; for his wife, learning sailing basics and boat handling. The couple planned two key charters to shape their buying decisions: a three-day trip in the Florida Keys aboard a heavy, blue-water center-cockpit boat, and a week in the Virgin Islands on a modern production cruiser — a Jeanneau Sun Odyssey. Their goal was to compare styles, comfort, and performance before committing to a purchase. But as often happens, life intervened. The Florida Keys trip was postponed three times — first by Robert’s mountain biking injury, then by his wife’s back surgery, and finally by scheduling changes. Eventually, they made the Keys trip in December, followed by the Virgin Islands charter over Easter. During the downtime, Robert immersed himself in research — online articles, boat buying guides, and, crucially, sailing podcasts. He discovered Bela’s show and was struck by the host’s perspective as an “older buyer.” Unlike the typical narrative of a 30-year-old dropping everything to sail away, Bela’s discussions addressed the practical realities of starting serious sailing later in life: ergonomics, safety, injury prevention, and choosing a boat suited to physical comfort. Robert emphasizes that boat accessibility is a real concern. Newer boats often have higher freeboards, making boarding a challenge — especially for shorter crew members. Testing boarding methods became part of their evaluation process when visiting marinas and inspecting potential boats. The conversation also touches on sailing in less obvious locations. While living in upstate New York, Bela explored Lake Champlain — a large, beautiful sailing area with many French-built boats. This sparked discussion about how different sailing environments influence boat choice, from inland waters to ocean-ready cruisers. Robert’s story is a reminder that you don’t have to grow up near the sea to become a competent and passionate sailor. His methodical approach — gaining experience in varied conditions, learning boat systems, and realistically assessing personal capabilities — offers valuable lessons for anyone considering buying a boat later in life. Key Topics Covered in This Episode: Growing up sailing small boats and rediscovering the sport decades later Transitioning from day sails to overnight trips and multi-day charters Taking ASA sailing courses to build confidence and competence Comparing blue-water cruisers vs. modern production boats Overcoming physical and logistical challenges as older sailors How to evaluate boarding ease, cockpit layout, and overall ergonomics The importance of testing boats in different sailing locations and conditions Balancing the dream of sailing with realistic preparation and safety Whether you’re an experienced sailor, a dreamer still waiting to cast off, or someone returning to sailing after many years, Robert’s journey proves that passion and persistence can bridge the gap between landlocked life and cruising the Bahamas. About the Podcast: Hosted by Bela Musits and Mike Wasserman, Sailing and Cruising the East Coast of the United States explores the people, boats, and adventures that make sailing such a rich and rewarding lifestyle. From coastal hops to blue-water crossings, and from first-time boat buyers to seasoned cruisers, each episode offers stories, advice, and inspiration for sailors at every stage of their journey.