Cruising the Bahamas on Bumfuzzle: The Schulte Family Stays on the Move
By Peter A. Janssen
Pat Schulte says that he and his wife Ali are “not ones to settle down.” That’s a considerable understatement. In fact, ever since they quit their jobs in Chicago in 2003, they’ve been on the move, sailing around the world, driving from Alaska to Argentina, and now cruising the Bahamas on their 1986 Grand Banks 42 Bumfuzzle with their two children. And loving every minute of it.
While he was still in college in Chicago, Schulte started working in the commodities pit as trader. He did well, and saved his money. By the time he was in his mid-20s, he and Ali were married and decided they wanted a change of scene. They bought a 34-foot Wildcat and sailed around the world, even though they had no blue-water experience.
When they got back home, they raced a 1965 Porsche across the country, and then bought a 1958 VW Bus and drove from Alaska to Argentina (and eventually shipped it to Europe for more adventures.) Their children, Ouest and Lowe, were born in Mexico, where they spent a lot of time sailing on their 43-foot Spindrift monohull. Back on land, the Schultes first bought a 1966 Dodge Travco motorhome for traveling around the U.S., and then moved up to a 1968 International Travelall to tow a 1966, 22-foot Airstream.
They supported themselves through Schulte’s financial writing and mentoring. Six years ago, he wrote a book, Live on the Margin, with Nick O’Kelley, from Two Old Goats Publishing ($24.95 on Amazon). More recently he set up Wanderer Financial, and emails a commodities trading newsletter every Sunday night to his subscribers.
Last summer the Schultes sold the Airstream in Texas and bought the Grand Banks in Jacksonville. Just before Christmas they headed south and then over to the Bahamas, to Bimini, Chub Cay and Highbourne Cay, where he just wrote on his blog that there’s “incredible clear water, a beautiful beach and nothing else.” They love the boat, and the kids spend time exploring, diving, and playing on the beaches. For now, they plan to keep cruising in the Bahamas. One thing for certain is that the Schultes are not going to sit still. Read more: http://bumfuzzle.com
