The question about switching to power boats at a "certain age" got me wondering. How old are the oldest sailors? I bet there are lots of people who are still sailing in their 90's. Please write in and tell us that age is not a factor. Show us that sailing keeps you young. So my question is, not what boat would you switch to, but how old doyou have to be.
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100 years - then if it don't work out
just thought of that song == Tell me you love me for 100 years, then if it don't work out -
just thought of that song == Tell me you love me for 100 years, then if it don't work out -
Not about age
Morning Sandy My opinion is that is not so much about age, it's physical condition. When I can no longer scurry around the deck, handling lines, and sailing tasks in general without endangering myself or those with me, I'll give it up. I don't intend to let ego get in the way and cause me to hurt myself, others, or have other boaters talking about me as old fool who is dangerous and should stay on shore. The time hasn't come as yet and I haven't had to make the decision as to staying under sail or going "gasp!!" to power. I intend to stay under sail as long as I'm capable, capable being the key word here.
Maybe, I'll just fade off on the horizon!
Morning Sandy My opinion is that is not so much about age, it's physical condition. When I can no longer scurry around the deck, handling lines, and sailing tasks in general without endangering myself or those with me, I'll give it up. I don't intend to let ego get in the way and cause me to hurt myself, others, or have other boaters talking about me as old fool who is dangerous and should stay on shore. The time hasn't come as yet and I haven't had to make the decision as to staying under sail or going "gasp!!" to power. I intend to stay under sail as long as I'm capable, capable being the key word here.
Maybe, I'll just fade off on the horizon!Stretch your sailing years
The number of sailing years you have left will be determined by your physical fitness. I had a personal life changing event six months ago after a visit to my Doctor. Informed that I was overweight, borderline diabetic and had borderline high BP, and what those conditions meant long term, really started a thought process. What would life be like if I could no longer do all of the active outdoor things I love; sailing, mountain biking, hiking, yard work? I just could not imagine not doing them. So, I signed up for a program to lose weight, learn proper eating, portion control, excercise etc. With no meds, all of my stats are returning to the green zone and I have lost 25 pounds. At 64, I plan to sail and bike many more years.
The number of sailing years you have left will be determined by your physical fitness. I had a personal life changing event six months ago after a visit to my Doctor. Informed that I was overweight, borderline diabetic and had borderline high BP, and what those conditions meant long term, really started a thought process. What would life be like if I could no longer do all of the active outdoor things I love; sailing, mountain biking, hiking, yard work? I just could not imagine not doing them. So, I signed up for a program to lose weight, learn proper eating, portion control, excercise etc. With no meds, all of my stats are returning to the green zone and I have lost 25 pounds. At 64, I plan to sail and bike many more years.
Met a couple in their 70's
They had sailed around the world and sold their boat. After a while they missed the boat and bought another. The last I talked to them they were getting ready to cross the gulf of Mexico in January 2004. Mobile to Isla Mujeres. But fitness must be more important than age. But it also depends upon your definition of sailing. Is sailing blue water cruising or daysailing in summer around the lake??? As to age I was catching my breath as we were hiking to Rainbow Falls in the Great Smoky Mountains a group was passing us and I started talking to a healthy man in his 60's??? After a few minutes he announced that he and his friends were celebrating his 80th birthday by hiking to the top of Mount LeConte!!!! My Mom is 81 and can't even walk around Wal-mart. Tom
They had sailed around the world and sold their boat. After a while they missed the boat and bought another. The last I talked to them they were getting ready to cross the gulf of Mexico in January 2004. Mobile to Isla Mujeres. But fitness must be more important than age. But it also depends upon your definition of sailing. Is sailing blue water cruising or daysailing in summer around the lake??? As to age I was catching my breath as we were hiking to Rainbow Falls in the Great Smoky Mountains a group was passing us and I started talking to a healthy man in his 60's??? After a few minutes he announced that he and his friends were celebrating his 80th birthday by hiking to the top of Mount LeConte!!!! My Mom is 81 and can't even walk around Wal-mart. Tom
Here's My "Plan"
Don't know if it will work, but here's what I "plan" on doing. Fixing up both my boats to the point where just about anyone would be proud to own them. Sail them both until I begin to feel I can no longer handle them. Then begin "shopping" for new owners (might be one of my sons-in-law, since I have all daughters, but the one married daughter's husband hasn't expressed an interest yet). When I find the appropriate new owner(s), I'll approach them and offer them co-ownership in the boat, in exchange for lifetime crewing. That way, I get to sail, still "command my ships", and know they will be cared for when I give it up completely.
Don't know if it will work, but here's what I "plan" on doing. Fixing up both my boats to the point where just about anyone would be proud to own them. Sail them both until I begin to feel I can no longer handle them. Then begin "shopping" for new owners (might be one of my sons-in-law, since I have all daughters, but the one married daughter's husband hasn't expressed an interest yet). When I find the appropriate new owner(s), I'll approach them and offer them co-ownership in the boat, in exchange for lifetime crewing. That way, I get to sail, still "command my ships", and know they will be cared for when I give it up completely.
It Does Get Tough
Back in 1983, I quit my job, sold our house, took a three year old child and fulfilled a dream of sailing, living aboard and cruising coastal USA. We were on the water for close to three years before we went back to land, BUT, you cannot imagine the number of older folks we met who were fulfilling their retirement dreams of cruising on their sailboats. We (in our 30's) were rather unique, but I must say, that many wonderful couples we met, although in love with sailing, did complain of the added efforts it took to manage the lines and navigate narrow decks. I never heard a negative thing about their sailboats, only the work. On the other hand we came across many power boat cruisers (mostly trawlers and big yachts) who seemed to be just as happy to be on the water. I believe that if one desires to liveaboard and cruise, let alone sail on the weekends, that attitude has more bearing then physical ability. I observed these senior citizens, (of which I am one today), on their vessels in all kinds of conditions and was impressed with their team work, docking in bad conditions, how they kept their vessels so shipshape and their dedication to their passion. To hell with age! I will give it up, "When they pry my cold dead hands from the LINE". Bob Catalina 30
Back in 1983, I quit my job, sold our house, took a three year old child and fulfilled a dream of sailing, living aboard and cruising coastal USA. We were on the water for close to three years before we went back to land, BUT, you cannot imagine the number of older folks we met who were fulfilling their retirement dreams of cruising on their sailboats. We (in our 30's) were rather unique, but I must say, that many wonderful couples we met, although in love with sailing, did complain of the added efforts it took to manage the lines and navigate narrow decks. I never heard a negative thing about their sailboats, only the work. On the other hand we came across many power boat cruisers (mostly trawlers and big yachts) who seemed to be just as happy to be on the water. I believe that if one desires to liveaboard and cruise, let alone sail on the weekends, that attitude has more bearing then physical ability. I observed these senior citizens, (of which I am one today), on their vessels in all kinds of conditions and was impressed with their team work, docking in bad conditions, how they kept their vessels so shipshape and their dedication to their passion. To hell with age! I will give it up, "When they pry my cold dead hands from the LINE". Bob Catalina 30
been thinking about it
I turn 56 this month, and am beginning to make retirement plans, and I've really been thinking about sailing into old age. Talking with the older guys around the marina, they say agility and balance are the big issues. You can rig to overcome loss of strength, but getting around the boat safely is another issue. One of the ladies who works for me is a licensed personal trainer on the side, and she advises when a person reaches their mid 40's, the body begins to want to accept a smaller range of motion, and that in the absence of stretching will become more and more restricted. So belatedly, I have begun a stretching routine every day. I'd like to agree with Bob about prying my hands off the line on the way to the mortician, but reality is that J.B. is right ... when the capability goes, so does the boat. I hope to be able to sail Kentucky Lake on some kind of boat well into my '70's. Tom Monroe Carlyle Lake
I turn 56 this month, and am beginning to make retirement plans, and I've really been thinking about sailing into old age. Talking with the older guys around the marina, they say agility and balance are the big issues. You can rig to overcome loss of strength, but getting around the boat safely is another issue. One of the ladies who works for me is a licensed personal trainer on the side, and she advises when a person reaches their mid 40's, the body begins to want to accept a smaller range of motion, and that in the absence of stretching will become more and more restricted. So belatedly, I have begun a stretching routine every day. I'd like to agree with Bob about prying my hands off the line on the way to the mortician, but reality is that J.B. is right ... when the capability goes, so does the boat. I hope to be able to sail Kentucky Lake on some kind of boat well into my '70's. Tom Monroe Carlyle Lake
It's all about attitude...
There is a delightful story in one of my sailing books about a group of cruising types in the south seas at one of the islands that the rest of us dream about. The hurricane season was approaching and the group talked about where to sit out the coming storms. All the cruisers agreed that New Zealand would be a nice change of pace and quite protected. So one by one the cruising sailboats left heading for the south. Within two weeks they had all left their anchorage. The first cruises when they were about half way became ensconced with a major storm--high winds, heavy seas, the whole works. They finally limp into New Zealand with broken gear and tired bodies. As each boat appeared each looked worst than the last and had stories about the storms they hit along the way. Among the cruisers was an elderly couple from Britan with an older sailboat. The cruising people started looking for it and wondering if everything was going all right for them Two weeks went by and no elderly couple. People talked about maybe contacting the authities about sending out a search plane. The discussion continued and while they were debating the pros and cons, here came the little boat from England in great shape. The couple were looking good, much better than the rest had looked with they arrived. "Where have you been?" "Did you hit the storms?" Well, yes, we did but we just kept to our routine. If the storms were too bad, we just lowered our sails and went below and read. Every afternoon we would also drop our sails and have tea. You can't be British without having tea. Then we would read or talk and then go to bed. In the morning, we'd raise sails and continue on our way." I've always liked this story and it pointed out the error of my ways. Take my time and enjoy the view--it's my attitude and it's a sailboat. Les (now an elderly cruiser)
There is a delightful story in one of my sailing books about a group of cruising types in the south seas at one of the islands that the rest of us dream about. The hurricane season was approaching and the group talked about where to sit out the coming storms. All the cruisers agreed that New Zealand would be a nice change of pace and quite protected. So one by one the cruising sailboats left heading for the south. Within two weeks they had all left their anchorage. The first cruises when they were about half way became ensconced with a major storm--high winds, heavy seas, the whole works. They finally limp into New Zealand with broken gear and tired bodies. As each boat appeared each looked worst than the last and had stories about the storms they hit along the way. Among the cruisers was an elderly couple from Britan with an older sailboat. The cruising people started looking for it and wondering if everything was going all right for them Two weeks went by and no elderly couple. People talked about maybe contacting the authities about sending out a search plane. The discussion continued and while they were debating the pros and cons, here came the little boat from England in great shape. The couple were looking good, much better than the rest had looked with they arrived. "Where have you been?" "Did you hit the storms?" Well, yes, we did but we just kept to our routine. If the storms were too bad, we just lowered our sails and went below and read. Every afternoon we would also drop our sails and have tea. You can't be British without having tea. Then we would read or talk and then go to bed. In the morning, we'd raise sails and continue on our way." I've always liked this story and it pointed out the error of my ways. Take my time and enjoy the view--it's my attitude and it's a sailboat. Les (now an elderly cruiser)
Further thoughts on aging and sailing!
Something to think about, I dont remember the year, but I believe it was Sir Cinchester (not sure of spelling his name correctly), who took the Gypsy Moth IV around the world solo and he was between 75 and 80! He went around the tip of Africa too, very rough waters!
Something to think about, I dont remember the year, but I believe it was Sir Cinchester (not sure of spelling his name correctly), who took the Gypsy Moth IV around the world solo and he was between 75 and 80! He went around the tip of Africa too, very rough waters!
Dad is 82
And he still enjoys an active role on our summer cruises. The only issue now is that he is not quite as nimble, and he can't pick out a buoy in the haze the way he used to. My wife is a gerontologist and she cites the great body of research that says, "Use it or lose it!" David Lady Lillie
And he still enjoys an active role on our summer cruises. The only issue now is that he is not quite as nimble, and he can't pick out a buoy in the haze the way he used to. My wife is a gerontologist and she cites the great body of research that says, "Use it or lose it!" David Lady Lillie
Further corrections!
Further corrections concerning Sir Francis Chichester! Sorry about that! He was 68 when he made his solo circumnavigation of the world! He was 68 and still going strong! I had to correct the history around the man. I hadnt looked up the info in quite awhile, so you know how memory can sometimes get foggy, and not due to age!!!!!!!!!!! thanks Dennis
Further corrections concerning Sir Francis Chichester! Sorry about that! He was 68 when he made his solo circumnavigation of the world! He was 68 and still going strong! I had to correct the history around the man. I hadnt looked up the info in quite awhile, so you know how memory can sometimes get foggy, and not due to age!!!!!!!!!!! thanks Dennis
Mom and Dad
I was talking on the phone to my 80 year old mother the other. She uses a walker and is in a lot of pain. She has a shoebox full of medicine bottles. She was complaining about my father who was asleep on the sofa.. He had just finished earning $60.00 by cleaning 3 driveways with his snow blower! He'll be 88 in May.... Everyone is different!
I was talking on the phone to my 80 year old mother the other. She uses a walker and is in a lot of pain. She has a shoebox full of medicine bottles. She was complaining about my father who was asleep on the sofa.. He had just finished earning $60.00 by cleaning 3 driveways with his snow blower! He'll be 88 in May.... Everyone is different!
When I feel as old as I look.
I'm only 49 and started going grey in my twenties. Whenever I look in a mirror I'm still surprised to see a guy with grey hair looking back. I don't ever plan on feeling as old as I look. Why give up? One of our warships took a bunch of WW2 vets to sea in 1995. Many were in wheelchairs that were secured to the flight deck netting. The ship did a hard roll and the old vets got sprayed with the first greenie many had tasted in 50 years. They all wanted to be untied and moved to the other side before the ship turned back, so they could taste another wave... They never gave up. This link is to the oldest solo-circumnavigator.
I'm only 49 and started going grey in my twenties. Whenever I look in a mirror I'm still surprised to see a guy with grey hair looking back. I don't ever plan on feeling as old as I look. Why give up? One of our warships took a bunch of WW2 vets to sea in 1995. Many were in wheelchairs that were secured to the flight deck netting. The ship did a hard roll and the old vets got sprayed with the first greenie many had tasted in 50 years. They all wanted to be untied and moved to the other side before the ship turned back, so they could taste another wave... They never gave up. This link is to the oldest solo-circumnavigator.
54 and going strong
I believe that you don't stop playing because you get old, you get old because you stop playing. At 54, i still play ice hockey 3 mornings a week with guys in their 30's. Like other said earlier, use it or lose it... Joe
I believe that you don't stop playing because you get old, you get old because you stop playing. At 54, i still play ice hockey 3 mornings a week with guys in their 30's. Like other said earlier, use it or lose it...
Joejust started sailing
This is great to hear, I was in my mid fifties when a dear friend of mine convinced me of the benefits of sailing over power boating. I am now 63, try to keep in shape and hope this year to do some cruising on the great lakes. Just decided to do work at my pace and take the time to sail when the weather permits (Winter is upon us).
This is great to hear, I was in my mid fifties when a dear friend of mine convinced me of the benefits of sailing over power boating. I am now 63, try to keep in shape and hope this year to do some cruising on the great lakes. Just decided to do work at my pace and take the time to sail when the weather permits (Winter is upon us).
Sailing Keeps You Young an other thoughts
I sail with my family but also with my father and Uncle in their mid 70's. Their less mobile and need assistance to get on board. Once on board though, their as sharp as a tack! My father, in particular is still out-manuvering me in strategies for races. Seems that the one thing that older folks have is wisdom that us youngens (I'm 44) are still learning even after 30 odd years of sailing. My father frequently crews for a sailor with a 30 footer who is 84! It also seems that taking care of your self by eating right, exercise and regular stretching also helps preserve our vital capacity as we age. I for one am tring to do the "maintainance" items (the above practices) as I age! /Chuck S/V Windsongs H23
I sail with my family but also with my father and Uncle in their mid 70's. Their less mobile and need assistance to get on board. Once on board though, their as sharp as a tack! My father, in particular is still out-manuvering me in strategies for races. Seems that the one thing that older folks have is wisdom that us youngens (I'm 44) are still learning even after 30 odd years of sailing. My father frequently crews for a sailor with a 30 footer who is 84! It also seems that taking care of your self by eating right, exercise and regular stretching also helps preserve our vital capacity as we age. I for one am tring to do the "maintainance" items (the above practices) as I age! /Chuck S/V Windsongs H23
Another 70 Years!
Well, at 65yrs of age, I often feel about a 100 when I get up in the morning and the arthritus is working overtime. After breakfast and brisk walk I feel almost 80. After a light lunch and a check of the boat systems I'm feelin pretty good for 65. By the time I turn on the engine and cast off I'm lookin' for the nearest virgin. When I'm at hull speed and tweekin' the sails, I'm feelin' about 30. Let me see... 100-30 =70. Yep! 70 more years is about right! Jon McClain
Well, at 65yrs of age, I often feel about a 100 when I get up in the morning and the arthritus is working overtime. After breakfast and brisk walk I feel almost 80. After a light lunch and a check of the boat systems I'm feelin pretty good for 65. By the time I turn on the engine and cast off I'm lookin' for the nearest virgin. When I'm at hull speed and tweekin' the sails, I'm feelin' about 30. Let me see... 100-30 =70. Yep! 70 more years is about right! Jon McClain
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