This is a great question to ask since I'm 59 and gettin older by the minute. For those of you that dont know Phillip AKA Nice and easy, he is no teenager and he is no muscle man, just an average guy. If you ask him how much he knows about sailing, he will probably tell you "not much, but I can get from point A to Point B." I have met and buddy boated with Phillip from Florida to La. and he was one of 3 others that helped me sail my 'new to me ' boat from Tampa Bay area in Fl. back to Tx. He is now in N.J. where he just bought an older Seidelman 37 and is going to sail it back to La. via the Fl. keys and The Dry Tortugas. His only help is his GF which has little to no sailing experience to speak of for a trip like this. So, how old is too old for a trip like this and for a boat that size?, how much eqpt does he need? OH yea, one more thing, Phillip can change fuel filters in 8-10 ft choppy seas.
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I was 59, 9 years ago. I don't know if
I can change an oil filter in 10 foot seas. but as long as I can wedge myself in so I don't get tossed around I guess I could. I think that I would probably wait until it calmed down a little before I tried.
I can change an oil filter in 10 foot seas. but as long as I can wedge myself in so I don't get tossed around I guess I could. I think that I would probably wait until it calmed down a little before I tried.
The Coming of Age
Well Canadian Tony Gooch sailed his 13 meter sloop Taonui around the world alone, non stop in 178 days at age 63 leaving from and returning to Victoria, B.C.in 2003. I think it depends on your physical and mental condition, sailing abilities and how well your boat is set up. Gary Wyngarden (60 next week and still singlehanding) S/V Wanderlust h37.5 P.S. What's a GF?
Well Canadian Tony Gooch sailed his 13 meter sloop Taonui around the world alone, non stop in 178 days at age 63 leaving from and returning to Victoria, B.C.in 2003. I think it depends on your physical and mental condition, sailing abilities and how well your boat is set up. Gary Wyngarden (60 next week and still singlehanding) S/V Wanderlust h37.5 P.S. What's a GF?
Too Old?
I think it is Girl Friend. As long as Phil checks the weather, especially for all unprotected legs, and doesn't take unnecessary risks. I do not know how Seidelmans are put together, but nearly any all would be able to make that trip as long as conditions are not brutal.
I think it is Girl Friend. As long as Phil checks the weather, especially for all unprotected legs, and doesn't take unnecessary risks. I do not know how Seidelmans are put together, but nearly any all would be able to make that trip as long as conditions are not brutal.
How old
A friend did the double handed race from Port Huron to Rogers City(Lake Huron) this summer. He and his friend took a first place. When asked what the total crew age was, he said 144 years.
A friend did the double handed race from Port Huron to Rogers City(Lake Huron) this summer. He and his friend took a first place. When asked what the total crew age was, he said 144 years.
Peggy, I have a 30 year old friend that crews
For a group of sixty somethings and laughingly says that you couldn't make a whole man out of the entire crew. But they do get out there and compete and have fun. The only people that are old are the ones that look at the calender to determine their abilities. I know some old men that are not yet sixty and some very active and healthy men and women in their eighties and nineties. My sons grandmother-in-law is 91 and still mows her own lawn and shovels her walks and driveway clear of snow in the winter. Old is a state of mind not a number.
For a group of sixty somethings and laughingly says that you couldn't make a whole man out of the entire crew. But they do get out there and compete and have fun. The only people that are old are the ones that look at the calender to determine their abilities. I know some old men that are not yet sixty and some very active and healthy men and women in their eighties and nineties. My sons grandmother-in-law is 91 and still mows her own lawn and shovels her walks and driveway clear of snow in the winter. Old is a state of mind not a number.
Keep Doing What you are Doing
As I have aged it has become more difficult to take up new sports. But things that I learned how to do years ago I can still do. So if you want to be sailing at 80 start sailing now. If you are sailing at 60 sailing at 65 won't be very hard. If you are sailing at 79 sailing at 80 will be a non-event. But if your main activity at 59 is walking to the frig and using the mouse on the computer sailing offshore at 60 might be too much.
As I have aged it has become more difficult to take up new sports. But things that I learned how to do years ago I can still do. So if you want to be sailing at 80 start sailing now. If you are sailing at 60 sailing at 65 won't be very hard. If you are sailing at 79 sailing at 80 will be a non-event. But if your main activity at 59 is walking to the frig and using the mouse on the computer sailing offshore at 60 might be too much.
My Dad retired when he turned 70
and he sat down to read a book. Mother nagged him until the bought an Airstream trailer. They would drag it to Florida in the winter time and Dad would get out a chair and sit down to read. In the summertime they would drag it uo into the mountains and Dad would get out a chair and read. Mother would nag him to go walking with her. Where? up to the falls. We went there yesterday! after about five years he could barely walk across the yard. He lived to be 90 and was a problem for the last ten years. Dad gave me an example to avoid. I had a neighbor same age as Dad, worked in his gardens right up to the winter that he died. He always said that if you keep doing then you will be able to keep doing.
and he sat down to read a book. Mother nagged him until the bought an Airstream trailer. They would drag it to Florida in the winter time and Dad would get out a chair and sit down to read. In the summertime they would drag it uo into the mountains and Dad would get out a chair and read. Mother would nag him to go walking with her. Where? up to the falls. We went there yesterday! after about five years he could barely walk across the yard. He lived to be 90 and was a problem for the last ten years. Dad gave me an example to avoid. I had a neighbor same age as Dad, worked in his gardens right up to the winter that he died. He always said that if you keep doing then you will be able to keep doing.
too old to sail
I have been sailing for more than 35 years, and now at 75 I have a 22' Venture that I sometimes singlehand in the ocean. When I sail to Catalina I like to take a sailing buddy, mostly for the companionship. The only thing I find is that I now prefer sailing with a buddy. By-the-way, When I was younger I had a Catalina 30 and found it very easy to sail, even single-handed. It's the smaller boats that are more difficult to sail as I get older. I plan on sailing as long as I can do so safely. Novelman
I have been sailing for more than 35 years, and now at 75 I have a 22' Venture that I sometimes singlehand in the ocean. When I sail to Catalina I like to take a sailing buddy, mostly for the companionship. The only thing I find is that I now prefer sailing with a buddy. By-the-way, When I was younger I had a Catalina 30 and found it very easy to sail, even single-handed. It's the smaller boats that are more difficult to sail as I get older. I plan on sailing as long as I can do so safely. Novelman
A GF will keep you young
and throw in a couple of teenagers resulting from you marrying your GF, to keep life interesting.
and throw in a couple of teenagers resulting from you marrying your GF, to keep life interesting.
New girlfriend
Mr. Nice Guy, You're not too old and you need a new GF who knows how to sail. I bought my first sailboat for my 50th birthday with my kids cheering me on. If you need a trusty partner, meet Ms. Living on the Edge Lady and loving it. I sail singlehanded due to schedule conflicts with family and friends, and I'm always looking for a new challenge.
Mr. Nice Guy, You're not too old and you need a new GF who knows how to sail. I bought my first sailboat for my 50th birthday with my kids cheering me on. If you need a trusty partner, meet Ms. Living on the Edge Lady and loving it. I sail singlehanded due to schedule conflicts with family and friends, and I'm always looking for a new challenge.
59 that is a good age
You get to experience all the pains and aches of getting old while you are still young. Don't worry we wont be old until next year.
You get to experience all the pains and aches of getting old while you are still young. Don't worry we wont be old until next year.
Individual responses are all right
Everyone has good ideas here, and I'll offer a couple more from the vantage of 65. -- I'm no weight lifter or marathon runner, but I still hike, ski and sail. I know my limits better than I used too, but still do what I want. (I did quit socccer at 50). Sailing is recreation for me, and I learned the value of pacing myself. -- I find myself interested in better equipment that meets my needs. I use thicker sheets and padded gloves to offset arthritic hands (just like I use a power drill instead of a Philips screwdriver). A well-greased winch is a joy, as are sail slugs that slide easily. -- I always appreciate young strong crew, but my wife and I manage well without help. In fact, my goal this year is to learn to single hand. (maybe I'll look at some rigging changes to make that easier). -- When I crewed in Mexico I met several couples and individuals in their 60s and even older still living the cruising lifestyle. Some move to trawlers to make it easier to manage, but they don't quit doing what they like. Some of the best racers/sailors in San Francisco Bay are folks who could be on a pension. -- I find bigger boats (like my 37 cutter) are better for me. More stable, easier to sail, and more forgiving of everything except maybe docking. And I really enjoy the comfortable bunks, and the wine rack! Fair winds, and not ready to quit yet, Sanders s/v Good News
Everyone has good ideas here, and I'll offer a couple more from the vantage of 65. -- I'm no weight lifter or marathon runner, but I still hike, ski and sail. I know my limits better than I used too, but still do what I want. (I did quit socccer at 50). Sailing is recreation for me, and I learned the value of pacing myself. -- I find myself interested in better equipment that meets my needs. I use thicker sheets and padded gloves to offset arthritic hands (just like I use a power drill instead of a Philips screwdriver). A well-greased winch is a joy, as are sail slugs that slide easily. -- I always appreciate young strong crew, but my wife and I manage well without help. In fact, my goal this year is to learn to single hand. (maybe I'll look at some rigging changes to make that easier). -- When I crewed in Mexico I met several couples and individuals in their 60s and even older still living the cruising lifestyle. Some move to trawlers to make it easier to manage, but they don't quit doing what they like. Some of the best racers/sailors in San Francisco Bay are folks who could be on a pension. -- I find bigger boats (like my 37 cutter) are better for me. More stable, easier to sail, and more forgiving of everything except maybe docking. And I really enjoy the comfortable bunks, and the wine rack! Fair winds, and not ready to quit yet, Sanders s/v Good News
- Jan 22, 2008
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start young; stay young
I started sailing at 25 in an 8' sabot mostly solo, although sometimes my wife accompanied me, then I moved up to 12' Petrel, and mostly sailed solo, although my wife sometimes joined me. We took a hiatus for about 15 years while we raised kids, owned canoes, kayaks, and for a short while a motorboat cabin cruiser, and sometimes my wife joined me. I did lots of camping, hiking, skiing, and self propelled water sports during those years. At 47 I traded a canoe for a 17' Daysailer, then at 51 sold my daysailer and purchased a 20' weekender. Every time I moved up, I found sailing easier, because the boat was bigger, there were more gadgets, or tackle purchase, or winches to make the job easier. I fully agree, that you have to go to larger diameter lines, sailing gloves, greater ratios on the vangs and mainsheet, and winches for the swing keel, lines led aft so you don't have to go crawling around on deck. I have had heart problems, kidney stones, and a stroke a few years ago. I am 51 now, and sailing is going to be my major summer pastime well into retirement. I'm just getting started, and my wife still sometimes joins me. I would not call my self fit by any means, being well over 200, but I walk a few times a week, eat well, don't smoke, only drink when I feel the need, and dream of sailing... everynight! Let nothing stop you from your dreams.
I started sailing at 25 in an 8' sabot mostly solo, although sometimes my wife accompanied me, then I moved up to 12' Petrel, and mostly sailed solo, although my wife sometimes joined me. We took a hiatus for about 15 years while we raised kids, owned canoes, kayaks, and for a short while a motorboat cabin cruiser, and sometimes my wife joined me. I did lots of camping, hiking, skiing, and self propelled water sports during those years. At 47 I traded a canoe for a 17' Daysailer, then at 51 sold my daysailer and purchased a 20' weekender. Every time I moved up, I found sailing easier, because the boat was bigger, there were more gadgets, or tackle purchase, or winches to make the job easier. I fully agree, that you have to go to larger diameter lines, sailing gloves, greater ratios on the vangs and mainsheet, and winches for the swing keel, lines led aft so you don't have to go crawling around on deck. I have had heart problems, kidney stones, and a stroke a few years ago. I am 51 now, and sailing is going to be my major summer pastime well into retirement. I'm just getting started, and my wife still sometimes joins me. I would not call my self fit by any means, being well over 200, but I walk a few times a week, eat well, don't smoke, only drink when I feel the need, and dream of sailing... everynight! Let nothing stop you from your dreams.
How old ?
You're a very long time dead....so I will be sailing and racing till the end. We have an 86 year old sailor in our racing fleet and he is out there twice a week and he loves it. I hope that I'm doing the same if I reach that age too. My only regret is that it took me till middle age to discover sailing. I think back on all those years as a youth when I could have been doing the junior sailing thing and racing in all kinds of events back then. I enjoy sailing and I really love racing. I savor every minute on the race course and when it's over I'm looking forward to the next one.
You're a very long time dead....so I will be sailing and racing till the end. We have an 86 year old sailor in our racing fleet and he is out there twice a week and he loves it. I hope that I'm doing the same if I reach that age too. My only regret is that it took me till middle age to discover sailing. I think back on all those years as a youth when I could have been doing the junior sailing thing and racing in all kinds of events back then. I enjoy sailing and I really love racing. I savor every minute on the race course and when it's over I'm looking forward to the next one.
I know several people...
...who are 59+ and they are currently sailing the Caribbean in boats that are 37+' long. Enough said?
...who are 59+ and they are currently sailing the Caribbean in boats that are 37+' long. Enough said?
Age doesn't have anything to do with
physical ability. If you are in good health, physically active, have a love of life and a desire to do, then no excuses are permitted. I had a neighbor that planted oak trees during the year he turned 88. I remarked that he probably wouldn't see them make much growth, and he admitted that was probably true but that they wouldn't grow at all if they didn't get planted. If a young couple wait until they can afford to have kids they may never have any. It doesn't matter if your sailing involves crossing oceans or circumnavigating the local harbor in a sailing dink, each in its own way is satisfying. Remember "Rat, in Wind in The Willows" simply messing about in boats.
physical ability. If you are in good health, physically active, have a love of life and a desire to do, then no excuses are permitted. I had a neighbor that planted oak trees during the year he turned 88. I remarked that he probably wouldn't see them make much growth, and he admitted that was probably true but that they wouldn't grow at all if they didn't get planted. If a young couple wait until they can afford to have kids they may never have any. It doesn't matter if your sailing involves crossing oceans or circumnavigating the local harbor in a sailing dink, each in its own way is satisfying. Remember "Rat, in Wind in The Willows" simply messing about in boats.
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