In Love

[the7Cs]

What makes the magic that makes me adore my sailboat? Is it the flowing lines. Is it the response to the wind, the eagerness to pull? Is it because she never disappoints? I just can't put my finger on it, but a fine sailboat is thing of beauty.
I had the most wonderful day, light wind, end of summer 82 degrees, still warmish water. I set my wife in the boat, set the sails and the autopilot, and swam behind her with a 50' rope trailing just in case. Let her pull me through the water. Ended the day sailing all the way into the dock, doing a perfect 180 and letting it side slip into the dock with just the right touch. Thing of massive beauty. Controlled power. Knowing exactly how she responds.
I do not know, but I think I am in love.
Maybe you could explain it.

 

[topcat0399]

addiction can't be cured sorry.

 

[trainmanjess]

hello

I cannot answer why either, but I have 2 sailboats and I love them both.... they each handle differently... the one at home is a '67 Kittiwake 23' full keel hour glass shaped beauty.... I found her sitting on a farm.... the man who had her let her sit next to his barn for 10 years and did nothing with her... I got her cheap, and fixed her up... she sails like an angel on the water...

my big boat is a '71 Morgan 35' sailboat.... she has a long keel under her too, but not a full keel... she sails a smooth course in light and moderate winds... I have not been brave enough to take her out in heavy winds yet.... I got her at a really great price, and she is our home on the water when we can get away for a week or so....

each boat handles differently, but I love them both.... each has their good and bad, but all boats are that way.... a true sailor falls in love with his boat, and defends her honor always...

I have lots of navy friends, and they feel the same way about their navy ships.... I am ex-military (US Air Force), plane crews feel the same way about their planes too... it is hard a hard concept to explain, unless you have been there and fallen in love with your special boat or plane.....

sincerely
Jess

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

AS former military, sailboat dealer and sailor, I remember being told by a salty seadog, the love of a woman, sea and sail are most envigorating. Never forgot that

 

[caguy]

I think it's the red dress.

 

[dscribner]

A boat is like a woman. Some like them sleek and jaunty, others like them with a full rounded bottom and cozy. Some like classic lines while others like a modern pop look. You can look at a woman and think she is lovely and not love her, then look at your woman who may be rather plain, but see nothing but beauty and love her insanely. All is as it should be.

 

[Justin_NSA]

Love your comments guys. I regret not discovering sailing sooner in life. My time in the Pacific on a carrier was priceless, but nothing like being at the helm of your own sailboat.

Adm Nimitz had a more blunt saying:
A ship is always referred to as "she" because it costs so much to keep one in paint and powder.

 

[jwing]

For me:

Flowing through a fluid, not in contact with a hard bottom. I've experienced this in powder skiing, river kayaking, and small boat sailing.

Being totally in charge and self-sufficient. Can't do that with a fossil-fuel motor until I finish my refinery.

Intimacy, immersion, and cooperation with Nature, the real greater power.

 

[kloudie1]

jwing... And the other one is flying a sailplane! I was introduced to sailing by a member of our sailplane club many years ago. Can't afford it and sailing together; but it is like sailing, only in three dimensions!

 

[topcat0399]

jwing... And the other one is flying a sailplane! I was introduced to sailing by a member of our sailplane club many years ago. Can't afford it and sailing together; but it is like sailing, only in three dimensions!

I have discovered that being out in a blow covers all possible dimensions thank you. And then some.