Is it Just me

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Mar 28, 2004
73
Hunter 27_75-84 Meg n Kate
I keep seeing posts where people say "I new to sailing" maybe it the gas shortage or maybe people are just had their fling with motor boats and sailing going to become more popular like it used to be.
 
J

John

yeah, that's it

Yeah. Maybe as they become more experienced sailors their grammar, too, will improve. Go back to school or at least avoid posting when you're crocked. Loser.
 
M

Mike

So what

Well now, It seems that John has a problem with people who type fast and who fail to use spell check and such. I think that is funny but snobbish. I did not know this area was scoring the authors as an English teacher would do a student. To bad we can't get along and not poke fun at something someone is willing to author for this area. Rich, I knew what you were attempting to say and to bad someone couldn't offer you advice rather than correct the typo's that were made. In the "NEW YEAR" let us all attempt to offer advice and friendly comments. If you can figure out what someone is saying comment back with advice not corrections. Let us all attempt to keep this site user friendly as we all have made a mistake at least once. After saying all that, I must add a good night to all! Can't we all get along?
 
A

Andy

Ditto Mike

One reason so many people "say" they are new to sailing is because they are afraid that those less civil snobish sailors (the autocratic captains of the dock) will ridicule them for their ingnorance. Bahhhhh! Those that ridicule you for your ignorance only do so to boast and flaunt their trivial knowledge of the sport! On the other hand (still 5 fingers and a thumb!) its amazing to see how miss-typed posts are answered accurately and in such a friendly manner! Boat of Brothers! So back to the orginal point of the forum. Are so many really new to sailing or shy about their knowledge? I definitely think that a boost in gas prices increases the interest of sailing, but maybe there is more to it than "the economy stupid". Or could it be...hmmm, the stock market is flat, interest rates are low...no place to invest...and I've saved some money due to the lower capital gains tax (you lucky 1%) so where do you spend it? Buy a boat! Matter of fact-buy mine! ha ha Can we all just laugh and enjoy the sail (even if its on line!)
 
Jul 1, 1998
3,062
Hunter Legend 35 Poulsbo/Semiahmoo WA
Maybe They Are New to Sailing?

Who knows - it could be that just maybe they are new to sailing. What I'm thinking is those that aren't new to sailing and have bought a boat are so busy working in order to pay for their "toy" that they don't have time to waste on the 'net! :)
 
May 18, 2004
386
- - Baltimore
Appearances can be deceiving

A fellow on the Cal-list commissioned a study of the boat market and surprisingly found boat ownership to be declining, and the demographics were that the average age of owners was increasing. Also that the costs of boating and slips was increasing. Frankly this agrees with a lot of my impressions; the large boat shows have fewer small boats, smaller boats are less in demand (try to sell one lately?), everyone wants the 35-45 foot boat with comforts but fewer people can afford these. Makers are getting more profit from selling fewer large models, and even then they are resorting to promoting fractional ownership. Only a few specialty companies like Macgregor are still doing well with only small boats. Luckily, people still find a way to fall in love with the experience, even if its in a small old boat on a small lake. p.s. don't confuse me with certain other posters.
 
M

Mike

So what

Andy ( this reply is rather long), I tend to think it is a matter of education or sailing knowledge / experience. Take me for example, I have NO sailing experience,knowledge or skills. I am not afraid to post that I am just attempting to start out at sailing. It is not for lack of funds,lack of fuel or even for the pure sport of it but rather for the enjoyment, the thrill and for the peacefullness that seems to come with it and brings me to this new venture. I have had power boating experience for some time but as my age moves on I tend not to need speed as much. What I need id the feeling of just floating along using the wind as my power source. As I enter into the NEW world of retirement, I find that my needs are and have been changing. The boys are grown and on way to make the mark in life that they chose. The bride and I now have time to settle back and enjoy us as a team. No ball games to be off to, no school functions to attend to and no job that takes up over 2/3 rds of my day. t's a time that the bride and I can sort of fall in love again...something that has been put on the back burner for a long time. The experience, the skills and the knowledge will come over time. the instructional part is the first part, the craft decision will be the second part and the team building will be the last part. Most newbies are somewhat holding back on what they say as they are afraid of the fun poking and such that the unkind will push. The thing the bothers me is that they were newbie's once. This sport would be a lot better if we all could be a mentor and assist each other. How nice would that be to menter someone who is new at it in your area. Well I guess I used up enough time. Safe winds to you. Mike
 
May 12, 2004
165
- - Wasagaming, Manitoba
gibberish

I raed ocne taht it densot mtaetr waht oeder the ltteres are in as lnog as the frsit and lsat ltrees are crocret, tehn ayonne who can raed can furgie it out! And yes it does perpetuate the notion of sailing as the sport of snobs. Too bad John is taking an exception to the bad grammer or spelling, perhaps, he'll have a better day tomorrow. Actually, I rather enjoy imbibing in libations while surfing the forum, and snow white, if I can't smell... spell, (hic)! As to the original, question,... what was it again, oh yeah,... lots of "I'm new to sailing" posts... well, I say Welcome all you new sailers; its a great sport! You can get in with just a little money, or in over you head; yours is the choice. You can sail a 12 footer, or a 30 footer, a keel or a cb, the prairies or blue water. And when you are not sailing, wouldn't you rather be talking about it with fellow compatriots far and wide? ... sure you would, and what better medium that the net.
 
T

Tom

I am new to sailing

Well I am new to sailing. I've been taking a SAS sailing course with my wife. The kids are at a point that they can take care of them selves and I am hoping to retire in the next 5 years. My wife and I found that sailing gives us something we both can do and enjoy. We spend our Sundays sailing and them head to a nice cafe for dinner. It makes a great day for both of us and a time together. I'm not sure of anyones else's reason for sailing but my wife and I enjoy the sea, boat and each other. Tom
 
Mar 28, 2004
73
Hunter 27_75-84 Meg n Kate
One last word from me

I saw a couple of good thoughts from this post. Mike mentioned that maybe we could mentor someone who is new to the sport. Great idea Mike. Wouldn’t it be great if we had some sort of posting on this site where people looking to sail with someone could get on a list and people looking for crew could also. John Dawson made some interesting comments. I have heard several people say that they used to be motor boaters but switched to sailing and enjoy it more. Andy, I hope people new to sailing keep asking questions. Like they say there’s no stupid question just stupid answers. Not all sailors go into debt though. I bought my boat one fall just about the time the owner would have paid the yard for another year. It had been on the market for a while for quite a bit more. The owner had not sailed all summer and didn’t want to spend more money getting it ready for winter. I got it for $8,500.00. It is a 1981 Hunter 27 and its been a great boat. Now as for a my first post. I was typing as my wife and I were going out the door and I didn’t have time to proof read it. Sorry about that. As for John I guess not everybody can be perfect all the time like you. Sounds like you may have a wounded inner child or something.
 
May 23, 2004
3,319
I'm in the market as were . Colonial Beach
Sources of Information

No one is perfect! No one knows it all! At one time or another we all ask for advice and need help with different subjects. While I am not new to sailing, I am new to cruising and boat ownership. I haven't had to do the work on boats before and I have found that this site is an excellent source for advise and getting second opinions. There is a lot of information out there and everyone on this site has information that they can contribute. That is the purpose of this site. It has been my experience that fellow sailors are always willing to help eachother out....especially cruisers. It doesn't matter if you are sailing a Pram or you are sailing an Oyster 54....It is our duty to help each other out (we all will need help at some point in time). I am glad to see other people getting involved in this sport. I am glad that they have a resource where they can get information and they can get some help on things that are new to them.
 
Dec 6, 2003
295
Macgregor 26D Pollock Pines, Ca.
My 2 cents worth...

As to the original question, I think there may be a number of reasons why sailing may be gaining in popularity, but my best guess is that as our lives get busier and busier, it is the tranquility of sailing that many find appealing. I still keep a ski boat around for taking my nieces and nephews out for a ride, as they are still in the 'faster is better' frame of thought, but I outgrew that a long time ago. Also, driving a small powerboat doesn't require a lot of the skills and concentration that sailing does, so I just don't find myself 'in the zone' on a powerboat the way I do on a sailboat. The feeling of being a connected part of the boat just isn't there for me unless I can feel the wind and know that I am using it to get what I want. It's rather hard for me to describe in words, but I'll bet most of you know just what I'm trying to say! As to the first reply, I think (hope) that we can all agree that this site neither needs nor appreciates such comments. We all bring something different to the discussion. Some may have more experience with sailing but need some help with electrical stuff. Someone may be an expert with diesel engines but needs info on sail trim. It is the very nature of our diversity that makes a forum such as this useful to such a wide range of people. However, I have yet to see anyone post a request for help with their syntax or spelling deficiencies! Jeff
 
Jun 3, 2004
275
- - USA
It's Just You Rich

Each year for the past ten there are fewer masts in my marina and more power boats. Sure there are new sailors every year but there are more new power boat owner. Overall it's my observation there is a decline in boating possibly due to expense (or maybe they're moving to land yachts).
 
B

Bilge-Rat

Diplomacy

This is the fist time that I've viewed this forum. And there sure seems to be a bit of bickering here. Maybe you guys should set up some undocumented rules like: Spelling and grammar are not a requirement. Some post-ers are not even Americans. Avoid putting others down. Self-superiority is only popular among the arrogant. Respect others views, right or wrong with option to disagree and without name-calling. A friendly site is frequented often and posted to by the more experienced and intellectual, as in other popular sites! Hate and arrogance only attracts the same. Back to the subject: As to one "being new to sailing" can be relative. I was new to sailing after 20 years of being around boats. Went from ships to sailboats then to powerboats then back to sailboats. I know a LOT about the construction of boats but have limited experience on the wind. And personally think that slip availability is the biggest deterrent to ownership and that the wealthier are going to be the dominant boat owners in the future, sail and power. Sailing is romantic which attracts some crowds, but fishing and skiing attracts others. Then there is the Trawler crowd. Trailer boating will be the other option. But storage and launching may become a problem unless marinas start catering to such. Fair winds~~~~~
 
R

Ray Bowles

Maybe "new to sailing is a request"

It wasn't very long ago that my wife and I started sailing, and when we found this site I used the "new to sailing" line hoping that someone would be kind enough to help me learn from the bottom up. And you know what? A very nice person, I think his name was John Farnsworth, did exactly that and helped us learn. Many others have helped since. Help and guidance are most you can do for someone who asks. All the rest of the crap is exactly that. Ray and Maria.
 
Jul 1, 1998
3,062
Hunter Legend 35 Poulsbo/Semiahmoo WA
Welcome Aboard "Bilge Rat"

It's good that you stopped by for a visit and left a post. Someone with your Rules of Diplomacy is more than welcome to keep coming back. As for some of the bickering, etc., sometimes one just has to consider the source. Consider it takes all kinds to make a world. "The Desiderata of Happiness" - some good words to live by. Search "Desiderata" in Google.
 
S

Scott

It doesn't seem like a new trend!

In my small corner of the world, slip prices are going up significantly and availability is pretty slim (especially for slips large enough to accommodate my 27' sailboat). It's not sailboats that are driving up the prices, that's for sure! In fact, I asked about getting a slip for my sailboat at the marina where I keep my ski boat. They said, "N0! - you're kidding - you don't look like one of those guys - we're trying to get rid of sailboats - they're a pain in the ass - they don't want to spend any money for our services". This is in a marina that has a significant number of sailboats (but has nothing to offer sailors in their showroom). Next year they won't have my ski boat there, but I'm sure they don't care. The market for the ski boats they sell for $35 to $60 grand has exploded and they need slips to put their customers in. At the marina I have my sailboat stored for the winter, the slips that would accommodate my sailboat are priced at $4,600 for the season (not including winter storage). For that price you get shore power, fresh water, security, and a much friendlier attitude that goes with their superior service. Unfortunately, the waiting list never moves because the current customers never give up their slips. I was told that a slip reservation was even been passed along in a will on one occasion! There wasn't a single sailboat in their marina during the summer, but they do service a few over the winter. I've noticed on our lake, which has a significant number of small cruisng sailboats, and a very active racing scene for dingys, scows and catamarans, there are very few new sailboats. I've seen only a handful of new catamarans and Hunter daysailors that can be bought from only one small store in the area. New powerboats and fishing boats are commonplace and are sold at numerous marinas all around the lake. IMHO, it isn't a lack of wealth or a poor economy that is making it harder for individuals to pursue this esoteric activity. Contrarily, obscene wealth and a desire to flaunt it seems to be on the upswing. I think sailors have a more gentle nature (except for you racing enthusiasts), and we are simply being pushed aside by the more aggressive, Type "A" personalities that obtain wealth more readily and gravitate towards recreational activities that primarily involve a throttle and not much more. It's a competitive world and we can't hope to escape it in a sailboat.
 
Jun 7, 2004
944
Birch Bay Washington
HUH?

What gas shortage? Lucky 1%? Spelling and grammer not required? What "undocumented rules"? Where can I find out more about this idea? Diplomacy lessons from someone who calls himself "bilge rat"?
 

lorien

.
Oct 12, 2004
22
Morgan 22 Montrose MI
Hmmm

Actually, i'm very new to sailing and it's not because i'm short on cash or too ignorant due to flunking out of school(although i do have a lazy shift key finger). Doh!! It's something i've always wanted to experience and, since being diagnosed with some totally ridiculous and potentially crippling disease, i decided it was time! Bought an older trailerable boat, all i can say is...Next year, i promise to sail with my "newbie" flag out! :) Keep up the good work, guys, the more knowledge you share the better for the next generation.
 
B

Bilge-Rat

Patrick - FYI

First off, I use to do repairs for people on my finger of the marina and the name was given to me. Undocumented rules are the use of good common since. Just because someone might be bad at spelling and grammar (or doesn't take the time to proof read) doesn't mean he can't out sail (think) lots of other people. Respect is the key word! Hopefully this will give you a greater understanding of the meanings. Some people like to converse with others on certain subjects and I happen to like boats, no matter what their education or clerical skills might be. To demean them will cut short a conversation real fast. And to John N: Yes, some people grow up learning how to survive and others are raised up to live. The survivor type is always playing king of the mountain. Here in Edmonds, on the waiting list, the next 40' slip will be available in 100 years. If I will my boat to my grandchildren, they'll be able to get a slip. The reason I use Edmonds as my homeport is because it is closes to my home and I do launch my tailored 23' sloop on the slings. Fair wind ~~~~~
 
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