I spent about three hours on Friday afternoon at the Seattle Maritime Heritage Foundation's Tall Ships Festival 2002. There were 22 vessels ranging from a 257 foot square rigged barque to a 52 foot teak gaff ketch. Thousands of people of all ages and sizes were there to see the ships. From the questions, comments and general demeanor, you could tell the vast majority were not sailors. But not knowing a sheet from a halyard didn't keep them from from enjoying the beauty and romance of the ships, the view from the quarterdeck or the feel of the helm in their hands. They were having a good timing staring out over the long bowsprits or up at the masts and yards and ratlines. So the question is, why don't more of these people sail? Do the new boats just not have the charm of the older ones in their minds? Do they think sailing will cost too much? Do they lack an adventurous spirit? Are they worried about all there is to learn? Do they have a fear of the water? How will these perceptions affect the future of our sport? Share your views here then vote in this week's Quick Quiz at the bottom of the home page. - Gary Wyngarden
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Picture of the Nina
Attached (hopefully) is a picture of the Nina. File size is less than 80K and 72 pixels per inch, and the file name is one word so it should work.
Attached (hopefully) is a picture of the Nina. File size is less than 80K and 72 pixels per inch, and the file name is one word so it should work.
Attachments
History Buffs, Not Sailors
I think people go to see the tall ships to share a sense of history. I sail, and I visit tall ships. I sail a 25-footer, and I've sailed a 3-masted schooner. I don't think the two experiences are comparable. A sail on a 3-masted schooner gives you no sense whatever of what sailing your own sloop might be like. (Thousands of people go to airshows every year, and few are actually pilots.) I think this is like comparing apples and oranges. A more apt analogy would be: How many visitors to an in-water boat show are actually sailors.
I think people go to see the tall ships to share a sense of history. I sail, and I visit tall ships. I sail a 25-footer, and I've sailed a 3-masted schooner. I don't think the two experiences are comparable. A sail on a 3-masted schooner gives you no sense whatever of what sailing your own sloop might be like. (Thousands of people go to airshows every year, and few are actually pilots.) I think this is like comparing apples and oranges. A more apt analogy would be: How many visitors to an in-water boat show are actually sailors.
The "Hole-In-The-Water" syndrom
That old saying about "A boat is a hole in the water you throw money into" isn't just a clever saying. If a responsible person calculates the cost involving a boat (purchase price + loan interest + dockage + storage + insurance, etc.) then divides it by the number of hours of pleasurable use, the decision is easy -- A boat is very, very expensive. That, however, does not prohibit the average person from wanting to check out these beautiful creatures at a boat show. Resisting the temptation is the tough part; A wife usually helps with that. Consider yourself lucky she let you go to the boat show, and don't push your luck.
That old saying about "A boat is a hole in the water you throw money into" isn't just a clever saying. If a responsible person calculates the cost involving a boat (purchase price + loan interest + dockage + storage + insurance, etc.) then divides it by the number of hours of pleasurable use, the decision is easy -- A boat is very, very expensive. That, however, does not prohibit the average person from wanting to check out these beautiful creatures at a boat show. Resisting the temptation is the tough part; A wife usually helps with that. Consider yourself lucky she let you go to the boat show, and don't push your luck.
Too complicated
Some of my friends that I have taken sailing are put off by the sheer complications of the boat. Before when I was trailering, I needed help launching, stepping the mast and rigging the sails. Now that we have a wet slip, many of those things have disappeared, but people are still overwhelmed by raising the sail, mounting and installing and raising the jib and the put-away things after the outing. Too many people have become instant-eers. They want it right now with no complications and no make-ready and put-away. Sailing takes some dedications and a sailboat is not like a jet-ski that you back it in the water, hit the starter and roar off. Too bad!!
Some of my friends that I have taken sailing are put off by the sheer complications of the boat. Before when I was trailering, I needed help launching, stepping the mast and rigging the sails. Now that we have a wet slip, many of those things have disappeared, but people are still overwhelmed by raising the sail, mounting and installing and raising the jib and the put-away things after the outing. Too many people have become instant-eers. They want it right now with no complications and no make-ready and put-away. Sailing takes some dedications and a sailboat is not like a jet-ski that you back it in the water, hit the starter and roar off. Too bad!!
I agree
Most people I take out enjoy the sailing part on the water,say how enjoyable it is and relaxing , but do not care for the work invovled .Some are worried about no wind some are worried about docking,and some are just in a hurry!...so sad
Most people I take out enjoy the sailing part on the water,say how enjoyable it is and relaxing , but do not care for the work invovled .Some are worried about no wind some are worried about docking,and some are just in a hurry!...so sad
The Time is right
The story of a new sailor. 1977 Graduation from college - given family ski boat and off to LA. Skiing and Going fast -- Cool Gas takes a few pennies from the pocket. 1978 Pilot training for the airforce (water skiing in Canyons of Arizona)Going fast in planes and boats. 1979 Off to Charleston SC. Flying and seeing the world. Meet some sailors (rendevous in the bay with my power boat and my sailing friends, a little sailing a little powerboating. Wow they don't have to pay for all that gas). My brother in PA gets a day sailor -- you know having a sailboat has it advantages maybe for my next boat. Power boat on its last breath (salt water has done engine in) time to retire (This little 16 footer served its 15 year life well). 1981 Off to TX (boatless) to teach new pilot students. Busy with work and going to school part time. Not too much time for fun, but friend buys a Hobie Cat and we take her out on the weekends(love turning that thing over in the water) Enter a race took 2nd - love to have one of these things just don't have the time. 1985 Off to school full time for AF only time to study (a visit now and again with my brother - still love sailing). 1986 - Colorado Springs (not much water) - snow skiing and non water sports take pleasure time. 1990 - Back to Charleston - Desert Storm (portecting country does not leave much time for fun activities) 1992 Colorado Springs again (still not much water close by). Occasional trips to visit brother leads to a day or two in the sailboat. 1997 Florida - retired from AF need some time to settle in to new job, checking out the boating areas - but -- get transfered. 1998 - Maui lots of water lots of fun but not very many boaters (expensive and water is rough). 2002 - Norfolk Va. Settling in, water all around, Wow could it be time?? Yes Proud owner of Hunter 35.5 finally!!! - love it. You see there are a lot of sailors out their awaiting the right time. For some of us it takes almost 20 years Bill
The story of a new sailor. 1977 Graduation from college - given family ski boat and off to LA. Skiing and Going fast -- Cool Gas takes a few pennies from the pocket. 1978 Pilot training for the airforce (water skiing in Canyons of Arizona)Going fast in planes and boats. 1979 Off to Charleston SC. Flying and seeing the world. Meet some sailors (rendevous in the bay with my power boat and my sailing friends, a little sailing a little powerboating. Wow they don't have to pay for all that gas). My brother in PA gets a day sailor -- you know having a sailboat has it advantages maybe for my next boat. Power boat on its last breath (salt water has done engine in) time to retire (This little 16 footer served its 15 year life well). 1981 Off to TX (boatless) to teach new pilot students. Busy with work and going to school part time. Not too much time for fun, but friend buys a Hobie Cat and we take her out on the weekends(love turning that thing over in the water) Enter a race took 2nd - love to have one of these things just don't have the time. 1985 Off to school full time for AF only time to study (a visit now and again with my brother - still love sailing). 1986 - Colorado Springs (not much water) - snow skiing and non water sports take pleasure time. 1990 - Back to Charleston - Desert Storm (portecting country does not leave much time for fun activities) 1992 Colorado Springs again (still not much water close by). Occasional trips to visit brother leads to a day or two in the sailboat. 1997 Florida - retired from AF need some time to settle in to new job, checking out the boating areas - but -- get transfered. 1998 - Maui lots of water lots of fun but not very many boaters (expensive and water is rough). 2002 - Norfolk Va. Settling in, water all around, Wow could it be time?? Yes Proud owner of Hunter 35.5 finally!!! - love it. You see there are a lot of sailors out their awaiting the right time. For some of us it takes almost 20 years Bill
Get all involved when you invite 'em
I like to look at jet fighter planes at an air show, but I really can't join the air force. It is similar to many people looking at these boats only seen in history books and the occassional movie about swashbuckling pirates...great viewing, little doing and I also believe that sailing is not a spectator sport. I was invited to sail for years by friends, acquaintences, or just people needing crew. And I was treated well, but some people use the opportunity to become captain for a day with the fresh people. I was also treated to the lowest common denomination of jobs, and never got the wheel unless every one else was sick(yes this actually happened once!) even if I was one of the more experienced people. There is a lot of- sit there and don't move and enjoy the scenery. Well, like I said sailing is participative and to enjoy it you have to be one with the boat, sea and air. Remembering this, now that I have my boat, after leaving the dock, I immediately bring the newer member back into the aft cockpit(on an Erickson 27 there are three seats sort-of behind the wheel facinf foward, seperated from the main cockpit by the traveller and the 12"low bulkhead) I call the "honeymoon seat" (also one one my main buying features for the boat), and make them take the wheel with another crew member - my son or wife to help them muddle through the sail early. I get out of there to just watch or ride. I make everyone yank sheets, halyards and whisker poles, tote them barges and lif' does bales..you get the idea. When they get off they are either kissing the terra firma or out buying their own boats, and at least they know that sailing is NOT a spectator sport. So after all, we as owners can do ALOT to promote the sport, invite new interested people and make 'em work. They and I have alot more fun too.
I like to look at jet fighter planes at an air show, but I really can't join the air force. It is similar to many people looking at these boats only seen in history books and the occassional movie about swashbuckling pirates...great viewing, little doing and I also believe that sailing is not a spectator sport. I was invited to sail for years by friends, acquaintences, or just people needing crew. And I was treated well, but some people use the opportunity to become captain for a day with the fresh people. I was also treated to the lowest common denomination of jobs, and never got the wheel unless every one else was sick(yes this actually happened once!) even if I was one of the more experienced people. There is a lot of- sit there and don't move and enjoy the scenery. Well, like I said sailing is participative and to enjoy it you have to be one with the boat, sea and air. Remembering this, now that I have my boat, after leaving the dock, I immediately bring the newer member back into the aft cockpit(on an Erickson 27 there are three seats sort-of behind the wheel facinf foward, seperated from the main cockpit by the traveller and the 12"low bulkhead) I call the "honeymoon seat" (also one one my main buying features for the boat), and make them take the wheel with another crew member - my son or wife to help them muddle through the sail early. I get out of there to just watch or ride. I make everyone yank sheets, halyards and whisker poles, tote them barges and lif' does bales..you get the idea. When they get off they are either kissing the terra firma or out buying their own boats, and at least they know that sailing is NOT a spectator sport. So after all, we as owners can do ALOT to promote the sport, invite new interested people and make 'em work. They and I have alot more fun too.
Too much new stuff to deal with
I think most "potential sailors", have never learned to sail because they find the completely unfamiliar terminology and technology too much to deal with. Sailing is pretty, but they have nothing in their dry land experience to draw upon. Powerboaters and car drivers alike know how to turn a key and a steering wheel and point the vehicle where they want to go (which seems to be the extent of seamanship for some). Those who want to sail need to learn an entirely new way of thinking. Not to mention that not everyone finds poetic beauty in the moment when the sails fill and your hunk of plastic and metal becomes almost alive..... Let's face it, sailors spend much more time getting there than powerboaters, and if the journey itself is not an attraction, you will be satisfied with the occasional sail on a friend's boat. Or if you do turn to boating, you will gravitate towards a powerboat.
I think most "potential sailors", have never learned to sail because they find the completely unfamiliar terminology and technology too much to deal with. Sailing is pretty, but they have nothing in their dry land experience to draw upon. Powerboaters and car drivers alike know how to turn a key and a steering wheel and point the vehicle where they want to go (which seems to be the extent of seamanship for some). Those who want to sail need to learn an entirely new way of thinking. Not to mention that not everyone finds poetic beauty in the moment when the sails fill and your hunk of plastic and metal becomes almost alive..... Let's face it, sailors spend much more time getting there than powerboaters, and if the journey itself is not an attraction, you will be satisfied with the occasional sail on a friend's boat. Or if you do turn to boating, you will gravitate towards a powerboat.
As to why more people don't sail
In my experience, almost everyone I know loves to go sailing. In fact the experience becomes a watershed for many of them. But I believe one of the main reasons they don't buy their own or take lessons is because many people are afraid of the time involved to learn, as well as the perceived costs involved. People today are used to convenience. They like to just turn that engine on and go. Most people seem to used to speed as well. Whenever they go out for a sail on my J-29, they love it. They love the sails, the quiet time, the natural beauty, but they always seem to think it's too complicated for them, in spite of the fact I always try to make it simple as possible for them. After going sailing, they look at the motor cruisers at the dock like Sea Rays or Cruisers Yachts, rather than J's, Beneteau's and the like. An important pattern I have found though is that young men seem much more interested in sailing than girls. My teenage daughters and her girl friends enjoy the ride, but it is their boy friends that love to take a turn at the helm or desire to be Jibman.
In my experience, almost everyone I know loves to go sailing. In fact the experience becomes a watershed for many of them. But I believe one of the main reasons they don't buy their own or take lessons is because many people are afraid of the time involved to learn, as well as the perceived costs involved. People today are used to convenience. They like to just turn that engine on and go. Most people seem to used to speed as well. Whenever they go out for a sail on my J-29, they love it. They love the sails, the quiet time, the natural beauty, but they always seem to think it's too complicated for them, in spite of the fact I always try to make it simple as possible for them. After going sailing, they look at the motor cruisers at the dock like Sea Rays or Cruisers Yachts, rather than J's, Beneteau's and the like. An important pattern I have found though is that young men seem much more interested in sailing than girls. My teenage daughters and her girl friends enjoy the ride, but it is their boy friends that love to take a turn at the helm or desire to be Jibman.
Too many now
Here in Muskegon, sailing has become more and more popular. Every time a new marina opens or expands, the slips are filled the next day it seems. Its hard to say, but I would guess 50% of weekend traffic is sail boats (not counting the 14 to 18 ft little motor boat run abouts). So the sport is very alive and well in these waters. There are several races through out the year from bouys to 100-200+ mile races. As far as the tall ships go, they were here last summer, huge crowd's, something like 60 or 70 thousdand people toured them in three or four days. I did not go myself, I took a couple days vacation and sailed my 1987 h-31 out in Lake Michigan and met them as they were underway coming in. That is the true way to see these ships, truely incredable. I believe one is born a sailor or not. I have alot of company through the season, some want to go every chance they have and some get off and never look back. I try to include people as much as they seem interested, there is one guy I have to practically chase from the wheel. In short, some are sailors, some are power boaters and some are niether. Keep the shinny side up----Dana
Here in Muskegon, sailing has become more and more popular. Every time a new marina opens or expands, the slips are filled the next day it seems. Its hard to say, but I would guess 50% of weekend traffic is sail boats (not counting the 14 to 18 ft little motor boat run abouts). So the sport is very alive and well in these waters. There are several races through out the year from bouys to 100-200+ mile races. As far as the tall ships go, they were here last summer, huge crowd's, something like 60 or 70 thousdand people toured them in three or four days. I did not go myself, I took a couple days vacation and sailed my 1987 h-31 out in Lake Michigan and met them as they were underway coming in. That is the true way to see these ships, truely incredable. I believe one is born a sailor or not. I have alot of company through the season, some want to go every chance they have and some get off and never look back. I try to include people as much as they seem interested, there is one guy I have to practically chase from the wheel. In short, some are sailors, some are power boaters and some are niether. Keep the shinny side up----Dana
LIKE CAR - LIKE BOAT
My experience with "motor-boaters" has been that they wanted something they were somewhat familiar with. And the idea of more-or-less getting in and starting her up to go somewhere appeals to them. Cost-wise, I think they know it comes to about the same amount either way. In my area - it's a sad thing to see boat shows with more and more motor boats, and less sailboats. That's what people are buying. It's a shame!
My experience with "motor-boaters" has been that they wanted something they were somewhat familiar with. And the idea of more-or-less getting in and starting her up to go somewhere appeals to them. Cost-wise, I think they know it comes to about the same amount either way. In my area - it's a sad thing to see boat shows with more and more motor boats, and less sailboats. That's what people are buying. It's a shame!
Why don't more people sail?
As a late bloomer to sailing myself, I can say from personal experience that the big factors for people who love boats but don't sail are "Time and Geography". It takes time to learn to sail (though not as much as most people think), it takes time to get out and practice, it takes time to save enough money to buy a boat. (It's taken me a long time to shop for the perfect first boat) A big deterrant for me was having a place to sail. A small daysailer would work well on the small city lakes in my area, but I wanted something to spend the night on at the bigger lake. Also, sailing is not a very popular sport in my part of the country. Until I got seriously interested in sailing, I never even met anyone who had sailed. Powerboats are king here, and there's not even a sailboat dealer (that I've found) within 150 miles of my town.
As a late bloomer to sailing myself, I can say from personal experience that the big factors for people who love boats but don't sail are "Time and Geography". It takes time to learn to sail (though not as much as most people think), it takes time to get out and practice, it takes time to save enough money to buy a boat. (It's taken me a long time to shop for the perfect first boat) A big deterrant for me was having a place to sail. A small daysailer would work well on the small city lakes in my area, but I wanted something to spend the night on at the bigger lake. Also, sailing is not a very popular sport in my part of the country. Until I got seriously interested in sailing, I never even met anyone who had sailed. Powerboats are king here, and there's not even a sailboat dealer (that I've found) within 150 miles of my town.
Availability
I think it's hard for someone to just "give it a try." Part of that is the need for a skipper for the casual first try. Other issues are economic - how could someone make money getting people involved in getting a taste of the thrill of sailing. But there must be a model to offer a sailing experience safely, and economically to lots more people. David
I think it's hard for someone to just "give it a try." Part of that is the need for a skipper for the casual first try. Other issues are economic - how could someone make money getting people involved in getting a taste of the thrill of sailing. But there must be a model to offer a sailing experience safely, and economically to lots more people. David
Bang for the Bucks
I'm wrting from the "Land of 10,000 Lakes", Minnesota, regarding why more people don't sail. Everyone seems to be fascinated with sailboats, lighthouses, etc., however, up in my part of the world, ones does not get much bang for the buck. I have to drive 150 miles one way to get to my boat, my slip is expensive, and a long sailing season might be 5 months. If I berth my boat locally, my choice of marinas include one about 75 miles away that is part of the Mississippi River and below the local wastewater treatment plant or a marina that is only 20 miles away but runs around $3000 for those 5 months. That's about $150 a week. Bang for the Bucks. "Stink" boats are easily trailable and therefore don't need an expensive slip. Jim Roehl O'Day 22 "AirShip"
I'm wrting from the "Land of 10,000 Lakes", Minnesota, regarding why more people don't sail. Everyone seems to be fascinated with sailboats, lighthouses, etc., however, up in my part of the world, ones does not get much bang for the buck. I have to drive 150 miles one way to get to my boat, my slip is expensive, and a long sailing season might be 5 months. If I berth my boat locally, my choice of marinas include one about 75 miles away that is part of the Mississippi River and below the local wastewater treatment plant or a marina that is only 20 miles away but runs around $3000 for those 5 months. That's about $150 a week. Bang for the Bucks. "Stink" boats are easily trailable and therefore don't need an expensive slip. Jim Roehl O'Day 22 "AirShip"
White Sails on a Tall Ship
I would think a youngster today would be excited as I was at 11 years old back in 1939. I was with a group of Cubs standing on top a mountain overlooking Ocean Falls BC. When we suddendly saw way down Cousin's Inlet a Square Rigger Ship under full sails coming our way. Talk about excitment as we couldn't beleive what we saw. We all ran down the mountain, I went home to get our Brownie Box Camera and ran down to the dock Just as they were tieing up. But I couldn't get the whole picture, too many buildings in the way. But that ship was something to see way back then and still have the picture. Fred Scott LADY Vi 96 MAc 26X
I would think a youngster today would be excited as I was at 11 years old back in 1939. I was with a group of Cubs standing on top a mountain overlooking Ocean Falls BC. When we suddendly saw way down Cousin's Inlet a Square Rigger Ship under full sails coming our way. Talk about excitment as we couldn't beleive what we saw. We all ran down the mountain, I went home to get our Brownie Box Camera and ran down to the dock Just as they were tieing up. But I couldn't get the whole picture, too many buildings in the way. But that ship was something to see way back then and still have the picture. Fred Scott LADY Vi 96 MAc 26X
lack of self-sufficiency in our culture
I think it has something to do with a decrease in self-sufficiency taught or instilled in folks these days. To be a good sailor you need to be a self-sufficient, jack/jane of all trades type of person, like a farmer. Today's "instant life" attitude leads too many people to take the path of least resistance. Case in point: when I wanted to learn to sail a few years ago ( pent up ambition, always wanted to, other things got in the way ) I bought a basic book and read it, talked to a few people about boats, went out and bought a used Lightning without ever sailing before. Purchased another book or two, devoured those. Trailered, rigged, launched and sailed the boat on MY maiden sail, with only my also clueless girlfriend/mate. When people I take sailing on my now 24' boat ask me how I learned, and I tell them that story they're not sure if I'm crazy or what to think of it; they just can't imagine they could teach themselves from ground zero.
I think it has something to do with a decrease in self-sufficiency taught or instilled in folks these days. To be a good sailor you need to be a self-sufficient, jack/jane of all trades type of person, like a farmer. Today's "instant life" attitude leads too many people to take the path of least resistance. Case in point: when I wanted to learn to sail a few years ago ( pent up ambition, always wanted to, other things got in the way ) I bought a basic book and read it, talked to a few people about boats, went out and bought a used Lightning without ever sailing before. Purchased another book or two, devoured those. Trailered, rigged, launched and sailed the boat on MY maiden sail, with only my also clueless girlfriend/mate. When people I take sailing on my now 24' boat ask me how I learned, and I tell them that story they're not sure if I'm crazy or what to think of it; they just can't imagine they could teach themselves from ground zero.
Money
I think they main reason more people don't sail is the cost of sailing. From the price of boats to the cost of slip rentals, not to mention maintenance,insurance, etc., the average family cannot afford a boat, especially one large enough to keep in the water and take the family out in.
I think they main reason more people don't sail is the cost of sailing. From the price of boats to the cost of slip rentals, not to mention maintenance,insurance, etc., the average family cannot afford a boat, especially one large enough to keep in the water and take the family out in.
Time
I've talked with many Power boaters over the years and most claim that they would sail if they had the time. The second complaint is that it is alot of work. So maybe this gives some answers.
I've talked with many Power boaters over the years and most claim that they would sail if they had the time. The second complaint is that it is alot of work. So maybe this gives some answers.
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