More the merrier?

[Aurel]

Fear of the unknown.

I think Steve said it well! It takes a bit gumption to start from the library and learn a sport as complex as sailing. Thats what I did starting with a $40.00 junker catamaran. I just read everything I could find about sailing and did all the repairs myself and learned from my mistakes. My next boat was a $200.00 Oday 12 cat rig that needed a bunch of fiberglass work and a new tiller so I learned about epoxy and sailed that for a season. This year I bought a Mariner for $1000.00 and I'm haveing a blast learning a new boat. I live a block away from the water and my boats have all been shallow draft boats so I pay nothing to moor on the beach. My point is this sport can be inexpensive if you want it to be. I,ve sailed three summers for $1240. bucks plus a few hundred for repairs.and the boats will last for plenty more years.Overcomeing the fear of learning new things is the biggest hurdle new sailers face and I think it stops most of them from enjoying a sport that is really quite simple, once its learned.

 

[Todd Houge]

Not Fun

Most people I know do not think it will be exciting or fun. Sailboats are boring. Once they go, they can't believe how much they enjoy it! I also have some friends which have grown up on powerboats, and the sailing scares them. The most satisfying thing for me is to take someone out who is lukewarm about the adventure and have them so excited about how much fun it was when they head home.Todd.

 

[Steve Dion]

Time not money.

Take a look at how many power boats there are in marinas. The boating industry sell 10 times (don't know the real figures) as many power boats as they sell sailboats. The average sailboat is less expensive to own vs. a powerboat. Powerboaters spend more money on fuel in a day than we spend in several years. In fact many of them could buy me a new sail every year for the money that they spend in fuel costs alone.One of the major reasons that I feel that sailboats are not more popular is the fact that it does take time. Time to get the boat ready to sail and time to put it away when you are done. The time that it takes to get anywhere with a sailboat is another factor. There is also the time involved with learning to sail (always learning something new).

 

[Ken Steyer]

Don't use a boat if you're in a hurry

The two comments I always get are "Sailing is just too slow, I want to get to where I'm going." To which I usually respond "Me too. That's why when I'm in a hurry I USE MY CAR, NOT MY BOAT." The second is that "Sailing looks far to complicated with all those lines and sail trimming and stuff." To which I usually reply "Look at some of the cultures in this world that still rely on sailing as a method of transportation." "Are you saying that you're not capable of doing what they are?" The last thing is PWC's. How many people are buying those instead of a 14 foot entry level sailboat or a Hobie Cat, etc.?

 

[Stan]

It takes a little thought

Sheets, halyards, blocks, vangs, jib. genoa, spinakker, it goes on and on. Most people don't want to put forth the effort. Just jump in a power boat, push the throttle and steer.

 

[Bob]

The magazines drive them away

Today, I received the latest issues of Sailing Magazine and Sail Magazine. All you have to do is look at the two cover pictures to fully understand why most people would have zero interest in sailing. Rail in the water, crew hanging on for dear life, winter foul weather gear, pfds all around, water coming over the bow, lots of work going on, etc, etc. Who in their right mind would take up our beloved passtime given these images of what sailing is all about. Go from cover photos to the articles and read about "how I cheated death in the Southern Ocean", "heavy weather sailing", "how not to die on a sailboat", etc. I have been on a mission the last few years to try to reach as many of my friends with the joys of sailing in good weather, with the boat standing up, with the quietness, and all the beautiful images that people admire when they say "aren't those sailboats beautiful". Come on trade publications, loosen up from the racing, danger, work 'til you drop images and let's go for some of the beautiful images of the real sailing lifestyle. Take a look at the page 10 of the May issue of Mainsheet Magazine to see what I'm talking about and hear another rant.

 

[Kevin Whalen]

Speed

All the critics I know say it's to slow. The world is full of speed junkies. Sailors enjoy the relaxation in light winds and the exhilaration in heavy winds.

 

[Henry Hey]

More reasons NOT to sail than to sail.

When I saw that question I thought it was maybe in jest. I would say that people who chose to sail are people who are so enamored of the sport that they are willing to make large efforts to pursue it. Many reasons that everyone I know (except my few sail-loving friends) has for not sailing:Too expensive! owning a boat, maintaining a boat, mooring/storing/slip-ing/trailering a boat. I live in NYC and it is quite expensive to do any of these things here. Too time consuming! Aside from financial considerations, owning, maintaining, etc. etc. are things that take a lot of time. not to mention free time to sail. Maybe not for retirees, but for most people I know it's out of the question. Too complicated!Learning all of the sailing skills, regulations etc. appears involved for the laymanNo real experience (never been sailing)Maybe this is the top reason that people don't pursue sailing. They've never been and therefore don't have any idea what it might be like. People like the tall ships because they look pretty. All of the above being said. . . . I was exposed to sailing at 15 and have been in love with it ever since. I convinced one other friend here in NYC to go in on a boat with me and we go through the trials/tribulations of ownership/maintenance together. We take time whenever we can to go sailing. It means a 2.5 hour drive each way to our boat and we can usually only go one day at a clip, but it is worth it for us. - h. hey

 

[Maeve McMenomey]

Have to try it!

For 20+ years. I was married to a powerboat/fishing enthusiast. We were on the boat so much that my son when he was small remarked that his friend was going to the beach by car and couldn't understand how you could get to the beach by car!I could take it or leave it - pretty boring - nothing special.Since then we split, I met this sailing guy and WOW! Guess what? I love sailing. What a difference! We're partners on a brand new 40'Caliber and love it!!! You can't keep me off it. Like I said you have to try it.

 

[Eric R. Schleif]

No passion

In this day and age of speed and instant gratification,most boaters view watercraft as a marine version of their car.Their main purpose is to get from point A to point B as quickly and comfortably as possible and with the least amount of effort.For those who enjoy sailing,it's not so much the getting there as it is the trip itself that is enjoyable. Certainly comfort and ease of use is a focus for both but the sheer joy of interacting with the wind and waves is why I personally prefer to sail. It's a matter of passion rather than convenience.

 

[Bob Zanowicz]

My Take

Most of the comments here I agree with. But I would put some blame on the boating/sailing industry too. Someone made some good remarks about magazines!I think a lot of it is based on the "hole in the water" idea. Many marina operators, boat dealers, suppliers etc.(both power and sail) leave a lot to be desired to make the experience customer friendly (or friendler)When you consider the time, $$$ and effort required for things like maintenance and repairs I think the average person would give up! All but the most interested would stay. Again you have to compare sailboating to other outdoor pursuits (camping, backbacking, scuba diving, etc) I the point I'm trying to make is the industry should not ignore their customers and just assume that the customers write everything off as "hole in the water" syndrome. In today's world there are so many other sports or activities that compete with sailing (unlike 30-40 yrs ago)As for the sailing schools and respective charterers, they provide a good entry for prospective sailors. I don't understand why they don't advertise in magazines other than sailing ones. They are already preaching to choir, why not advertise in outdoor, sports or health/fitness related publications?My 2cB

 

[Lysle]

Timing also plays a factor sometimes.

At least in my case it did. I had been interested in sailing for many years before I had my first experience, but that's all it took. My first sail was about seven years ago. We have owned our Catalina 27 going on five years now. As far as the expense goes, it depends on where you want to start. I've seen day sailers and fixer uppers for next to nothing. When my wife and I started looking, we were planning on spending up to 5k. That limited us to a really nice 22 footer or a really rough 25. We doubled what we were willing to spend and got a decent 27. After a lot of sweat equity and TLC, we have a really nice 27.The difficulty factor also plays in to some degree, but it has been my experience that most who see it as too difficult are also the ones who don't try much of anything that requires thinking and a little effort. The fast paced, instant gratification crowd, (many powerboat types,) come to mind, as well as the couch potatoes. My only complaint is how the marinas try, and most of the time succeed, in gouging boat owners (power and sail.) My slip fees have gone up 66% in three years. I have learned to do most of my own engine work, interior, and exterior repairs, and I have a friend who's an EE and has helped me rewire the entire boat. I hope to learn how to maintain my rigging soon. But getting a permanent parking spot that is secure when I'm away, I haven't figured out how to do yet. Our lake won't let just anybody build a slip so I guess we are what could be termed as "a captive customer."I guess it all comes down to passion, as someone has mentioned before. You make allowances for those things you truly love. As a friend of mine is fond of saying, "May the wind at your back not be your own..."Regards,Lysle

 

[Bruce C. Stone]

Tall ship trainee.

I believe that many people have ancestors who immigrated from Europe on the old sailing vessels, and hence, there is a built in curiosity and interest in these ships, for more than just the sailing aspect. There may be the same interest in old steam engines at a railroad museum such as found in Sacramento, California. etc.I had the opportunity last year to sail on a Norwegian vessel, the Statsraad Lemkuhl, out of Oslo. It was part of a reinactment of pioneer migration. I was on the last leg of the trip, Bermuda to New York, a five day trip over about 600 nautical miles (the trip started in Denmark, to England, to the Canaries, to Bermuda, to New York). I was just one of over a 100 trainees who paid a bunch of money to work like dogs as part of the crew. I was assigned to the "Red Team", the 12:00 to 4:00 shift, twice a day (Try to get sleep on that watch!). I don't have time or space to go into detail, but after the first night in Bermuda where I couldn't sleep because of the heat, humidity and crowding in the hold (in hammocks) I was about ready to leave and vacation in Bermuda. But I stuck with it, went through some scary weather, and gained a whole new world of respect for these kind of sailors. I was humbled and felt that I knew so little (of course all the terms we learned were in Norwegian). Sailing those kinds of vessels was no easy matter, just ask the people climbing into the rigging in the middle of the night in a storm. I didn't, I was not qualified to do so and was also very chicken. I learned that handling my two-sail sloop, was a tad easier, even though any kind of boating can be dangerous.There is a certain amount of respect we should have for these great vessels that contributed so much to our history. I learned to love the sailors on the Lemkhul, some of whom were the most careful and professional sailors I have been around. We sailed into New York Harbor just three weeks after 9/11. There was a lot of smoke from the south tip of Manhattan where we anchored for the night. We could see the Statue of Liberty and the changed skyline of New York City. The next day we sailed up the Hudson River with full sails with two other ships from the journey. What an experience, I will never forget!

 

[mary youngman]

it;s soooo true

This is so true, hanging over a boat in full gear ( meaning jackets, pants etc) is of no interest to those of us who sail southern california - we are into shorts, sun and a lovely sail for the day for week!! That's what the sailing world needs to show, sailing isn't just Dennis Conners and all hands on deck! Sailing can be for all types,,,,,,,,,,,and that's what makes it great!

 

[Mama Bruff]

Scott, do you sail Beaver Lake in NW AR?

We are totally new to sailing, although we've always had powerboats (since 1987)up until now. We took our maiden voyage last Sunday (very scary at first) and love our boat! Beaver is our favorite lake, as it's uncrowded, clean and clear (we scuba too). We are planning to apply for membership to the sailboat club near Lost Bridge. Like you, we find that sailing is NOT popular around here "too slow" & "too much work"! We see our boat as "lakefront property", meaning we can spend the night anywhere on the lake. Our 22ft Oday is trailerable, (tho a pain to load and put the mast up and down) so we're not stuck with just one lake. We bought our boat with the money we sold our powerboat for. Our sailboat is 4 ft longer, sleeps 4, has stove, sink, bbq grill, potty, and shelter from the rain/wind/sun. Try packing all that on an 18ft runabout. Plus the insurance is about half the cost. I'm hooked! (Although my husband still wants at least a PWC to satisfy his"need for speed")MLB

 

[Don]

Sailor's are unique

I think it takes a unique individual who is drawn to sailing by an inner desire to take on the adventure that is sailing. Because sailing is so much more than turning a key and starting a motor, it takes a person who has a serious passion to be on the water with sails full. I have such a passion for sailing that I find it impossible to explain this feeling to others. It almost saddens me to think that everyone doesn't feel the same way about sailing as I do.As far as those who say that it is too much work, those are the people who just don't get it, for it is not work if it is something you love. Sailing doesn't have to be an expensive activity either. As a matter of fact, I jokingly tell people I sail because I can't afford to golf. My current boat is a 1980 Catalina 25 fixed keel that I purchased for next to nothing and keep on Lake Erie in a slip at a nice marina for $48.00 a week. The boat has everything and with a little TLC on my part, it looks like a million bucks. Aside from the initial cost of the boat and the slip fees, the cost of operating the boat is minimal. As to why sailing isn't universally enjoyed by everyone, I think that one must first have the desire to sail, then overcome the fear of the unknown and just do it. A lot of people may have the desire, but it is the do'ers that make it happen. It takes a rare person indeed and that is why there are fewer sailors than powerboaters.

 

[Jim S]

Fear and fashion

Look around. Houses keep getting bigger and bigger. Cars are getting more and more luxurious. Kids are embarking on year round sporting careers costing thousands of dollars. Clothes, restaurants, golf, theme parks I could go on. I don't think the money it takes to get a family on a modest sailboat truly stops anybody. The culture of fashionable luxury and the fear of looking proletariat (as well as the normal fears of learning something new, being stranded or hurt on the water, etc) are the things that keep people out of sailboats.I see it like this: You and your wife can land good jobs, mortgage a big new house in a fashionable neighborhood, lease a new beamer and an SUV, but what you've got left after that will either put you in a used sail boat at the cut rate mooring/marina or allow you to join some trendy golf/health club. Few choose the ratty old sailboat, even though it's much more fun in my experience. The mentality of my generation (I'm 41) seems to be do things in style or don't do them. It's a crime, boat yards are full of nice old boats that for the price of a used car and and the yearly cost of almost any other common family pastime, kids could be out on the open water experiencing a world that hasn't changed much sice the dawn of civilization.

 

[Doug Rodrigues]

Watchers, not doers.

Many people I meet at the shore line have no interest in sailing. Their primary interest is to simply watch others do it. When I ask them if they would like to participate, they indicate that "It looks like too much trouble," OR "It's too much money," OR "I want a speed boat!" My general feeling is that people cannot be cultivated into becoming sailors. They either have that interest, or don't have any interest. The same observation probably applies to any other type of hobby or sport.

 

[Walter Jones]

Bass Boats Ski Boats & PWC' S

are the main passion here and a lot of people have one of the three. Our ramps are designed for them and there are dealers everywhere. The nearest sailboat dealer is 75 miles from here and they don't advertise. Our lake doesnt have a single sailboat slip and neither do some others that I know of. I have never taken anyone out on our boat that didn't like it but most people are so much more familiar with the other kinds of water craft that they never even think of sailing. If something in my genetic makeup hadn't always been fasinated by sailing I wouldnt have tried it either and I have boated for over 30 years. My wife has also been around the water all her life and never seemed very interested in sailing untill we finally went out on one. It was a stormy day and the boat spent most of the time with the rails in the water. We hadn't gone 1/2 a mile and she looked at me grinning from ear to ear and said "we got to have one of these" Of course my wife isnt typical but more people would enjoy it and do it if it was a little more accessable.

 

[Carol]

hussle, bussle,work

People are geared for the fast life pace. What they are interested in ,is going fast and with little or no effort used."turn the key and go fast." Taking the sounds and smells of the city with them. My bowerboat friends think sailing is to much work.... and we all know, once the sail's are hoisted we can sit back and enjoy the ride. Most of my work is doing the TLC thing, and thats a "labor of love" We sailors don't get from point A to point B fast...if we did, just think of all the things we would miss along the way....the piecefullness, scenery, sounds of the waves lapping on the bow, "a beautiful moonlight sail"...that's my favorite! I could go on and on, but I am sure you sailors get my drift. It's sad to think that so many people are leting life pass them by......sailors are truely a unique breed or our own. I wouldn't trade my passion for the wind at my back for anything!!!!Smooth sailing....