Talking up sailing... despite lack of interest..

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Larry

I talk up sailing everyday, but with not too much luck. I'm starting to get certain "looks" from some people when I mention the word "sailing". One friend stopped by my house to borrow something one day, and I had two complete sailboats in the side yard complete with masts raised , etc. I didn't mention the boats, since I'd talked to him about them nearly everyday for a month. He acted like he never even noticed them. Lack of interest or what? (He can talk your arm off when the subject is bass boats.) I've just about decided that sailing is "my interests" and probably not most other people's. And I'm happy with it, and that's all that really matters.
 
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R DEUTSCH

Sailing

When talking about sailing you talk to people who sail, when power boating is involved you talk about sex.Did you ever try to make love on a 20 degree angle or on a wall
 
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Bryan C.

Hard to believe many don't see the light.

Like anything else, the non-enlightened only want to hear so much or our obsession.
 
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Larry

Deutsch's riddle portrays sail vs. power

My first windward turn with a sailboat, close-hauled...I knew I had found a new passion. I know I'm alive when I see the sails set ( raised and full of wind).
 
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Duane Cady

I see this effect also

I bought my '84 H31 almost exactly a year ago, quenching a piece of a childhood dream (the other part is getting it in the ocean). For a year now, I have been practically breathing sailing -- learning about everything from setting sails correctly for the point of sail to maintenance of freshwater system. Im just starting to realize for myself at this point how much work goes into just maintaining it -- and what it does for my soul to give my boat that kind of love and attention. Anyway, since all I could think about were sailing and my boat for the last year, my friends and workmates had to endure my one constant single-minded theme. This is my passion and not theirs -- the things I learn are my discoveries, and my adventures -- theres no way they can relate. I take them sailing, hopefully with wind. If I get their adrenaline flowing with some good, edgy sailing, then they get excited. I have not found one person yet that can do a leisurely 4 or 5 knots and watch the sun set and get excited about it -- most get bored. When I see the sunset over the water I see freedom, and the anticipation of future adventures. This isnt their boat, so they really have no way to relate. We have fun with drinks and jokes and conversation -- but the pure pleasure of my boat and surroundings is mine alone -- as much as Id like to share it. I agree with the earlier post that said to talk to sailors bout sailing -- new sailors will 'get religion' in their own ways -- still possibly by sailing on your boat I suppose... Duane
 
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Andy Howard

"quenching a piece of a childhood dream"

I think Duane's remark is very telling. A love for sailing is either viral or genetic. No one in my family was into boats but one summer I went to a lake with some friends. They had this forlorn little sailboat sitting by the dock I got in spent most of the day in "irons" but thought it was great. Within a month I bought my first sailboat, a sunfish knockoff with lawnmower money at age 13. I try to get my friends interested also and run into a brick wall, but every once in a while a "newbie" goes out with us and I see that gleam in their eye and I know that either the virus has been passed on, or the latent gene has been awakened.
 
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Melody Miller

Need for Speed

Hey Guys and Gals: Sailing is not the fastest way to get anywhere. To a sailor, "how" you get there is more important than getting there quickly. The sensation of the wind in your face and the gentle sound of parting the waters with your bow is heaven. But for those who have a need for speed, the blast of twin diesel engines and slapping against the water is somehow better. I don't understand it myself. Melody
 
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Matt

Jerry Garcia said it best...

not everyone likes licorice, but those who do, like licorice alot.
 
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R.W.Landau

We are all sissies

Larry, that is the mentality that sailing is viewed with. In my youth, my Dad blessed us with cabin cruisers and a house boat. That was replaced with a ski boat when we were teens. He once again facinated me when in his late fifties bought a 45' Columbia sailboat to live aboard. He lived that dream for two years and then had to comeback to land. I have owned fishing boats, ski boat, and my most beloved sailboat. Sailing is viewed as boring and slow. It is 25 knots of wind and 25 degrees of heal that will remind you that the wind is a powerful force. Though moving at only six knots, there are feelings of speed, power and insecurity all at the same time. You can not tell someone of this wild peace.Yet many reading this know what I speak of. Larry, It is a wonderful life to sail. Let's not invite everyone. It would be nice for selling old boats but would crowd your favorite peaceful cove that you alone anchor in to feel the the roll of the water and the peacefullness of being alone. One of my most favorite trips was just me and Dad. We sailed through micro bursts from Ft. Lauderdale to Miami. Then went inside to Ragged Key. We could see Miami, and knew the craziness there but anchored alone, the peace was ........ there are no words. Again this is something you can tell someone but to live it is another world. Sail and enjoy, r.w.landau
 
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Andy Falls

Many called..few hear

I like the website because everyone here "hears" the call! I gave up a long time ago on sailing evanglism! After a friend has asked at least 3 times, and showed a willingness to learn (bought a sailing magazine or watched a ALL SAIL TV show), then they are welcome aboard. Like said earlier-we don't want everybody sailing. Sailing is what makes you and me special!
 
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David

A couple of things I've noticed

1. People who have a need for their horsepower & testosterone levels to be the same are probably making up for other shortcomings. 2. Point and Shoot boats are boring (powerboats) 3. Sailing is a lifestyle that few are priveledged enough to enjoy. Oh yeah, my rules for inviting "crew". One invite=decline. Ok Second invite=decline, You're off the list. I'm not here to beg people
 
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Joe Baker

Intimidation!!

Some of the more testosterone driven and simple minded chaps are way intimidated by all the intracacies of sailing plus the skills and knowledge needed. 1. I am pretty much at one declined invite equals no more. 2. A great comeback for those that question your lifestyle is to let out the secret that sailboats are chic magnets.
 
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Bob

Sex on a wall!

Did you ever try to make love on a 20 degree angle or on a wall? Why yes I have and it is quite interesting, the vberth is a nice "playground". This is the reason autopilots were created. Of course you have to keep a good watch, this is why there are forehatches.
 
Apr 19, 1999
1,670
Pearson Wanderer Titusville, Florida
This creates a whole new meaning for the word...

...foreplay! Peter H23 "Raven"
 
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LaDonna Bubak - CatalinaOwners

Misunderstanding

I think many folks misunderstand sailors. They either think of them in terms of US Navy or Yacht Club types like C. Thurston Howell. My folks built their boat in a field in the Willamette Valley of Oregon. We had locals asking if we planned on sailing it up the Calapooia River (runs through the town) - it has the draft of a deep creek! The concept of building a sailboat, much less taking your kid out of school for a year to go "cruising" ("whatever that means" they probably thought), was inconceivable. Funny how, if you open your mind just a little, you see so many options in life! LaDonna
 
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Joe

Maybe I'm not crazy.

This thread has made me feel so much better about myself. No one in my family has had any interest in sailing. The people that I work with tolerate with limited interest my constant return to the topic of sailing. I have had only a few friends that have gone sailing with me and it's far from top priority with them. I just didn't know that all this was closer to typical than not. Oh, and I have returned everyone to the dock dry and in one piece, just a few bored and scratching their head over what is this sailing thing all about anyway. I think that if you don't get it, it can't be explained. Fair Winds, Joe C. in NC
 
Apr 19, 1999
1,670
Pearson Wanderer Titusville, Florida
Hey Joe, it's real simple

If they don't get it, they don't get it, get it? You can lead a horse to water but you can't make it sail. Peter H23 "Raven"
 
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Larry

Centuries old, but still mystical...sailing.

I crossed the Sea of Galilee a few years back (power boat, unfortunately), and I thought of the disciples and Jesus crossing the Sea. The waves there can get rather treacherous as the day goes on. On our voyage, the waves started rather wild early one morning. When we boarded I was apprehensive. But, when we reached the half way point, the sea was like glass--not even a ripple. I had not "calmed the sea" but the sea had spoken volumes to me. It's my goal to sail the Sea of Galilee some day.
 
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mark v.

its a smple thing really.....

theres no ignition key[ well kinda] and not just any yahoo can operate it!!
 
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Rob Rich

Mark's got it...

I was sitting on my beached catamaran with my wife one night, stargazing and sipping on a beer when a raucous cheer erupted from a bunch of drunken power boaters about 200 yards away. "Wonder what that was about?" she asked. "I think they just found their keys," I said. Hee Hee...
 
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