Contemporary commentary on postmodern sailing philosophy

[Dirk Visser 166]

A couple of additional thoughts bubble to the surface considering this postmodern syndrome we all find ourselves in..

These insights have to do with imagination and freedom in thought and action, and the resulting empowerment of spirit.

Even responsibility is made real in a creative act without restrictive regulations and legally imposed limitations.

Small boats are a last bastion of this kind of liberty in the built environment.

Building codes and permits are mercifully absent as factors in our naval architectural exploits, did you notice and celebrate this fact with some genuinely personal expression, risk-taking, and joy..?

[lustyslogger]

A couple of additional thoughts bubble to the surface considering this postmodern syndrome we all find ourselves in..

These insights have to do with imagination and freedom in thought and action, and the resulting empowerment of spirit.

Even responsibility is made real in a creative act without restrictive regulations and legally imposed limitations.

Small boats are a last bastion of this kind of liberty in the built environment.

Building codes and permits are mercifully absent as factors in our naval architectural exploits, did you notice and celebrate this fact with some genuinely personal expression, risk-taking, and joy..?

Interesting stuff here but way beyond my pay scale. I sail basically for two reasons. Anyone can go "boating" but sailing is an art that requires some modicum of ability. So, the fact that I am able to get my sailboat from point A to point B, eventually, brings me great pleasure. I may not have the ability of a Howard Rice or the Parday's but I generally can return to the same point I left from!! Secondly, it allows me to get away from my wife for a spell!!! (Before I am trashed for this statement let me advise you that my wife and I work together in our business so if we did not have these personal pursuits we would be together 24/7!!!)

[Dirk Visser 166]

So what is a small sailboat actually, and why do we love them so unconditionally, (and do we really?), or is there something else at work here?

What are they for us, and what could they possibly represent, that is so damned important?

Why bother with them at all, let alone get fanatical and obsessed, and rabidly opinionated?

How can it be that we are enjoying "simply messing about in boats" this much, for all these years and generations?

And what is it about sailing small boats that all these many different cultures around the world seem to find agreeable in their own ways?

[Michel]

One thing I like a lot about a small boat is that I am not possessed by my possession!
One other thing is that I don't create jealousy!

[lustyslogger]

One thing I like a lot about a small boat is that I am not possessed by my possession!
One other thing is that I don't create jealousy!

Good thoughts Michel. Personally, I like sailing because its not unlike fly fishing (another of my several pursuits) in that both require physical and intellectual skills to get the best of. Anyone can hop into a power boat and blast off for the nearest watering hole. Sailing takes far more awareness of the elements.

That and the fact that since I use a trolling motor for mechanical propulsion my fuel cost are about 3 cents per year!!!

[Art Haberland]

it is funny, I have several friends and co-workers who are "boaters", some of them are actually very good boaters who follow the rules and are generally as far from rude as you can get...

Not a single one wants to go for a sail. They all have a "problem" with a boat heeling. As one said, "a boat that leans is going to flip over".

Oh well.. good thing I enjoy single handing

[lustyslogger]

it is funny, I have several friends and co-workers who are "boaters", some of them are actually very good boaters who follow the rules and are generally as far from rude as you can get...

Not a single one wants to go for a sail. They all have a "problem" with a boat heeling. As one said, "a boat that leans is going to flip over".

Oh well.. good thing I enjoy single handing

I kind of like the quote I saw on a tee shirt "We ain't heeling until somebody's screaming"

[Dirk Visser 166]

You guys come up with some pretty good stuff, just quick and out of the box like that..

..I like the fly fishing comparison, never put that one together..
...And I have to agree with Michel, there is a likely danger of a big boat owning it's owner..in more ways than one..
..The singlehanding thing could be key too...

But just to explore a little deeper, do you think a person's most memorable sailing experience might provide clues as to what the real attraction of these small boats might consist of?

[Michel]

One of the things I noticed in meeting with big boats sailors is that they seems less happy than we do! They do look very proud of their nice and spacious craft but they don't smile the same as we do!
They also often talk about how they had fun when they had a small boat!

[lustyslogger]

You guys come up with some pretty good stuff, just quick and out of the box like that..

..I like the fly fishing comparison, never put that one together..
...And I have to agree with Michel, there is a likely danger of a big boat owning it's owner..in more ways than one..
..The singlehanding thing could be key too...

But just to explore a little deeper, do you think a person's most memorable sailing experience might provide clues as to what the real attraction of these small boats might consist of?

I don't know if you could say that in all cases. What if your most memorable sailing experience was being swept out to sea by the tide and you spend a terrifying night trying to return to the marina. What you were most interested in was a leisurely sail around the harbor watching the sunset.