Different ships......

[Guest]

If there is one aphorism that seems to me to be the answer to most of the arguments that take place on sailing forums, it is "different ships, different longsplices". Take the "old days" thread. Some of us like the simplicity and challenge of sailing "old style". Some get satisfaction and aesthetic pleasure from older boats that were not mass produced. Others like the thrill of speed and hi tech. Others want home comforts. Its great to love something, but I do sometimes wonder why, loving one thing, we also feel the need to denigrate what someone else loves and try to prove that "our way is best". Funny lot, us.

 

[Mirelle]

I have been thinking about this, too.

Frankly, when afloat, most of us only really notice boats which present a risk of collision or which are the sort of boatnthat we like - in all probability, boats that resemble our own. The rest get ignored, although they may get the customary wave if passed under way.

I can probably name most of the older wooden boats on moorings near to mine but with the exception of a handful of designs - usually older ones - I just don't notice the GRP ones. And I am sure that the converse applies too.

Now what I think happens when we come to a forum like this is that we all feel that maybe we are being sneered at by people whose tastes differ, so be become defensive and we snipe at their ways of going about things.

 

[billmacfarlane]

I think you might find the converse doesn't apply. I , and most of my friends always spot wooden boats while out sailing , probably because they stand out from the usual design and probably because each one is practically unique. I can admire their looks , but not necessarily want to own one.