Happiness is a work in progress

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ChrisE

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www.simpleisgood.com
Did anyone see Libby Purves article in The Times yesterday? It was a piece about how she hates the thought of going sailing but enjoys it once she is at sea. I thought she caught the essense of sailing in the one phrase above.

I, too, share her dread before a long passage and her understanding that whilst it is a scary sport sometimes it is just that excitement (aka fear) that renews ones sense of adventure.

If I was to be a grumpy sod I'd say that it should made compulsory reading to the owners of boats that don't leave the marina in anything above a gale force 3
 
I find that the longer its been since I've been sailing, the more extreme the sense of foreboding on Firday and achievement on Saturday.

Regards, Jeff.
 
Great piece of writing - her column is one of the few reasons I still buy YM. Reread her book about sailing round Britain again recently. An excellent read. Whats more their boat has a good name - Ayesha!
 
I'm glad others feel the same way, I always thought it was just me being a wuss.

The build up to any "longish" (for me) passage is a time of trepidation and, or, can I be bothered feelings. The buzz as soon as I put to sea blows these away.

Similarly, when away from the boat for any length of time, I question the sense/vfm of boat ownership, stepping aboard soon exorcizes these thoughts as well.
 
Herein lies one of the sources of sea-sickness:

Age => bigger, more expensive boat.
Bigger boat => more angst before the off
Angst => probly sick

ergo Age => Sick
 
Re: Not a feeling I recognize.

I dread the drive down to the boat, it's boring and I've been going the same couple of routes for thirty some years, but never the sailing. I've sailed with people that spent the night before departure walking the marina and being sick. I'd rather get my head down.

I don't really see sailing as an adventure or a thrill. For me it's a task to be approched in a workman like way. It gives me satisfaction rather than thrills.

But then I don't dread when the sailing stops or going back home or back to work.

How boring is that?
 
[ QUOTE ]
Herein lies one of the sources of sea-sickness:

Age => bigger, more expensive boat.
Bigger boat => more angst before the off
Angst => probly sick

ergo Age => Sick

[/ QUOTE ]

That's too complicated. I can get there in one step. I'm sick of being old /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif
 
Anything that takes one out of one's comfort zone leads to fear beforehand and a sense of acheivement afterwards. Some would say that this voyage out the comfort zone is good whilst others avoid at all costs.

My perception is that habitual sailors either tend to expand their comfort zone towards the personally feasible and enjoy a life of personal exploration ... or sit at the bar in the yacht club and bullsh#t.
 
one of the best articles in reponse to Why do we sail. hope it is reprinted in yottie mags. can anyone do link for those who missed original?
 
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