I rationalised my £ per hours use with my last boat and decided to sell. I then sat twiddling my thumbs for a year debating whether to buy a motorbike, build an extension etc. then I bought another boat. If you like boats have a boat.
First season with new boat. 4 weekends, 1 9 day cruise (with electrical trouble) several other weekends on board whilst doing jobs, SIBS weekend used as a caravan, couple of evening sails with guys from work. Lots of odd days on board doing jobs and trying to get her shipshape.
Historically, about 8 weekends at least 2 weeks cruising. And then maybe a few odd days.
We always intend to stay afloat throughout the winter, come out for maybe a month round Easter for AF etc. finding though that with young family, this is the busy term for parties, when they don't have parties the weather is foul so not been out for about a month now
I get about 20-25 days a year sailing. Family commitments and weather prevent many more - which I sometimes find frustrating. Family holidays are not onboard, they all want to go caravanning to the South of France.
When not out I am at the boat most Saturday mornings and often well into the afternoon as well. In the summer I go down every Tuesday evening as well and sometimes stay over.
When I was in the refit stage, I would also do a split shift at work and get down for a few hours, a few days a week. But that was very hard work as it meant working in the office until 10p.m. at least 2 nights a week, to make up the time. The refit was a once in a lifetime affair, well that's what I tell myself now anyway.
This year I also had a week on board at the Cowes Classics regatta. That made me feel like I had "proper" use out of her.
I get out every few weekends, because there is nothing quite like a day out on the water. Sun sparkling back up in the water, wind in my hair and cheeks going pink in the breeze - it's so invigorating. Unbeatable!
On average every second weekend (all year round) - typically just day sails in the winter, using the nice weather days (never reefed in winter, as only go when below 15 knots and dry weather forecast) - plus 2-3 weeks in the summer.
There are very many different ways that people enjoy their boats. Some like sailing in familiar waters under different conditions, some like the experience of living aboard while for others it is the thrill of visiting new places that motivates them. Some people enjoy maintaining and fettling their boats while others see this as a chore and pay someone else to do it. You don't even need to be on your boat to get pleasure from it. For some the pride of ownership itself is important while others derive great pleasure from making plans, even if they do not necessarily carry them out. It shouldn't matter to you what anyone else does, the only relevant consideration is whether for you the satisfaction of owning your boat justifies the time, effort and money expended on it.
This is a very profound subject. The very essence of owning a boat. For myself I tend to race Sunday afternoons for half the year. I also use it for teaching perhaps 6 sat mornings per year. I think I enjoy the teaching more than racing these days. Also have a few outings each year taking people for a ride. I do find myself on other peoples boats more and more. especially the club rescue boat (mobo). Such that i feel I can just about sell the sail boat having had it for 33years. However....
Many of us just like owning a boat. fiddling with it maintaining it and just knowing it is there. You can't put a price on that.
So I would say it is different for everyone. Many hgave to buy a boat to find out if they want a boat. Many sell again finding it is not for them. good luck olewill
Not often enough.
Bought the boat this year. a week sailing it to home waters, quite a bit of time fixing anoying little problems, a week sailing localy, a few days here and there.
Had her out yesterday just for the day.
A lot of times other plans get in the way.
Its nice to know I can go sailing.
Now retired, so this year 80 days sailing or away, plus I estimate at least the same again just sitting onboard fettling, reading, dozing. Prior to retirement, sailed most weekends between March and November plus 2 week summer cruise.
Thanks for all the replies, very much appreciated. Your comments have helped me make the decision to keep the yacht and to get on with the small jobs I want to do in preparation for next season.
Cheers
Billy