Ravi
Well-Known Member
Please allow me to make an observation as a non-British sailor.
It seems to me that Britons tend to think that older is better in many things in life. Be it sailing yachts, cars, or houses. The love for the old things and restaurations seems to be omnipresent. "Let's get out of the EU, we did very nicely when the Empire was still around" ��
Perhaps this is why the yachts of yesteryear have such a devout following in Britain? I can't see much of that in Holland.
I think you have have a point but not all us Britsvare the same. The English are certainly conservative but the Scots are socialist and very much in favour of staying in the EU!
But I think you have a point about boats because we do love our Sadlers, Moody and Weterly boats. This could be more than hankering for the days of empire, though. Much of British sailing is done in foul conditions and (the cheaper) modern boats tend to be designed for Med conditions. A big cockpit and sugarscoop are no use when you spend your time huddled below to get out of the rain.
Also, many of these old boats are bilge Keeler's and there are many UK coasts stretches where shelter is very limited for a boat that can't dry out.
Arguably, these boats are more suited to the rougher British seastate. Some would dispute that.
These old boats are undeniably less comfortable than modern designs so maybe that it a factor. Us Brits lare never happier than when we are huddledroom?a tent or picnicking on the beach in the pouring rain. Why do you think Homo Britannicus prefers a small cold shed to his living room ??