Risks due to loss of strength in old age

[tri39]

I practically gave away my spinnaker a few years ago, tired of carrying it around unused.
However I always rig the spinny halliard at the start of every season because it's such a good "crane".
Useful for fuel/water gerry cans and I'm sure to to winch a gerry MOB back on board too!

In medical statistics you have to remember that co-incidental figures do not necessarily prove cause and effect.
But in general terms smoking and obesity and lack of exercise must accelerate decline.
Altho yachtsmen are often active fitter people who may have difficulty realising when they should become less ambitious.
RKJ is currently racing across the Atlantic at 75, and he still smokes!!!!!!

 

[BurnitBlue]

This year, for the first time I noticed that I was having difficulty winching in the final few inches of the genoa. One day I was worried that I could not get it closer than 5 inches from the crosstrees.

I have Lewmar40's 1:1 anti-clock and 6:1 clockwise. I put it down to lack of maintenance and decided to give them a good greasing next Spring. Reading this thread though, makes me think that it could be me and my upper-body strength that is getting less.

I have, just now, thought that increasing the length of the winch handle would solve the problem. If I double the length then 1:1 would become 1:2 and 1:6 would become 1:12. Is that correct? Thanks.

 

[tri39]

I dunno where you're going to get a double length winch handle! You can buy handles with double grips to get both arms onto them, if you have ST winches.
Regreasing my help as may stronger arms. But often this means you might be better off with a few rolls in the genny!

 

[BurnitBlue]

I dunno where you're going to get a double length winch handle! You can buy handles with double grips to get both arms onto them, if you have ST winches.
Regreasing my help as may stronger arms. But often this means you might be better off with a few rolls in the genny!

Easy, slip an iron tube over the arm after removing the hand-grip.

 

[rob2]

RKJ is currently racing across the Atlantic at 75, and he still smokes!!!!!!

Nowadays, offshore on a yacht is about the only place you're allowed to!

The main risk is dealt with once you've asked the question. You become far more aware of what you can and can't manage.

Rob.

Rob.

 

[johnalison]

Many years ago the boat inside us on a raft was skippered by a charming but very obese barrister. I watched him going ashore and returning across a couple of inside boats and I have seldom seen anyone so nimble or light on their feet. Fat people can make good dancers, I'm told, but I wouldn't recommend it.

 

[Leighb]

I dunno where you're going to get a double length winch handle! You can buy handles with double grips to get both arms onto them, if you have ST winches.
Regreasing my help as may stronger arms. But often this means you might be better off with a few rolls in the genny!

I suppose it depends how long they are to start with, unfortunately ours are only 8" as there is not enough room for the larger size (10" or 12"?) but that would only give a relatively small increase in power. I have just been able to crank the genoa the last bit one handed - at least with my R hand, not so easy with the L. Still we are having a smaller genoa next year so that should be easier anyway.

 

[Davy_S]

Fat people can make good dancers, I'm told, but I wouldn't recommend it.

They float very well, If ever I was on a sinking ferry, that's who I would cling to! ...

 

[tri39]

75 yo RKJ has just arrived in Guadeloupe after 20 days. Says 60ft mono is now a bit too much and he'll be back in 4 years with a smaller trimaran!!!!

 

[ianabc]

Luff up vs expensive handles

 

[coopec]

View attachment 47203

 

[xhurleyman]

My wife does understand me fortunately but I am also 67 and used to windsurf but then needed a hip replacement and my Consultant, a windsurfing friend said it would be wise to give that up after the op so I bought a day boat then as the years went by I wanted something with a cabin so I bought a Hurley 22 (great boat). Then with my second hip due I felt I ought to give up but bought a bigger boat with more deck space and more comfortable down below for the days when I just want to relax, it's not that big, only a thoroughbred Sadler 26 but I can manage it easily on my own. If sailings in your blood then you have just got to carry on and enjoy it whilst you can!

 

[Mrnotming]

+1 ianabc

 

[Jim@sea]

My main concern was lack of upper body strength when attempting to transferr my new 4 stroke outboard from the boat to the dinghy so I have built a small davit which has worked very well. Makes the entire operation far safer.

We (or the PBO) should get up a petition to allow people to buy 2 stroke outboards of up to 4hp because of weight, A 4stroke 4hp can weigh 27 kilos and a 4hp 2stroke 15 kilos. Also Perhaps as disabled people can park anywhere they would be allowed to buy the lighter 2 strokes. Riding for the Disabled gets special treatment, why not Sailing for the Disabled.

 

[coopec]

This Diet Has Been Linked to a Longer Life—Again

Alice Park @aliceparkny

Dec. 2, 2014


"That makes sense, since each of the hallmarks of the diet—from fish to olive oil to moderate amounts of alcohol (They mean RED wine)—are strong antioxidants that can fight the oxidative damage connected with aging". ( Another way of putting it is the flavenoids fight the free radicals)

http://www.express.co.uk/life-style...anean-diet-best-way-beat-ageing-process-study