Sailings future

[rwoofer]

A thought provoking video on the future of sailing:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8x99DXjJAs&feature=related

With the arrival of triplets, I sold my big boat due to lack of time/energy etc., but the video does make me wonder if I made a mistake.

Edit: Forgot to add that it is in 4 parts, but you only need to see the first 3.

 

[sighmoon]

Executive summary:

Percentage of population going sailing (in US) is in decline - he (talking to a group of industry folk) sees this as a bad thing, but I look forward to cheaper marinas, more available swinging moorings, etc.

Currently families in the US are spending the smallest amout of time doing things together since WW2
In the 1970s, 80% of sailing was done in family groups.
Today (and in 1949) 10% of sailing is in family groups because parents spend time taking kids to socccer, violin (and maybe sailing) lessons rather than doing it together.

With the arrival of triplets, I sold my big boat due to lack of time/energy etc., but the video does make me wonder if I made a mistake.

We spent 4 weeks living on the boat this year, and another 2 weeks just me (and a friend) and the boy. I can't even imagine looking after triplets at home, but childcare (1.5 and 6) on the boat was not much harder than at home. Biggest issue was that we were always trying to get laundry done.

 

[Fittster]

Is there really a reduction in the number of people sailing in the UK?

Marinas are fairly full and moorings in popular sailing grounds are still as hard to find/expensive as ever.

 

[flaming]

Executive summary:

Percentage of population going sailing (in US) is in decline - he (talking to a group of industry folk) sees this as a bad thing, but I look forward to cheaper marinas, more available swinging moorings, etc.

I, as a racer, also see this as a bad thing. Less people sailing = less competition = less fun.

It only takes a quick glance at the entry lists for 2010 and 2011 in the key events to see how the fleets are declining rather rapidly at the moment. Luckily it's been the case this year that the top boats have still turned up, so the competition has been as tough, if not as numerous.

 

[rwoofer]

Is there really a reduction in the number of people sailing in the UK?

Marinas are fairly full and moorings in popular sailing grounds are still as hard to find/expensive as ever.

If we stick to proper participative sailing then in the dinghy sailing scene the answer is definitely yes, which is causing lots of debate in dinghy sailing clubs. I would be interested if anyone has the facts for yachting, but I would not be surprised if it has also declined.

I think the perceived squeeze on space for mooring has really come about from the explosion in motorboat sales since the 70s.

Another interesting influence must be the massive growth in chartering and whether it is breeding life long sailors ie. getting kids interested and sticking to it.

Anyway just thought the video brought some interesting perspectives on our pastime.

 

[st599]

I've read Nick Hayes' book. It's quite good - but not sure his "answers" will ever work.

 

[rwoofer]

Yes, cause they rely on societal change.

Having said that this recession, may actually make a difference to how society works.