Do sailors drink too much?

[Capt Phil]

As I have aged, my capacity and tolerance has dwindled (thank goodness!). Healthier now than in my 30's, 40's, 50's and boating somewhat curtailed because we no longer live aboard but partying and boating went together like a hand in a glove. Started in my mid teens and those I worked with on the water were classic boozers and didn't quit until they fell down nakid! Now a glass of wine with dinner or a short, neat scotch before bed suits me fine.
In another vein, you can spot a drunk whether he is on the sauce or not. I've got a couple of good friends whose lives were saved in AA. Went to couple of meetings myself but the self denial was too much.
Drinking has always been part of the fun of cruising unless you are a teetotaller but a friend who helped me out on deliveries was an alcoholic and hadn't had a drink in 30 years and I would trust him with my life... have, as a matter of fact. Phil

[sailorboy1]

Pretty good thread, it took 3 pages for a serious lecture to occur. Much longer than I would have expected.

But of course CF members drink, haven't you read the rum or beer threads?

[ElGatoGordo]

Originally Posted by sailorboy1

Pretty good thread, it took 3 pages for a serious lecture to occur. Much longer than I would have expected.

But of course CF members drink, haven't you read the rum or beer threads?

Exactly. People gonna be people.

[rognvald]

"I was in love with a beautiful blonde once. She drove me to drink. That's the one thing I'm indebted to her for."

W.C. Fields

[Flamingo1]

I just started sailing recently. I drank too much before I was a sailor. Perhaps that's why I started sailing - to be in a comfortable crowd.

Don't you think the "sailors drink too much" stigma resulted from the images of the Navy? The fleet would come to town and the sailors who had been out to sea for a month (or longer) would hit the taverns for a few well-deserved beverages. If you spread their drinks out over the month, they would not be in the "drinks too much" crowd. Their problem is that they used their monthly allotment upon arrival to port.

[DDabs]

Everyone has to learn how much is too much at some point, otherwise you'll never know your own limits. I don't know anyone on this forum personally, and I don't judge other people on their decisions.

I have yet to move aboard my boat and become a true "sailor," but I doubt it will change my consumption that much, which seems to be pretty moderate. I used to work in a bar and having so much delicious alcohol at my fingertips at all times actually seemed to lessen my intake. I tend to appreciate tastes now, rather than binge. Working in that bar turned me into a complete beer snob but I love it - knowing about beer is a fun thing

[SaltyMonkey]

@Flamingo1 Eh? Which navy?

[Flamingo1]

Originally Posted by SaltyMonkey

@Flamingo1 Eh? Which navy?

This one...

[SaltyMonkey]

yup that'll make me drink too

[Prairie Chicken]

There's something about getting the boat (or airplane for that matter) put to bed for the night that just necessitates a beer. That first one, once everything is secure, just tastes great!

[Andrew Troup]

Racing sailors, in general (in this part of the world, at least) seem to me to drink quite a lot more than cruising sailors

I've pretty much given up drinking temporarily as an incentive to get my next boat designed and built. And it means a bit more dosh for the boat kitty. And doing without reminds me of the important things in life.

I miss wine but I miss beer more, although I was not a large drinker of beer; it's just that when you're physically trashed and it's stinkin hot, there is NOTHING like a beer.

[Therapy]

Originally Posted by Andrew Troup

Racing sailors, in general (in this part of the world, at least) seem to me to drink quite a lot more than cruising sailors

I've pretty much given up drinking temporarily as an incentive to get my next boat designed and built. And it means a bit more dosh for the boat kitty. And doing without reminds me of the important things in life.

I miss wine but I miss beer more, although I was not a large drinker of beer; it's just that when you're physically trashed and it's stinkin hot, there is NOTHING like a beer.

Andrew, put up where you are. Some of us cannot remember. hic.

[Nikolina]

It used to be a problem so now I only drink when I'm alone or with someone!

[ontherocks83]

Originally Posted by Nikolina

It used to be a problem so now I only drink when I'm alone or with someone!

I never drink alone. Every bar I've ever been to has a bar tender

[Lake-Effect]

We're close to average, but I find we drink less when we're boating.

I find that if I have just one alcoholic drink while in the sun... it leads to a headache by sundown. Also, I don't feel the effects of one drink ashore, but I do while I'm sailing. Finally, open alcohol on a non-moored boat is equivalent to DUI up here, so it's just not worth the risk.

It sure is great to hoist one, once you're done for the day... but two and I'm zzzzzz.