Is There a Caste System in Sailing?

[Rakuflames]

Originally Posted by Dos Gatos

"cruising proper" IS snobbery.

in mexico i experienced caste, 'cause i wasn't one of them. crossing to hilo, i didn't experience caste as i'd "made the grade". nobody assumed i'd sailed over on a trailer.

went to oahu and it was back to the pecking order.

liked the two ronnies vid. good fun.

There's snobbery right here on this board based on where one sails to.

[rebel heart]

Originally Posted by Rakuflames

There's snobbery right here on this board based on where one sails to.

I don't think it's out of line to give a bit more deference to those who do more, especially if armed with less or in the "wrong" direction.

I can already see the slight chasm between long term Mexico sailors and those headed across the Pacific. Makes sense though, different gear requirements, different schedules, different concerns.

It doesn't seem out of line to tip my hat a little deeper to a circumnavigator as opposed to a snowbird wintering in Mexican marinas.

[rebel heart]

And I'm talking solely about the "sailor" aspect of them. A decent person who's never even been on a boat is still a decent person.

[barnakiel]

What's the issue?

We go to that Monaco slip and the dock person starts yelling at me so I dig out my Centurion and BOOOOM he becomes all smiles. I have seen this before - I think it is called bi-polar disorder, or somethin'.

Then they want to charge us EUR 650 per day (120' pontoon berth, alongsides, the smallest slot they had available). I want to stay a week and they have the slot available for 6 days only. So we leave.

I think 650 is a rip-off, with our 26' boat, even if she is docked alongsides full 120 feet of a floating dock made in China. We motor out and dock in Las Palmas municipal marina. What we did not spend in Monaco in a week saw us thru a year here (food for 2 included).

Bueno.

Of course sailing is not a segregated sport. It is not.

And my Centurion is a fake.

b.

[Allio]

I had a conversation years ago with a friend who was from a well established sailing club, from a posh part of town, and when it came to talking about sailing his attitude and persona changed to a very aloof posh look down the nose kind of thing. He said you have to be born into the sailing community, this was from a 19 year old, that they could instantly spot anyone that wasn't one of "us". Where I grew up, the local marinas represented class, status and wealth. And I don't believe much has changed.

I'm from Ireland by the way.....

[Hudson Force]

What's happening ? Am I just being a "Pollyanna" again? I don't have the expensive yacht and I don't pay big bucks for a fancy slip, but I still meet these people ashore; at the dinghy docks; at the ice cream shop...... we talk about our boats, we talk sailing and cruising. Seems to me that they are as receptive and cordial as everyone else. What is it? Surely, It's not just because I bathe and still have all my teeth! I'm far from among the weathly elite. I think this perception of class descrimination is more of a perception from those with less than an activity of those with more.

[sailorboy1]

and then there are the Hunter owners

[Bash]

Originally Posted by Don L

and then there are the Hunter owners

I honestly agree with Atoll's prior point about snobbery dissolving out on the water. I've found that the boat snobs here on the internet tend not to make it to remote anchorages, and I've never had someone question my boat's bluewater capabilities when it's out there on the hook. On the contrary, we get a lot of complements on how commodious the boat is, especially by those invited to sundowners in the cockpit.

Seriously, out on the water, the biggest complaint I hear about my Hunter is how hard it is to keep up with.

[Hudson Force]

Yeah, maybe even Hunter owners can appreciate a sunset and have hope for their children!

[model 10]

Originally Posted by Don L

and then there are the Hunter owners

Well then there are pinko liberals and conservatives.

[Travelnik]

There may be equality out on the water, and in remote anchorages, but the OP did ask about treatment in various marinas.

I have seen more snobbery in dock jockeys than in the real sailors.

Originally Posted by Allio

Maybe this question has been discussed elsewhere but here goes...

From reading and watching videos online (I'm not a sailor yet!) I get the impression that there is a very strong caste system in sailing with many tiers.

So I'm asking for peoples impressions on the following?

1. Do you get the impression that some marina's price out the budget conscious cruiser in order to attract only an elite yachting class of customer?

2. Are there marina's where the rough and tumble liveaboard cruiser is not welcome?

3. Are there any stories of cruisers being badly treated in certain marinas? If so, Where? And do you find it's more prevalent in certain areas?

4. If the class system does exist, how many levels do you feel it has? How would you describe the differences and how do sailors differentiate?

Basically what I'm asking for is stories where you have experienced snobbery/elitism/preferential treatment based on your perceived ability to pay.

I believe in functionality above presentation. I practice reverse snobbery where I respect more the people who live highly functional low waste lifestyles....

Allio

[s/v Beth]

Hunter? Isn't that what my housekeeper lives in up the river?

[Hudson Force]

Originally Posted by Travelnik

There may be equality out on the water, and in remote anchorages, but the OP did ask about treatment in various marinas.

I have seen more snobbery in dock jockeys than in the real sailors.

I'm not sure what "dock jockeys" are, but if they are the dock workers and managers and the service personel that cater to the wealthy; then, I agree that they are more prone to support the "caste" system than those who are members of the most wealthy. ..............or do you mean "dock jockeys" as those that aspire to be sailors. but don't actually take on any adventure? Either way, I believe you are correct!

[Rakuflames]

Originally Posted by rebel heart

I don't think it's out of line to give a bit more deference to those who do more, especially if armed with less or in the "wrong" direction.

I can already see the slight chasm between long term Mexico sailors and those headed across the Pacific. Makes sense though, different gear requirements, different schedules, different concerns.

It doesn't seem out of line to tip my hat a little deeper to a circumnavigator as opposed to a snowbird wintering in Mexican marinas.

I didn't say there was anything wrong with it.


It's human nature. Like is attracted to like. That doesn't make it a quasi-caste system. One can't move out of one's caste. A person can change where or how he or she sails at any time. If I had a mind to, I could sell my coastal cruiser for a bluewater boat. But at my age I'm not inclined to do that solo, and I don't have a husband or "significant other" to cross the Atlantic with. I'm thrilled that I'm able to do what I can do.

[muskoka]

I sure don't want some guy with movie star looks and a 60 foot carbon fibre masterpiece hanging around me and making me look like a loser...