Rebel Heart's Contribution to the Cruising Community

[deckofficer]

I have been mulling over what the recent worldwide media spotlight on Eric and his lovely family's misadventure will have on the public's perception of ocean crossing cruising. If handled correctly, we might find ourselves at a crossroads of growth.

It was through all the negative comments from the uninformed general public that got me thinking "who are today's cruisers vs the cruisers of the past"? The two biggest unknowns for the cruisers of the past were where are we and where are the weather systems. In the old days I never considered crossing an ocean because back then was before I learned celestial navigation. Today's cruisers have GPS, chartplotters, weather FAX, Iridium phones, well the list goes on. What I'm saying is ocean crossing cruising has opened up to more folks with a level head, good seamanship skills, adequate bankroll, and of course the sense of adventure.

If Eric chooses to go public, then many more will understand the newer dynamics of cruising and just might consider it for their families. I for one would like to see our community grow as that would benefit both us and the many industries that cater to our needs.

What has been echoed by many defending our lifestyle during the public outcry is how the kids turn out from their experience cruising. If you start cruising with your kids too late (teen years), the outcome can be quite different than if you started when their age was single digit. Steve and Linda Dashew's girls are a good example, the older tolerated it, the younger one just loved it.

Am I the only one that feels a growth potential in family cruising and retirement cruising (lot of us baby boomers out there) if the media takes an interest in our lifestyle and shares it with the masses?