Where Has the Cruising Counter-Culture Gone - Is It Too Late?

[catty]

Originally Posted by Pblais

I think the idea that the surge is related to technological improvements is also wrong. Some times it really is all about the money.
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Pblais, I think you may find the surge is totally related to technology. One no longer needs to know much about nav or sailing with the advent of gps and reliable motors.Try listening to one of the HF cruiser nets and you will be amazed at what constitutes an on-board disaster these days. They generally have something to do with the flow of electrons or rather the lack there of.


Cruising can still be accomplished very cheaply. Those new to sailing may be excused for thinking that sailboat necessities include large motors, vast quantities of fuel, and electronics ,after surfing some of the sailing forums for information.

regards.

[Pblais]

It was not possible to "e-commute". You quit your job, went sailing, and dealt with employment when you ran out of money.

You seem to think it's possible to do now for any one. Many want to think so but few actually can do it. It's a popular topic here on CF. Yes, some can but not even close to most people. Most jobs require you to show up once in a while. Those that don't have to are fooling themselves into thinking they still matter. Personally, I'm leaving and am not taking phone calls. You can cut a sabbatical once in a while if you are lucky and if possible folks would also be darn fools not to. Because it didn't used to be possible is not less committed now. That's not new.

Do you really think there wouldn't be fewer out there if GPS didn't exist?

No fewer than if there were no fiberglass in the 1970's. Technology made cruising in the 1960's even possible for all but the idle very rich. GPS is new but it's not navigation. Sailors have always used the best of the best for navigation. They would be fools if they didn't. Looking back it's all too easy to say how hard it was and how now you know more. In that light, could you say you wouldn't go now because it is easier? That you would go now but you would require one hand tied behind your back to prove you were more committed?

There are always new obstacles to deal with and the basic problem of not knowing as much as is possible to know now is a real problem. You could know more now yet not know it. Back then you couldn't have known more and knew even less. Is one superior to the other?

At the root is the desire for adventure. It requires only hope and the removal of excuses and the skills to get there and come back. Having too much skill is not a disadvantage no matter how you get it. It is called preparation at it's best. Not being prepared has it's own liabilities waiting at ones peril. The young sailor may know but the old salt knows why. Experience has always been at a premium and earns it's respect. Nothing is different in 30 years or 100 years. The sea remains level now as it was then.

[rigamarole]

Originally Posted by DPMatty

I came back started a business which I've been running almost by accident and dealing with people who I have loathed for twenty years. But I had some family obligations that I had to attend to.

It sure seems a shame to spend twenty years of ones life with people you loath. I too own a business and am fortunate to enjoy the employees and customers who provide me a living.

Now in reading these boards and others I find the yuppies have taken to the sea... I know they've always been there a bit, but not like it appears today.

Do yuppies wear Patagonia? If so, I think I'm one. I kind of like being successful, having enough cheese to live well on. No regrets on my part.

Am I wrong? Can one still get away and find adventure or must a new cruising ground be pursued? Are there really any left? The questions are sort of rhetorical, but not entirely...

What, you've spent twenty years being a accidental entrepreneur and haven't found enough time to check this out for yourself? Why not take some time off and charter a boat? Even my inexperienced yuppie sailing family finds the time to do that once a year.

I wish I had been born to a time of wooden ships and no electronic navigation...

Nothing is stopping you from buying a wooden ship with no electronics. I of course want two fridges, a washer/dryer, super tender, electric windlass, and so much more.

I just don't get it

[DPMatty]

Originally Posted by rigamarole

I just don't get it

I don't expect you to, but thanks for the adivce. As I'm sure you can tell, it means a lot.

[Ex-Calif]

One groups counter-culture is the other groups-counter culture.

Matty seems to have migrated from one group to another as have I and many other posters on this thread.

I am still trying to get a bead on the counter-culture or subgroup we are talking about.

If it's the "I have no money, a simple boat with no electronics and still manage to cruise around the world" that group still exists.

There are all kinds of different profiles of people day sailing, coastal cruising, weekend cruising and world traveling.

Hats off to all of them.

I personally don't view the surfer crowd that has a bag full of laptops, iPhones and gps units as anywhere equivalent to the "counter culture" of the 60's.

I would surmise that the 60's counter culture existed in a time, place, social setting and technology window that doesn't exist anymore and therefore cannot be repeated or duplicated.

It would be very frustrating to go in search of that.

Peter Pan grew up and now works on wall street...

[DPMatty]

Originally Posted by Ex-Calif

Peter Pan grew up and now works on wall street...

Not anymore...

[blu]

Yuppies, and the exclusive set are visible from the horizon. We have here an individual who questions the sanctity of cruising
Cruising is individual and we are as different and individual as anyone, whatever their lifestyle.

[DPMatty]

Originally Posted by blu

We have here an individual who questions the sanctity of cruising

No, you don't... But thank's for playing.

[HHNTR111]

I think XCal has it right. All things are relative, and counter cultural asks the question, "Counter from what?"

I've cruised my whole life on various vacations, and now I can't wait to cruise as a permanent life style. The kids are pretty much on their own, I've done many of the usual "good scout" things in life, and now I'm ready to go cruising. I don't think that's counter cultural at all.

Some people want a house on a golf course and all that goes along with that, so living on a boat and going from place to place, and staying at some of them for a while, might be counter cultural to those moored alongside the 12th hole.

Some nights, we will anchor by ourselves, and maybe not wear any clothes (in my dreams...) Other times, we will take a slip, have a nice dinner, and hit the bars. Sounds pretty good to me!

[sck5]

Hey, whats all this badmouthing of "nouveau riche"? I am desperately hoping to be nouveau riche since being "old money" is already out of the question. Meanwhile, I think I will sail south ....

[Talbot]

Three years ago, I was all set up to retire at the end of this year, purchase a nice house where I wanted to live, and purchase a 40+ft cat as a means of getting there.

Now I will never be able to afford a house, and the boat will have to be smaller and older.


Not sure what group or culture I belong to (don't really care either).

I do know what caused the difference
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Divorce

[Reality Check]

Originally Posted by Talbot

Three years ago, I was all set up to retire at the end of this year, purchase a nice house where I wanted to live, and purchase a 40+ft cat as a means of getting there.

Now I will never be able to afford a house, and the boat will have to be smaller and older.


Not sure what group or culture I belong to (don't really care either).

I do know what caused the difference

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Divorce

Divorce is sorta like being shipwrecked.... if it does not kill you it makes you stronger.... after a couple you would be suppressed how strong you can feel

Just think how you would feel with out the divorce living in the planed house and boat.... happy as you are now or less? Probably happier now I hope!

[imagine2frolic]

Talbot,

Sometimes it's worth the price...been there, and done that....ouch......i2f

[gtmopat1]

New technologies have made it easier for people to get on the water, made it more comfortable when we are on the boat, made it easier to navigate, made it easier to dock, made it easier to keep in touch, made it easier to do just about anything we ever wanted on the water. Many of us revel in this new technology and what it allows us to do. I personally decided early on that fun stuff for me included being comfortable thus I prepared my boat for comfort even though many 'real sailors' scoffed at my eagerness for electricity and for air conditioning. Sorry I hate sleeping all sweaty and such.

Those that do not wish to partake of new technolgy are allowed to not partake as they wish. They should not however be so presumptuous to dictate that the use of new technology makes other people less capable in some aspect though.

I have always had a hard time suppressing my urge to tell the 'real sailors' that regardless what they incorrectly believe, it does not take any knowledge of sailing to own and cruise on a sailboat. It does not make you a better boater although you may be more competent in some areas.

I think what makes me a better boater is that when the 'real sailor' is done complaining about new technology and those that use it I am still more than happy to provide him or her ice for their libation and steaks from my freezer and the next morning I eagerly throw them a line to help them off the sandbar they wound up on.

I like to think my little part is sharing technology with 'real sailors' and them sharing sailing tips with me. Have a nice day

Pat

[Paul Elliott]

Originally Posted by gtmopat1

it does not take any knowledge of sailing to own and cruise on a sailboat. It does not make you a better boater although you may be more competent in some areas.

Care to elaborate? I'm not getting this one...