Can non-drinkers be cruisers?

[markpierce]

Please refrain from rolling your eyes when someone decides to imbibe.

[Eder]

I've found teetotalers, religious zealots , ex smokers and politically motivated people to be avoided, not just on my boat either.

[CarinaPDX]

Originally Posted by Eder

I've found teetotalers, religious zealots , ex smokers and politically motivated people to be avoided, not just on my boat either.

And they no doubt reciprocate. In the US folks tend to not be very open to different people. Most social groupings share a common political party, religious views, and other behavior. Those who go cruising tend to be a little more open, but often not that much. Fortunately there are plenty of cruisers, and groups of varying lifestyles. And if one pursues friendships with cruisers from other lands, and the locals, there are rewards to be reaped as long as one withholds judgement.

BTW one advantage the church-goers have is that they have a ready "in" wherever they go. They just find an appropriate church in every new port and show up for Sunday services. It seems they always get a warm welcome, and connection to locals who are not just after the tourist dollar.

Greg

[Tricolor]

Reading trough this Topic the more strange for me the question, only you decide to be a cruiser. If we say NO you stay ashore?

[Cheechako]

What part of "yo ho ho and a bottle of rum" dont you understand?

[Tricolor]

Since when people need approval from others to live their lives. PS I prefer a good Single Malt.

[Pieter Lanser]

Originally Posted by CarinaPDX

And they no doubt reciprocate. In the US folks tend to not be very open to different people. Most social groupings share a common political party, religious views, and other behavior. Those who go cruising tend to be a little more open, but often not that much. Fortunately there are plenty of cruisers, and groups of varying lifestyles. And if one pursues friendships with cruisers from other lands, and the locals, there are rewards to be reaped as long as one withholds judgement.

BTW one advantage the church-goers have is that they have a ready "in" wherever they go. They just find an appropriate church in every new port and show up for Sunday services. It seems they always get a warm welcome, and connection to locals who are not just after the tourist dollar.

Greg

Well said Greg

[Jim Cate]

BTW one advantage the church-goers have is that they have a ready "in" wherever they go. They just find an appropriate church in every new port and show up for Sunday services. It seems they always get a warm welcome, and connection to locals who are not just after the tourist dollar.

Well, neither Ann nor I were church-goers in our land based lives, but have often attended services in island village situations throughout the Pacific. The services are typically not in English, so we can't follow the verbiage, but the singing and the warm welcome extended to us made the experiences most enjoyable. In one way, it's kinda hypocritical, since we are not believers, but we are honoring their local mores by attending, showing respect for their beliefs even if we do not share them. This practice has often opened doors to further interactions with the locals, and we recommend it to other cruisers in such areas.

Jim

[svmariane]

Originally Posted by ransflyer

As we study sailing and cruising, my wife and I are more excited each day to buy a boat, outfit it, and sail away.

RE: The drinking/smoking (etc) or not aboard ships at port...

We ran across some hard-core abstainers along the coast from Vancouver down to San Diego and on the Sea of Cortez. They went their way and we ours.

Once we headed out to the Marquesas and island hopping throughout the South Pacific - well out there it's pretty much do as you like and associate with whom you will.... or those that'll tolerate ya When there's only two boats in the anchorage it's kind of strange not to drop by for a chat.

Comes down to it, SAFETY is priority one. Somebody needs help, that call comes on 16, then nobody gives a rats about somebodies personal/moral/religious/political stance. You help. And they'll help you.

All that other stuff is really live & let live. Ya can't pick your parents but you can pick your friends! Here's an idea for a flag for your portside signal halyard - no ambiguity there.

[Melissa36]

Originally Posted by SV Bacchus

Can we know why? For instance, if it is:

1. You are recovering

vs

2. Religious reasons

or

3. You just don't like the stuff

All 3 and any others that can be added.
Seeing humans get destroyed by the spirits is enough to make you run in the opposite direction.

[john61ct]

Overwork and mind-altering substances, those I've been able to let go of.

But sex or chocolate - or the combination - may well be the death of me, but knowing that doesn't mean I'll listen to anyone tell me to give 'em up!

[Sojourner]

Originally Posted by anacapaisland42

Just remember. as boat captain you have a LEGAL responsibility similar to a car driver....and DUI is severely discouraged....penalised..etc.
Bill

A long time ago I was taught a life philosophy by a very very smart man, which I should have included in my earlier post. It is the only thing I should have posted, really, because it covers all of us brilliantly:

Enjoy yourself, and be kind.

This is to be yourself how you like (whether you drink or not), and be nice to others (meaning do no harm to others, ie don't harrass someone for drinking, don't harrass someone for NOT drinking, and obviously, don't drink and sail )

Everything in the whole world fits right in there between those lines. Nothing else is needed.

Enjoy yourself, and be kind.

[john61ct]

Peace of mind should remain top priority.

[GordMay]

Originally Posted by CarinaPDX

... BTW one advantage the church-goers have is that they have a ready "in" wherever they go. They just find an appropriate church in every new port and show up for Sunday services. It seems they always get a warm welcome, and connection to locals who are not just after the tourist dollar.
Greg

This also works for the non-believer, like I. We often attended church services, for the camaraderie, and local "connection". The choirs were often worth the price of admission, as well.

[goat]

Originally Posted by Cheechako

What part of "yo ho ho and a bottle of rum" dont you understand?

The two 'Hos'. ;^)

I don't keep soda on board. I feel the overuse of sugar is as bad or worse than bacon or booze. It's ruined entire communities (watch "that sugar show"). I don't have a problem with people bringing it on board for their own consumption though.

As for alcohol, I toast the sunset underway, and have a beer or two in the afternoon. At anchor, I don't need the sunset toast, and when invited to a fellow boat (I know, right? Invite 'me' on your boat, hahaha) I happily follow their rules.

I can substitute booze with a bowl of crack easily enough if anyone is offended.

goat