The "Grey Man" Cruiser

[Sailing55]

Originally Posted by Delancey

Anyone make a conscious effort to adopt a "grey man" persona while cruising?

I am asking because whenever I hear about crimes like theft committed against cruisers I always wonder a little bit if were they at all ostentatious? Did they do something in particular to attract attention? Were they even aware?

The problem is this: if you attempt to "adopt a grey man persona" you will look like someone attempting to adopt a grey man persona.

It's all about attitude...people who are afraid or suspicious or feel lost can never "blend in". If you truly enjoy mingling with people from all walks of life you will, for the most part, do well.

But the reality is simple: if you are traveling by boat, you will be judged as being wealthy. And in many places people do not feel bad about taking from someone who has so much. Many cultures perceive extreme wealth as greed, and uncivilized.

[Sailing55]

Originally Posted by Comix Bay

Just come to Canada's west coast and not worry about it!! We is all friendly here.

And that is exactly why I picked this part of the world to finish my days!!!

But please don't advertise...let's leave it the way it is!

[boatman61]

Originally Posted by morven55

And that is exactly why I picked this part of the world to finish my days!!!

But please don't advertise...let's leave it the way it is!

No worries mate.. I'm a Tropicbird..
my brothers the Snow Owl..

[Sailing55]

Originally Posted by boatman61

No worries mate.. I'm a Tropicbird..
my brothers the Snow Owl..

I envy you the ability to exist in that climate...

Having said that, I am sure you would always be welcome up here in the higher lats. Not so bad at all once you get used to it.

[Comix Bay]

Originally Posted by morven55

And that is exactly why I picked this part of the world to finish my days!!!

But please don't advertise...let's leave it the way it is!

Okay, I agree, MUMs the word Eh.

[Cheechako]

Originally Posted by MarkJ

I certainly do.

Playing the friendly grey man when clearing in.
Grey man when walking the streets until I know a place (no huge Nikon etc)
No reading maps on a street corner, acting like a dumb tourist.
No drunken revelry in an unknown bar etc.

Yes, I try to do this. Not sure how well it works... sometimes when you are being the "grey Man" a guy walks up to you on the street trying to sell you a condo! oooops, guess I still look like a tourist.

I always feel it's good to not be out at night etc. Don't wear jewelry etc.

[Sailing55]

Originally Posted by Comix Bay

Okay, I agree, MUMs the word Eh.

LOL! I'm spending too much time on this forum...I'm forgetting to end my sentences with "eh"! :]

[alansmith]

Comix, that is the truth...and possibly the San Juans....heavenly..excellent crusing

[Mithril Bham]

Go to the local church on Sunday. Seriously. I'm not very religious.
Find out which parts of town to stay away from.
Above comments good.
Otherwise it's a crapshot.

[reed1v]

Originally Posted by magellanyachts

Go to the local church on Sunday. Seriously. I'm not very religious.
Find out which parts of town to stay away from.
Above comments good.
Otherwise it's a crapshot.

Skip the church stuff. Many communities worldwide are divided by religions. Something you really do not want to get roped into, especially in areas around the eastern Med, Southeast Asia, and anywhere near the western shores of India. Africa is a special case where its tribal. Just be polite, do not wear swim suits and shorts, and be forebearing. In North africa, guys wearing shorts will be looked at as either neo colonialists(bad) or gay(may be good or bad depending on your orientation).

[hellosailor]

Books ARE judged by their covers. If it looks like you are wearing a heavy gold necklace and a gold Rolex, and the guy in the next boat is wearing a $10 Casio and some MardiGras beads...Guess which one I'm going to rob?


Works the same way in Manila or the DC Metro, oddly enough.

[Mithril Bham]

Originally Posted by reed1v

Skip the church stuff. Many communities worldwide are divided by religions. Something you really do not want to get roped into, especially in areas around the eastern Med, Southeast Asia, and anywhere near the western shores of India. Africa is a special case where its tribal. Just be polite, do not wear swim suits and shorts, and be forebearing. In North africa, guys wearing shorts will be looked at as either neo colonialists(bad) or gay(may be good or bad depending on your orientation).

Mainly thinking of Catholic countries and the Caribbean. The only people criminals are scared of are their mothers and grandmothers. Good way to get to know the locals there.

[heron237]

Curious choice of the description "grey man" persona. Funny how a little grime with it's deglossing effect, has on yer pride and joy boat. The gear head in you, the gadgets, the self-contained man on his "ship" ugggh...

[dannc]

Originally Posted by Cheechako

Yes, I try to do this. Not sure how well it works... sometimes when you are being the "grey Man" a guy walks up to you on the street trying to sell you a condo! oooops, guess I still look like a tourist....

Funny you should mention a condo...

When we were in China, we took a trip on a bus to a bigger city to do some shopping. We were walking to McDonalds, and after crossing a major intersection we ran into a bunch of guys trying to sell units in this huge high rise building. They saw a few westerners crossing the street and they started selling. Thought it was kinda odd. Did they really think we were out shopping for a condo?

But maybe they were not far wrong. A few hours later, we walked into Walmart, and ran into two Americans who were teaching English in China.

Later,
Dan

[Hudson Force]

Originally Posted by reed1v

Simple advice to fit in:L 1. Men should wear long pants and a white shirt. ................

This is a very useful bit of advice for anyone not wanting to by identified as being part of a particular nationality or culture. I'll add some more.....

In 1964 I was with several others that found ourselves amused by noticing that a prostitute in Rome was able to proposition each passerby in their own language. We came to have a discussion with the woman inquiring about this skill and received the following explanation. I should add that I was only 17 at the time and my small group included my mother who spoke Italian. The "lady of the night" easily explained her skill,- 'first the shoes, then the hat and lastly the shirt collar.

So, I would add to reed1v's wise advice and include lace-up leather shoes, a gorra for a hat and shirt collars without buttons. I know things have changed since 1964, but if you travel with a baseball cap, T-shirt, and cargo pants you're waving a flag.