Public opinion

[bencaters]

[QUOTE=capnmoe;3130961]I don't usually ask for advice or permission, but I find myself in an unusual position. Few years back I had a heart attack, it required a 4 way by pass (CABG). I healed and have tried to live a fairly normal life. Sure there are some residual problems, my stamina could be better and my leg strength is compromised, although I walk well. Here's where you guys come in. I want to start sailing again. I am 77 and my family is going able/sugar at the very thought. I have promised them that I would put the question to 2 sailing groups and that I would abide by the consensus. The following is pertinent Boat is 28' Catalina, no electric winches, electric anchor windless, Roller furling foresail Mostly single handed, mostly coastal sailing and occasional foray to Mayaguana in the Bahamas. How say you? Remember I'd rather be happy sailing, than NORMAL watching General Hospital. Thanks regardless of your answer, it means a lot to me.

It Ain't Gotta Be Easy, It's just Gotta Be Done.[/QUOTE
I’m 72, had double bypass in 94. A couple of trips to the cath lab since, nitro in my pocket, I can do most of what I want to, including single handing a Cal 36. It clearly took a while for the family to get used to the idea. We’ve agreed to a set of guidelines, and it works. The real question you have to ask yourself is the worry you cause your loved ones worth it. If not, look for a middle ground that lets you keep sailing, perhaps not alone.....

[potbellypirate]

Hi Moe,
I say go for it! Leave Larry and Curly Joe dockside but taking grandson or daughter along a good idea. Maybe good to have youngsters away from mom so they can get their hands dirty and learn something they wouldn't otherwise experience.
On another note you might consider taking along a small oxygen bottle with regulator to get added energy in a tight situation. Easy to store and access if needed. A dose of vitamin B-12 can give a burst of energy in some situations. Your doctor could probably make some better recommendations not found in most first aid kits. I'll call it "Bucket List First Aid Kit". Might prevent grandson having to single hand the boat back to port. You don't want Mom to be able to say "I told you so" AGAIN!
Great time for teachable moments away from computers, hubbub etc. Great time to teach how to use fire extinguisher, tools, whetstone, oxygen bottle, fishing gear etc.
Just do it! potbellypirate.

[Steelhands]

I'm 65, lightly handicapped but am looking for a sloop in the 30 to 34 foot range for coastal cruising. Near single hand. I've had power boats since I was a teenager but only started sailing 5 years ago. It's not a passion I can ignore. I can ignore the pain, overcome the weakness with cleverness, work out to stay strong. Be dedicated to good seamanship.

There was a fellow with one of those Ranger Tug things (think that joker would roll on on a beam sea state?) Anyway, as he got older, more and more we heard the bow thruster. Finally, his family had to do something and they sold the boat. But HE never gave it up.

I might not make a gracious exit myself.

[bencaters]

Originally Posted by J Clark H356

I had double bypass with two widow Makers 21 years ago. I’m 73 next month and still sail. I have electric windlass but manual witches on my in mast furling main and for my roller furling jib. I do my furling manually. I say go for it. I get checked regularly by my internist and Cardiologists and have an implanted defibrillator - on my third one. Had two stents along the way. Get the Milwaukee drill and get an autopilot so you are not pushed to the limit physically. Of course, get your Dr’s advice too.

Which model Milwaukee do you use?

[dcchristie]

I’m 71, in old guy condition for sailing my 37ft ketch. Here’s what I do to have the strength and stamina needed to sail safely.
I have a stationary bicycle that I ride for about 1/2 hour every other day, doing SHIIT. That’s the senior version of HIIT, high intensity interval training. I ride it at around 65 to 70 rpm for 3 minutes, then 1 minute as hard as I can go, maybe 85 rpm. 3 more minutes at 65 resting up, then another minute at high intensity etc. this really gets the blood flowing and tightens the large leg muscles up.
I also have a cheap little rowing machine that I work on the off days to tone up the shoulders and upper body. I try to get in about 175 strokes at a fair resistance, works pretty well.
I had torn both shoulder rotator cuffs, waited for them to pretty mech heal to the point of not being sore/painful then started rowing. I can straight draw a 50 lb compound bow or crank a winch now, both of which I find useful if no more than to tell the wife and kids “ no worries, I got this”.

[BayouSailing]

Life got in my way at 40, just after the fifth kid was born, and my first stroke.

8 years before, I'd been 32, had lived aboard nearly 10 years, and owned three sailboats and a charter/instruction base.

Over those 8 years, having heard the sirens song, I was married, mortgaged, moved ashore, and here come the kids. Would not change a single thing, it's been grand. And I swapped a professional life (returning to which had caused the stroke/TIA) and am full time in the marine trades.

But I've only sailed once in the past year. Calibrating a tillerpilot installation.
It was fabulous.

I think it was the prophet, Jimmy Buffet, that said, "it's better to die while you're living, than live while you're dead".

My Dad is 80. He's lived aboard on-and-off for the last 16+ years. He's still going, not sailing but twin-screw diesel trawler; says he was inspired by his 23-yo son walking out reading the LORAN manual in 1993. Is already predicting that one day, he may just step off the swim platform. None of us are ready for that yet, but he has his plan, and is of sound mind and body. The day he stops tinkering with the boat is the day I begin to worry. He's a bit more short tempered about the boat things now, and maybe a bit of confusion steps in; but a cup of coffee and/or a nap usually gets all the synapses firing again!

GO

GO GO

GO GO GO

[Gerrit Coetzee]

Originally Posted by Jim Cate

G'Day Moe,

As a fellow old fart (82) and active sailor/full time cruiser, I say if your body will let you do it, go for it. I have slowed down considerably over the past few years and our sailing has become less adventurous, but Ann and I still enjoy the life. Our kids gave up on us ever growing up quite some years ago and accept that what we do is potentially more risky than couch surfing, but realize that in fact, it seems to keep us younger on the whole.

The single handing part of it shouldn't cause that much concern for coastal cruising, where long passages are not required... lack of sleep and poor watchkeeping are the biggest hazards for a single hander, and short day hops don't stress those aspects to badly.

One thing I'd suggest as a helper for you: get some sort of electric winch handle. There are purpose built ones, but we've opted for a Milwaukee 28V right angle drill plus a winch bit adapter ourselves. For those with limited stamina or strength, it is a godsend. There have been several recent threads here on CF related to them, and the consensus is pretty favorable. I think it is the best single item I've ever bought for sailing. In general the loads in your 28 footer are not big, but repetitive tasks like short tacking, hoisting sails, furling sails, etc when your strength and stamina are compromised, well, they can wear you down, and some help is pretty useful.

So, if you decide to go, enjoy the life... we do!

Jim

Very few others can speak on the subject with the credentials as Jim and Ann.

[JMaav]

Originally Posted by capnmoe

I'd rather be happy sailing, than NORMAL watching General Hospital....

The above days it all, to me.

My Dad is 94, has had three heart ‘events’, and rows out to his O’day 21 about three days a week for some single handed sailing.
Stubborn as they come... but I hope to be just like him.
I tell my kids all the time, they may have to search for me when I’m dead... of course, thats really just because I travel 25-40 weeks a year. Or did.. before C19!

Do what makes YOU feel best. Happy IS health. And.. be smart, be safe. Wear a life jacket/whistle. Keep fresh water and aspirin aboard. Etc.

[gamayun]

Originally Posted by JMaav

The above days it all, to me.

My Dad is 94, has had three heart ‘events’, and rows out to his O’day 21 about three days a week for some single handed sailing.
Stubborn as they come... but I hope to be just like him.
I tell my kids all the time, they may have to search for me when I’m dead... of course, thats really just because I travel 25-40 weeks a year. Or did.. before C19!

Do what makes YOU feel best. Happy IS health. And.. be smart, be safe. Wear a life jacket/whistle. Keep fresh water and aspirin aboard. Etc.

The above says it all for me. If possible, stay healthy and keep moving, even if it kills ya to do so.

[Tonali99]

Originally Posted by capnmoe

I don't usually ask for advice or permission, but I find myself in an unusual position. Few years back I had a heart attack, it required a 4 way by pass (CABG). I healed and have tried to live a fairly normal life. Sure there are some residual problems, my stamina could be better and my leg strength is compromised, although I walk well. Here's where you guys come in. I want to start sailing again. I am 77 and my family is going able/sugar at the very thought. I have promised them that I would put the question to 2 sailing groups and that I would abide by the consensus. The following is pertinent Boat is 28' Catalina, no electric winches, electric anchor windless, Roller furling foresail Mostly single handed, mostly coastal sailing and occasional foray to Mayaguana in the Bahamas. How say you? Remember I'd rather be happy sailing, than NORMAL watching General Hospital. Thanks regardless of your answer, it means a lot to me.

It Ain't Gotta Be Easy, It's just Gotta Be Done.

Since you're asking for opinions, I'll give you mine.
5 Years ago I had an attack. Felt fine working on a friends boat. Got into the cockpit and was explaining to him what was needed to affect repairs when the world went black. Major problem there, yes?
Got back to my boat called the marina for help and then the EMT's.
Communed with my God twice in the hospital. I'll skip the doctors screw up with meds. Nearly did me in twice more. Ecpected I'd be an invalid when they were done.
Gave up on their ideas and went natural. Excercise and ride the bike. Take supplements too.
Now I feel like it never happened (I'm 70) work on and sail my 35 footer alone all the time. The only thing I can't do is deep dive now. Rather not get tired way under water. That sucks for everyone though.
So ..,.go for it.

[JBP]

With all the electronic devices available, your family can keep tabs on you all the time. If you want to go out sailing, do it.

That said, I think "I have promised them that I would put the question to 2 sailing groups and that I would abide by the consensus." is kind of cheating. What would you expect us to say? "General Hospital is SO much more fun than sailing"?

[Tattooluke]

At 77,you know better than to sit there and WISH you had done more.

[SV__Grace]

Moe, I relate to you. Here's two books that inspired me and I hope will inspire you as well-

https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums...ml#post3129987

[laakshi]

All I would say is "Just do it, man." You will regret if you don't! One life, enjoy it as much as you can when you have time!

[Tonali99]

Originally Posted by denverd0n

And I have to say it... I wonder how many of those who say, "get up and go!" in this case, are cowering in their homes with a huge stockpile of toilet paper, afraid to go outside for fear of COVID-19.


Just sayin'.

I don't know what they do in Tampa Denverdan, but in M.I we franlky don't give a damn. We go out in our boats.