Sailing and Aging

[JPA Cate]

Originally Posted by bpfox

I’ve reached the age, unfortunately, where arthritis has begun in my right hand. Does anyone have any insight into how to tie up when docking? My husband isn’t enthusiastic about me learning to man the wheel while pulling into the slip. 🙂 That leaves me in charge of the lines and the stress on my hand and wrist is getting pretty painful. Any help from others suffering from arthritis would be much appreciated

Hello, bpfox,

Sorry to hear it's getting painful to tie up the boat. Have you considered wearing a wrist brace, for just then? Also, there are long acting acetaminophen tablets that are supposed to help with the pain.

I think zeehag's suggestion to seek help from a physical therapist is good, sound, and could lead to improvement.

The ones who say you should be driving, and your husband tying up are right, really, you should be able to do it just in case, which means you have to practice to keep your skill up.

I don't mean to be cruel here, but I really think you need to talk this through with him. You may not yet have been able to get him to see how much pain you actually suffer. It is very hard to make clear to someone who does not have the pain themselves. But, assuming he's a good fellow, he will not want you giving yourself pain, and soon, you may trade jobs. I really think it makes sense to have the stronger one tie up the boat, although, if it is placed well in the slip, you shouldn't have to sweat it in, often.

Ann

[Capt Phil]

As usual, Jim and Ann have it right... in response to bpfox’s concern that her hubby won’t let her drive, my other half sold it to me this way... what if you go overboard or have a heart attack, how am I supposed to pick up and drive your remains to shore?
‘Nuff said! I taught her how to drive and berth our 50 plus footer that day! Now she has lost her fear and concern about piloting Sea Rogue under any circumstances!
Phil

[Capt Phil]

Originally Posted by JPA Cate

Hello, bpfox,

Sorry to hear it's getting painful to tie up the boat. Have you considered wearing a wrist brace, for just then? Also, there are long acting acetaminophen tablets that are supposed to help with the pain.

I think zeehag's suggestion to seek help from a physical therapist is good, sound, and could lead to improvement.

The ones who say you should be driving, and your husband tying up are right, really, you should be able to do it just in case, which means you have to practice to keep your skill up.

I don't mean to be cruel here, but I really think you need to talk this through with him. You may not yet have been able to get him to see how much pain you actually suffer. It is very hard to make clear to someone who does not have the pain themselves. But, assuming he's a good fellow, he will not want you giving yourself pain, and soon, you may trade jobs. I really think it makes sense to have the stronger one tie up the boat, although, if it is placed well in the slip, you shouldn't have to sweat it in, often.

Ann

Well said, Ann!
Phil

[Pliny]

I like that idea. I am 78 in a couple of weeks. I grew up on Lake Union (Seattle) and have raced, daysailed, and cruised sailboats pretty much all my life. I sold my last larger (29 Ericson) boat a few years back and now only daysail my small dinghy. I suppose it is an unanswerable question, but at what point do you stop? I live on the water and enjoy seeing the boats come and go from our little harbor and still dream of boats and destinations I have not been to. I had zero medical issues before last year, now they tell me I will need a hip replacement some day. I am slower and less flexible than I used to be. I still consider another boat (I have free moorage if I want it) but the dream and the reality are two different things as we all know.

[bigreelsc]

Children! I'm 87, been boating since I was 12 fishing Sheepshead Bay in NY. Presently live on a 65 footer using every imaginable method for comfort, access and travel. Try not to over think it; just be grateful for every day on the water. My one admonition; I will not be where you can walk on water. If it freezes I'm out of there.

[CarlF]

One of the first challenges will be getting in and out of the dinghy from the boat. This requires reflexes, balance, flexibility, and strength. I used to be able to jump from the stern step to the middle seat on the dinghy. No longer.

Come up with a way to tie the dinghy firmly to the boarding area sidways not bow on. Jumping over the bow is not for 70 year olds. And consider installing a grab bars in the dinghy. A 30" high post makes a huge difference.

[wallythacker]

Originally Posted by thinwater

Step Height. Many (most?) boats have steps that exceed the building code 7.5 inches, some times double that. These are hard on old knees and those that have been through surgery. Stepping in and out of the cockpit is a challenge and companionways are a pain.

Make new ladders with sensible spacing. Add better grips. Add cheater steps where high steps are required.

---

This is rampant even on large boats that clearly have the space. Many builders just don't understand their demographic, but many are getting better.

Make the treads deeper. Nothing feels worse to me than to descend into the boat on treads no bigger than a swim platform ladder. Why are they so small? What possible reason is there to have them tiny? To save a buck on teak? I shudder when I think of descending those same treads in adverse weather at night.

[philiosophy]

Not too sure the Boom Furling systems are the way to go. The two I know of ar3 just ynder 10 years old and have to be fairleaded on the roller at the luff end. When I heard about that and later saw it I thought dam, glad I didnt go to all that expense. Over 30,000.00 in the end. Origionally I loved my stack pack which worked great. Then I started doing crossings in the New Zealand to the Islands area and just couldnt see what was going on with the reefs so went back to Lazy Jacks. My Kiwi partner is 64 and I am 65.I believe the ticket is to really stay in shape and take good care of your self and the boat. I don’t think racy, production boats are a good idea as you age. I chose a Southern Cross 39 and am still happy with that decision especially in these waters.

[NormanMartin]

Never underestimate the beauty of simplicity.

Norm on Averisera

[fuentes]

Sorry people! Old age, sneaky and a little planning, will outdo youth. My oldest Son and his wife are sailing with me. He is retiring from San Diego Sheriffs by the end of the month. Our boat is in Puerto Penasco on the hard. We are doing some maintenance now and plan to splash in Sept. We will then be crisscrossing the Sea of Cortez until January. In January getting together with 2 other boats in La Paz, sail to Isla Socorrow and dive there. Our dream is to sail to the South Pacific!
I am 77 and in good health. I have not seen a doctor since a horse bucked me off at 16. I do not even take aspirin ! I am in the process of finding a soul mate. I spend part of my time on the ranch (RanchoTalegas 60 miles south-east of San Diego, Guadalupe " Vinos Fuentes-Bajas Wine Country",Ramona or Yuma starting end of the month. Anyone interested?
I realize how difficult it gets as we age. Not only has someone up there been looking down and going "I better keep an eye on this old fool" all these years, but has blessed me with 3 great Sons. I know it is not the answer for everyone, but perhaps another alternative? Take care and have a nice day.

[davil]

Originally Posted by Steadman Uhlich

Some people might not feel comfortable buying a helmet that only costs $16, such as the one I linked before. My point with selecting such an inexpensive helmet was that the cost is so low that it should not be a big factor, or should not prevent most sailors from buying one, if they feel they want one. I shared that one, simply to prove a point a helmet could be purchased at low cost (including quick delivery to your door).

I searched Amazon and found some “Water Sport” and “kayak” and “surf” helmets that are somewhat higher priced, but also not the most expensive on the market. These might suit someone who does not mind spending a little more. Most are about $45 to $100 or so. Most come in various colors (though I prefer yellow for ocean use), and most have ear protection pads (usually removable), and some kind of fit adjustment (either a ratcheting device or more foam pads). Some of these are well known brands in outdoor sporting goods gear (e.g. NRS and ProTec).

NP Surf Water Sports Helmet
Various colors
https://amzn.to/2NpKZFy

NRS Livery Helmet
Yellow (also in various colors)
https://amzn.to/2KwB6Iq

ProTec Water Helmet
https://amzn.to/2IXSMHu

Sweet Protection “Wanderer” paddling (water sports) helmet
https://amzn.to/2ISHNPp

Tontron Watersports helmet with GoPro mount
https://amzn.to/2IXLH9A

I am not recommending one brand over another. I leave it to you to choose what you want. This short list is simply to help you see the relative costs and types. These helmets each have happy customers and users, some have been widely marketed and are popular brands or models.

===================== ==========================
I always read your comments with interest and well worth my time.
This suggestion about helmets have been present in my own thinking for some time too.
Also believe this should also been posted on the other thread,the one for the "geriatric" group of what I am a proud member at 77.
Want to share my own observation,yesterday have to pull out of the water my beloved Nimble 20 have not been using since I am concentrating all my efforts on the newly acquired Cape Dory 30 to go back to the sea.
This was not an accident related to the high seas not even to the "low seas" in fact the boat was already sitting on the trailer, trying to loose the backstay
lost balance,fell off from cockpit to pavement,911 called,no broken bones,BUT a nice bump on the back of my head.
What this have to do with cruising,well,head injuries,we all worry about injuries that will render us impaired.
head trauma is quite frequent,without having a serious life threatening they can cloud judgment or state of consciousness,vital mental activities at times of stress.
The use of a helmet,much like a liferaft of recent discussions is a complicated one from to use it or not,as to when.
thank you for bringing this point to the forum and I am going to get one.

[jkindredpdx]

I started considering a helmet for solo voyages. I had extra ski helmets so I put two onboard. A while ago I bought a used helmet from a ski shop for $20. It a high quality Italian helmet retailing for well over $100 new.

[p435]

Ski helmets appear to me as the best. Well shaped and with openings and a round shape close to the head.


A monohull rolls and moves lot in high seas. I also was once thrown out my saloon bed wearing full weather gear">foul weather gear on a monohull. (I was on stand-by to go out.)


Catamarans behave differently in waves; so far I experience only 2-3m (7-10ft) waves and did not yet feel like I need a helmet. But I am aware that there will be bigger waves and stronger winds.



What are the opinions on helmets while sailing a cruiser catamaran of 44ft in high seas and possible foul weather?

[davil]

just had a nasty accident,while pulling my little boat out of the slip to the trailer as I need time to dedicate to prepare my "cruising" boat,fell of the cockpit to the driveway (concrete)
Stupid accident,but the nature of accidents.
Today full range of xrays show no signs of intracranial hemorrhage "That is good" but a series of vertebrae in the lumbar area involved with multiple compression fractures.
The point of my posting is in a ironical way been following the ongoing post of storms at sea,use of drogues,heave to etc.
An yet for the aging solo or couples I believe accidents with subsequent injuries and trauma seem to me the most common and threatening events.
I started to look at my Cape Dory with more sharp look at not only sharp hedges and corners but "grab holds" and realize how few I have.
My plan is to design a head liner area with a system that I instinctively can reach and grab,as in a shaking//moving platform the standard grab rails do not seem enough.
From the cockpit to the cabin I am satisfied with the stairs lateral holds,but once inside the cabin is where I need to do some serious work.
Ideas.thoughts?

[fuentes]

Take 5 "sweet young things" with you! Hang on to them! Now for sure I will be taken out!