Quote:
Originally Posted by Fore and Aft
...The fast skippers I have sailed with, seem to have complete disregard for the cost of replacing gear they break. Blown sails, broken fittings, 110% concentration on sailing 24/7 are all just part of sailing on the edge and for me take the enjoyment of being on the water.
Cheers
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That kind of
skipper is, thankfully, rare to the point of being virtually nonexistent. I've never actually met one or heard of anyone so characterized.
Yes, 100% concentration on sailing, and sailing at the maximum potential 24/7. That's what it takes to win races. Possibly that's what it takes to sail the Atlantic in seven days.
But complete disregard for
gear or sail breakage? Nobody has that attitude.
If you push the boat things happen but good skippers, the best
racing skippers, are constantly aware of the limits of their
equipment and they avoid breakage at all times. It is not about cost (although cost is a factor); it is about the delays, dangers and loss of boat speed resulting from broken gear or loss of a critical sail. This is even more true of cruising skippers, even ones looking for a fast
passage. Pushing past the limits and breaking things is a sign of incompetence.
But while pushing hard may not be your cup of tea, I enjoy it, and have for the 50 years I've been sailing, and now in my mid 70's, I still
work the boat to keep it at its full potential 24/7. My wife is with me and recently she set a speed
record on a leg of
passage (10.5 max, over 8 average) When the passage is done we rest and play with the same intensity.
Now it's time for my nap.