Sailors who sail old boats are superior in every way

[Iron E]

A few examples:

• Vintage sailboats are basically museums and works of art. This means that they are culturally superior to modern sailors

• They can repair anything with duct tape, teak oil, and sheer determination. Modern sailors call the mechanic for a loose cleat

• Vintage sailboat owners historical knowledge of their boat is unsurpassed. They have comprehensive understanding not only of their boat's entire lineage, but the history of the boat yard, builder, and even the builder's pet dogs name

• They are superior weather whisperers. Vintage sailboat captains don’t need a fancy touchscreen to predict the weather. “Smell that? That’s a nor’easter brewing

• They are marina celebrities. Nobody notices the Catalina or Benny coming in... on the other hand, vintage sailboats make an entrance

• Vintage sailboat sailors have the patience of saints. They've waited six months for a custom bronze fitting to arrive because, “You can’t rush quality.” Modern sailors panic when their Amazon order is late.

• Vintage sailboat owners are unmatched in navigation skills...
GPS? Pfft. They navigate by the stars, tides, and a faint sense of where they may have left their sextant.
New sailors wouldn’t last a day without Navionics.

• Vintage sailboat owners are true romantics. Every voyage feels like stepping into a Hemingway novel. Modern sailors are basically in a tech conference at sea.

*reaches for bottle of rum

[Don C L]

...well, I guess I'll have to agree with all of that...

[Don C L]

but you forgot, "exceedingly humble."

[Sailing55]

And all these years I thought people stared at me with wonder because of the way I dress...that is to say I am always wearing work clothes.

[JPA Cate]

"...There's something lost and something gained each living life each day..."

I can understand the feelings expressed above in Iron E's post, and there's a glimmer of truth somewhere in it, but newbies vary a lot, and the people with old boats and older ideas aren't perfect, either, and not all have new bronze castings made up. Some of the wealthy yachtsmen and women do beautiful restorations, for sure, and it reminds me of the business of restoring "priceless" old cars, a bit. They are a niche market too, and I'll be off to the Wooden Boat Festival to see some of the beauties. One is here in the anchorage now, over 100 yrs. old, a Kiwi boat, just got her mast and boom, sails expected soon, and lovely lacquered shiny bronze castings, too. Eye candy, for sure.

It is normal for young people to embrace their culture, and it has moved a long way from pump leathers, and bare bottom use of the "heads".



Ann

[Don C L]

Not perfect? Not perfect!?

[CrispyCringle]

Any time I wonder if something is possible, or if I can do something, sail wise, I think of Joshua Slocum, first solo circumnavigator. He didnt even have charts for several legs of his journey. Of course, he did have years of world sailing experience on large boats. But still, where there is a will there is a way.

I will agree with most of what the OP said. Im at anchor right now after a 24 hour leg south to Cabo in Baja. Im constantly looking at Navionics, Victron app, Windy, PredictWind. But, Im a product of my times.

Item #3 on the OPs list, I have to disagree with. If its really a vintage boat, i.e. wooden, all they need is some boards, saw, nails, and some sail makers items. Its a different attitude and tech era. But for the record, I do all my own repairs and upgrades, unless its something very specialized or just a pain in the arse, and my boats not "vintage".

[Jim Cate]

I suppose that the accuracy of your tirade depends upon how you define "vintage". Down here in Tasmania it would require that the boat be constructed of timber (of course) and be over 100 years of age.

Owners of vessels that don't meet this basic requirement are mere wannabees and don't exhibit many of the characteristics that you mention. They are scorned by the true vintagers.

I suppose that in some circles a "vintage" vessel is one that is constructed without a glued in structural grid and whose bow is not vertical.

If you would like to see a number of true "vintage" vessels and meet their owners, come down to Hobart next February for the Australian Wooden Boat Festival, where there will be over 400 wooden boats in the water, more ashore, and the owners will be there for you to grovel before.

Jim

[Topsailb]

Perhaps, and through owning a “vintage” boat, I learned that the price of nostalgia is high.

[Iron E]

Originally Posted by Don C L

but you forgot, "exceedingly humble."

Yes, like 85% more humble than any modern sailor... though it’s hard to stay modest when you’ve got this much going for you.

[Fore and Aft]

Peyton's cartoon says it all!

[Rucksta]

I know the name of the dog of the builder of my boat.

[HankOnthewater]

Originally Posted by Jim Cate

If you would like to see a number of true "vintage" vessels and meet their owners, come down to Hobart next February for the Australian Wooden Boat Festival, where there will be over 400 wooden boats in the water, more ashore, and the owners will be there for you to grovel before.

Jim

Wooden Boat festival In Hobart? Hmmm, a contract for jan and feb next year has just fallen through for me, so I could come over, but I have plastic boat, and not even half of a century old. Would I be welcome? Does not matter, I will anchor out where no one can see me. Hmmm, better study those local charts as I have not been there.

Like looking at restored vintage cars, looking at old wooden boats that owners spent countless hours and dollars, is a treat for the eyes. Many fairy tales on show, without showing the anguish and heart break of getting there.

Me being superior as explained in the first post? .... hmmm, don't think so, but occasionally..... I am delusional and think I am, then reality knocks me off that pedestal quickly, ouch.

[sailorboy1]

There are people who want to sail and cruise on a sailboat

Then there people who want to to work on the boat all the time

[boatman61]

Is that not what cruising is all about.. sailing to the next anchorage/island/country then doing the maintainance to get you ready to do it safely again..