It has real meaning if you're a sailor. Sorry, but you're said time
and time again, that your stepping stone boats are for getting a
bigger (and presumably) better boat. That has very little to do
with progress or advancement is knowing how to sail or what
it's all about.

It isn't about capitalism. There's nothing wrong with saying you
want to sell something for a profit. There's nothing wrong with
profiting from a passion. But, that's not a stepping stone as
related to learning the art of sailing. That's a stepping stone
to making money.

And, actually sailing is a lot like yoga. I'd say meditation or
becoming a better person, building self-esteem, and helping others.
It doesn't take much money to sail actually. That's a choice you've
made, but it isn't an abolute. People have been sailing for 1000s
of years without (and with) money. One thing doesn't necessarily
have anything to do with the other.

But, that's ok. If that's what you believe, I'm certainly not going
to be able to convince you.

"Bobsprit" wrote in message
...
Boats and learning about them are not stepping stones to some
end. They are an end and a beginning in and of themselves.

Like many philsophical statements, the one above has no real meaning.
Almost everyone who sails has progressed beyond the abilities of their
first,
second and even third boats. They were stepping stones.
Allow me to help you with the term:

Websters: Stepping Stone: 2 : a means of progress or advancement

Hmmmm. Like many people, you're offended by the capitalistic element
introduced
to a passion that you feel is well above such things. It isn't. It takes
money
to sail, a boat, usually a car. It's not exactly Yoga, now is it?

RB