On Wed, 20 Oct 2004 11:50:32 +0200, A-MAze
wrote:

1. Just cuz its fun to sail.
For me: making a good long run in a steady force 4 or 5, averaging 8 or
more knots for a couple of hours. Just whizzing along the waves, even
though you can do that easier in a small hobie.

Indeed, that is why we have kept a boat (J36) for the last 15 seasons
that lacks most of the cruising amenities one might expect in that
length. It somewhat recalls the 5-0-5 we started sailing in 40 years
ago, but doesn't capsize and throw us in the water. :-)

2. Seeing new places that can only be seen by boat is fun.
Main reason are islands. You never go there unless by boat. Other shores
are easier to reach by plane.

Many of our favorite anchorages on the Maine coast are only accessible
with one's own (or bareboat) boat. But there are other lovely
anchorages barred to us by draft. I think sometimes of a drop-keel
trailer sailer, but none of them sail like the J.

3. Companionship
And loneliness! Alone at night with all other crew sleeping, in a gentle
breeze with the stars above...

Both. crossing the Gulf under a clear sky, and actually seeing the sky
turning around Polaris.

4. Thrill seeking
See 1. Unless thrill is sailing in the South China sea, hoping not to be
pirated :-)
5. An obsession with problem solving (my personal fav)
As little as possible, but can be demanding and rewarding.
6. Choose yer own reasons.
Animal life! Only albatross you'll ever encounter will probably be on a
boat. Same with dolphins, whale, etc.



Quite so. Sailing the Gulf of Maine through 25 years we have seen
yellow-footed albatross, many whales and dolphins, an enormous Great
White Shark, and, perhaps oddest of all, a Blue-throated Hummingbird.
The latter at anchor near Roque Island.




Rodney Myrvaagnes NYC J36 Gjo/a

"Religious wisdom is to wisdom as military music is to music."