A few years ago, my wife and I spent two years cruising the East Coast from
the Keys to Maine in an Island Packet 37. The IP is a strong, heavy and slow
cruising sailboat. We were on no particular schedule, so we had no
get-there-itis. But we motored a lot- easily 80% of our sea miles were under
power. But when the wind was right, it was glorious. We fondly remember an
overnight passage from Marco Island, Fl to Key West in almost perfect
conditions - 12 kts beam reach, clear night, full moon and dolphins swimming
alongside throughout the night. My wife still thinks that this experience
borders on the mystical/religious.

Today, we daysail and weekend cruise on a J/32-a pretty serious performance
cruiser. I refuse to motor to an overnight destination (Catalina Island
typically as we now live and work in the LA area) because I really like to
sail. So, we wait for the right conditions to sail to Catalina. With the
J/32 we can usually sail in as little as 8 kts true windspeed and enjoy it
and get there in a reasonable time.

So, if you want to sail, get a performance cruiser- a J or Saga or whatever
and load it lightly. But most long term cruisers have heavy, comfortable
boats and load them up. In that case, you probably will be doing a lot of
motoring. But enjoy the sailing when you can.

David