On 11/2/10 3:52 PM, Wilbur Hubbard wrote:
wrote in message
...
On 11/2/10 3:42 PM, Wilbur Hubbard wrote:
wrote in message

I don't think you'd be a lot of fun on a cruise, Wilbur.




Cruising isn't supposed to be 'fun'.

Wilbur Hubbard



That's just absurd, Wilbur.



Your reply is indicative of the sad state of affairs of sailing these days.
Sailing has become "fun" as its primary attribute. With an attitude like
that, is it any wonder why so many incompetent boobs are out there on the
water causing disaster after disaster, scandal after scandal and folly after
folly?

"Satisfaction" would be a more appropriate word than "fun". Fun has a
connotation of amusement like in an amusement park. Fun lacks seriousness.
Cruising done well provides satisfaction. Cruising done well does not
provide fun. It's too serious a pursuit and too dangerous and needs to be
taken seriously or dire consequences to all concerned might be the result.



Wilbur Hubbard



Wilbur, whoever you are and whatever you do, you are not qualified to
argue semantics with me. Really. I have a fancy graduate degree in
etymology, and have been a practicing editor and writer for decades.

I know words and how they are used. Most people with sailboats, whether
they cruise as you describe it or race or just putter around do it for
"fun." It can be a sport, which is one of the definitions for fun.

The fact that boating needs to be taken seriously does not minimize its
"fun" value.