"Wilbur Hubbard" wrote in message
anews.com...
First off, this is not an off-topic post as the title might indicate.
Rather, I shall make a point about mountain climbing when it's not
mountain climbing and then equate it to sailing when it's not sailing.
Here goes . . .

You're off on an expedition to climb Mt. Everest. But, instead of the
traditional guided trip that you purchase from professionals,
http://alpineascents.com/everest-why-climb.asp a new company is
offering to guarantee that you summit Everest without ever having to
breathe hard, become cold, be endangered or miss a single hot meal. This
company has a new invention. It is sort of a mountain-specific climbing
machine with caterpillar type treads and pulleys for cables etc. Large
steel cables have been strung all the way to the top of Everest and this
machine claws and pulls itself to the summit. Inside there is heat, color
television, hot food on demand, sleeping quarters, showers, a bar, a
sauna, world telephones, maids, and all other manner of luxuries. You
simply purchase a very expensive ticket and a week later you can tell the
whole world that you summited Everest.

Is this really mountain climbing? I think not.

In like manner is "sailing" in some huge, heavy, luxury-filled boat that
is automated, has wind up sails, has a washer/dryer, dishwasher, hot and
cold running water, air conditioning, refrigeration, ice maker, bar,
satellite TV, stove/oven/broiler, auto pilot, autonavigation, large
diesel, generator, water maker, etc. really sailing?

I think not!

So one must ask why do so many people consider various versions of the
above abomination sailing? Why do they brag about their floating condos?
Why is it they just don't seem to see the folly of their thoughts, desires
and actions which cry out loudly and clearly to any real sailor, "Here is
a pretender! A lubber afraid to really go sailing but who wants to brag
that he does."

Do you see my point?

I have spoken.

Wilbur Hubbard


I find myself in total agreement with you. And it could explain the why
for's that Herodotus fellow and that Bruce in Bangkok fellow keep on
bad-mouthing you. Jealous of sailors who get around using sails.

They have the kind of boat you describe. What they do isn't sailing but
they seem to think it is. They are just trawler types with riding sails that
are a little bigger than the usual trawler riding sail. Only they don't use
their sails as often because they've got heavy ballast keels. But their
motors are constantly under repair. Worn slap out! That should tell you
something about their motoring habits. Constant or near constant, I would
say.

Anyway, keep up with the posts that think out of the box. I enjoy them
very much. It puts things in perspective for me.

-----
Eric Starnes.