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#5
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Just once....
"Bruce in bangkok" wrote in
message ... " Sir Gregory Hall, Esq·" wrote... "Bruce in bangkok" wrote ... " Sir Gregory Hall, Esq· wrote... Yes, just once I'd like to see a news article or a video or two about a sailor who didn't look and act like some mentally deficient vagrant and who didn't sail some equally decrepit- looking boat that sailors and even lubbers look at and sneer at. Why is it that sailors are always portrayed as losers and outcasts? Why is it that cruising is reported on in such a way that it generally reflects badly upon those of us who do things in a seamanlike manner and have vessels that are well-found and Bristol Fashion? Instead, what one sees is a parade of hapless individuals, one after another, about which the general public concludes they're sailing because they're some kind of nut job and bum who can't possible hold down a job so he's off to sea in the most irresponsible of manners, looking, for all the world, like a floating railroad vagrant. And, why is it that so-called sailors swoon over such dregs? What happened to their mental picture of sailors who do it competently, safely, seamanlike and professionally? Why is it they identify with and promote eccentric ne'er-do-wells which, if seen ashore, would be holding out a tin cup? Just why do so-called sailors act so proud to say they have met and talked to such beggar-like individuals. Is their own self-esteem so low that they actually look up to and admire floating vagrants aboard bum boats? Think about it, Bruce. You simply reinforce what everyone already knows - that you really know nothing about cruising. Ever done a cruise? Say a 3,000 mile open ocean trip from the Galapagos to Nuku Hiva? Do you somehow believe that one can spend several years sailing across oceans on a very small budget and have the boat and crew look as clean and neat as it did in the dealer's showroom? Yes, I do. It's a matter of pride and accomplishment. One is easily able to do routine upkeep along the way. Sailing a bum boat is inexcusable, IMO, because it demonstrates a slovenly outlook on cruising and on sailing as a way of life. Does stop brushing one's teeth and bathing when one is cruising? I think not. So why should one sail a decrepit looking bum boat? Would you want people thinking, as you sailed into port, "Geez, there goes the neighborhood"? As I and you other readers have said, "You know nothing of what you speak". Feast your eyes on a well-maintained blue water sailing yacht, Bruce. http://captainneal.wordpress.com/ The heading photo is old. The one's below reflect the current appearance. Notice how she shines. I can't abide the typical, dull, oxidized topsides with just about every old boat is plagued with. How about a current photo or two you YOUR boat, Bruce? -- Sir Gregory |