The current sad state of the sail cruising boat.
 

Yes, I know. I know because I see them

They come into an anchorage all so proud
of themselves but looking all so stupid
and dysfunctional.

They all share the common obscene follies
as displayed in magazines:

1) Roll-up headsail(s)which break and
foul with regularity,

2) Red, yellow and blue plastic jugs
tied to a board which is tied to
the lifeline stanchions on the side
decks so as to make going forward
tedious to dangerous.

3) All-chain rode rattling down across
some sort of bow roller the sheave
of which is made for use with line
powered by a way heavy electric
windlass.

4) Idiots fumbling and hanging over the
bow trying to connect a *snubber* to
take the *snatch* out of their all-
chain rode. IOW, adding folly atop
folly.

5) The obligatory noisy wind generator.

5) The obligatory noisy Honda portable
generator grinding away.

5) An obnoxious barking dog running around
under foot.

6) Stern davits for carrying an inflatable
which inflatable is never deflated because
it has a heavy *hard* bottom. IOW the
dinghy is a proud display of the worst of
both worlds.

7) Way large outboard engine for the inflatable
proudly displayed on the stern rail along with
various other clutter such as man overboard
devices, rows of fenders, etc. all rotting
and mildewing in the sun and rain.

8) A tiny, dim and illegal lawn light for an
anchor light despite all the generators
and probably a thousand pound battery
bank.

9) Bent and dysfunctional Windex at the masthead.

10) A way tall and faded *dodger* with yellowed
plastic front window through which nothing
can be seen so the helmsman or woman is on
tippy toes trying to look over the top of
the dysfunctional piece of ****.

And these fools are today's proud and arrogant
cruising show boaters?

OMG! How a dignified and honest pursuit has
been commercialized and turned into a sordid
circus!

--
Sir Gregory