On Mon, 22 Nov 2004 18:11:20 GMT, Rich Hampel
wrote:

My guess the trend for older sailors to go to powerboats is:
degeneration of muscle mass .... loss of strength as one naturally
ages.

True. We have several guys in their 80s still racing in our club (but
usually helming, not grinding). A few of the sensible ones have given
up on the idea of 40 footers, and sold bigger boats after about 70.
They have switched to 22-25 footers and sail "fair weather only",
frequently with a younger crew.

Cruising couples in their 70s at my club regularly take a younger crew
or even a crewing couple on holiday and to do the grunt work. This can
work if you have separate sleeping quarters (master cabin aft, V-berth
forward) and duties are strictly defined.

R.