wrote in message
oups.com...
After reading hundreds of cruising logs, in-, near- and offshore, on
the net over the past several months, I have been struck by how often
and for how long cruising sailors report they are under engine power.
From what I have read, it would appear that sailors are under engine
power for something in the 80-90% range.

Why, then, have a sailboat? For the little time under sail and quiet?
Or is it a need to prove hardiness to oneself and to others?

They can't be real sailors. We used the diesel as little as possible. One
fillup lasted the season. The motor was used coming into and leaving a
tight slip and when we were caught without wind...usually after 1800 hrs.