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Date Posted: 09:39:48 02/06/09 Fri
Author: Ari
Subject: Re: Engineless Sailing Motto
In reply to: Bob 's message, "Re: Engineless Sailing Motto" on 18:54:37 02/05/09 Thu

Yeah, that's a really interesting idea. There's some kind of primal mytho-poetics going on for sure.

I'll freely admin I've never done any bluewater sailing (yet -- the Macha world tour plan is all coming together!!!). But it definitely seems to me that most of the local sailors I meet haven't done much bluewater sailing either. And yet everyone wants to tap into the Master & Commander mythos.

I've almost gotten my ass handed to me windsurfing in 30-40 knot storms off Crown Beach in Alameda or even surfing by Pacifica (going over the falls like a dumbass while trying to learn in surf that was too big for a beginner). Those experiences taught me that we ca never "master" the ocean. We should aim instead for a graceful, fun, safe coexistance.

Most of the people I meet who HAVE made impressive voyages under sail seem to positively radiate both confidence and humility. I heard the Pardey's speak at the Sausalito Wooden Boat center, and they were like "No really, it's no big deal. Anyone with basic skills and common sense could do this. But you've got to keep your wits about you."

Most of the people have HAVEN'T seem to exude the opposite: blustering swagger mixed with shocking incompetence. But maybe inside them there's a kernel of fear that keeps them buying the gadgets and hating on the engineless/minimalist crowd? I guess what Jay calls "Captain Piddlemarks" syndrome in his books.

- Ari

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Replies:

  • Re: Engineless Sailing Motto -- Owen, 08:52:17 03/27/09 Fri
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