Captain Obvious does have a valid point or two....it seems as though many people do tend to just jump in, before considering all costs and actual time available to use it. Fools in that category have made their own bed, IMO.
Pour moi, a GenX/Y...the cost is ridiculous, yes....but, I would pay much more to keep what I get back from sailing.
1. Friends I've met through it...that are true...willing to reciprocate help when needed (saves$!), and "get" what sailing gives you. There's nothing like sailing with friends who share your passion...often no need for words, just the wind.
2. A place to go. You know, those times when you just need to unwind...or be alone...or think? I've had days when it was too rough to go out alone...and just polished, tinkered around or read on the boat...and felt nearly as rejuvenated. When I have a bad day at work, all I can think about is how soon I can get out of the harbor (I'm lucky to be only 2 miles away..and able to sail 4-5 days/week).
3. Confidence/optimism that spills over into life. After a challenging day sailing, once I get back on the ball...I think to myself...you are an effing bad@ss for handling this today...and remember that when I'm feeling initimated or nervous in other situations. Maybe that's more of a benefit to being a woman that sails....
4. The equivalent to a lake cottage, but I don't have to drive through hours of gridlocked traffic to arrive there...plus, I can take my "cottage" to new places.
Seriously, I think I could make this list pages long...but you all know what I mean. I would get another job if it meant I could keep my boat (and the pages of reasons, even if they don't make the greatest financial sense). If I were to have to move voluntarily, I would first look for an area that could accomodate my sailing. This is not something I ever want to be without...money issues or not.
Happy New Year, SN!
-Kristen