Senior sailors ??

[TejasSailer]

Happy birthday Mackabout. Some of us are late starters. I'm 67 and my wife is 64. We started monohull sailing about three years ago after a hiatus of about 35 years when we sailed an 18 foot catamaran. We're hoping as a minimum for 5-10 more sailing years and acquired a 36 foot boat mid last year. Being tyros, it is just about all we can handle, but it becomes easier as we learn.

Jeff recommended physical exercise, and that has worked for us so far. Jeff didn't mention mental exercise, but his posts certainly suggest the value.

Anyway, sure we've slowed down a bit, but mostly it's those pesky mirrors that remind us.

[PBzeer]

Didn't mean to get so philosopical, but mental well being has a measurable effect on physical well being. There's no denying that as we age, things we once could do easily, become less so. Rather than give in to these limitations, the trick is to work around them.

[Muckabout]

[quote=
For what it is worth, I am sure that genes play a big role as well. Dad is turning 80 in a few weeks and he is still a great sailor. He threatens to one day to buy a motorsailor or a trawler when he gets old.

Jeff[/quote]

Wow, I bet he is an interesting person to be around, maybe I should get a fitness program going and just be happy with what I've got.

[Muckabout]

Originally Posted by chuck5499

Muckabout -- first happy bday - they should all be celebrated in some special way and sure hope you did yours up right.
i am about 1 year behind you. I turn 61 in sept and currently have my house up for sale and plan on moving on my 40 Jeanneau and leave sometime after hurricane season.
I have only been sailing about 5/6 years and took it up after i got to old to do high altitiude mountain climbing and rock climbing and mountain search and rescue. I took that up in my 40s when most people quick and find that while it is physical a lot of it is also mental and the ability to overcome. That i find is what age and experience brings. the ability to look at things in a different way with the light of experience and the knowledge that we have nothing to prove. If we wait for better weather window so what, that is a good thing.
I went with in mast furling and made it so all the sailing can be handled from the cockpit as i will probably do mostly singlehandling. Someday i may put on electric winches for the main.
On the other side I must thank God for giving me a great body that repairs quickly and takes all the abuse that i can give it and it keeps on ticking plus a spirit to see what is on the other side of the horizon, hill, or what ever.
chuck and soulmates

Best wishes I hope your house sells at what you want when you want and that you truly enjoy your new boat sounds like you have a plan

[Muckabout]

Originally Posted by TejasSailer

Happy birthday Mackabout. Some of us are late starters. I'm 67 and my wife is 64. We started monohull sailing about three years ago after a hiatus of about 35 years when we sailed an 18 foot catamaran. We're hoping as a minimum for 5-10 more sailing years and acquired a 36 foot boat mid last year. Being tyros, it is just about all we can handle, but it becomes easier as we learn.

Jeff recommended physical exercise, and that has worked for us so far. Jeff didn't mention mental exercise, but his posts certainly suggest the value.

Anyway, sure we've slowed down a bit, but mostly it's those pesky mirrors that remind us.

Good to hear from you, I think I have five to ten years left myself providing nothing serious shows up, health wise, I just have to get with a program to stay fit both mentally and physically. I know your having fun and I applaud you for doing what you want.

[Muckabout]

Originally Posted by PBzeer

Didn't mean to get so philosopical, but mental well being has a measurable effect on physical well being. There's no denying that as we age, things we once could do easily, become less so. Rather than give in to these limitations, the trick is to work around them.

Well, I have enjoyed reading your posts and you make some very good points. How we think is how we live.

[chuck5499]

Muckabout -- sure hope God gives me another 10+ years -- my son put it best -- when he got back from Iraq after his 2nd tour (USMC) we were anchored off a small island watching the sun go down and he said "dad you're going to move on board and go sailing aren't you" I said "yep" and then he said "snd someday i'm going to have to drag you off this boat aren't I" and i said "yep" (i'm a man of few words) and then he said "and you're won't go willing will you" and my response "nope" and then we both laughed --
I guess what i am saying is that when i was climbing mountains and rock i knew when it was time to quit. My son basically (he knows me well) will determine when it is time for dad to get off the boat. that is a great comfort as he does have my best interest in mind so i refuse to think about time or distance or issues -- just no unnessary chances and be safe
chuck and soulmates

[Muckabout]

Originally Posted by chuck5499

Muckabout -- sure hope God gives me another 10+ years -- my son put it best -- when he got back from Iraq after his 2nd tour (USMC) we were anchored off a small island watching the sun go down and he said "dad you're going to move on board and go sailing aren't you" I said "yep" and then he said "snd someday i'm going to have to drag you off this boat aren't I" and i said "yep" (i'm a man of few words) and then he said "and you're won't go willing will you" and my response "nope" and then we both laughed --
I guess what i am saying is that when i was climbing mountains and rock i knew when it was time to quit. My son basically (he knows me well) will determine when it is time for dad to get off the boat. that is a great comfort as he does have my best interest in mind so i refuse to think about time or distance or issues -- just no unnessary chances and be safe
chuck and soulmates

Give that young man a big hug from me he is a wonderful son....nuff said