When do you hang it up?

[smackdaddy]

Originally Posted by hertfordnc

What do you mean? Or what do you think i mean? Most of the SAR cases I've heard about or been involved with, particularly among sailors, have included preventable factors that could be traced to inexperience or stupidity. Occasionally the weather does something no one predicted and occasionally someone sails hard into a submerged container. But I am pretty sure those account for a lot fewer rescues.

I was just saying that if risk to the rescuers is the concern, age is the least of the human factors leading to a need to be rescued.

You covered it in the above - which is a far more even-handed approach. I was calling baloney on a blanket statement that "smart, better" sailors avoid these situations. There are ALWAYS preventable factors - and in hindsight they are always "stupidity" at some level.

A lot of people around here try to sell the smart/better angle to prove their case against sailors they think are "idiots" for getting into trouble - but it's just not that cut and dried.

I like the way you put it above. I think that covers it.

As for the age thing - I don't really care about it. I admire the old farts that are out in the big stuff. That's cool any way you look at it. I'll crew for 'em.

[AdamLein]

My boat's PO sold her to me because "Now that I'm retired, I just can't seem to find the time for sailing." He was too active with all the other stuff he always wanted to do to give his boat the attention she deserved

Retirement and aging shouldn't mean that your life is over, and it always pleases me to see old folks living their dreams.

[Sailormon6]

If stupidity was a crime, we'd all be guilty. I'd hate to think I forfeited my right to be rescued just because I did something stupid. I'd also hate to think I forfeited it on account of age. On both grounds, the coasties would probably put me on their "Do not rescue" list.

Years ago, I accidentally and severely damaged my almost new outboard motor as a result of my stupidity. I asked the insurance adjuster, "Do you mean your company is actually gonna pay for my damage, even though it was the result of my own stupidity?" He said, "That's what we're here for, Sir."

[smackdaddy]

Hear-hear - Sailormon. I think that end statement is exactly what the Coasties typically say as well.

God bless 'em.

[blt2ski]

Having to see my x-inlaws get to the point she can not see or hear, he has parkinsons, both later 80's, neither can drive and are in homes.... we all need to know when to slow down, and NOT do what we could do by hook or crook when younger. Somethings as a late 40 something I can do better than in my 20's, other things, that is what my 22 yr old twin sons are for!

Now to deal with my dad, whom is late 60's, not sure where his brain is at sometimes, but he is finally realizing he is not what he used to be doing some things. Which is a good thing, we want him around a bit longer! NOT having to replace a knee as he has to do because he was trying to keep up with teenagers in a race course skiing! He blew up in more ways than one that day!

marty

[camaraderie]

ZZ...first no offense taken. Good topic! I can cite a number of rescues and deaths of those under 50 on sailboats in the last couple of years due to sheer idiocy and lack of preparation. I would also contend that sailing on passage is more common to those over 50 since they have retired and/or have the wherewithal to fund a cruising sailboat as opposed to trailering a Catalina or sitting at the dock barbequing on the weekends when they get a couple of days off! Thus you would expect a higher incidence of saves among the "elderly"!!
There comes a time when me must all hang it up for physical or mental reasons but it is an individual time not governed by a strict age. I think the chief danger in that regard is that the individual may not be willing to admit his limitations OR simply is not in a mental condition to recognize them. Far more of a problem in cars than sailboats! Anyway...family and friends need to step in at some point and say no more to these folks. I've had to do this in my own family with my Dad in his 70's... but we also have a 90 year old still driving locally in daylight and (in my judgement), safely. We rely on rules and regulations far too much. I'd hate to see that happening in boating.
Bottom line though...I don't think the coots have any higher incidence of "idiots needing rescue" per miles sailed than you whippersnappers.

Look at the good judgement shown by CD's dad who bought a Tayana compared to CD's purchase choice. On the other hand...CD does show good judgement by staying tied to the dock.

[bambam]

Ill quit at my funeral (Viking) I can't tell you how many time doctors have told me to take it easy! hell I never tell them to quit golfing or trophy wives. I would rather go being what I am than dreaming about who I want to be. By the way I am north of 50 still surf and sail, don't you know 50 is the new 30 but it was a good question for thought!

[dsmylie]

Not sure what the purpose of this post is. Did some old sailor run into you, or cause you to have a bad day on the water? Or are just you wondering for yourself (pre-planning).

[N0NJY]

Originally Posted by dsmylie

Not sure what the purpose of this post is. Did some old sailor run into you, or cause you to have a bad day on the water? Or are just you wondering for yourself (pre-planning).

There was a post about 2 dead, 4 rescued a little earlier on. Most of the victims were elderly, in an 18 foot, aluminum flat-bottom boat that went over dumping them in 40 degree water.

His first post was there. It moved over here to point out how stupid old people are.

At least that's what I saw.

[smackdaddy]

Originally Posted by bambam

Ill quit at my funeral (Viking) I can't tell you how many time doctors have told me to take it easy! hell I never tell them to quit golfing or trophy wives. I would rather go being what I am than dreaming about who I want to be. By the way I am north of 50 still surf and sail, don't you know 50 is the new 30 but it was a good question for thought!

Bam-bam, surfing AND sailing while "up north"? You are the MAN!