Getting older and BETTER!

[CalypsoP35]

In one of the other threads the poster was excited about having learned something new. This reminded me of one of the great aspects of sailing.

At 50 I'm a better sailor than I was at 40. I can't say that about any other sport I participate in. Pity the poor golfer who knows he will never play a better round of golf than he played in his 30's or 40's. I know I have the opportunity to be a better sailor 5 years from now than I am today.

At some point our skills will start diminishing, and certainly for certain crew positions athleticism and strength are assets. But when it comes to skippering a sailboat whether racing or just cruising we can look forward to getting better at what we love to do at least into our 60's maybe even longer for some of us.

Yes it's the middle of winter here in the cold Northeast and I'm dreaming of warm weather sailing.

[Faster]

Originally Posted by CalypsoP35

In one of the other threads the poster was excited about having learned something new. This reminded me of one of the great aspects of sailing.

At 50 I'm a better sailor than I was at 40. I can't say that about any other sport I participate in......

Yes it's the middle of winter here in the cold Northeast and I'm dreaming of warm weather sailing.

You're absolutely right there.... interesting observation.

Meanwhile, here's some imagery to enhance you winter "dreams"

[smackdaddy]

Originally Posted by CalypsoP35

In one of the other threads the poster was excited about having learned something new. This reminded me of one of the great aspects of sailing.

At 50 I'm a better sailor than I was at 40. I can't say that about any other sport I participate in. Pity the poor golfer who knows he will never play a better round of golf than he played in his 30's or 40's. I know I have the opportunity to be a better sailor 5 years from now than I am today.

At some point our skills will start diminishing, and certainly for certain crew positions athleticism and strength are assets. But when it comes to skippering a sailboat whether racing or just cruising we can look forward to getting better at what we love to do at least into our 60's maybe even longer for some of us.

Yes it's the middle of winter here in the cold Northeast and I'm dreaming of warm weather sailing.

You hit the nail on the head Calypso. To imagine being able to do this for the rest of my life - and always improve and branch out is a tremendous draw. And to know it's something I can do with my kids as long as they can drop me into the cockpit is a great feeling.

It's great having older guys like you around SN to help and appreciate us newbs learning the art of sailing.

Beautiful pics Faster.

[CalypsoP35]

Great pics! I'm not sure if I'm more or less depressed, but I definitely enjoyed viewing them. Which reminds me of another aspect of sailing skills, local knowledge. Understanding the wind and water currents where you sail is so different than southern New England where everything is pretty flat.

[CalypsoP35]

Originally Posted by smackdaddy

It's great having older guys like you around SN to help and appreciate us newbs learning the art of sailing.

Ouch! A backhanded compliment if there ever was one. I still think of myself as being just out of college, reality sucks! But, I always expect tomorrow to be better than yesterday.

Smack, Excellent point about the inter-generational aspects of sailing.