A good day to convert

[swampcreek]

Going to take some power boaters out today who have never sailed. I love the reactions when the sails go up, the motor goes off, the stereo is turned on and the beer is opened (Basically a single motion on my boat), I REALLY love to see their reactions when I can catch some good wind and get it to heel over a good bit! There is a slight breeze outside this morning, the flags on my tiki bar are lazily flapping which usually means good wind on the bay since I'm inland a mile or so in the woods.
It's fun to watch how they find a whole different world that was right there all the time.

[lydanynom]

Originally Posted by swampcreek

the stereo is turned on

It all sounds good to me except for this bit. Kind of detracts from the rest of the experience, imo.

[k1vsk]

most of the power boaters I've sailed with are bored silly - "when do we get there?" It's a different mentality

[sailingdog]

Drinking while underway is generally a bad idea. Alcohol affects your balance, your judgement and your night vision. Most accidents, especially fatal ones, usually involve alcohol. If you want to drink...drop the anchor or wait until you're in a slip or on a mooring.

I'd point out that more and more places are enforcing BUI rules and the BAC to get into trouble with is .08 in most places, even lower if you're a USCG licensed captain IIRC.

[imagine2frolic]

When I left S.F. Bay 8 years ago. Drinking is exactly what the C.G was looking for........i2f

[canadianseamonkey]

Nothing like cutting the engine and hearing the wind fill the sails and the water hitting the hull. A nice cold beer adds to the day. Nothing wrong with having a cold one as long as you are responsible about it.

[swampcreek]

I wasn't exactly talking about getting hammered and singing naked on the bow but a few beers is just fine, some people can't handle it and yes, they should not touch it underway.

Everyone who I've had on my boat who have considered themselves die hard power boaters actually enjoy themselves and learn there is others way's to have a good time out on the bay. Some of these people are the same ones I used to scare when I'd do stand-ups with my old 460 big block powered Glastron-Carlson jet boat. Sure I've heard (Before they exprienced sailing) "I like to get there" but I reply "On a sailboat your already there!". I honestly have never had anyone (adult that is) complain while out on the boat.

Everyone sails differently some like the stereo, some like silence, some have a libation, some don't, some won't heel, most do. As long as your actions don't negatively affect others you should be free to do as you wish. That kind of thought might upset some purists but I am definetly a non-conformist so I never try to "Live the lifestyle" in anything, I have too many interests (But sailing IS tops with me). When I'm on the Harley I can be seen many times in shorts and deck shoes, when the weather is cooler I have had to take my riding boots and leathers off when I get to the boat. Life is too short to be snobby.

Today however, our power boating guests couldn't make it. My friend's girlfriend drank too much last night and was ill today (Which is usually the case when she does drink).