My kind of people

[cpd304]

Being new to a certain discipline is something that can be hard without the input of experienced peers. The sailing community, so far for me, has been a pleasant experience. Everyone seems to be in the mindset of helping each other and giving guidance. Being new to the sailing community I have had many questions. At first I didn't want to ask, thinking "this is a stupid question, these sailboat owners are going to think I'm an idiot". But, every question I had, even the ones alot of people would consider "common sense", has been answered with respect and thoughtfulness. The people I've met since I purchased my boat have been nice, helpful, and welcoming, helping my wife and I come closer to achieving our dream... being live aboard sailors. I would like to say thank you to all the people in the sailnet and sailing community for being the way you are.

Joey Haley

[MarioG]

Joey its the same people that you talk about that has help me from not sailing in 25 yrs a year and half ago to now living aboard. I too asked questions that I;m sure some here slaped their head with a "umph "(Homer S voice) but because of the general attitude knew I could not only live a life long dream of sailing but further to knowing that becoming a live aboard was a life for me.

Hope all works out as well for you.

[WanderingStar]

A good report, encouraging. I've also enjoyed support from fellow sailors.

[bljones]

I'm tearing up over here.

[Sabreman]

But we do have an evil side....

We love to watch and "critique" dockings. It's a spectator sport.

If you ever screw up a docking (everyone does from time to time) and you know that people were watching, go ask what you could have done better. Then you'll see our manners resurface and the suggestions will be helpful.

[cpd304]

Originally Posted by Sabreman

But we do have an evil side....

We love to watch and "critique" dockings. It's a spectator sport.

If you ever screw up a docking (everyone does from time to time) and you know that people were watching, go ask what you could have done better. Then you'll see our manners resurface and the suggestions will be helpful.

hahahahahaha.... you would have had a blast last weekend watching me.

[primerate84]

Yeah, give it time. There will always be someone out there having a bad day and your question will elicit a less than friendly response. But all-in-all, most of us are pretty reasonable guys (and gals).

[TintedChrome]

Yeah, they're a great bunch aren't they

Had the pleasure of meeting one of the people off here on Saturday - extremely helpful, and very friendly. And the interactions I've had with people from the board have been awesome.. I'm not gonna pull the name-dropping game, but some of the regulars on this site have a wealth of knowledge that has saved me $$'s, time, frustration, and have gone a long way in setting realistic expectations of myself and my boat. My PM's could probably fill a book.. You guys know who you are - grog's on me if our paths should ever cross.

And it only gets better when I'm at the club talking to sailors I actually *know*.. it's like class, money, and attitude all get chucked at the gate, and everyone's on an equal footing with a shared passion.

Of course, you get the odd douchebag, but then the odds are really good that he's a dock-monkey and really doesn't know much about his boat, sailing, or much of anything else at all. No loss there, and fodder for fun for the rest of us..

I've found that being a part of anything (car racing forums back in the day for example, or motorcycle forums) will bring a certain amount of friendliness and helpfulness - but nothing so far compares to the sheer camaraderie of the sailing community.

[Sabreman]

There will always be someone out there having a bad day

For every sweet docking there are a bunch of ragged or disastrous ones. I've ended up sideways across two slips.

I find that cruisers and liveaboards tend to be more forgiving and helpful. I also find that racers tend to be less so. Perhaps it's because their perspective on sailing is one of competition and helping one's competitors is not a normal thing. Of course, all sailors are critical of powerboaters.

[sailjunkie]

Originally Posted by Sabreman

But we do have an evil side....

We love to watch and "critique" dockings. It's a spectator sport.

If you ever screw up a docking (everyone does from time to time) and you know that people were watching, go ask what you could have done better. Then you'll see our manners resurface and the suggestions will be helpful.

The same goes for anchoring. Also powerboaters.