I'm thinking it has a lot to do with inflated expectations for a higher than deserved standard of living, hence people who are almost thirty living with their parents, growing up in a zero failure world (which is not a good way to encourage hard work), and the expectation that the world owes them something (careers, high standards of living, education)
AMEX came out with a survey showing that young people spend tons of money on travel and luxury goods. It must be a mental thing. The ocean is pretty intimidating, not big snowboard jump intimidating, but kill you if it decides to intimidating. I'm guessing backpacking and all-inclusives are just easier to do.
I think you have hit the nail on the head.
My wife and I are in our early 30's, and cruising the east coast here in Oz we have not once meet anyone cruising younger than us.
You can't say our generation isn't into travel or adventure, these are both booming industries, but I just think sailing/cruising has just fallen out of vogue.
I also think (and this is going to make me sound old), that Generation Y just lacks the patience, persistence, discipline and courage to see a dream like cruising through.That is a generalisation of course, but it is generally true. This is the instant generation, the no consequence generation, if it feels good do it, and if I can say it a spoilt generation.
It is surprising on this forum and others the amount of young people who come and post the obligatory " I want to buy a cheap boat and sail off into the sunset" thread and then after realising a few tough realities they tend to disappear forever.
One such couple in there 20's here is Australia started a
buy a cheap boat and sail around the world thread on another forum about a year ago. They seemed quite genuine and determined at the time and were very impressed that we were off sailing the Great Barrier Reef. "how did you do it?" They asked. I told them... "well we worked hard for 10 years, saved our money, stopped going out for dinner, stopped buying new clothes/cars or TV's, and spent our time learning about sailing and working on boats. Most of all we committed to our dream, made the sacrifices and saw it through"
I have since PMed them a few times and kept in contact on email. Last update they did take some beginner sailing lessons and they liked going to marinas to look at the boats on sunny weekends. For the moment they have however decided to rent a new apartment with a waterview instead. They have been to Malaysia twice, been to a few really nice day spas they recommended, and were thinking of learning to dive, maybe as part of the next holiday. They say they are still looking for a boat.......
My suspicion sadly is that they will probably never buy the boat or go cruising, let alone around the world.
It is however very inspiring when I do hear about true young adventurers who are out there doing something so very counter-cultural. Good on ya guys