By the way Surfesq - you are currently [as on Monday 6/12/06 @ 1:23 PM EST] on the home page of SailNet: http://www.sailnet.com/forums/cmps_index.php as out Top Poster in the last 24 hours - thanks!
Aside from the fact you totally missed the point I was making, or ignored it, pumping up your testosterone doesn't make you a man, any more than overheeling your boat makes you a sailor. But, rather than stoop to your snide remarks, I'll just bow out of a pointless discussion.
Regards,
__________________
John
Ontario 32 - Aria
Free, is the heart, that lives not, in fear.
Full, is the spirit, that thinks not, of falling.
True, is the soul, that hesitates not, to give.
Alive, is the one, that believes, in love. JCP
Whew! Finally. On to more important issues like Rum:
"Rum and the sea are inseparable, and no rum is more akin to the sea and the sailor than Pusser's Rum–the Original Navy Rum. For more than 300 years, from the earliest days of wooden ships and iron men, sailors of Great Britain's Royal Navy were issued a daily ration–or "tot"–of rum by the ship's "Purser" (corrupted by the sailors to Pusser's). Prior to 1740, the men's daily tot of Pusser's Rum was a pint a day, which they drank neat, that is without water! Before battle, they were issued a double 'tot', and always after victory for a job well done! From 1655 to the 19th century, Pusser's Rum was one of the few daily comforts afforded those early seamen of Britain's Navy as they fought around the globe to keep the Empire intact and its sea lanes open. It was not until July 31st, 1970 that the Admiralty Board abolished the daily issue of Pusser's Rum. "Times had changed", they said as they concluded that "in a highly sophisticated navy no risk for margin or error which might be attributable to rum could be allowed". And so it was that the daily issue of Pusser's Rum, which had stood the test of time as the Navy's longest serving tradition for over 300 years, was cast aside like a piece of flotsam and jetsam where it lay quietly until 1979." Pusser's Rum Website.
I would also add that it is the spirit of taking chances and pushing the limits in sailing that has lead to sailings greatest achievements. Dame Ellen McArthur, Sir Robert Knox-Johnson, Bernard Montessier, Christoper Columbus, Magellan just to name a few.
Most people never approach the limits of what their boats are capable of handling. And that can lead to dangerous consequences. If you are not willing to go out and have some fun..dip the rail on a breezy day how can you realistically expect to take your family into the Ocean? Once you have committed to leaving the safety of your Bay there is no turning back. You must be prepared for anything that nature can throw at you.
Most of us are on this site because we yearn to see a new horizon everyday. I submit that Saturday afternoon in 20+ knots is not only a complete blast but it is the perfect and safest time to explore the limits of you and your boats ability. And, when it's over slam a few Rum and Tonics with your buddies. That in my opinion is what sailing is all about.
One guy telling the other that he's not a sailor and the other trying to tell him he's not living life...or ah, vice versa.
Anyway it just goes to show the wide appeal that sailing has and the different people it attracts. Neither is wrong, its all about what is right for you.
John you may not dip the rail but you might be holding on to it just a little too tight. IMHO.
I thought you wanted to this thread to be somewhere where you can express your contrary opinions. Seems to me that if you insult the people who disagree to the point where the "bow out", then you've defeated your purpose. Seems a waste...
Kudo's to John for bowing out... though I do agree that it is good to know your own limits and the limits of your craft. I don't want to find out the hard way...
Hi Far From Home. You are right. It was designed to be a thread where you can express your views freely. I was hoping to have a few laughs.
Disagreeing is fine. But I think if you post something with a hostile tone you have to expect people to take a shot at you.
Believe me I am not encouraging being reckless. Let me give you an example of what I am advocating: Have you ever sailed a Hobie Cat. That is a boat that is designed to push the limit. You really are not sailing it unless you are flying a hull. What a blast. Now what's wrong with doing the same thing on a Saturday afternoon with your Hunter 27? Which by the way can be a blast to sail on a heavy day. I say get out there and push it a bit. Get wet! Have some fun with it! There is plenty of time for "proper" sailing when your Boss or you Old Lady are onboard.
Sonofasonofsailor: Right on Dude.
Monday: Our ships at sea.
Tuesday: Our men.
Wednesday: Ourselves.
Thursday: A bloody war and quick promotion.
Friday: A willing soul and sea room.
Saturday: Sweethearts and wives, may they never meet.
Sunday: Absent friends and those at sea.
EBS001: Rum is a sailing Tradition! Grog is Rum/Tonic and Lime after all. Besides all sailors must drink. After all, it is important to know when you're one drink away from a tattoo. That requires experience!
Well I have been reading this thread and I find it amusing and true on Many parts. Let me tell you on about this Satureday for me on LakE Superior. I race out of the www.duluthyachtclub.com with a lowly catalina 27 in the Jib/Main class. We raced in Heavy conditons(20-30kts) in the Duluth Harbor. Man it was a great ride I have never seen the boat go that have 7+ knots and I haven't been that tired from a race yet.
My wife was on and we almost 3/4 lost a crew over the side. Lost us the race but the two newbies are coming back for more. We all loved the Jet ride that day and I think it was good since we knew we could stand up to those conditions.
All in all great fun and I love racing my old boat with old sails beating boats that are faster, lighter, newer, better. Get out in big wind cuz it is big fun..
Okay, what syphilitic son of a sea cook fell asleep on gangway watch and let a LAWYER get in here?
If you can't let out a strong of invective fortyfive minutes long that burns the ears of any lubber in earshot, you're not a sailor. And if you have to wait for someone else to command you "REPEL ATTORNEYS!" you're not a sailor.
Attorneys, rats, roaches, arrrgh! Next thing you know someone will be letting the parrot poop on deck. Well, at least you can use the attorney to wipe off the parrot poop before you send 'em to a better place.
I want the duty logs, and I want them now. If the watch that let that attorney on board isn't before the mast within an hour, I'll have you ALL up on charges!
