I started sailing this summer, and have made a point to go out every weekend. And every weekend, I'm amazed at how many things I learn. (I've gotten to the point that I understand that the more I know, the more there is to know.) And while I have noticed that things are more intuitive now, and I feel like I'm starting to think like a sailor, I wouldn't call myself a sailor just yet. Which raises the question: at what point do you consider a person to have become a "sailor?"
Is it related to:
* how long (how many years?) they've sailed?
* how far they've sailed?
* how frequently they sail?
* their sailing knowledge, regardless of how often they actually get out on the water?
Would you consider "weekend-warriors" to be sailors? Many racers would fall into this category, and while they may know a lot about sailing, if they only get out for a few hours a week, is that enough, in your opinion?
Is it based on how sailing changes a person? For example, lately even when I'm nowhere near the boat (for example: on my lunch break at work) if I go outside and there's a nice breeze, the first thing I think about is what great weather it'd be for sailing. I also notice that in the back of my mind, I'm "judging" the wind, trying to figure out how strong or steady it is, and how my 20' scow would handle this wind...
I've read quite a few posts where people state that they've learned a lot, and love sailing, but wouldn't call themselves "sailors" yet. I understand the feeling - to call yourself a sailor after a few weeks at the lake seems like it might be a slap in the face of the seasoned salts that have spent countless days/weeks on the ocean. But the transition from "newbie" to "sailor" has to happen some time - when is it?
I know this is a very subjective question, and I imagine there will be quite a few different answers, which is why I thought this might be an interesting topic for the group. Fire away!
Is it related to:
* how long (how many years?) they've sailed?
* how far they've sailed?
* how frequently they sail?
* their sailing knowledge, regardless of how often they actually get out on the water?
Would you consider "weekend-warriors" to be sailors? Many racers would fall into this category, and while they may know a lot about sailing, if they only get out for a few hours a week, is that enough, in your opinion?
Is it based on how sailing changes a person? For example, lately even when I'm nowhere near the boat (for example: on my lunch break at work) if I go outside and there's a nice breeze, the first thing I think about is what great weather it'd be for sailing. I also notice that in the back of my mind, I'm "judging" the wind, trying to figure out how strong or steady it is, and how my 20' scow would handle this wind...
I've read quite a few posts where people state that they've learned a lot, and love sailing, but wouldn't call themselves "sailors" yet. I understand the feeling - to call yourself a sailor after a few weeks at the lake seems like it might be a slap in the face of the seasoned salts that have spent countless days/weeks on the ocean. But the transition from "newbie" to "sailor" has to happen some time - when is it?
I know this is a very subjective question, and I imagine there will be quite a few different answers, which is why I thought this might be an interesting topic for the group. Fire away!