Thanks for reading, Jonathan. I'm glad you shared your memory. And made me laugh too. I don't get much into the Vendee Globe, but I will pay attention to the Mini Globe Race. I know a little bit about what they've gotten themselves into.
I totally agree with the sentiment, but disagree a bit on the "marketing" angle. By touting the virtues of ocean-crossing small vessels, you are doing the same thing that large-boat manufacturers have been doing for decades: inducing folks to spend more on a bigger boat because it can cross oceans. Maybe it's just me, but I find these "cross oceans in the smallest craft possible" articles absurd, not inspiring.
Why not instead promote the joys of small boats by pointing out that these boats are perfectly aligned with how 99% of us actually use our boats? Day sails and the weekend anchoring out in a quiet cove. I find your articles and video on your Townsend Tern to be way more inspiring than any globe crossing. The "Quiet Adventures" article here was one of the best.
I actually agree with you. My “promotion” of the 5.80 is more of an armchair support thing than a suggestion that folks go out there and do it. I mean to imply that our small craft are more capable than one might expect but I was happy staying within the confines of Narragansett Bay for several seasons. I expect to find that same pleasure in my current estuary. However, I do find solace in knowing that my boat and her crew can venture “outside” with confidence and capability if so desired. I know that there are “adventurers” testing their limits but I’m not one of them. Thanks.
Thanks for reading, Jonathan. I'm glad you shared your memory. And made me laugh too. I don't get much into the Vendee Globe, but I will pay attention to the Mini Globe Race. I know a little bit about what they've gotten themselves into.
I forget what mainstream mag called a 37 foot boat a "day sailor," and how it sparked a bit on controversy at the time.
Well, Spark, do you consider an S boat a daysailer? It is certainly in not for cruising.
Thanks Jonathan,thats one I hadn't heard before.Pete.
I totally agree with the sentiment, but disagree a bit on the "marketing" angle. By touting the virtues of ocean-crossing small vessels, you are doing the same thing that large-boat manufacturers have been doing for decades: inducing folks to spend more on a bigger boat because it can cross oceans. Maybe it's just me, but I find these "cross oceans in the smallest craft possible" articles absurd, not inspiring.
Why not instead promote the joys of small boats by pointing out that these boats are perfectly aligned with how 99% of us actually use our boats? Day sails and the weekend anchoring out in a quiet cove. I find your articles and video on your Townsend Tern to be way more inspiring than any globe crossing. The "Quiet Adventures" article here was one of the best.
I actually agree with you. My “promotion” of the 5.80 is more of an armchair support thing than a suggestion that folks go out there and do it. I mean to imply that our small craft are more capable than one might expect but I was happy staying within the confines of Narragansett Bay for several seasons. I expect to find that same pleasure in my current estuary. However, I do find solace in knowing that my boat and her crew can venture “outside” with confidence and capability if so desired. I know that there are “adventurers” testing their limits but I’m not one of them. Thanks.