Beautiful words about how the world and loved ones support us in being called out beyond ourselves to participate in what is always more than us. You brought tears to my eyes. Thank you.
Just found my photo of my 13th summer and yep, in my Snark. It was a great learning platform. Fifty two years later, six sailboats later - still learning - a new Lug sail rig and loving similar adventures, if only, at times, in my head
I would like to edit one thing I wrote. It appears the Sun Flower is no more except in Craigslist if you are lucky. The boat that has taken its place is the Rocket. The list price of my upgraded $75.00 boat is now over $5000.00. So my lament is even louder!
I bought my very first sailboat in 1965. It was an 11 foot Styrofoam boat with a lateen sail made from polypropylene. I bought it for $75.00 from Spiegel's Catalog Sales. I would sail it on the Magothy River in Pasadena Maryland. I named it Patty Ann after my girl friend. It would sail like an ocean racer on a reach but wouldn't sail more than about 70 degrees to the wind! I had the boat for about 6 months or so and then went into the Navy (where my vessels became somewhat larger). While I was gone both my boat and my girl friend were stolen! I miss the boat much much more!
I understand a Sun Flower, the modern iteration of the Patty Ann (rayon sails, plastic coated hull) now run about $1500.00 or more if you can find one. That is a shame. $75.00 was doable for a young person with absolutely no sailing experience whatsoever. (I made about $1.00 an hour at the time) $1500.00 is a bit more to come up with under the same circumstances. One wonders how does anyone get involved in anything these days that might grow to where your interest and experience takes you to crossing oceans in your own sailing craft if the initial cost is several months salary for someone just out of high school. Add to that small boats, like many of those in the pages of Small Craft Advisor are more than a midsized automobile! Where is our next generation of sailors coming from?
Take heart, Norman. America is awash with used Sunfishes and Hobie Cats for $1,500 or under, which for a teen with a job at $15 per hour is the same as your 1965 75 dollars.
The next generation of sailors is coming from the many sailing camps and schools At least locally there is ample opportunity to spend some time in an Opti, Bic, or Laser.
And a gentle push if you still have your own boat--the next generation of sailors can come from you if you invite that neighbor kid, the youth group kid, or a relative out for a sail and let them grab the tiller.
I remember when I used to imagine world travels as well. I’m tired now, but every now and then the mood hits me and I go searching for that feeling again. My Siren, Luna, has helped tremendously in that. Especially during stormy fall weather.
Nicely written, and touches the soul!
Had lots of adventures on South Dakota very windy lakes with our Styrofoam Sunflower/Snark. Thanks for the reminder.
Beautiful words about how the world and loved ones support us in being called out beyond ourselves to participate in what is always more than us. You brought tears to my eyes. Thank you.
Just found my photo of my 13th summer and yep, in my Snark. It was a great learning platform. Fifty two years later, six sailboats later - still learning - a new Lug sail rig and loving similar adventures, if only, at times, in my head
Excellent article--boats, memories, family.
I would like to edit one thing I wrote. It appears the Sun Flower is no more except in Craigslist if you are lucky. The boat that has taken its place is the Rocket. The list price of my upgraded $75.00 boat is now over $5000.00. So my lament is even louder!
https://fulcrumspeedworks.com/pages/rocket-sailing-dinghy
I bought my very first sailboat in 1965. It was an 11 foot Styrofoam boat with a lateen sail made from polypropylene. I bought it for $75.00 from Spiegel's Catalog Sales. I would sail it on the Magothy River in Pasadena Maryland. I named it Patty Ann after my girl friend. It would sail like an ocean racer on a reach but wouldn't sail more than about 70 degrees to the wind! I had the boat for about 6 months or so and then went into the Navy (where my vessels became somewhat larger). While I was gone both my boat and my girl friend were stolen! I miss the boat much much more!
I understand a Sun Flower, the modern iteration of the Patty Ann (rayon sails, plastic coated hull) now run about $1500.00 or more if you can find one. That is a shame. $75.00 was doable for a young person with absolutely no sailing experience whatsoever. (I made about $1.00 an hour at the time) $1500.00 is a bit more to come up with under the same circumstances. One wonders how does anyone get involved in anything these days that might grow to where your interest and experience takes you to crossing oceans in your own sailing craft if the initial cost is several months salary for someone just out of high school. Add to that small boats, like many of those in the pages of Small Craft Advisor are more than a midsized automobile! Where is our next generation of sailors coming from?
Take heart, Norman. America is awash with used Sunfishes and Hobie Cats for $1,500 or under, which for a teen with a job at $15 per hour is the same as your 1965 75 dollars.
The next generation of sailors is coming from the many sailing camps and schools At least locally there is ample opportunity to spend some time in an Opti, Bic, or Laser.
And a gentle push if you still have your own boat--the next generation of sailors can come from you if you invite that neighbor kid, the youth group kid, or a relative out for a sail and let them grab the tiller.
Damn! You just made me cry.
that's beautiful, thanks
That’s a nice piece. Thanks.
I remember when I used to imagine world travels as well. I’m tired now, but every now and then the mood hits me and I go searching for that feeling again. My Siren, Luna, has helped tremendously in that. Especially during stormy fall weather.