Hi Connie,
Amen to trailer sailing.
I also prefer the smaller boats.
I know a couple of people who are partners in a Cat 320. Nice boat that sits
in her slip about 350 days out of the year. Probably would have been better to
invest in a beach front condo as the boat is basically used for social events
at the dock. Good for them I guess...
I think all of our pastimes have gone, or are going by the wayside. I used to
do a lot of backpacking. Twenty years ago it used to be said all you have to
do to get away from the vandals is get 1/2 mile into the forest and you'll be
safe. No longer the case. I fear people more than I feal bears and mountain
lions. At least the wild critters are predictable.
I used to do a lot of river running (whitewater) and we felt safe to think we
were among friends in a 50 mile wilderness river trip. Not any more. There
are weirdo's out there too.
I somehow thought sailing would be different. Now I find the (new) owners of
the big boats are snobs or just plain inconsiderate. However... I've had my
best fun with the trailer sailing crowd. Seems like, for the most part, all we
want to do is have a little fun.
You'll like this tale... I've been to Mexico a few times. The first was a
tourist trip to Mazatlan, very nice, and very tourist like. The second time I
flew down and met a friend with a 42' monster sailboat. We were treated with
respect deserving visiting royalty. Sort of boring. Nice boat though.
Third time, I went with a friend towing an aluminum bass boat. Nothing fancy,
just a decent fishing boat. We went to a large lake (Bacaburito) east, into
the mountains from Guaymas, MX. We intended to spend a week fishing for
Largemouth Black Bass. Instead, we befriended a couple of commercial fishermen, who
were after Tilapia (another fish) and we ended up staying for two and a half
weeks. Eating dinners with their families, helping them with their commercial
fishing, drinking cervesas (beer) until we couldn't stand up. And having the
time of our lives. These people weren't rich and were just being themselves when
they offered their friendship. I'll never forget that trip. I'm planning
another trip to Mexico this winter. I can assure you, when I go... I'll go as
myself. I don't want to be considered special, I just want to have a little fun.
It's only been 5 years since the fishing trip. I'm hoping I'll be able to meet
some quality locals while sailing my little sailboat into their fishing
villages. I'll be keeping a diary of this adventure, to be assured.
Regards,
Bill SF Bay
M-17 #496 "Tiperary"
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