February 10, 2003
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I recently attended the Strictly Sail Sailboat Conference in Chicago. That was held Jan 30th to February 2nd in Navy Pier. What was it all about? Well, you had to pay $12 to get in (if you were an adult), and for that price, you got to walk around and look inside all sorts of sailboats: big ones (> 30 feet with cabin beds enough to sleep 6 people), little ones (Butterflies, Lasers, Flying Juniors, only big enough to seat 1 comfortably and possibly two).
What struck me, however, is that the bigger the boat I stepped into/onto, the snobbier the sailors showing it off. I mean, I know I don’t look like I’m made of money, but certainly, if I ever wanted to buy one, this would be the place I would shop.
I don’t agree that sailing is meant to be a snobby sport. I think it’s silly to look down on small boat sailors. In fact, I rather admire those who have small boats and sail them regularly. In contrast, most boat owners with > 40-foot boats hire others to have fun sailing their boats from port to port. How silly is that? I suppose it would be a good idea for a tax write-off. . . . Other than that, I can’t think of a good reason to pay someone to enjoy my own boat. The concept is about as difficult to me as credit cards. Why should I pay someone to be able to spend my money?
Anyway, sailors are a mixed bunch. I prefer the company of smaller-boat sailors, myself.
