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Losing Sailing Enthusiasm?

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Justin
Admiral

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502 Posts

Initially Posted - 06/25/2008 : 08:54:10

Does anyone else go through phases of losing enthusiasm in sailing? I don’t know if I’m just in a phase or what, but right now I’m not as enthusiastic about sailing as I used to be. Even just two months ago, I was very excited about the beginning of the sailing season and I did not think I would ever consider selling my boat. In case you missed it, I posted this [url="http://catalina-capri-25s.org/forum/topic.asp?whichpage=1&TOPIC_ID=17961#132461"]thread[/url]. A part of me feels a bit sad that I’m not as excited about sailing as I have been the past several years. Maybe I just need to take a break and my enthusiasm will come back. These are probably some contributing factors.

One, I wish the bay/sailboat was closer to where I live. Back when I first bought my boat, I thought how it will be great to bring friends and family out for something new to do. I have since realized that it isn’t that easy. My slip is currently about 80 miles away which mean sailing is an all day commitment. This makes it difficult to bring out friends/family. A recent example was my dad would have loved to go sailing for Father’s Day, but it is just too far and takes all day so we didn’t. The increase in gas prices isn’t that big of a deal, but I do sometimes think, okay is it worth spending $20+ in gas to drive out to the boat when the weather forecast is looking iffy? There are those days they forecast storms, so I end up staying home, but then turn out to miss out on a perfectly good day. Often I don’t make my sailing plans until Friday night because I’m watching the weather. The problem is most people can’t then come out sailing on such short notice because of the all day commitment. Maybe I should work on this and just make plans with friends farther in advance more often. Sometimes it works and sometimes not. My brothers really enjoy coming out sailing but they usually work on the weekends since they are in school making it rare for them to be available.

A second reason is I look at the costs and contemplate is it worth it for just the few weekends a month I get to use it. I use to be so enthusiastic that I thought, “Of course it’s worth it!!” Last summer I was so into sailing, I went out just about every single weekend. If no one could join me, I single handed all the time and would spend the entire weekend out there. Now, I still single hand and like the challenge at times, but I prefer bringing friends out. There have been a couple times this season no one could join me, so I ended up doing something else other than sailing because I just wasn't as excited.

Maybe this is just a phase and I’ll be crazy about sailing again in the future. Anyone else gone through a phase like this? I know sometimes you just end up losing interest in hobbies, but I don’t want that to be the case.

Justin
Previous Owner of Sapphire Breeze - 1982 Catalina 25 SK/SR
My sail blog site: https://reveriesailing.com/

Edited by - on

redeye
Master Marine Consultant

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3476 Posts

Response Posted - 06/25/2008 : 09:09:40

You have done such a great job on the boat. Sounds like you enjoy ( like me ) working on them almost as much as using them. Boy would I love to spend a week on that bay...

Get another boat!

Park a project boat in the yard.

And I find looking for the next boat is also great fun.

http://livesaildie.com/2008/06/speedboat/

somebody went whole hog...

Edited by - on

Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 06/25/2008 : 09:52:20

I am very happy on a small lake 30 minutes away. Couldn't you find closer water? Lakes breed strong social ties with other sailors, everyone become very close. And as always, get a trailer.

Edited by - on

Justin
Admiral

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502 Posts

Response Posted - 06/25/2008 : 10:19:18

I wish we had lakes in the area, but we don't. What we call "lakes" in the area are small ponds compared to most lakes around the country. They don't have boat ramps, no one sails dinghies, every once in a while maybe a kayaker goes on the water, but really, we don't have much in the way of lakes in the VA/DC/MD area. We have the Potomac River, but it's not good for sailing until down in the DC area. Another thing is some of you have trailers and have the ability to park them at home. I don't know of any neighborhoods in my area that allow you to park a boat or RV at your residence. It's against just about every HOA here. I live in a condo/apt community and they especially do not allow that. I also do not have a tow vehicle. It would also mean I'd have to pay some place to store a trailer in addition to my slip fee. That's not going to happen.

Edited by - on

cat1951
Admiral

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USA
636 Posts

Response Posted - 06/25/2008 : 10:31:17

I went through the same thing a few years back, but it wasn't sailing. It was RC Aircraft and I just lost interest. It was different in that I had something that I really wanted to do.. sailing. I still look back sometimes and wish I still had a plane or two to fly, but never regret getting out of it because I had something I went to to replace the time I spent flying.

I wouldn't do anything unless there is something that you have a desire to replace it with. Even in the RC hobby, I had times that I wasn't interested, but it always came back... at least until I had the other interests.

I recommend you do nothing rash until you know what you will do with the time you have when you would normally be sailing. You obviously enjoyed sailing before, maybe a little less than every weekend might bring back the interest.

Edited by - on

Stardog
Captain

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USA
319 Posts

Response Posted - 06/25/2008 : 10:41:14

Hi Justin,

I can relate to what you have to say, over the years I have gone through many ups and downs over sailing. The first was probably when I got my first sailboat, a Galilee 15 I named "Athena". I thought I would have crew at the drop of a hat. Boy was I wrong; my friends, as it turned out, all had lives. So I meandered around in disappointment for months, sailing on their schedules. Then I realized sailing was my passion, not theirs, so I determined I would learn how to single-hand my boat and free myself from their schedules. After that my sailing skill increased exponentially and I sailed whenever I felt like it. When I eventually got my Catalina 25 the first thing I did was to rig it so it would be easier to single-hand. If I want to sail, I sail; if others wish to come along, I'm happy to take them along.

It sounds like you're too far away from your boat to make spontaneous trips. Have you considered getting a dinghy to sail somewhere near home? I find this alternative to be an excellent way to get your sailing kicks and it also sharpens your skills. If you have a public pond or lake nearby you can be in the water and sailing very quickly. You can pick up a used Sunfish or Laser for not too much, just be sure it comes with a trailer, or you won't be able to get to the water. They are small enough to put in the garage or back yard.

You can still sail the Catalina on the weekends, either alone, or with family and friends when they have time. Whatever you do, don't rely on other people to get your sailing fix.

Sorry I'm not near to your location, I would sail with you!

Your boat is beautiful, nice job with her!

Edited by - on

dmpilc
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4593 Posts

Response Posted - 06/25/2008 : 10:53:26

We've had our c-22 for almost 31 years, and we're approaching our 2nd anniversary with the C-25. Yes, there were times when we (I) almost sold the C-22 due to lack of use - kid's sports, lack of enthusiasm, too hot, too cold, money, etc. but I'm glad we didn't. I would hazard a guess that everybody goes through those phases in one form or another. Don't worry about it, something will rekindle the interest. Living 80 miles from the boat certainly makes it more difficult. I'm about 26 miles from our lake.

Edited by - dmpilc on 06/25/2008 10:54:21

Justin
Admiral

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502 Posts

Response Posted - 06/25/2008 : 10:54:59

Hey Mike,
I did the same thing a several years ago as well. When I was a teenager I was really into R/C planes, more specifically electric powered models which have since gained a lot in popularity and technological improvements. I still have most of my models hanging in my garage. It's hard to get rid of them after the hundreds of hours I spent building them from kits and plans. Through college I was just too busy with school and work, so my interest faded. After graduating I decided to pursue sailing since it was a childhood dream even though I didn't grow up around the water. I've loved it since, still really enjoy it, but it seems to be fading. I am also just now starting a new hobby, something I've also always wanted to get into which maybe causing my interest to wander. I just bought a fun little roadster and plan to try auto-crossing and take fun drives on back country roads. I also figured I could have fun driving it to the boat, so that is a plus there. One major positives with this new hobby is it is stored at my place, no storage fees, no driving 1.5 hours to get to it.

Edited by - on

JimB517
Past Commodore

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USA
3285 Posts

Response Posted - 06/25/2008 : 10:56:02

As you may know, I average sailing 170 days per year. I go to the boat every day after work. When there is no wind I work on board on various projects (I cut out the water tank Monday). In the winter I spend a lot of time reading in my bunk.

I too go through phases where sailing loses a little interest. I find this is combined with a general mild bout of depression. I lose interest in doing what I love. For me sunshine, wind and just getting out there is a good cure. Also, the racing bug has bitten me and I love the intense excitement which is so far above drifting around the bay.

Here at Fleet 7, many of the sailors are losing interest or dropping out due to various reasons. People and boats come and go from L dock all the time.

Perhaps it is time for you to play a little golf. You'll find sailing is cheaper!

Edited by - on

Justin
Admiral

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502 Posts

Response Posted - 06/25/2008 : 11:22:25

Hi Clifford,
Yeah, that’s what I realized shortly after getting my boat, sailing is my passion, not my friends’. I’ve done a lot of single handling, it’s just now I don’t feel like driving 3 hours and sailing 4-6 hours or all weekend by myself. I have no problem with it, done it many times, it’s just lost some of its appeal to me. Being closer is what I wish I had, to be able to make spontaneous trips, to just go out for a morning, afternoon or evening sail. I’ve thought about getting a dinghy, I just wish we had lakes around here. My friend Daren is on here and he recently bought a Walker Bay tender with a sail kit. He’s been trying some local ponds.

David,
That’s the tough part, being so far, but having a boat that I love. I’ve put a ton of work into my boat and made her to really my ideal sailboat. She’s a beauty and to let her go would be tough. I’d really want to see her go to someone that would take care of her.

Jim,
Golf? No, that seems too boring! LOL It’s awesome that you get to sail so often and in some ways I used to think that if I sailed too often I would then lose interest. Well, that’s not really the case for me.

Edited by - on

Nautiduck
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3704 Posts

Response Posted - 06/25/2008 : 11:37:25

I feel fortunate to be 15 miles from the lake. Most of our sailing, nearly all of it except the multi-week cruises, is done in the evenings after work or on the weekend evenings. We are getting out 4-5 times per week and enjoying it more. Another great thing is that the Admiral always sails with me. In eight years of sailing I have never had to sail solo. She always wants to go too.

I can see how driving 80 miles each way puts a serious dent in the enthusiasm. Maybe you can do what Paul does and focus on less frequent multi-day outings.

Up until this year I also had a model railroad hobby. But it was a hobby that had me working alone. This winter I sold all of the RR stuff and now my attention is on sailing.

Finally, I have a rule that I always follow. I NEVER do the math on the things I love to do. I never compute the cost of each snowboard run. I never compute the cost of each sail. These are things that make me and Pat happy and they are priceless.

Edited by - Nautiduck on 06/25/2008 11:39:26

piseas
Former Treasurer

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USA
2017 Posts

Response Posted - 06/25/2008 : 12:01:00

I totally understand what you mean on both accounts, boat proximity and being with friends.
When I got my C250, I could either keep it in dry storage about 1/2 hour from my house. This does not include hooking trailer to car,
putting in water, re-parking trailer and then lowering mast to get under bridge, etc. Or paying about twice as much for a slip less than 10 min. from house. I chose slip cuz I felt I wouldn't use the boat and lose interest. So I think that is a huge factor re ones enthusiasm.
And most of time friends so go sailing with me but sometimes if no one can, I go alone. I find it much more exciting when I can share sailing with others but don't want to miss out on the chance to sail so solo is last resort. But if I had to always go solo, I too would lose interest.
Bottom line, take a break and see how you feel. You could sell boat and join a sailing club or just rent a boat when you want.
Good luck.
Steve A
PS, When I saw your boat for sale, I thought how great having a boat in front of your house! Is that house for sale?

Edited by - piseas on 06/25/2008 12:05:57

ilnadi
Captain

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452 Posts

Response Posted - 06/25/2008 : 12:05:38

boat is 150mi away, kids 2&5, admiral in grad school. not that I lost interest, it just was not possible to drive 2.5 hours each waty with the two kids and cannot sleep on the boat in the summer and cannot really leave the boat provisioned 3-4 months untouched so every time we have to carry on food, drinks, sheets, towels, toolkit, etc, etc.

Smartest thing would have been to sell her before #2 was born so Enka gets better taken care of and sailed; maybe buy a dinghy on a trailer to play with; then buy a boat when everybody is ready again. Friend-wise I am luckier I guess, I have 1-2 friends who come any and everytime I ask and another 3-4 that show up now-n-then.

Edited by - on

aeckhart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1709 Posts

Response Posted - 06/25/2008 : 12:13:58

Happens to me every year and I only have a two minute motor out to my mooring. I take the tarps off, check out my project list - which is the smallest its been in years, and then.......... the prospect of washing and waxing. That's what gets me. Washing and waxing. This year I have the added task of putting in a new mooring. Mo money, mo time, mo work.

As a result I've been getting my boat in later and later every year. This year probably after the 4th of July. This in a sailing season that ends the last week in September.

I still really enjoy the sailing part. It's the prep work that gets me.

Edited by - on

frankr
Captain

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256 Posts

Response Posted - 06/25/2008 : 13:28:42

Oh - how I know the feeling - we live 4 hours and 10 minutes (230 miles) from the boat on the Chesapeake Bay. Moving closer isn't much of a possibility. The drive requires some realy self pep talks on occasion. Next year I retire so maybe it will be easier to enjoy or too expensive to keep. But when I get to the boat we love it, even if we just sit on it and never leave the slip for the weekend. I enjoy the week in April when I get everything ready to go. I hate August when if is so hot and humid down there. I actually lived in the area for 13 years before moving to the mountains of WV. I never did get climatised to the heat. I enjoy walking the docks and looking at all the other boats and meeting fellow boaters. I even like walking the outter edge of the marina, where as I call it the "field of broken dreams" lie - you know the project boats that are in various stages of assembly or abandonment. It's a love - hate relationship.

Edited by - frankr on 06/25/2008 13:30:20

Stardog
Captain

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USA
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Response Posted - 06/25/2008 : 13:41:26

I've had dinghies in the past and the easist to deal with were always Sunfish and Lasers. They can be rigged and in the water in about ten minutes or less. Making it quick and easy is very helpful when you don't have a lot of time. They are also easy to handle in heavy air when you're alone and planing is a bonus. And, they keep your sailing skills sharp so weekends on the Catalina are more fun.

Don't let go of your Catalina until you've had some time to mull things over, you might regret it later if you buy another and have to start all over from scratch.

Edited by - on

delliottg
Former Mainsheet C250 Tech Editor

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USA
4479 Posts

Response Posted - 06/25/2008 : 14:31:52

Justin,
I know exactly what you're talking about, I've gone through several rounds with various hobbies. Skiing, with thousands of dollars worth of (now basically worthless because of new technology) skis, boots, poles, clothes, etc., rockclimbing, and especially woodworking. This is the one that bugs Rita the most because she wasn't around to observe the others. I find that my interest comes back after some time has passed, at least with some things. I can probably never recover any money spent on my various hobbies, except maybe woodworking as old machines are frequently better made than newer ones. Give sailing an off season and see how you feel at the other end. I find working on the boat is therapeutic, it takes my mind off of other things I might be worried about, and gives me problems of my own design to solve. And sailing has it's own problems that need solving each time you go out, equally satisfying.

Our boat's about a 45 minute drive away (well, not right now, we haven't splashed for the season yet). We generally only go down on weekends, but I have every Friday off so, weekends start early for us. Staying on the boat would probably add to my commute since I'd have to go through the teeth of Seattle's traffic to get there. Rita's recently applied for a couple of jobs in downtown though, and it might be convenient for her to do so occasionally. We'll see.

Keep your chin up.

Edited by - on

andy
Navigator

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USA
228 Posts

Response Posted - 06/25/2008 : 14:42:20

I think I'm lucky, even with a 200 mile round trip to sail (every weekend). We've got a club with a great bunch so the social aspect is there. We have races and can usually get 5-6 C25's to participate. The lake is beautiful. And a big factor is the season is only 6 mos. I think not being able to sail in the winter keeps me enthusiastic. Without those elements, I would probably lose interest, or go to a trailerable racer and sail with a Boise club that races every two weeks.

Edited by - on

britinusa
Web Editor

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USA
5404 Posts

Response Posted - 06/25/2008 : 15:21:33

I think Andy dropped a strong hint there Justin.

We recently joined a local yacht club. Of great surprise were the number of members that do not own a boat!!!
They enjoy the social events and get to sail on boats as crew pretty well as often as they want.

Perhaps you should look to a sailing club near to your slip and see if socially it will make sailing w/wo crew more possible/enjoyable.

When you read the responses above, the general theme is 'WE' although Frank and others seem to do a lot of single handed sailing.

If the admiral was not with me, I'd probably tire of taking JD out pretty quickly or I'd be looking for some regular crew.

We're 1hr 15mins from the marina and have to launch it, so we'll spend 6 plus hours the first day out just getting the boat to the waters edge. I guess the 80 mile trip is another 20 minutes on our journey, sure would be worth the trip if you had reliable, willing, eager, and pleasant crew awaiting!

Paul

Edited by - on

Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 06/25/2008 : 17:07:47

I love sailing, I love pulling strings, I love pulling strings on any boat. I sail single handed when I want to, I sail on other people's boats a lot, people sail with me a lot. Helping others with their boats both in the water and on the hard is some of the most rewarding and enjoyable time I spend "sailing". One big lesson is that it is virtually impossible to "sail" with people who are not already sailors and at the docks. Inviting nonsailing guests is not worth the effort. Make friends at your venue and it will always be worth the trip.

Edited by - on

Justin
Admiral

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502 Posts

Response Posted - 06/25/2008 : 18:05:07

Piseas, nope that’s the marina owner’s house. It’s just a small “mom and pop” type of marina and I dock right in their backyard. They do have slips extending out into the creek.

Frankr, wow 230 miles away?! How often do you get out there?

Before I bought the C-25, I originally thought of buying a dinghy of some sort. The thing is, the closest location even for just dinghy sailing is primarily the Potomac near DC, still 45-60 minutes away. I figured I’d be better off with a larger boat that I could spend time on because I can’t imagine sailing on a dinghy for hours would be comfortable. I wanted something to make my trip more worthwhile and to be able to bring people out on. The C-25 really has been ideal.

There aren’t any sailing clubs that I know of on my river, but there definitely are some in Annapolis. The thing was since I lived so far from the clubs, when I do drive out there, I’d want to spend my limited time sailing my boat. I thought about joining SCOW in Alexandria and went to some of their Thursday night socials, but the drive in rush hour was horrible (2+ hours in the opposite direction of home). A lot of the members do not own boats themselves, they just crew or use the club’s boats. I was hoping to maybe meet some new people, but the crowd wasn’t my type.

Frank H., I’ve made some very good friends that I do sail with regularly. Dave, Daren, and Roee, and I all sail out of the same river our C-25s/250. The thing is we all generally sail our own boats, often single handling. Sometimes we crew on each others and we try to do raft up cruises when we get the chance. Helping others with their boats I agree is very rewarding and enjoyable. We all help each other a lot with projects on our boats. I haven’t met any sailors at my marina, just some friendly power boaters that I’ve offered to take out sometime, one used to sail. I disagree and think bringing out non-sailing guests is worth it. They often get to try something new and usually really enjoy it. Sailing isn’t that popular and I like giving others the opportunity to experience it. Why do you think it is virtually impossible to “sail” with non-sailors? We may not be racing, but I either instruct them what to do or do everything myself which is like single handling but with good company. Some learn more quickly than others and some just don’t get it at all, but it’s still a good time on the water.

Edited by - on

Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 06/25/2008 : 18:37:54

The reason is they don't show up when they are supposed to, think sailing involves food that is inappropriate for boats, wonder what is next after an hour, etc. I agree turning someone on to sailing is great and there is usually enough motivation involved for those people to show up and "spend the day" sailing. Its the other friends who you just want to share your love with who simply do not get the whole thing. They show up late, with a dog, dressed inappropriately, bring people you don't expect, don't actually want to sail, don't understand if you suddenly need to help someone, need to fix something, or there is no wind, and on and on. Sure its nice to take friends sailing, it just goes poorly a lot of the time

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piseas
Former Treasurer

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USA
2017 Posts

Response Posted - 06/25/2008 : 20:45:14

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Frank Hopper
 Sure its nice to take friends sailing, it just goes poorly a lot of the time
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
Frank, my experience has just been the opposite. I have had many afraid of being in the ocean, for whatever reasons, but once out with me, they have a great time. I try to keep boat from healing of course, so not to scare them but most find it nothing like they thought it would be. Maybe thats unusual and this is probably a good new topic.
Steve A

Edited by - on

SEAN
Admiral

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USA
772 Posts

Response Posted - 06/25/2008 : 21:33:21

thats funny I got my boat to get away from everybody

Edited by - on

redviking
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1771 Posts

Response Posted - 06/25/2008 : 22:11:29

Oh geez, I gotta get in on this one. OK, so I moved from a C25 - also 1982 vintage, best years ever IMHO - to a boat I probably don't deserve to be blessed to own. She has been around twice, and I basically took her to Florida last year from Newport RI... Yeppers, as my wife calls it it was the year of learning. But we also have a favorite expression called, "File it under somethings always going on" and leave it at that. The good life is not a destination, it is a direction. There are plenty of "cruisers" that set out and decide to quit after even a few months. Weekend warriors like my years in frigid New England involved over an hour drive thru the big dig to my boat and yet we still did it and we are here. I'm floating now...

OK, my point is - and I'll have to explain - was that earlier today I was thinking similar thoughts... What am I doing? This is freakin hard... Etc... I seriously thought about selling the boat. NOW, my wife is in Kansas for 5 weeks visiting family et al, and I am here minding the boat in Newport RI. Battling electricity charging, storms, and the occasional run in with a oversized white thing with a tiny bit of chain attached.

Why am I here? Adding further complications, I decided to rent a car and drive into Boston to pick up my dog of 13 years who is living with my ex. She was onboard for 6 days - thunderstorms et al, oh and shedding, and we got caught in a couple of bad storms in the Zodiac, and I possibly bruised a rib while trying to get her aboard..... And again, I am thinking - why do I do this?

Then an amazing discovery came to me. I was dreading the inevitable return trip to places known this fall as we again try to get out of the US for a bit.

I was dreading the known risks and hazards of this life - I have had plenty as you all know. I was dreading the hassles, getting groceries, BEER, whatever aboard... The anchoring woes... OK that is enough...

Then the lightbulb broke... I haven't been anywhere for almost 3 weeks. I HATE that! I'm bored on the hook. I need to move. SO, I'm picking up and I'm gonna solo somewhere, drop a hook and do the sailing thing. I'm recruiting folks and they are gonna be on Lysistrata whether the weather is good or not. I am and will be, so why can't they?

It's an adventure. The reason I fell in love with my C25 is that there was a weird capableness to her that inspired me to cruise her a bit more actively. You haven't lived until you are under the Newport Bridge in heavy fog, with a freighter coming at you and your outboard picks up a lobster pot! You make it and you have a great story to tell. It's in the buzz you get when you work yourself out of or into a situation. Right now Justin, you are just using your boat to go out and sail in circles and go back. I suggest you plan a trip somewhere and use her like a proper non racing C25 should be used. I.E. load her up with a bunch of crap and a couple of buddies and come back with some stories to tell.

There are days when I am getting my ass handed to me, there are days when the weather makes life hard on a boat - read confining, there are days when nothing goes right and NOAA is out to get you. BUT NOTHING beats making landfall somewhere else, and having a tale to tell.

Sten

DPO C25 #3220 "Zephyr", SR, FK
SV Lysistrata - C&C 39 - Newport RI

Edited by - on

dmpilc
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4593 Posts

Response Posted - 06/25/2008 : 22:12:20

Our yacht club has really pushed a Tuesday evening program originally called Ladies at the Helm, which began as a program for reluctant spouses who were intimidated by the weekend racing. We expanded the program, now called Learners at the Helm, and it has become extremely popular, to the point of increasing our club membership by almost a third in the two years it has been running. Last night, we had almost 30 participants, and had to sail in shifts because we didn't have enough boats available. Since I am taking another temporary (hopefully) installment of my retirement, I have been taking newcomers and new members out on our C25. It's been great fun. One of them purchased a C-22 for sale on our dock. Ah, fresh meat in the C-22 fleet, haha!
The point is that sailing with newbies, in the right environment, can be both fun and rewarding.

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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.