A threat of note, an AI downside, and in the “$22 smoothies” department…
So, here’s a thought…
What would it take to get me involved in a sailing rally or race?
It turns out to be a fairly difficult question. For starters, I’ve never been competitive. What little competitive genes in my makeup are self-directed. I want to do the best I can do with zip interest in being better than some other person.
Being somewhat introverted, I’m not prone to big groups of people doing what I’m doing. Back in 1976 I did the Bikecentennial but didn’t ever really ride with others in a group. In fact, I think the best part of the Bikecentennial was that it allowed me to keep a lower profile. Being part of a large group of cyclists allows me disappear into the the woodwork so to speak. Being anonymous in a group is easier than going alone.
Then there’s the cost thing. Almost everyone organizing rallies these days are doing it for profit. I know it’s just a fact of life but the idea of doing something that’s all about someone making a profit just gets up my nose.
So, why should I do a rally or race?
For starters, I’ll say good works. Replace the profit incentive with something good. Doing something good becomes something I can get behind, especially where boats are concerned. Rallies like the ARC and suchlike seldom have a positive effect. A bunch of well off boat folk can seriously distort local economies and raise prices and costs to the local inhabitants.
I have yet to see an organized event that had a positive outcome on the locals. Mostly it’s just a precursor to gentrification and we all know where that goes. So, yeah, good works.
Lastly, any rally I’d consider needs a sense of humor and some attitude. Tilting at windmills or a set of steak knives for a prize is always a bonus.
Plus, I really have to add; a good t-shirt for participants only is a very goodly thing.
Setka Atlantic Challenge. It has done much to get young and old people not only building their own affordable boat, and the chance to take part in a “race” with no fee and no prizes, and simple rules. The ethos of “everyone who makes it to the finish is a winner”, is a thing I can get behind. Sure, the need to publish a build blog may benefit the designer and publicize the event, but no one is making a retirement nest egg from it. Setka must be approaching the record of the Griffiths Golden Hind, for the most crossings undertaken by a plywood design, and no losses, for a 15ft yacht.
I thought the Nordic Folkboat racing may be a little more relaxed up here in Sweden, but it turns out the mega-competitive are everywhere. Spoils the “fun” factor for me when someone suggests if you can not take racing seriously, then dont come.
Surely beating up the inside passage against wind and tide in a Long Micro is worth a set of steak knives!
Who was it who said/wrote, “only fools go to sea for pleasure”?