“How much longer do you expect to sail?” I have been asked this three times in the last two days. I am turning 66 in two weeks, but I feel that I am in very good shape and do not look feeble. I am totally new to sailing, so I wonder: do most folks hang it at 65? We purchased our Nonsuch for retirement, but were we foolish? It seems like many of you are in our age bracket and enjoy sailing, and we chose the Nonsuch for its ease of use, quality, and the helpful community of owners."
I will be 79 soon and I intend to keep sailing for the foreseeable future. I didn’t buy this boat until I was older than you are now. This is my sixth sailboat since 1970. A Nonsuch is so easy to sail I can’t see age being much of a factor, as long as I can drive to the harbor and walk the docks down to our boat I plan on sailing. That being said, if the Corps of Engineers keeps screwing with the rivers i might have a hard time finding a place to sail. Here where we sail on the Mississippi the water has been too low to get out of the harbor since late June until this just last week.
Tim in STL
White O’morn NS e26U #216
Harbor Point Yacht Club
West Alton, MO
Hi Richard, a little story…I was a skier all my life as I grew up in the mountains in Quebec. When I turned 65 I started snowboarding. I took a few lumps and broke stuff but it was the best decision I ever made. I gave away my ski and was totally hooked.
At 65 I was in a snowboard group of grey haired like minded people and we called ourselves the OGs…the Old Guys/Gals. When I turned 70 we the group was renamed to the ROGs…the Really Old Guys/Gals. I’m 79 now and can’t wait to join the RFOGs…the Really F*cking Old Guys/Gals.
In short, I say go out on the water and discover the perfect peace of sailing. At the very least you’ll learn a mountain of things about the art and science of sailing. Man, I would give anything to be 65 again.
Just do it.
Ron
Ron & Diane Schryver
“Alpha Waves” 1987 NS30U #393
Georgian Bay Midland ON
Update on the saga.
Following expert directions, I have cleaned the old holes, retapped them for the epoxy to have a grip on something, and poured a small sealing bead on Sunday. I used West Systems 104 with 206 hardener and microfiber. I poured a final plug today. I am seriously considering painting the mast (Pettit EZpoxy); just waxing it seems too minimal for UV protection. I will then install the Schaefer tracks. By the way, the wonderful folks at Tides Marine got the new Tides track to us in five days; it arrived to our island this afternoon. While the epoxy cures, I am changing all the lines, including the internal (in the wishbone) reef lines. If you ever do this, remember to tie good knots on the small chaser lines you may use, or you will spend four hours chasing a line back, like I did. I am also rebuffing the hull, and fixing this and that. One note from the rigger; he suggested to skip buying spliced loop lines and using a halyard hitch instead; he says that this is the trend in Europe; it cuts cost and time and works just as well.
Once more, our outmost gratitude for all the wonderful advice and support.
You look well on your way to an excellent repair job.
Everything I’ve read about our carbon fiber masts says that the UV protection from painting them is essential, and that waxing is insufficient, so my information aligns with your thinking.
Best wishes,
– Bob
Me Gusta
Nonsuch e26U #233
Marina del Rey, California
It is time to close this chapter. Here are some photos kf the lainted mast with the Schaeffer track being installed, with the Tides track, the rigging, etc. We sailed her home in a bit of rough weather. Still trying to figure out the Spartite dilemma: the rigger says he had no room to use Spartite, as the mast is too tight against the collar, so he put back the old Spartite temporrily so we could tke the boat home. Mr. Quill says that the rigger’s advice to use wedges is incorrect; as soon as we can send photos, we will figure out a solution under the direction of Mr. Quill.
I want to thank all the members who gave advice, Mr. Quill, Dave (?) at Tides Marine, the gentleman genius at the Composite mast. Uilders, Kent from North Sound Rigging, and the crew (especially Kyle) at Seaview North Boatyard. I cannot believe you got me through this. Most of all, thanks to my bride and Admiral.
