If you are like myself, thinking about a day in the future when you may be too old to sail, here is some incouragement. I sailed all day yesterday with a man and his wife. He is 82 and she is 80. He sailed a 130L slalom board with a 5.8. From the shore you would have never known his age. It made me realize that with a little body maintanance I may have another 30 years left in me. It was really great to see them smiling like a couple 20 year olds.
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I remember my first race. A guy 78 was competing. He left me in the dust (spray?) in the first few minutes. There is hope for us rapidly aging old guys.
Randy
What happens in a black hole stays in a black hole.
Alan, Where were you when you sailed with this couple? I know a couple that age in Charleston -- Sullivans Island, actually. Lucy and Quaddy Jones. They go out on the beach and help each other zip into their wetsuits and sail about 20 minutes. Look great in their form.
Chuck Hardin
Whitecap Windsurfing, Inc.
c:706-833-WIND (9463)
That was a different set. These were from Cape Codd and were on their way to the Keys. They were great folks and really inspired Marcia and myself.
Also Chuck, I sailed the Psyclone all day and really liked the sail. It wasn't real fast but was stable and light in my hands. It allowed me to sail 6 hours in one day in some overpowering conditions. The mast and the boom were great also. This rig on the Madd 165 made me look a lot better than I am. I stayed dry on every jibe except two and the only person that really kicked my butt was Tinho. He had a 7.5 on a Fanatic Falcon 111. He was untouchable. At least 50% faster than anyone else. Of course he was on $4,000 worth of gear and I was on $1,000 but I don't believe it would of mattered. He simply kicks butt. Thanks for the advice and help in setting up this rig. It really made a difference.
I saw Lucy and Quaddy on the beach at Station 28 Thanksgiving...They live right there..It was cold and the sandbars have really changed that spot-you couldn't really even sail. One kiter had great conditions for running downwind close to the beach. He'd make a 1000 yard run, then walk back up and do it again...He was about 50 with a huge grin on his face...He had the whole beach to himself. Lucy pointed out how beautiful the birds on the sandbar were. Quaddy had become interested in an unusual piece of driftwood. They are out there every day- and have been for 60 years or so! These things remind me of the soul of the experience...near the salt air, I can't have a bad day. I know if we stay close to the outdoors we will enjoy a longer healthier lifestyle. Happy New Year to all! John