Post by dp on Oct 28, 2021 8:58:30 GMT 12
I saw this photo today and thought how well it captured the spirit of sailing these days out of the main centres. A scene repeated up and down the country, Opua, Kerikeri, Whangarei, Sandspit, Whitianga, Taupo, Tauranga, a bunch of mixed boats out having fun with mates. And it looks like the fleets are growing.
I was talking to a mate the other day about changes happening in Auckland. How marine service industries are moving out of town. Issues are
Cost of premises (sails and masts take a lot of space and that costs)
Ever intrusion of housing into traditional marine precincts
Inability of staff to find accomodation
Regulatory issues
His concern was even if you can persuade the wife and kids to move to the "sticks" following the work, how do you get your racing kick, especially if you are in the industry. Expectations will no doubt change, you won't be racing 5 days a week but there is still fun to be had. There is fun in a small club, be a volunteer, teach kids to sail, work on your boat, go for fun sail on a Saturday and the away regattas take on a whole new sense of engagement when it's your opportunity to see how you go against the rest of the world.
Anyway back to the photo, cats, solings, keelboats, sport boats, trailer yachts, dodgy handicappers, moorings a few beers and not a protest in sight (maybe)
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