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GoneSailing said:
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StormJib said:
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Kirk said:
Hmmm...wonder if I could use this thread to justify actually getting a wind speed guage installed on my boat? <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" /> She's almost 30 years old and never had one. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/cry.gif" alt="" />


For most of us a wind gauge is like training wheels on a bike. If you have learned to sail without one you do not need one. If you continue to rely on the "training wheels" that come with a chart plotter, GPS, and wind instruments it is just a matter of time before the crew gets themselves in trouble. Modern history repeats itself over and over here. You certainly do not need any of those things to move around the BVI and if you think(or know) you do you are putting yourself, the boat, and the people with you in the wrong place. Just like going too fast on a bike with training wheels you will crash. It is just a matter of time. When The Moorings opened shop the boats came with none of those toys. The original Moorings Pearson 35's chartered for $500 a week after they were sailed to the BVI on their own bottoms from New Orleans and Houston. Depth sounders were added to charter boats +/- 1975.


Oh come on storm Jib..... really? A wind instrument is like training wheels? Seriously, you want to make people feel like they just aren't "salty" enough if they use some technology? Wind instruments can help in many many ways. It can help someone who isn't on the water all the time like you are. It can help other newbies learn some basics of sailing. It can help promote safe enjoyable experiences on the water and that is what this is supposed to be about. If you want to take off and say the he** with anything other than you and Moby dick then go for. Just don't verbally push people around when they see the world differently.


I am not suggesting we do away with electronics. What I am suggesting is we eliminate the thought that someone cannot be on the water without them. If the instinct is to look down rather than up and out at the first hint of change or danger we are setting ourselves up for harm. The modern electronic instrument is a great tool to confirm what you see and feel outside the boat, even fine tune what you see and feel outside the boat. Those toys should never be used as the primary and only source of information. The goal should be the water life skill of "getting your head out of the boat" and keeping you head and eyes out of the boat. Again there is no need for any electronic instruments of any kind in the BVI.