[Rhodes22-list] Reply to Caesar on Why the Rhodes 22

[Steven Alm]

David,

Nicely put.  There's a lot to like about the R22 and if you need any
details, all you have to do is ask here.  What I think is so nice about
sailing is that there's always more to learn--always more to occupy and
challenge the adult mind.

And then there's always the issue of the spouse.  Many of us have been
sailing for a lifetime and the spouse comes in later and we have to convince
them this is fun.  I'm one of the lucky ones--my wife loves the sailboat
despite the fact that she did not grow up on boats like I did.  She's
fearless on the water, loves the outdoors, learns more and more about the
boat every year and is a dedicated galley slave!  I like sailing and she
likes to "play house."  What could be more perfect?  Many are the couples
who do not share this love and woe be unto them.
Be careful and thoughtful of your loved one(s) to help them join you with
this passion.

Good luck to you,

Slim

On 5/24/07, David Bradley <dwbrad at gmail.com> wrote:
>
> Caesar, I'm replying to your off-list questions back on the list, as per
> custom and to give others a chance to add / pile on (hence the custom).
>
> "I am glad to have made contact with a Rhodes owner in the Seattle area.
> Yes; I am interested in seeing and sailing on your Rhodes 22.  So tell me,
> how long have you been sailing? What types of boat have you sailed on?"
>
> We've been sailing for only 7 years.  After a lifetime of power boats, we
> moved back to Connecticut and Long Island Sound in 2000 and decided it was
> time to learn to sail.  We bought a very used 16' O'Day Day Sailer for
> $300,
> spent a little more time and money getting it seaworthy, and learned to
> sail
> over the next few summers.  Safe boating course, basic sailing course at
> local community sailing program were a must.  O'Day is an out-of-business
> Cape Cod company and the boat was a good one to learn on.
>
> "How does the Rhodes compare with other boats that you have sailed on?
> The
> General Boats website does a great job selling the boat, and I am
> impressed
> with what I have read, but how much is sales hype and how much is
> reality?  What has been your experience been so far with the boat?"
>
> After a few years of day sailing with few (or no) creature comforts, we
> decided to get something that would allow our small family of 3 to do some
> weekending.  We first saw the R22 in our harbor in CT where there were
> three.  Thought it was a great looking boat.  Started reading about it,
> got
> a tour and ride with a very gracious owner in Greenwich.
>
> I felt the Rhodes 22 was the right boat for us due to three major factors.
> First, ease of sailing.  We're still learning, my wife in particular.
> Second, comfort - you won't find a more comfortable and well equipped 22'
> boat.  Third, safety.  It's virtually untippable (unless you sail like
> Rummy) and unsinkable.  Each of these three can be the subject of an
> in-depth discussion, but it's all in the GBI web site (it's not hype, it's
> all accurate in my experience).
>
> "Not only am I excited about seeing and experiencing the boat; I am also
> looking forward to my wife's reaction to the boat and to sailing, for she
> has never ridden on a sailboat.  I am talking her into this, and she is
> beginning to warm to the idea, and see the possibilities.  So should this
> come off, it would be significant step towards ownership of a Rhodes."
>
> Aside from the good karma to be had for returning the favor once done me
> and
> taking you and your wife out for a sail, I would be very happy to share
> our
> experience and help introduce another couple to the amazing sense of
> freedom
> and being at one with nature that happens at that moment when the motor is
> turned off and the wind catches your sail.  There's a great saying that is
> probably a cliche to many - in power boating you get there quicker, but in
> sailing you're already there.  We'll pick a day when Lake Washington is
> calm, the wind is steady, and Mt. Rainier is showing itself.
>
> Best,
>
> Dave B
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