Hobie Cat Forums

This is an awesome thread, thanks for starting it.

I had made the assumption that at 48 I was one of the older guys out on a Hobie. I still feel and act (sometimes) like I am 22, so didn't think much of it.

It is so encouraging for me to know that it is possible to continue this for 30+ more years if all goes well.

As for getting the youth involved, I am making an effort to take people out whenever I can. Out by my cottage, there aren't many beach cats around. I only see a one other a couple times a year. None of the people that have gone out with me had any interest in sailing at the time, and were 'doing me a favor' by coming along to help with the jib, but came back instantly hooked and wanting to come back often.

The key is to invite the youngs ones out for sail, and let them see first hand what a blast it is.

Stay young, folks!

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Steve
1979 Hobie 16 "Orange Crusher"

I didn't think about how much response this thread would generate. I was only curious about the ages of some of our senior members and expected rather short replies to the question. Much to my surprise and enjoyment, I can't really tell you how interesting it has been for me, to read about how active and the types of activities that some of you still involved in and the length of time and love of sailing that some have.

I never had sailing experience in small boats, I went from power boats directly into 30ft plus mono hulls and I can't believe how much I enjoy my Hobie.
I raced in south Florida for about 5 years and always thought of small cats as toys and not really boats, I could not have been further from the truth. Now after being out of boating for 5 years I purchased my Hobie, it felt so good to be back on the water working the wind. I go out on a friend's 42 ft cat occasionally and it is a gorgeous boat, but if I really want to enjoy the water and sailing I jump on my Hobie. I doubt that I will ever go back to owning a large boat again, but if I did, I'd probably go crazy trying to figure out how to put my cat out back on davits.

I want to say thanks to everyone who responded and wish all of you good health in this new year, so that you can continue to sail and enjoy all of the other activities that you are involved in as well.

Vern

I just turned 50 and many (most?) of the guys I sail/race with are my age or older.

Here's my good friend and competitor, Jim Gates:



Jim turned 70 within the last year or so, has been racing since the 70's, and will spank you on a Hobie 16, especially when his wife is crewing with him.

And here are two octogenarians (sp?) who did the Slip to Ship Regatta (~14 NM each way from Ocean Springs MS to Ship Island) together on a Hobie 16 in 2010:



I don't know the name of the gentleman on the left, but the one on the right is named Al Johnston. I had the pleasure of being on the committee boat with Al at the 17 and 18 NAs last year. He knows all things sailing and regularly goes out on his Hobie 18.

The smiles on all those faces aren't accidental....this catsailing thing is a blast at any age!

(Cool....I didn't even need Matt B. to fix my pictures for me!)

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Jerome Vaughan
Hobie 16

Ditto to the above...

42 here. I'm returning to Hobie sailing after a 18 year (& 3 kid) layoff. Some of my best memories as a teen were sailing my H18 Mag with my dad. I appreciate the ammo to get him back on the water.

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Garrett

94' H16 - 100403

I'm 72 years young and never sailed before. I bought a Bravo for the grandkids to use. I have been out on it nearly every day the last several weeks...what a blast! It will be well broken in before the kids show up.

Congratulations on your Bravo, glad to here you are enjoying it so much. It was your post that really started this thread. When I read about your new purchase and enthusiasm to learn how to sail on the Bravo forum, it I started wondering how many other seniors are out there sailing. I apologize for misquoting your age as 74, I hope that you will be enjoying it as much when you are 74. I have always thought of myself as a kid, not really sure of what I want to be when I grow up and after reading some of the other posts here I really do feel like a youngster. I am anxious to see if any other interesting posts show up.

With apologies to Forest Gump: Old is as Old does.

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Jeff R
'88 H18 "Jolly Mon"
Sail Michigan's Great Lakes in 2013
cramsailing.com

No Hobie sailor is OLD in any way especially in spirit

Holy Crap! I thought for years I was the old timer on this website.Man,was I wrong.
Sailing my 16 into my 60's & 70's seems unbelievable......but if I'm still around I guess I 'll give it a shot!

Rob.57 years young.

I'm 53. Sailed my first time on a minifish at 8 or 9. First cat was a Hobie 14 when I was 16. That was it- I was hooked! I'm still sailing an '82 14t which I've had for about 10 years and an '83 16 which I bought new in '83. Only the 14 is surf worthy,tho !

Ha-ha...aren't we all actually 27 years old? but trapped in an old mans' body? (I'm a mere babe at 54)

Al spent a lot of time helping me set up our old 18 for the event...great man indeed.

The common denominator is all the names mentioned here are tireless in giving back to the sailing community.
Cheers to ALL !!

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Sheet In...Max Out
www.fleet297.org
sailflatlands at gmail dot com

As one comedian said, I have the body of a 20 year old and when he sees what I've done with it he is going to be very upset.

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Howard