How old is too old for sailing? It depends upon what you mean by sailing. This is one question each person must answer for themself. I am 72 in 2022, so I am not too old for sailing and I have made a list of the things I did to prepare for sailing and I can share them with you. Here’s my answer:
There’s little reason to think you’re too old for sailing if you’re in reasonably good health. Most vessels are sailed with a crew, so you won’t be alone. Modern equipment will reduce the physical requirement. A catamaran is much gentler than most sailboats.
With some extra knowledge, the right equipment and advance preparation, almost anyone can sail a catamaran. People with all kinds of physical challenges are quite comfortable sailing a catamaran, either under sails or power. There are some physical requirements for maintaining your vessel. Besides, nearly everything can be managed with the right equipment.
In this article I’m going to review what I did to start sailing.
Nearly everyone has certain physical limitations of some kind. Most people are simply out of shape from working at a desk job. Some people have some physical ailments that are managed so they don’t interfere with their daily activities.
Others simply need medication at regular intervals. All of these are quite manageable with a little knowledge and advance preparation. However, actual sailing requires a certain level of physical capacity, some preparation and good health to be safe on the water.
How Old Do You Feel?
On the internet sailing forums there are people in their 30’s, 40’s and 50’s wondering if they are too old for sailing. In most cases, that’s probably not the case. The modern interest in sailing began with the popularity of catamarans due to the Prout brothers in the 1960’s. Many of those sailors are still sailing. Other sailors come from all interests and all ages.
Sven Yrvind is Building Boats at 83
For example, Sven Yrvind, is a solo sailor who is rather famous. He’s the author of five books and his own YouTube channel. And he is old by most people’s standards. He is 83 years old in 2022. He has inspired more than one new sailor, including YouTuber Sam Holmes Sailing.
Jim Boren Bought a New Boat at 90
Another example is Jim Boren, who bought himself a Hunter 30 for his 90th birthday. He named the boat ‘Skoal’, but his “wife thought ‘Infirmary’ would be an appropriate name” he says, laughing.
Boren’s advice? “Don’t listen to anybody that says you are ‘too old to do that’…. Stay active. You’ve got to keep on keeping on.”
The Real Question Isn’t Are You Too Old
If you are deciding to starting from the beginning, there are few precautions you should cover. Start by getting caught up on the basics. Understand your catamaran. Learn how to sail and how to swim. Learn how the weather impacts sailing.
Don’t Think “How old is too old for sailing?”
The term “Sailing” is a loosely defined term. The question, really is, are you too old for a short day trip on a stable boat with a gentle breeze along the shoreline? Of course you are! There can be bad weather almost anywhere and in all seasons, but you usually don’t have to sail it it.
Most sailors don’t feel the need to sail when the weather is challenging. When you look at sailing from that perspective, it’s hard to find anyone who is too old for that.
Your Physical Health
If you are expecting to be actively sailing and haven’t been physically active for a while, it’s a good idea to get a checkup with your physician. While you are there, have them give you a good once-over. Hearing, vision, and general safety and physical fitness.
Hearing Limitations
Many people have some level of hearing loss. Don’t let this stop you. Just know what to compensate for and let those around you know how you communicate best. There is such a thing as water-resistant hearing-aids.
Eyesight Limitations
About 60 percent of Americans wear eyeglasses at least part of the time. Consider putting your glasses on a lanyard so they don’t fall off into the water.
Physical Limitations
There are some health problems can be a serious concern at sea. Conditions like diabetes and heart failure may be an issue for avoiding long-distance cruising. If you have a managed health condition, you can sail a shorter distance or closer to the shore. Remember to bring your meds, like you would for an out of town trip.
Why You Have Options
Crew Sailing
Nearly all sailboats, including catamarans, are sailed by a crew. Put into this perspective, nearly everyone has something they can contribute to the overall sailing effort. Therefore, there will be other people around that you can rely upon to give you feedback about your perceptions and abilities, and to help when needed. Often, the crew can be family members, which makes the trip much more pleasant and enjoyable.
Equipment
Technology has made sailing comfortable, safer, and more accessible for everyone. Modern sailboats, especially catamarans, are lighter, smoother, and easier to handle than they were. Ultralight parts and motorized winches make it more than possible to command larger boats with less effort. Some sailing yachts will even raise and lower your sails at the push of a button, Your hands may never touch a rope for your entire voyage.
The Real Dangers of Sailing a Cruising Catamaran
Toxic Foods
Some fish, either cooked or raw, can be toxic. Spoiled foods can also be toxic. Sometimes the danger isn’t apparent until after the food has been eaten. Know how you will handle that if it comes up. Educate yourself about the fish you will catch and how to cook them.
Food Allergies
Some people have allergies that can be serious. Personally, I have an allergy to peanuts (and to a lesser degree, tree nuts). My allergy isn’t life-threatening, but some peanut allergies are. Having the antidote to counter this reaction can be life-saving. This is important, particularly when you are traveling outside the country.
A Peanut Example
For example, there is a dish in Vietnam that is called My Quang which is usually served with a garnish of peanuts, which are added at the last minute. Being overly brief, I put ‘no peanuts’ into Google translate. Servers nodded and served me My Quang with peanuts!
This is because Google translates ‘no peanuts’ as ‘are there peanuts or not?’ in Vietnamese. For me this is merely an annoyance, but for those with life-threatening allergies it could be very serious. Having the medicine to treat this problem with you would be essential.
Disabilities
If you are disabled, you might be interested in TheUnimpossibleDream. This program for people in wheelchairs is quite inspiring. If you need to get on the water, find a team to join you on the journey. Most sailing is done by a crew and sailing is not inherently dangerous.
If you can’t swim, you should wear a harness that connects you to your boat. Most long-distance sailors use them anyway. They are reliable and high-tech. Besides, there’s nothing wrong with looking professional.
Accidents
The hidden danger of sailing a catamaran is accidents. If you are berthed in a harbor marina, medical care is usually close by and easy to access. However, when you are out at sea or in an international marina, getting medical care can be more difficult.
It’s a good idea to have a first aid book and a medical kit when you are planning to be away from the marina for any length of time. This way, you have the medicines on hand, should you need them.
Another good idea is to make an appointment with your primary medical provider and make a plan for an emergency. When you are out at sea or medical care is otherwise unavailable, you want to have access to medicines. You should be clear to say that you don’t expect to use these, but you will be away from pharmacies.
Ask your doctor to write a preventative prescription with antibiotics, pain killers and other supplies that you might need. Both you and your doctor should have a list of what is included in this medical kit. You can even number them ahead of time. This way, your doctor can say take number 9. Therefore, you will have immediate access to the medicine you need.
Precautions
If this is your first time on water, I recommend that you try a catamaran before you board a regular monohull sailboat. You will not like going back to the sailboat.
If you will have a chance to fish, you might want to learn a bit about fishing and they types of fish that you will see there you are going.
If you are planning ahead, a bonus would be to at least learn some boating terms and phrases, so you don’t get confused about what is happening. We have listed some of the popular sailing books here. There are some good instructional videos on YouTube.
It makes good sense to learn about sailing before you board a vessel, even for pleasure cruising. You should know how to swim and know some basic waters safety, for example. Also, boats are required to have some basic flotation vests. If you don’t know how to swim, you should make a point to wear yours.
Conclusions
I don’t have a problem beginning to sail in my seventies. I don’t think you will either. Of course, you must be the judge of your own conditions and choose your sailing journey carefully. I recommend you take an honest assessment of your health, do your homework. Learn to sail or power your boat, learn to swim, scuba and snorkel.
Study up on any medical conditions and medications you will encounter. Build and stock your own first aid kit with the help of your physician. Did I miss anything? Let me know with feedback and I would be glad to hear from you! And, sail off into the sunset. Enjoy!
Sources:
https://www.theimpossibledream.org/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCptM0nqGDJLz14oP6ROdKRw
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCE4vct4tqxSuG4JH6vMVZSA
https://www.salts.ca/site/group-sails/trip-planner/physical-and-mental-fitness-requirements.html
https://www.hear.com/waterproof-hearing-aids/