Racing sailors and cruising sailors are entirely different animals, and never the ‘twain shall meet. During the warmer months, however, they sometimes meet on the street. Don’t worry, though: they’re easy to tell apart. Here’s our helpful guide in case you’re ever wondering what species of sailor you’re speaking to.
A cruising sailor will often be wearing a wide-brimmed hat, jewelry from exotic destinations, and comfortable, breathable fabrics. A racing sailor will look like he is preparing for a TSA screening.
On a cruising sailboat, the most appreciated crewmember is often the one with celestial navigation experience or a Transatlantic crossing under his or her belt. On a racing sailboat, the most appreciated crewmember is the one who remembers to bring ice.
A cruising sailor will be adept at creating delicious and nutritious meals in a small galley kitchen. The racing sailor will be adept at picking up sandwiches from Royal Farms.
The cruising sailor will be quick to acquaint you with the amenities on his or her boat, especially how to operate the head. There is no point in asking a racing sailor about the head.
For a cruising sailor, taking care of the dinghy is just as important as keeping the sailboat shipshape. A racing sailor is still trying to figure out why anyone would ever need a dinghy.
A cruising sailor may have a small vegetable garden growing atop the cabin, where he or she can pick fresh herbs for meals. A racing sailor looks as if she is wearing gardening gloves, but she is not.
A cruising sailor will be comfortable with a “set it and forget it” mentality, rolling out only half of the jib and keeping the boat flat for the sake of the crew. The racing sailor will make her bowman perform five headsail changes before the first mark if it means gaining another half knot of boat speed.
~by Duffy Perkins
