So is the focus on young people in particular or sailing in general? I suspect there are more sailors today than ever before. Our proportion to power boaters may continue to decline but total number of sailors is likely up.
As to young people we may not see them as they are involved in sailing timeshare clubs, junior sailing programs at the local elitist club (frequently sailing during the day when we are at work), camps, crewing for racers, bareboat chartering or college sailing programs. Anything but ownership. There is no doubt that the cost of boat ownership has increased significantly from when I bought my first boat in the early 80's. They've gotten bigger and more complex. Everyone's first boat used to be 22'. Even so, I doubt that 1980 O'Day, Catalina & Hunter combined could match the production capacity of today's Beneteau in South Carolina. Also, new members at our club tend to be in their late 30's to early 40's. We are having no trouble keeping a full membership list. No coincidence that that age correlates to when a lot of people first start to have a few spare dollars. Just an opinion John _______________________________________________ This List is provided by the C&C Photo Album http://www.cncphotoalbum.com CnC-List@cnc-list.com
