First off, this is not an off-topic post as the title might indicate.
Rather, I shall make a point about mountain climbing when it's not
mountain
climbing and then equate it to sailing when it's not sailing. Here goes .
.
..
You're off on an expedition to climb Mt. Everest. But, instead of the
traditional guided trip that you purchase from professionals,
<http://alpineascents.com/everest-why-climb.asp>
a new company is
offering
to guarantee that you summit Everest without ever having to breathe hard,
become cold, be endangered or miss a single hot meal. This company has a
new
invention. It is sort of a mountain-specific climbing machine with
caterpillar type treads and pulleys for cables etc. Large steel cables
have
been strung all the way to the top of Everest and this machine claws and
pulls itself to the summit. Inside there is heat, color television, hot
food
on demand, sleeping quarters, showers, a bar, a sauna, world telephones,
maids, and all other manner of luxuries. You simply purchase a very
expensive ticket and a week later you can tell the whole world that you
summited Everest.
Is this really mountain climbing? I think not.
In like manner is "sailing" in some huge, heavy, luxury-filled boat that
is
automated, has wind up sails, has a washer/dryer, dishwasher, hot and cold
running water, air conditioning, refrigeration, ice maker, bar, satellite
TV, stove/oven/broiler, auto pilot, autonavigation, large diesel,
generator,
water maker, etc. really sailing?
I think not!
So one must ask why do so many people consider various versions of the
above
abomination sailing? Why do they brag about their floating condos? Why is
it
they just don't seem to see the folly of their thoughts, desires and
actions
which cry out loudly and clearly to any real sailor, "Here is a pretender!
A
lubber afraid to really go sailing but who wants to brag that he does."
Do you see my point?
I have spoken.
Wilbur Hubbard
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