Com-Pac Yacht Owners Association

Let's use this poll to find out what I bet will be an interesting result

OK, I vote no! I can drink with the best of them when I want to but since I am now 67 it's not as often. I have been an avid motorcyclist, a licensed instrument pilot, and have been sailing for 35 years and can honestly say no drinks allowed until everything is totally put away and secured. I always remember: "it's a boat, if anyhing can go wrong it will"

Jim

Well, I have already stated my case elsewhere. I learned not to drink in a boat while sailing and cruising with my entire and - then - very young family onboard. As a cruising and sailing instructor in the Great Lakes, the BVI's, the Keys, the Grenadines and other places of the like one quickly realizes that there is nothing like a sudden mid-night squall causing the anchor to drag within a busy anchorage, to realize the advantages of having a dry skipper and crew.

Where I come from, drinking and boating is also illegal unless the boat is not underway and can be considered a "private place", i.e., "it has permanent sleeping accommodation and permanent cooking and sanitary facilities and  is at anchor or secured to a dock or land.". It is also illegal to carry alcohol in a boat unless sealed or stowed away in a sealed container. Needless to say it is also illegal to operate a motor boat while impaired by alcohol and penalties include prohibition for driving a motor vehicle (i.e., not only a boat).

J.

I'm always driving .. I'd expect to be at the helm of my boat.
It's just not for me. Afterward, and I'm not driving, then sure!

Ya'll make it sound like if a guy has a beer he is some kind of impaired drunkard out to kill his family and everyone around him.  What are we talking about here ?  Some guy who enjoys one of two beers throughout the course of a day or some  nitwit who gets totally polluted and gets out on the road/water ?  I have a big problem with the latter but one or two beers during a days worth of sailing does not concern me in the least.

Well, my wife and I only drink straight rum on the boat, so I guess that's why I had to vote "I am against sailing and beer".

Ernie (Molly 23/II, 1984)

   Interesting question. One that I wonder if really needs to be asked but I suppose we must write something here.
   David about summed it up. I'll expand by saying that we all need to live responsibly. If we do stupid things, we should take responsibility, own up and pay up.
   Obviously, having a beer or two is not really harmful, in my opinion. I don't get blizted anymore. In the past, in my much stupider youth, I had an occasion to get blind-stinkin'-drunk, ride my motorcycle home which was having eletrical problems at the time. Yup, you geussed- all the lights went out as I sped home at top speed. (90mph- it was a small bike) Now that's what I call damned stupid and I'm grateful to still be alive. I had similair friends do similiarly stupid things who are not around to read this.
   Which leads me to speed limits. Does that fact that a driver drives at the speed limit mean he is a safe driver? C'mon, folks, we all know the answer to that one. You, yes you in the back row with your hand up- what's your answer? "No sir, safe driving entails much more that that." Very good, son- let's go sailing together and have a beer!
   Of course not. Anyway, I love this site and the thought provoking statements, stories and advice I get to read and hopefully, write.
   I gotta go...I'm trying to list some boats for sale on Craigslist because I need the money- work is slow and I gotta have my Guuiness! I'll list the boats here too!
Bob23

 "Our country's politicians are more hazardous to our health, than the open waters of the world!".

An understated finale to a rational discourse on the subject.

I'm pushing 63, run 1500 hard and fast miles a year primarily so I can continue to do the things I like to do.  One of those things is to drink an occasional beer while sailing and to have a glass of wine with dinner when the anchor is set and the vessel is secure.  So far it is working.  High hopes for the future.

Frank

Probably should amend the question to drinking alcohol and sailing.

My response would be the same - absolutely AGAINST IT. 

I don't drink and drive a car either. 

In Florida the drinking laws apply to boating and even riding a bicycle.  When you factor in the heat, cold, difficult situations as described above and many others we have all experienced its just not worth the chance.  You need to be sharp and ready for anything when you sail a boat.  We once docked at a restaurant after a long hot day sailing with our club.     I could not figure out how to properly cleat off the dock lines!   It was all from the heat.  Add alcohol into that picture and I'd probably would have ran into something too!

That being said there is nothing at all wrong with having a drink after the boat is anchored for the night. 

from a nondrinkers perspective.... I would sail with Bob while he had a beer, as long as he understood that I would take the helm if things required me to. I once raced with a group that all got sloshed. It was left to me and my wife (both nubs) to get us back to port.
Wouldn't do that again.

My comment was related to my own actions and responsibility. It's not for me while driving or sailing - but again, that's just me.
There were several people with drinking problems in my family tree (so I lean toward the conservative. I saw first hand what it did to them).
I won't presume to say what another should or should not do. When I can, I do enjoy a beer! :)

I'm against excessive drinking in pretty much any location.  Excessive is a relative term I suppose.  I can drink a cold beer while sailing and not have any problem with it.  I wouldn't drink six and go out for a sail.  I can have a beer with a burger for dinner and not have a problem getting home safely.  I wouldn't drink six and get behind the wheel either.

Quote from: romei on August 04, 2009, 09:42:45 AM
Let's use this poll to find out what I bet will be an interesting result

   Ah, the collective wisdom of the Compac owner. Has the world seen anything like this yet?
   You guys got it right. Beer is ok. Wine is ok. So is rum. Drunkeness is dangerous, stupid and I'll add- quite childish. (My opinion.)
   And, Newt: I hope we get the chance to sail together some time. I promise not to drink too much so you need to take the helm.
   I'm fortunate in the sense that when I approach having imbibed too much alchohol, I get sleepy.  I never could understand how some people could "stay up all night and drink." Heck, I can barely make it to 2230 hours sober. I'm also happy that, like many of you, I don't have to prove a darn thing to anyone. I don't have to drink that next beer to impress anyone.
   Well, I had my first LandShark beer tonight with pizza. I bought it not because it's Jimmys but I heard it was quite good. And it is...could use a slice of lime but it wasn't bad. Maybe I'll stow some aboard for this weekend.
Bob23...zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

No intoxicants on my boat while sailing, but afterwards at the dock OK, if the boat stays put for at least 12 hours,
skip.

Well if safety is the overwhelming concern, you could just stay home and then you could drink all the beer you like and still be relatively safe from drowning - unless you have a pool in the back yard.

I don't view it as beer or no beer, I see it as personal responsibility.  I don't advocate drunkenness while boating and most certainly not when it effects the safety of others, but I don't have any quibble with a beer or two while on the boat.  Actually that's about all I drink even at home.

Sorry to snub you, but I think the question is irrelavant.  We can't make rules for every indiscretion that people commit - so the best we can hope for is that with proper education - especially in water sports - most of us will make the right decision when it comes to risk.  I just feel deeply sad when I hear of someones bad judgement that creates death and disaster for random victims.  A story I heard many years ago of an eager sailor that took family friends out for a day sail on an open boat.  A number of oversights and misjudgements along the course of that tragedy left a handful of adults and children victims of hypothermia.  There was only one young survivor remaining the following morning when the turtled boat's mast came to rest on the bottom near the edge of the lake.

So BEER - OK within reason, EDUCATION - a must

Ron

Here are some interesting URLs produced by Google with pertinent facts, figures and suggestions. There are more but anybody can Google these days! Some seem from sources of, presumably, undisputed authority and credibility:

http://www.uscgboating.org/command/initiative.htm
http://www.uscgboating.org/command/initiative/bui.htm
http://www.uscgboating.org/safety/bui.htm
http://www.dbw.ca.gov/Pubs/Alcohol/ba.pdf
http://www.boat-ed.com/sc/course/p4-5_alcoholdrugs.htm
http://www.boatingsafety.com/alcohol.htm
http://www.boatus.com/foundation/findings/new_alcohol_boating.htm

Cheers!

J.

No alcohol while sailing for me. No alcohol while driving or flying either. When I was a student pilot, I once had an early morning instruction flight following an evening meal with 2 or 3 glasses of wine. I felt completely sober after 8 hours of sleep and I know I would not have felt any effect in a normal situation. But in the plane, I noticed my coordination wasn't very good and I could not handle stress as well as I should. Now I don't drink at least 12 hours before flying, and I know what effect alcohol can have even when we "feel fine".

We have a fellow around here who seems set on showing how stupid one can be while drunk.  He got drunk and drove a bulldozer across his neighbor's yard.  Next he got drunk and drove a  fork lift.  Then he rode into town on a horse.  He was drunk, the horse seemed to be sober.  He stopped the police and told them they couldn't arrest him for riding a horse drunk.  They arrested him for public intoxication.  While he was still on the horse, it fell over, landed on him and broke his leg.  After he got out of the hospital, he was arrested for riding a bike drunk, and for driving another piece of construction equipment while drunk.  He seems to have set himself the task of trying every thing possible to find something he can drive while drunk and not get arrested.  He also was arrested a few years back for riding a lawnmower while drunk.  He said he took the mower because he was too drunk to drive.  I'm glad he doesn't own a boat!

Was that in Wisconsin? Might have been my brother.

Quote from: ka8uet on August 08, 2009, 05:48:48 PM
We have a fellow around here who seems set on showing how stupid one can be while drunk.  He got drunk and drove a bulldozer across his neighbor's yard.  Next he got drunk and drove a  fork lift.  Then he rode into town on a horse.  He was drunk, the horse seemed to be sober.  He stopped the police and told them they couldn't arrest him for riding a horse drunk.  They arrested him for public intoxication.  While he was still on the horse, it fell over, landed on him and broke his leg.  After he got out of the hospital, he was arrested for riding a bike drunk, and for driving another piece of construction equipment while drunk.  He seems to have set himself the task of trying every thing possible to find something he can drive while drunk and not get arrested.  He also was arrested a few years back for riding a lawnmower while drunk.  He said he took the mower because he was too drunk to drive.  I'm glad he doesn't own a boat!

I enjoy having a beer or two (on occasion) when sailing.  I usually avoid alcohol when I am out because drinking alcohol while out in the sun is not good for hydration.  My beverage of choice is usually water or gatorade in order to avoid dehydration.  But if we have a steady course, a nice breeze, and if I drank plenty of water earlier in the outing then why not toast a great sailing day with a round of beers?

Steve, sorry about your brother! :-)  No, not in Wisconsin, northern Ohio.  I'm still trying to figure out why the horse fell over.  I used to raise, train and show horses, and never had one fall over.  Maybe he got the horse drunk, too!  Then there's the line in the obituary of one of my ancesters-"even a sober man couldn't have handled those horses."!  LOL

AS IN LIFE, HAVING A BEER IS NOT A BAD THING AS LONG AS ITS DONE IN MODERATION. MY TEST IS, COULD MY ACTIONS EFFECT OTHERS NEGATIVELY , AND IF SO DONT !!!  ..............NIES

...the amount of beer a person drinks on a boat is inversely proportionate to that person's IQ...duh...

tom

Quote from: tmolik on December 21, 2009, 05:16:18 PM
...the amount of beer a person drinks on a boat is inversely proportionate to that person's IQ...duh...

tom

Not true...I know some really dumb boaters who never drink a drop!  ;)

Greg:
   I'll drink to that!
Bob23

Seems to me that turning on an ignition key turns off the brain - Matt

   against----cant say i need beer on a good sailing day. let the powerboaters get drunk no sense adding to the problem

A beer, a boiled egg, a tin of sardines, and a few saltines is a true maritime cornucopia for a sunny afternoon's sail. If the conditions were anything other than placid, I might forgo the beer for some other tasty beverage. I like to relax, not get drunk. My brain is dim enough without any undue help from me. Yes, I might enjoy a beer, or even two, while engaged in a leisurely bit of sailing. So far, it has not caused me to sail off the edge of the world.

Milt

Milt:
   Good thing you haven't sailed off the edge of the world. I hear it's a tough beat to windward getting back. But who knows? Maybe you'll find a better one down there. Let us know.
Bob23...grog to ya.

Hear here, and a round of cheer, for all me hearties!

Merry Christmas to all,
and to all,
following seas and a slapping breeze!

Milt

   I decided to revisit this thread and remembered a story told to me by a friend who did some boat towing. Seems a powerboater had imbibed just a bit too much of the brew of his choice and it was a hot, sunny day. Somehow he managed to fall asleep (pass out?) while his boat, quite powerful, was running at top speed. Here in Barnegat Bay, NJ, we have a lot of salt marsh and,when coupled with a high tide, there's not muc of a sod bank. Our skipper managed to hit the bank and ended up about 100 yards inland. Our salt marsh is pretty slippery and put up no resistance to our captains stupidity. He had a bit of expaining to do, I'm sure.
   He's probably just as dangerous on the road as in the water. Get these guys out of the gene pool!
Bob23...I still like a beer or two while sailing. Only in hot weather, please. These days I'll go for a hot toddy!

Quote from: Bob23 on January 10, 2010, 04:48:09 AM
   Our skipper managed to hit the bank and ended up about 100 yards inland. Our salt marsh is pretty slippery and put up no resistance to our captains stupidity. 

ROFLOL  While in complete agreement on the necessity for improvement to the gene pool, I've got to tell you the mental picture of this event got me through this 12 degree morning.

I am partial to both...

-Rick

It's January, I'm sittnin in a warm house, having a beer thinking about sailing,, does it count?

Absolutely! And if you are reading a sailing mag or posting here on the site, you get extra points.
Bob23

The real advantage of sailing while drinking beer is that everyone that spots our erratic steering exclaims "Oh, that's just what sailboats do, it's called tacking".

Ron

LOL that'd make a great bumper sticker or tshirt!  

Cops call it swerving, we call it tacking

As long as you don't start listing, or lisping, you should be alright. Just remember, it's bottoms up for the beer, and pointy side up for the boat. Actually, I try to avoid tacking when having a beer, as each tack brings a risk of spilling my beer.

Yes, Milt- you got it right.
   I've never tried to tack while holding a beer. That's advanced sailing stuff...I'm still a novice. Besides, as you said, why risk spilling a good beer?
   Maybe, to avoid boredome here, we should explore just what kind of beer is preferred why out for a sail. My, I don't like light beers and I don't like expensive beers. I love Guiness but not while sailing. Yeunglings is a good all around beer for me; affordable and tasty. I do confess to not being a beer snob. SoL, from Mexico with a slice o' lime is quite nice on a summers day and I do admit to consuming my share from time to time. When I sail aboard my freind Dennis'  Morgan 30, he always has fresh limes aboard.
Bob23

Quote from: Bob23 on January 17, 2010, 08:40:16 AM
When I sail aboard my freind Dennis'  Morgan 30, he always has fresh limes aboard.

To combat scurvy I assume?

I agree, Yuengling is my utility beer. The true definition of beer flavor. But when I'm sailing, it's Corona. Cliche? Yes. Do I care? No.

I go for the really cheap stuff for utility brew, not just because it's cheap, but I actually like it; good old Pabst Blue Ribbon. I prefer the bottles, but cans are more convenient for sailing 'cause I can crush the empties and stow them in a sack in the lazarette until I get back to a shoreside disposal. Empty bottles on board are more problematic, as they take up more space and roll around.

I also like to keep another brand on hand since my daughter introduced me to it last season. It's pricey, but has a taste any beer connoisseur is sure to appreciate. From New Belgium Brewery in Fort Collins, Colorado, it's called Fat Tire. It's much better than the name sounds. This is my 'end o the day, time to relax' beer. Limes are good to ward off scurvy, but no lime needed for this one. It has a taste that stands alone, and one that you will savor with each sip.

Cheers,
Milt

While actually sailing I usually drink water from a re-usable container much like you see hikers use.  When I get to my destination and drop the hook, which is usually one of several small beaches or islands where all my friends are anchored, I begin to open a few beers.  Unlike many people, I'm not a one beer man.  On hot sunny days on the water I usually have Yeungling lager, Miller High Life, Labatt's Blue or Fosters in the cooler.  I do like the mexican beers with lime too but seldom drink them out there because I can't find it in cans and I don't take glass out on the river. 

I used to travel to the southwest for work quite a bit and have enjoyed many a Fat Tire.  I wish I could get it here in Pennsylvania but I've never seen it this far north (east)

When I'm back at camp and boating is done for the day, I'll empty a few Heineken darks.  I can't stand regular Heineken, but their dark beer is my favorite beer.  Sadly, it is only distributed in bottles but it tastes great right out of the bottle or served in a tall chilled glass.

Quote from: adifferentdrummer on January 17, 2010, 10:45:12 AM
Empty bottles on board are more problematic, as they take up more space and roll around.

Cheers,
Milt

Milt - I like the sound of beer bottles rolling around - but maybe it's just because it reminds me of my time in the womb.

I put my vote in for Yuengling - prefer Black & Tan ambient temperature - but Corona and/or Kalik is good in hot weather - with or without the fruit.

Ron

Cooler seasons, Lazy Magnolia Southern Pecan nut brown ale.   Dead of the summer 8 oz Corona's; they don't get hot before you finish them.

   Man, the opinions are raging! Glad we got away from the "whether or not" question and down to brass tacks: What.
   I've never heard of Fat Tire but I'd try it just for the name. That's one way I choose beer and wine- Name, the label, the price. Sure, I got burned a few times. Bought some red wine called "Cheap Red Wine". 'bout $4.99. It sure was cheap red wine...one of the few that deserved the sink.
   Maybe this should be a separate thread, eh?
Bob23
(on a good note, whilst rummaging through the land-based alcohol larder, what didst mine eyes see but an unopened bottle of Gosslings Rum. Don't know where it came from. Maybe I bought it and forgot about it. 'Tis the nice thing about having a bad memory!)
Dark and Stormys here we come!

The last few seasons I haven't had a beer WHILE sailing, probably 'cause I have a sheet in one hand and the tiller in t'other (dinghy sailing y'know). Still manage to flip it over though. Afterwards, a Black Butte Porter in warm weather goes down well. In hot weather, cold Mirror Pond Pale Ale or Alaskan Amber works wonders. Fat Tire is good too and usually more prevalent in smaller stores.

Used to be Miller or Bud in my younger days (and in greater quantities) but anymore I can't taste 'em. Now, a couple of Mirror Ponds (at 5%) put me right.

Salud, Prost, Kampai..   mel

Cabin fever or" I am in frozen water" has brought us down to beer talk....................can spring be far behind...................Phil

Man, you guys are crackin' me up! Yes, it must be true; just not enough to do through these cold, non-sailing winter months, but beer is a wholesome topic. Like the saying goes, 'beer is proof that God loves us, and wants us to be happy.'

This has proven to be an interesting thread, and, educational for me. I've learned of several brews previously unknown to me that I am very keen to try. That Lazy Magnolia Southern Pecan (nut brown ale) sounds absolutely intriguing, and the Mirror Pond Pale Ale sounds equally delightful, and one that would be right at home on the water. I am particularly fond of ale, and even more particularly, the dark ones. I guess you could say, I like my ale like I like my women; heavy, dark, and full bodied, with a lingering after taste. ;-)

Just to tack back in the direction of the original thread, I really don't drink much when I'm on the boat, or off, but I have on occasion had a beer or two over the course of an afternoon of sailing.  I see no harm in it. Like Ron (Potcake boy) said, it's not a question of beer or no beer, it's a matter of being responsible. I take sailing quite seriously and I would never do anything to jeopardize my boat or endanger anyone in my presence or in my path. I see sailing as a gentlemanly sport (an art, even), and I always aspire to being a gentleman (and an artist) in every aspect of my life. I must further admit that I, personally, cannot find any mathematical correlation between one's appreciation for beer and one's intelligence quotient, i.e., IQ.

So, fully back to the original thread now, I vote, whatever floats your boat. Just be responsible, and don't bump into anything!

Milt

Milt:
   Once again, you nailed it in a few words. Thanks, Bob23