Salty19 and Bruce Bingham

[mrtoad]

Today i looked at all of Salty19's photo's of Island Time and thought of this:

Bruce Bingham in The Sailor's Sketchbook describes the difference between a boat and a yacht.

A yacht is: indeed, a boat but a boat is not necessarily a yacht. I do not fully agree with the dictionary's definition: "a yacht is a boat used exclusively for pleasure." While this is true, it is much more than that: a boat is only a yacht when she has dignity, polish and class. Size or cost has little to do with achieving the stature of a yacht. I have known many yachts no longer than eighteen feet capable of are outshining boats of much greater size. I have been dazzled by examples set by yachts costing less than that of the sail covers on "gold platters" nearby.

A yacht may be a racer or a cruiser, constructed of any material and built in any year. She needn't be profuse of bright work nor fancy gear. In fact, she may not have any bright work at all if it is the nature of her character. She doesn't have to belong to a yacht club – a club cannot create a yacht; nor can any builder, try as he may.

It is the owner who makes a yacht from a boat or, conversely, who makes a boat out of a yacht.

What a boat and yacht have in common, besides being able to float, is the unique ability to reflect their owner's attitudes and degrees of fortitude, patience,
attention to detail and the desire for beauty and respect for things produced through human effort. A yacht is the mirror of the owner's self esteem.

A yacht announces to those who view her that her owner is proud of her, caters to her health. She is never neglected, abused or treated with disrespect.

A yacht stands out among boats wherever she may be and sets and example for all those around her. But she does not stick up her nose nor is she ever pretentious in her ways,

A yacht, however large or small...old or new, tells who and what we are:  caring owners and loving friends. She is the profound expression and extension of ourselves. You'll know her when you see her.


very nice, salty19
mr toad

[HideAway]

Wow that is vintage Bruce-- It perfectly describes his 40 year old Cape Dory 28 he lives aboard on the bay.  I ve met many folks who like to call themselves sailors, me among them, but I have never seen one so at one with his boat.  You can be in deep philosophical conversation with him while he s leaned back on the coaming steering with his feet making all kinds of minute corrections not once looking at the sails or considering wind direction - it is incredible to watch. And when it was my turn at the tiller I immediately forgot everything I ever knew about sailing - almost ran him aground by Bunces Pass -Yikesl

We would be talking about something and in mid thought without breaking stride he would tell me to head up without any change in his voice then go on with his thoughts.  At one point he mentioned he was Leaving the Boat -- Next thing I knew he was hanging from the boom as Niki heeled the required 25 degrees necessary for a photo of the slot effect.  He came back aboard saying he d always wanted that shot but didn t want to try it alone. 

If you are in st petersburg for the boat show he will be in our booth -- actually he was presenting his design for the booth at the board meeting tonight.

A true sailor and gentleman And he has a long association with Compacs

[mrtoad]

What a pleasant surprise – that you know and are friends with Bruce. B. As my granddaughter would say, "Cool Beans!" – I have known him for many years, but only through his drawing.

mr toad

[Salty19]

Wow, Mr Toad thanks for the compliment.   I don't feel remotely comparable to a sailing great like Bruce Bingham though! Not even close.   Can't say the same for Island Time; she is getting a big head from all of this attention.  I have to be careful about this or she'll start owning me instead of the other way around!

Whatever you do, don't let Koinonia read this!!! She is the Queen of the forum.  Hell hath no fury like a sailboats scorn!