Change is a constant that impacts just about everything – even the names people select for their boats!
That’s a fact that I realized a short time ago as I traveled to marinas in Vero Beach and Bradenton, looking at a couple of boats for a client who’s in the market for a new cruiser. My visits to both marinas game me a first-hand opportunity to see how boat names have changed in a way the reflect the owner’s mindset.
We used to see classy and romantic names like “Dreamweaver,” “Journey,” “Summerwind,” “Wind Dancer,” “Blessed,” and “Amazing Grace.” There has been a shift toward retirement as the Baby Boomers have chosen names like, “Next Chapter,” “Knot Working,” “It’s About Time,” or “Wanderlust.”
There’s nothing wrong with that, but the revelation was a surprise for me. I guess whatever works for the boat owner is just fine.
The shift in names makes sense if you consider how aging impacts us all. What was critical in our early years often doesn’t matter at all as we advance in age. Think about that.
There was a time when we did things to fit in with our peers – everything from extracurriculars to the way we dressed and hours we kept. Some of those outfits from back in the day wouldn’t eve make it into the closet today. The same is true when it comes to very extended hours of various activities. “All nighters” just won’t work now. Good rest is vital as we age.
Family and friends remain the constant through it all. We many look a bit older, eat and drink only what’s healthy for us – most of the time – but those lifelong relationships will never change.
Overall, the names may be changing, but I honestly feel our family of cruisers is just as strong as ever. We help one another, respect each and live to enjoy the cruising life.
I’m personally very pleased that my husband Vic and I chose this way of life more than four decades ago. Yes, the names are indeed ”a-Changin”, but this lifestyle is unchanged and our family of cruisers continues to grow.
Barb Hansen co-owns and manages Southwest Florida Yachts, yacht charters and Florida Sailing & Cruising School, a liveaboard yacht school , all based at Cape Coral, Florida, The Website is www.swfyachts.com
The Women's Outdoor News, aka The WON, features news, reviews and stories about women who are shooting, hunting, fishing and actively engaging in outdoor adventure. This publication is for women, by women. View all posts by The WON
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