“I think as you get older, you definitely notice that the things that you used to do, you may not be doing as well. And that's okay! I mean, what's the great saying? ‘I
may not be as good as I once was, but I'm as good once as I ever was.’”

Welcome to the second episode of the Sailing Anarchy podcast, where we delve into the fascinating world of sailing with our host, Scot Tempesta, founder of Sailing Anarchy.

In this episode, Scot talks about his experience with aging as a sailor and offers encouragement to aging sailors. He emphasizes that although some things may become more difficult with age, sailing is a sport that can be done well past one's prime.

Timestamps:

1:10 - Aging as a Sailor:
Scot begins the discussion by talking about how boats always demand the same mental focus and attention from sailors, regardless of their age. He shares that although he has done well with his current boat, he has noticed that he is not as sharp as he used to be.

5:30 - Choosing the J/105:
Scot shares why he chose the J/105 as his boat and why he loves it.

6:14 - Physical Demands of Steering a Boat:
Scot talks about the physical demand of steering a boat and how it requires a lot of focus and attention.

8:05 - Reflections on Working with Mark Reynolds:
Scot reflects on his time working with Mark Reynolds and how he learned a lot from him.

11:28 - Aging and Sailboat Racing Abilities:
Scot shares his takeaways on how aging affects sailboat racing abilities. He talks about how some things that were once instinctual may become more difficult with age.

14:24 - Encouragement for Aging Sailors:
Scot offers encouragement to aging sailors, saying that it's okay if they're not doing things as well as they used to. He reminds listeners that sailing is a sport that can be done well past one's prime.

15:40 - Sailing within Your Capabilities:
Scot advises sailors to learn to sail within their current capabilities and not to push themselves beyond what they can handle.

18:00 - Sailing Doesn't Have to End:
Scot reminds listeners that sailing doesn't have to end just because they're getting older. He shares that he's trying to buy a J/105 because he loves it, but also acknowledges that it may be his last racing boat. He emphasizes that he's not quitting, just slowing down.

Quotes:

“Boats are always the same in terms of just what they demand from you mentally.”
“And while we've done fabulously well with the boat, you know, I noticed that I'm just not as sharp as I was.”
“It's just an example of the things, you know, maybe it hurts to crane your neck up there and look at the sails for a length of time. You know, maybe you just forget to do some of the things that were just so automatic, so instinctual.”
“I think as you get older, you definitely notice that the things that you used to do, you
may not be doing as well. And that's okay! I mean, what's the great saying? ‘I
may not be as good as I once was, but I'm as good once as I ever was.’”
“It's not the fact that you're not doing it as well. You're out there doing it and you're doing it to your capabilities.”
“Sailing is a sport that you can do well past your prime.”
“I'm trying like hell to buy a J/105 because I love it. I mean, frankly, I can't imagine not doing it. But I also am at the realization that this may be my last racing boat.”
“I'm not quitting, I'm just slowing down.”

Calls to action:

Any thoughts, comments, or questions, please email scot@sailing anarchy.com