The other day I received an e-mail from Nick Hayes, author of the book Saving Sailing, announcing that Saving Sailing is no longer just a book. It has now morphed into a official movement. As you may recall I wrote an article expressing my concerns about the future of sailing back in January. After that I had a chance to meet Nick at the Minneapolis Boat Show and listen to his presentation regarding the future of sailing. It was very informative and if he is ever in your area I recommend having a listen.
After reading his book, Saving Sailing, I think he could have just as easily called it Saving the American Family, or perhaps even Saving America, in my opinion.
Nick explains “When American parents assume the roles of taxi-driver and cheerleader, they also effectively take themselves out of the mentoring game and hope for the best. They are choosing to let the time pass” (italics his). Nick references studies which indicate that Americans have on average, 38 hours of free time per week. It is how we decide to use that time that makes all the difference. We can choose to watch 4 hours of TV per night or we can spend it making lasting memories with our children. It is here that we can interest future generations of sailors, of course these ideas are not restricted to sailing, but since it is our focus it is what I’ll stick too. Nick says that; “Since the Life Pastime choice is a more difficult one, it must be linked to family, close friends or culture to pull us to do it. This powerful emotional tug is what makes the activity last beyond childhood and mean more to the participant than a sport or hobby. The mentor is the person who creates these powerful cultural links.”
To my mind, our current style of parenting, shuttling our kids around as they watch a DVD in the backseat, is not doing our children any favors. Given that our brains have less activity when we watch a TV or DVD program than while we are asleep, it seems obvious to me that this is not a “best practices” type of parenting. We have tried the dropping the kids off type of parenting and have seen that it does not work when that is the only thing we do. I do think that sports are good, it just needs to be balanced with more family activities which build the memories needed to sustain life pursuits as Nick suggests. The way we have been doing it certainly is not bringing future sailors to our waters in significant numbers. In this book lies some of the answers to save sailing and other life pastimes and also create healthier families in the process.
As to saving America, in my opinion, Nick lays out a path here as well. In his book he wonders “when the majority of us switched over from a “time over things” belief system to a “things over time” belief system.” He goes on to say; “At its apex, this sad idealogy became warped, rampant debt-fueled consumption of the first part of the 21st century, when for the first time since 1929, consumer debt equaled gross domestic product.” Nick talks about the general population’s aspirations to be in the middle class, when it still was not clear whether the industrial revolution would benefit all or few. Now our middle class is shrinking at an alarming rate, yesterday I heard that the number of millionaires grew by 16% last year, while the majority of wage earners salaries remained stagnant or shrank. It was stated that if this trend continues, in 30 years the ratio of “haves” to “have nots” will resemble Mexico’s. Americans are starting once again to realize the benefits of a “time over things” perspective. Nick states “Some of the young people that I met while researching this book seem to be much more aware that their time is finite and,as a result, vastly more valuable and precious than I would have considered it at their age.”
In my own children I can see these attitudes in the decisions they make in their attempts to attain work/life balance. I can also see it in my own perspectives when considering what the future may hold for my wife and I. It is here that I am hopeful that in our children’s time they will demand living wages and more time off to spend their lives as they choose, not breaking their backs to amass wealth for for the few as my generation has decided to do. A “time over things” belief system is what makes for happy and prosperous lives, not being a slave to your possessions. Personally, I have reached the point where I realize that life is indeed, way too short, and as a result I do not wish to work all the time to pay for a garage full of junk. Furthermore, I will be so bold as to suggest that sailing and other life pastime pursuits may see a comeback if this comes to be.
I salute Nick’s announcement that Saving Sailing has officially become a movement. Here is Nick’s email in its entirety:
Hello friends,
It’s becoming apparent that Saving Sailing isn’t just a book. It’s quickly morphed into a bit of movement, thanks in large part to you. Since you’ve been a supporter, I wanted to give you a progress report.
If you’ve read the book, you know that Americans are doing less sailing (and fishing, hunting and backpacking), but not for the reasons that most might think. Sailing doesn’t suffer from huge cost or exclusivity barriers. These myths are easily dispelled by data. Sailing suffers along with the American family, which has found itself on an unsustainable path of time compression from long commutes, large debts, a media addiction and the false notion that it should be separated during its few remaining free minutes.
I’ve been all over the country talking about it at boat shows and sailing clubs. So far, about 5,000 people have contributed to a lively and fun-filled Saving Sailing discussion. Thousands more have heard a radio show or downloaded a podcast. And, I am happy to report, most every sailor or sailor-wannabe says that they are eager to tackle these problems, and many have some great solutions. If sailors are any indication, Americans are prepared to take control of the things that they have control over. Grandparents, parents and kids all say that they plan to recover valuable lost hours and start re-investing them in the family. I can’t think of a better outcome than this.
And many seem to agree that sailing is a prime medium for such things. It remains largely accessible. Opportunities abound at community centers and clubs and with sailors eager to share. It’s fun, and everyone can benefit, in part because it demands respect, cooperation, thinking and effort. Sailing returns massive doses of self-confidence to families who need it, especially now.
Since the tour started, sailing organizations and advocates around the country have begun to rethink their approach to training and development. Many are starting intergenerational introductory classes that will kick-off this upcoming season. Others are making investments in shared fleets and are selecting boats that will work well for parents and young children. Last count, 20 such programs are in the works.
And sailors of all levels and ages are rethinking their own approach to sharing their passion. There are many options, and the best are in the grassroots. For example, some are embracing the basic concept that all sailboats should be sailing every summer Thursday evening with neighborhood families as guests. Call it “Thursdays are for Family Sailing”. It’s a simple idea that can quickly catch fire community by community. Join the Facebook group and see if you can get it started in yours.
But we’re not done and have plans to double and then triple down on this effort. The Saving Sailing tour is growing day-by-day. If you belong to a club or can reserve space in your local library or at a bookstore (I prefer independents), I’m happy to visit to share ideas, inspire change and entertain. Please email us at media@savingsailing.com to make plans.
The next step will be to assemble all the best grassroots lessons and practices and share them with sailing and family advocates nationwide. Look for an announcement in the next few weeks explaining just how we plan to get this done.
This is the year to turn the trend upward. Sailing is exactly the kind of thing that can provide families with the tools and rich relationships that they need to navigate the tougher times in life, and to find joy in their own time.
If you agree, than share the word. Saving Sailing is now, officially, a movement.
Warmest regards,
-ndh (nickhayes@savingsailing.com)
Feel free to post comments here, if you have them: http://www.savingsailing.com/Home/Blog/Entries/2010/3/4_An_Update_to_readers_and_Supporters_of_Saving_Sailing.html
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