What is sailing?
For me, sailing has always been about freedom. There are other ways human express this - climbing mountains, roaming deserts, forests, navigating rivers - and sailing is the same but different. Maybe we have a roaming gene, maybe we have to see what's beyond the horizon, maybe some of us are farmers and some of us are roamers.
The instinct and allure of getting into a boat and sailing the Seven Seas is... interesting. Especially since Joshua Slocum (see https://www.svbeyond.com/post/laugh-at-the-storm-there-s-no-time-for-a-spirit-of-fear) made it a thing that you could do this in a small boat. Doing it as part of a crew is as old as boats, but doing it on your own or with just a small team is kind of different and creates something unique in human character terms.
As a sailor you have to be resilient and self sufficient. You have to be both courageous and humble. Proud sailors tend to get humbled by the sea. Often they don't survive very well, but that's a different story.
But people who sail long distances tend to be self-reliant almost to a fault. They don't suffer fools gladly. I guess because fools can kill you.
And still we listen to fools
In March 2020 the lockdown madness started. Some countries were in lockstep, others did refreshingly little (Sweden). With hindsight there is no fundamental difference in the results different lockdowns had in different countries. Then there were travel restrictions. Without a vaccine certificate you could not travel.
I had a boat in Fort Lauderdale. For an unvaccinated person I was not allowed to travel to the USA until 11th May 2023. That hurt.
Like the travel industry the recreational boating industry faced unprecedented challenges. From contradictory and stifling regulations to the erosion of civil liberties, I believe boaters knew instinctively that the measures imposed were both damaging and, ultimately, ineffective. This article explores how the boating community, with its deep-rooted values of freedom and self-reliance, offers a unique perspective on resisting overreach and maintaining our liberties. Namely, despite sailors being fundamentally self sufficient and practical, they were as compliant as everyone else.
The lockdowns wreaked havoc on the recreational boating industry. West Marine, as one example, and countless other businesses suffered significant losses as marinas shut down and boating activities were curtailed. The economic impact was profound, highlighting how overregulation can decimate industries and livelihoods. Small business took the hit and were decimated while the big boys thrived.
Personal freedoms anchored. Or sunk?
Boaters, accustomed to the freedom of the open sea, found themselves confined and restricted. The very essence of sailing—freedom, exploration, and self-sufficiency—was at odds with the imposed lockdowns. But no industry as a whole resisted the mandates any more than any other. Nurses, doctors, pilots, scientists, truckers, farmers, builders, there was no industry that stood tall. Only individuals did. A cross section of humanity defied the mandates. And most of them would have looked around in bewilderment, wondering where the other sane people were.
The erosion of these freedoms sparked a realisation: compliance with arbitrary rules leads to the loss of taken for granted liberties. Put another way, regimes never give back usurped powers.
Boating isn’t just a hobby; it’s a lifeline. It’s about the wind in your hair, the salt on your skin, and the serenity of open waters. Lockdowns took that away, and replaced it with insanity and fear. Imagine the frustration of knowing your boat is just a few miles away, ready for adventure, but inaccessible due to arbitrary restrictions. For many, boating is the ultimate form of social distancing—a solitary escape that offers peace and a break from the chaos of everyday life.
And the story takes a darker turn. The lockdowns weren’t just inconvenient; they were a direct assault on civil liberties. Restrictions on movement, access to personal property, and even basic outdoor activities echoed far beyond public health concerns. Boaters, whose very essence is freedom and exploration, felt this acutely. The right to sail, to navigate the waters freely, was curtailed under the guise of safety.
History repeats itself <yawn>
History is replete with examples of civil liberty fights against government overreach. During Prohibition, people resisted the ban on alcohol, leading to its eventual repeal. The Civil Rights Movement fought against discriminatory laws and policies, achieving monumental changes. The Vietnam War era - 20 years - witnessed widespread protests against conscription and military intervention. Post-9/11, the implementation of the Patriot Act had citizens surrendering their rights to privacy to constant surveillance.
Each of these instances demonstrates the enduring spirit of resistance to unjust policies and the ultimate triumph of liberty over authoritarianism.
Sailors have long been symbols of freedom and resilience, navigating the vast oceans with an innate understanding of liberty that landlubbers often lack. The recent lockdowns, which stifled our movements and strangled industries like recreational boating, should have reminded us of the importance of standing up for our rights. As men and women of the sea, we must remain vigilant and vocal against any attempts to erode our freedoms.
It's a storm we have to face. If we don't our kids will have to.
A storm is coming
There are dark clouds on the horizon. We are going to be tested again. The only way this ends is when we say no.
The lesson from the sea is clear. This is not a time to hunker down. This is a time to stand, keep your hand steady on the tiller and steer your boat.
Whatever happens next, do not comply. Our experiences on the water have taught us the value of independence and self-reliance. We know that unnecessary regulations and overreach only serve to take from us and give to them. Let’s channel the rebellious energy of past liberty fights and apply it to the current insanity. Whether it’s opposing unreasonable boating regulations or resisting broader societal constraints, our duty is to preserve our way of life, the way of life we want our children to inherit.
In the end, it's about more than just navigating the waters—it's about navigating life with a clear sense of purpose and an unwavering commitment to freedom. Sail boldly into the future, fellow adventurers. The sea is ours, and so is our freedom. If we stand and claim it.
And your standing tall matters. You never know how you inspire someone else. You have to remember to just say no.
To that end, we have made a sweat shirt and a T-shirt.
NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS NEXT.
Do not comply.
You can buy it in two versions. One, the simple text version here. And the version with the boat image, here. And the T-shirt.
It will remind you to stay strong - and you never know how many other people it will inspire.
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