There’s no such thing as a dumb question

June 2007

By Tom Snyder

Every week, hundreds of boating questions are sent to my website. Below are a few the most recent. But first, may I quickly use this pulpit to say that I resent any suggestion that I have been writing questions to myself in order to create the impression that I am a respected sailor whose opinion is widely sought. If that were true, how could I live with myself? Case closed.

Dear Sir, We’ve read about you for years. Who do you think is the greatest sailor in the Gulf of Maine?

That is very sweet.

Dear Tom, My wife and I have dreamed for years of sailing our 21-foot boat from Camden to Bermuda, but we have heard so many horror stories about crossing the Gulf Stream in bad weather. We are hoping to get your honest advice, especially about when to go.

June 11th.

Hi, Tom. Settle a bet: If a boat left Portland at 6 a.m. at 5 knots, how long would it take to get to a destination that was extremely far away?

There’s no way I can answer that question unless I know the length of the boat, although anything under 14 hours is unrealistic. And remember, with very few exceptions, there is no such thing as a dumb question.

Hi. (A) Will Oprah ever give everyone in her audience a Hinckley Picnic Boat, and (B) how does one get to be in the studio audience?

I called the Oprah organization to follow up on your question, and although she was not available, I am going to guess, yes, she will one day do that.

Tom, Was Dodge Morgan really the first American in space?

Yes.

Tom, Were you ever the first American to do something?

Not officially. And please, Dodge, enough is enough.

Dear Sir, Someone has to bring up the old chestnut, so it might as well be me. Here goes. While night sailing, which is more important: posture, safety, timeliness, or just plain know-how?

Excellent question. Let me answer your question with a question: While night sailing, which is more important: posture, safety, timeliness, or just plain know-how?

Sir, You correctly predicted the advent of the après sail boot, so what’s on the horizon for boaters now?

Look, I’m not a magician or some kind of trained monkey who was put here on earth to perform carnival tricks for the convenience of the boating public.

Tom, Are you getting enough sleep?

I’m good.

Tom, Any truth to the rumor that you and the America’s Cup may soon cross paths?

I’m flattered to be considered among that group. Is it true? Maybe. Maybe not. Do I hope someday to compete on that level? Of course. Would I love a sponsor to come forward and offer me a huge contract to skipper a brand-new boat in Spain? Certainly. Is this likely to happen in my lifetime? Yes. That’s all I can say at this point in time.

Mr. Snyder, I am writing this letter to say how realistic all of the letters that people send in are. That authenticity is very hard, if not impossible, to fake. My question is this: I mean, honestly, could these letters be anymore realistic? And also, about how much, give or take, does a boat cost? What about fully loaded? In 1962 dollars?

If you have to ask how much a boat costs, you can’t afford it. However, I can tell you that in 1962 dollars, almost everything comes to around $700 – $900 fully loaded.

Please send your questions to: www.boat_guy.CON.

Tom Snyder sails Blue Moon out of Peaks Island, Maine