Not so much tired as completely relaxed from the ocean motion. The positive ions off the water supposedly also serve to relax you. It's all good.

Mike

I agree, it's the relaxation - well, mabe not on the days it's blowing 25knts! but otherwise, very relaxing. You'd be suprised at how you feel after a couple days at sea. No better feeling in the world.

I would agree with both theories, sailing is tiring, not due to the extreme exercise but physiological exaustion.
the wind, the movement of the boat, keeping watch of all the elements around you and dreaming of not having to come back to the office, will drain your energy!!!

That being said, some times I get sleepy in a long run with no much tacking....:D

Regards

There is a term called "Boaters Fatigue" which is more than likely what is making you tired or exhausted. In training people for USPS boating course we couple this fatigue with drinking alcohol while underway which can be very dangerous! It comes from the constnat movement of the boat and your constant effort to maintain your balance. You may find you also lose weight while cruising extended period of time.

I'm usually beat. It takes everything I have to push through and finish that last couple inches in the rum bottle.

First time I solo sailed for 18 hours was in preparation and training for the [URL="http://www.solosailor.org/allmac.php"]GLSS Mac Solo[/URL]. I had planned to complete my 24 hour non-stop, but I ended up anchoring and sleeping for 10 hours because I was so tired. Then I realized how exhausting it can really be. I also realized how important the training was for a long solo race. I was in my late 40's at that time.

I'm now 60 years old and sailing is a lot easier. I'm rarely tired. I do weight training and other exercise 5 days a week all winter in prep for sailing. I've also learned how to pace myself. It takes some experience to realize that just sitting in a boat and doing nothing can take a lot of energy if there is any significant seas. The trick is to wedge yourself into a corner so you're not using any muscle to sit still. When standing, don't hang onto something tightly and roll with the boat. Rather stand upright and let your ankles flex, so you're standing still and vertical while the boat is rolling under you. It's less work.

The exercise regime will probably keep me living longer. I've gained a lot of muscle tone. It sucks, it's tiring, and I'd rather relax and drink beer. When I feel like putting down the weights I just think about the fact that, if I cannot handle the boat, then I'm going to have to trade it in for a Grand Banks trawler. Just that thought keeps me working on the weights. Some day I'll drive a stink pot, but I hope to keep sailing as long as possible.

I don't know that sailing is all that tiring, relaxing maybe. I do know that cruising Mexico, especially on longer hops over 48 hours, we seem to settle into a routine. On shorter hops of 8-12 hours, the Admiral gets anxious for arrival at our destination. We do not push hard when sailing, just let the boat do its own thing until it gets below 2 Knots, then we motor on. I believe the intensity of how you sail is a major factor. However, I will say that we sleep well after arrival at our destination. On a positive note, 3-4 months of cruising seems to be worth a 15-20 pound weight loss and better muscle tone!
John Meyer:)

Constant motion, wind, sun and salt air. I am told the salt air or ocean breezes has a higher ozone concentration and that cranks up your matabalism. All these factors take there toll on energy levels. Add some alcohol and its nappy time.

[QUOTE=SailorJackson;17719]Some day I'll drive a stink pot, but I hope to keep sailing as long as possible.[/QUOTE]

... and then your name will be StinkpotJackson? :)

I don't get tired sailing, however when I get home and have to walk the 32 feet up to my back door, including six steps, I get tuckered out. I guess it's from old age.

When I first started sailing many years ago I said to myself when I get old I'll stop sailing and get a power boat, but like I said not until I get old like 40. Now I am 77 and saying the same thing but raised that age estimate to 85 or so.

Your only young once, you can remain immature for a life time, this is a moto I can live with.

I competed in a mountain bike race two weeks ago, ran in the geezer division sixty plus. At 64 I was in the middle of the pack in age, was whooped by many of the older riders. Most were retired and ride everyday, I still run a business and I am relegated to be weekend warrior on the bike.

Hoping staying fit extends my sailing days.

Speaking of exercise, I know some people who seem to get theirs by jumping to conclusions, flying off the handle, dodging responsibilities, bending the rules, circulating rumors, passing the buck, stirring up trouble, shooting the bull, digging up dirt, slinging mud, throwing their weight around, beating the system, and pushing their luck.

[Not original and no citation available]

couldn't help but resurrect this old thread.

Yesterday I singlehanded about 5 hours beating into 15-20 knots and a 3 foot short, steep Chesapeake chop. Grinding the sheet winches with a 155 genny and tall rig was exhausting, even with some rolled up. Day started off at about 8-10 knots and probably should have reefed earlier:mad: Not only was I tired, but as I was changing course to downwind to enter the anchorage, both my arms started to cramp up, fortunately not at the same time. That was not fun..:eek:
I was seriously concerned that I wouldn't be able to get the sails down, but after working out the cramps, was OK.
Today, I'm so sore I could barely get out of the forward berth. So yes, I DO get tired from sailing.

I tend to feel really great after a sail and I definitely sleep better! :)

The same comes from any outdoor activity leading me to believe it's the sun and fresh air.

[QUOTE=dejavu;17674]Not so much tired as completely relaxed from the ocean motion. The positive ions off the water supposedly also serve to relax you. It's all good.

Mike[/QUOTE]

It's negative ions, not positive ones. See, for instance: [url]http://pranaviewaustralia.wordpress.com/2012/03/27/the-power-of-negative...

Man, I could use some IONS. I've been on my back all day replumbing the hoses and replacing our hot water heater.

Help me up, please. :eek::eek::eek: