Reconnections

According to a recent news release, Steven Spielberg is putting his 282’, $185M mega-yacht up for sale to make room for a new 300’, $250M vessel. Apparently, he needs more room for company on board. Now, personally, I think mega yachts are neat, showcases of sleek exteriors and lavish interiors, built with exotic materials by highly skilled craftspeople. But, I couldn’t help wondering how many people get carried away with the trappings of boating and overlook some of the more basic elements. Just this past weekend, I followed a small aluminum outboard skiff back into the harbor. A young boy, perhaps 9 years old, was operating the older 9 horsepower outboard, while his father kept a look-out from a forward seat. They couldn’t have looked happier. Here they were, out on the ocean, enjoying all the sights and sounds that are so accessible when you’re in a small, simple boat. When you boil it down, that’s the payoff many boaters aim for- reconnect with nature and reconnect with friends and family. And, it’s no secret -you don’t need a boat the size of a football field to get that job done.