CNN Mainsail, Shirley Robertson - What makes a "classic" yacht?

[@bicyclist2]

This is absolute heaven. I much prefer the older classics. Thank you.

[@thomaselliott573]

Ultimately, Shirley is correct with her definition of classic at the end of the video.

[@thomaselliott573]

It is a shame she works for a company that is subnormal by any ethical standard.

[@peterlbaldwin511]

I have to say that I agree with the ultimate sentiments expressed by Shirley and by many others here. It is difficult for me to use the term "classic" when referring to the "plastic fantastics", of the modern era. They may have incredible speed, outstanding performance, yet somehow they do not pull at the heartstrings in the way a racing schooner, or gaff cutter from the early 20th century does. Some may claim that technology can supersede human skills and endeavours. That may be so, yet somehow the vessels technology creates seem to lack "soul", which for me is a key essential for a "yachting classic". As we progress through the "Age of Disposability", I see few opportunities for so called modern "classics" to survive.

[@ronalddommer6972]

I love sailing

[@gregnicholls8347]

Sorry to put a downer on these wonderful yachts but it's when one sees this many together there's the realization just how wealthy people must be to own and maintain these boats.

[@Newbeflyer]

Simple answer only the J class sailboat make that statement…..nothing comes close not only in style but in magistracy. 😊

[@cherryblossomforge6896]

100 years from now all that plastic junk will have long delaminated and been chopped up into a landfill. The Parini fleet may be still around with their steel hulls, but in what kind of shape will all that steel be in? The wooden tall ship can have planks replaced and spars refinished. They have stood the test of time and will continue to do so.

[@conniefontenot2793]

Cherry Blossom Forge ....fiberglass is a plastic. Good for 5,000 yrs. check your facts next time bub

[@cherryblossomforge6896]

Oh it will last a long time in a land fill but the layers delaminate. YOU should check YOUR facts before you stick your foot in your mouth! You can repair it, that is, if you find it in time. IF you don't then it is cheaper to rebuild the boat than it is to repair it. Sailboats are under a tremendous amount of stress and cracks form everywhere in the gel-coat surface. It's only a matter of time before they become waterlogged. And from what I have seen working in boat yards most of my life, that is about 30 - 40 years if they are maintained properly. Then it is on to the hard pan for a major overhaul. But when the owner finds out how much they will have to shell out to fix the delamination, they usually abandon the boat completely. Just go to any yard and take a look around. I suppose you think Stainless Steel is better than Bronze too. If that is the case then why do I have SO many orders to cast custom Bronze fittings for standing rigging these days? You think it might have something to do with electrolysis in the spars caused by the Stainless and therefore the creation of acid that rots the wood? Wood spars will last forever if they are maintained. You just cannot say that about any other material. Aluminum masts suffer from fatigue and must be replaced. Carbon fiber has even less longevity because of once again, delamination issues. They usually snap long before they are replaced for maintenance though. Not something you would want to happen in the middle of the ocean on a passage... The fact is, that many people (especially cruisers) are tired of the sterile nature of plastic boats and are returning to wood construction. they are lighter than plastic, if built properly, and therefore just as fast if not faster then plastic or steel and aluminum + salt just don't mix, period. Ever wake up on a cold day in a metal hull just to see the frigid condensations covering everything? Wood boats are much warmer in cold climates too as it is a natural insulator. They do require maintenance, but again if they are built properly and a regular schedule of preventive work is done twice a year they will last forever. www.thoughtco.com/understand-fiberglass-delamination-2292919

[@KlingonCaptain]

There are hundred and twenty year old steel hull ships (from the 1900s) in mint condition and in service today. It all depends on how people take care of them.

[@alankrusinger8464]

I am not pleased that CNN, which has disgraced itself as a news organisation, has entered an arena of civility and distinction. I can do without their awful logo filling a large portion of the screen, also.