The Social Dynamics of Offshore Cruisers

While social dynamics aren't often covered as part of essential boat systems care, they are equally important for both safety and enjoyment of the cruising lifestyle.

Pamela Bendall

June 9, 2025

Forty-eight year old Sam Carson, now living and working in London, England, spent 20 of his first 30 years of life at sea. After being raised aboard our boat Kluane and circumnavigating the Pacific as a child, he proceeded to circumnavigate the globe aboard the tall ship Concordia while doing his Grade 12 in a Canadian education program hosted by Class Afloat out of Montreal, Quebec. Sam subsequently became crew aboard the Concordia for several years and again circumnavigated the globe - being one of few people in the world who have sailed both Capes twice on a tall ship. Sam obtained his 200 ton Captain license and worked professionally aboard private boats for another 10 years. With his working career on boats now finished he happily sails the Solent in England solo in his private boat as often as time allows. (Photo/ Pamela Bendall) — Forty-eight year old Sam Carson, now living and working in London, England, spent 20 of his first 30 years of life at sea. After being raised aboard our boat Kluane and circumnavigating the Pacific as a child, he proceeded to circumnavigate the globe aboard the tall ship Concordia while doing his Grade 12 in a Canadian education program hosted by Class Afloat out of Montreal, Quebec. Sam subsequently became crew aboard the Concordia for several years and again circumnavigated the globe—being one of few people in the world who have sailed both Capes twice on a tall ship. Sam obtained his 200 ton Captain license and worked professionally aboard private boats for another 10 years. With his working career on boats now finished he happily sails the Solent in England, solo in his private boat, as often as time allows. (Photo/ Pamela Bendall)

Offshore cruisers and boaters come in all shapes and sizes. The greatest highlight of my nearly 40 years of ocean sailing and over 200,000 ocean miles is indisputably the amazing people and cruising communities that I’ve encountered. I wish that every land-based community could be as friendly, neighborly, interesting, like-minded and dynamic as those that represent cruisers. What’s particularly unique is that cruisers have abandoned traditional society, disposed of our “stuff,” and faced the monumental highs and lows that Mother Nature bestows.