Association Forum - Gonna be a Daddy!

Assn Members Area · Join

Home.

Association Forum

Ships Store

Cruising

Racing

Technical Tips

Photo Gallery - New

Boat Search - Updated

Manuals & Brochures

Swap Meet

Links

Officer Flag Line & Staff

Bylaws & Constitution

Members Area

Join the Association

Notice:
The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.

Association Forum

Username:	Password:
Save Password
Forgot your Password?

All Forums

Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

General Sailing Forum

Gonna be a Daddy!

New Topic

Topic Locked

Printer Friendly

Author

Topic

Tray
Navigator

Member Avatar

Namibia
224 Posts

Initially Posted - 03/15/2003 : 10:06:22

I just got back from sea a few days ago, and my wife gave me the good news. We're going to have our first baby.<img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>

However...it now looks like I'll be getting transferred to Norfolk in a year. I'm not sure how much use our boat will get with my helm sidelined for awhile and me out to sea most of the year. I swore I'd never be one of those owners that leaves a boat rotting away unused, so I may have to give her up.<img src=icon_smile_sad.gif border=0 align=middle>

I guess I could put her on the trailer for a couple of seasons. Has anybody ever sailed with newborns or pregnant crew?

Tray
C-250WB #554
"Weeny Bean"

Edited by - on

Buzz Maring
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
1774 Posts

Response Posted - 03/15/2003 : 10:32:11

CONGRATULATIONS!

Kids are what make life worth living ... there is nothing better than being a "Daddy!" Even though you won't be sleeping for the next three years, it'll be worth it.

Richard will no doubt see this thread and tell you all about sailing with little ones ... he has it down to a science. I'm sure there are others who will try to persuade you to keep your sailboat, too ... including me!

I'm really happy for y'all ... 'great news!

Buzz Maring
<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3df23b3127cce9306a9b3abad0000001010" border=0>
~~Freya~~
C-25 SK/SR #68

Edited by - on

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 03/15/2003 : 10:57:22

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>
Has anybody ever sailed with newborns or pregnant crew?
<hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>
Yes--on a Sunfish. (Well, maybe not the newborns.)

Congratulations, Tray, on approaching the biggest change that will ever happen in your life! This changes your whole perspective. <img src=icon_smile_approve.gif border=0 align=middle> I hope you're home for the big event!

Dave Bristle - 1985 C-25 #5032 SR-FK-Dinette-Honda "Passage" in SW CT

Edited by - on

Arlyn Stewart
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
2984 Posts

Response Posted - 03/15/2003 : 12:17:46

I was warmed by Tray's news and reflected back for a few moments.... thought I would share those reflections with the group.

I fell in love with a sweet thing and when asking her to marry me... she explained before answering ... that she might not be able to give us children, that she had rarely cycled. Love accepts.

Several years later, we were surprised and given a son.

The cycle of life took her early... but not before she raised that son to manhood.

During his early years, I flew model airplanes and when he was ten... we built him a trainer. At the privately owned flying field, the owner didn't like the liability of young pilots... so we looked for something else to do... and within a month... bought a Hobie Cat.

The family camped and he and I raced that Hobie for many years and had great times.

He went on to college (yeah University of Texas) and has made his own way. We continue to talk several times a week though he lives six hours away. When we can, we get together.

In 1998, we cruised the Great Lakes together.
In 2001, we winter cruised at Pensacola.
We vacationed to California together.
A couple of years ago, we cleaned up and he trailed that old Hobie 18 off to start his own sailing life.
This past fall, we back packed Big Bend National Park.
Another back pack is scheduled for this fall (I will have to start training again...ugh)

Tray, my hopes are that your child gives you the joy that my son has me.
<img src="http://www.stewartfam.net/arlyn/eric.JPG" border=0>
<img src="http://www.stewartfam.net/arlyn/bigbend.jpg" border=0>

Arlyn C-250 W/B #224
<img src="http://www.stewartfam.net/arlyn/rr.jpg" border=0>
N/E Texas and Great Lakes

[url="http://www.cox-internet.com/arlynstewart/"]Arlyn's C250 Mods n Cruisin Stories[/url]

Edited by - on

Tray
Navigator

Members Avatar

Namibia
224 Posts

Response Posted - 03/15/2003 : 20:50:29

Thanks, guys, for the touching replies. My wife has already chastised me for considering giving up the boat. When we bought it, I told her it would be great to raise kids on the water.

Tray
C-250WB #554
"Weeny Bean"

Edited by - on

pwhallon
Admiral

Members Avatar

USA
694 Posts

Response Posted - 03/15/2003 : 21:00:40

Congratulations Tray,

Kids are the spice and joy of life.

The love they give us is worth more than anything.

The more love and learning you give your kids the more they'll give back. It's a win win proposition.

I am very happy for you,

<img src="http://www.shutterfly.com/jsp/proceserv.jsp?state=67b0de21bf3ab46325d4&co=-1&js=1047779950290&ps=1&rx=304&ry=304" border=0>

Paul

Edited by - on

allencl
Navigator

Members Avatar

USA
143 Posts

Response Posted - 03/15/2003 : 21:30:20

Hey Tray,

Congratulations! We had our first little one just over a year ago and I can definitely say it's been a wonderful change in our lives. And I mean wonderful, awesome, THE BEST! And I was a bit of a reluctant daddy before we made the decision to bring a new life into the world, for reasons that included fears of not being able to do certain things that are important to me- like sailing! But for what it's worth, from a Daddy of a 13 month old and from a kid that grew up sailing, I'd advise you to hang on to the boat! You, like my brother-in-law who is on subs, have the additional issues of being away for long stretches, but if you've managed to find a balance with the Catalina and your career, I definitely believe you can incorporate the Catalina with parenthood.

One of the great things about sailing is that it CAN be for the whole family, if you're all "on board" with the idea. I imagine taking a newborn downhill skiing or playing soccer is kind of tough, but you can definitely take him or her out on the boat!

There are so many cliches that come to mind like I can't imagine life without having our kid- but I really can't explain the thing in words. You'll know what I mean- in fact, you've already started the journey.

Here are a couple of pictures to give you some food for thought:

<img src="http://home.ptd.net/~allencl/pics/image1.jpg" border=0>

<img src="http://home.ptd.net/~allencl/pics/image2.jpg" border=0>

<img src="http://home.ptd.net/~allencl/pics/image3.jpg" border=0>

<img src="http://home.ptd.net/~allencl/pics/image4.jpg" border=0>

<img src="http://home.ptd.net/~allencl/pics/image5.jpg" border=0>

Best wishes,

-Chris on "SPIRIT" C25 SR WK #5644

Edited by - on

albert
Captain

Members Avatar

USA
262 Posts

Response Posted - 03/15/2003 : 21:35:54

Congrats!

I'm a new dad also. I've not done much sailing in the last year, but expect to introduce my son to sailing soon:
<img src="http://www.comhertz.com/Aidan/AidanWeb.jpg" border=0>

Albert Iturrey
al@comhertz.com
Abacus': http://www.comhertz.com/abacus

Edited by - albert on 03/15/2003 21:38:30

Edited by - on

MattL
Admiral

Members Avatar

USA
990 Posts

Response Posted - 03/16/2003 : 02:37:14

All the best to your wife, and you to. Like Arlin's, my wife didn't think she could have a baby and when our eldest came along it was a shock. You know everyone says that the kids are the best thing that ever happened. Here is the truth; kids are a lot of work, they stink, eat a lot and get into everything. But they are the best thing in the universe. We liked our older boy so much we adopted another.
You will give up things you use to do, quiet evenings comes to mind, but it is well worth it. Fortunatly you have a great boat too.
My wife was always nervious around our previous boat and would hardly let Casey get on it. Now with the bigger boat the kids can go sailing with us.

She does like to take them to her parents on race days though.<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3dc30b3127cce942764dd0f9a0000001610" border=0>
<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3dc30b3127cce942764c48eb30000001610" border=0>
<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3dc30b3127cce942764c08eb70000001610" border=0>

<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3dc30b3127cce942764c28eb50000001610" border=0>

Matt/Brigitte Loeffler
E.C. Rider
Cat 25 86'
FK/SR _/)

Edited by - on

Ray Seitz
Captain

Members Avatar

USA
416 Posts

Response Posted - 03/16/2003 : 11:22:13

Congratulations Tray: Having a child is, in my mind, that's what it's all about. I don't think anything could ever make ones life more full.

I would not sell the boat. One reason I bought the 250 was the cut through transom which makes water recreation easier for kids (and dogs). Fort Monroe has a real nice marina for service personel and it is in a historic facility with many amenities. I will maybe have my boat there one week this August (looks like Erie is out this year). The Bay will offer some great sailing, and the inland waterway starts in your backyard. My parents live in Hampton across from Langly. I love the area. It is thick with history, all sorts of activity, and the military rules, and is respected. The winters are mild by northern standards, but enough to make you feel that you endured that season. My parents use there outdoor hot tub all year. I know the area pretty well and of course my parents do even better and they would love to be able to help with any questions you might have about the area. My dad is a retired MD from the VA hospitals, and spent some time at Mc Dill. He currently works part time at NASA on Langly, I offer this because he is very pro military and would love to help, if you should require it.
<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3df04b3127cce9456eff101300000001610" border=0>

<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3df06b3127cce944032c5b1370000000010" border=0>On the hard &
Under Roof Cave Run Lake KY
Ray Seitz C 250WB #628 Sea Major

Edited by - Ray Seitz on 03/16/2003 11:24:17

Edited by - Ray Seitz on 03/16/2003 11:25:00

Edited by - on

RichardG
Admiral

Members Avatar

USA
990 Posts

Response Posted - 03/17/2003 : 00:49:01

Congratulations Tray!!!

Some of my best memories so far of my short fatherhood are those with my family on sailing trips. But it was truly a difficult decision whether to keep the boat when my wife got pregnant. A good place we started was the book Babies Aboard (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0071560300/qid=1047877147/sr=2-1/ref=sr_2_1/102-5989218-1367354) -- lots of good advice in there.

You may also want to search the forum archives on this topic.

I'm having problems getting pictures off my computer lately. But here's some (already at Shutterfly) from last summer (Sarah 3, Mary 1).

<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b2cf39b3127cce92448cf405a80000001610" border=0>
<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b2cf39b3127cce92448cf3849f0000001610" border=0>
<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3dd37b3127cce950f8d5c99bd0000001610" border=0>
<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b2cf04b3127cce926d9b6143280000001610" border=0>

RichardG 81 C25 SR/FK "Sanity"

Edited by - on

Derek Crawford
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
3324 Posts

Response Posted - 03/17/2003 : 11:16:20

Tray - congratulations! Your post was timely, I had the pleasure and privilege of taking my grandsons sailing yesterday. And altho' Aeolus didn't cooperate we still had a great time!
<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3dd37b3127cce950c9c08b9ad0000001610" border=0>

<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3dd37b3127cce950cba0db9bb0000002610" border=0>

I don't think you can start 'em too young!<img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>
Derek

<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3dc30b3127cce942c608d6f1e0000001010" border=0>

Edited by - on

cathluk
Admiral

Members Avatar

USA
513 Posts

Response Posted - 03/17/2003 : 14:03:23

CONGRATULATIONS!!

You can sail w/ a baby/toddler/while pregnant. The people in the slip next to us have sailed through 3 pregnancies & babies. Their kids think the boat is just an extention of land & are more comfortable aboard than most adults.

On the transfer - DON'T SELL THE BOAT!! Norfolk is a beautiful place to sail - the Chesapeake is a sailors paradise.

Cathy
"Blown Away"
'97 C250WK #253

Edited by - on

Tray
Navigator

Members Avatar

Namibia
224 Posts

Response Posted - 03/17/2003 : 15:02:51

The sentiment appears unanimous...DON'T SELL THE BOAT! My wife doesn't read this forum much, but she was really touched by all the feedback. I think it's safe to say the boat will stay with us.

I'll be looking for more advice later on. Thanks for the response.

Tray
C-250WB #554
"Weeny Bean"

Edited by - on

John Mason
Admiral

Members Avatar

USA
687 Posts

Response Posted - 03/17/2003 : 15:10:18

Congratulations! Just adding my voice to the many - keep the boat. I bought our boat just a few months after our son was born (my wife thought I was crazy - might be right!). He's been sailing ever since. He's now just about 3 years old. He loves it and always wants to know when we can go out on the boat again. Oh, my wife likes it too! <img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>

<img src="http://www.users.qwest.net/~jamason/helm.jpg" border=0>

The serious sailor at about 16 months.

John Mason
<img src="http://www.users.qwest.net/~jamason/ali.jpg" border=0>
pronounced "Ali Paroosa"
1982 - FK/SR #3290

Edited by - on

dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 03/17/2003 : 20:12:29

Congrat's Tray!

<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b2d904b3127cce9f7cd9fddf1f0000001610" border=0>

Some of my earliest, and best, childhood memories are of my family getting up at Oh-dark-thirty in the morning to go fishing in my Dad's nicely varnished Chris-Craft. I've been sailing since my kids were babies, too, and I hope my daughter's have those same memories.

<img src="http://www.catalina25-250.org/c25sm.gif" border=0>Don Lucier<img src="http://www.catalina25-250.org/c25sm.gif" border=0>
<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b2cc32b3127cce92e981259d130000001010" border=0>
North Star SR/FK

Edited by - on

Ben - FL
Admiral

Members Avatar

880 Posts

Response Posted - 03/17/2003 : 22:11:26

Way to go Tray! And congrats to you and your wife.
One of my fondest memories is with my son Alan and me having dinner on Desiderata, my old C-22, moored off Cumberland Is. and listening to Garison Keeler's A Prarie Home Companion. He was about 17 then. Now he is 20 and stationed at Fort Hood, TX. They grow up fast in the army. But we still sail when ever he is home. And he wants me to will him the boat!<img src=icon_smile_shock.gif border=0 align=middle>
<img src="http://www.members.aol.com:/benraye/pictures/alan_sail.jpg" border=0>
Alan on Chick-a-pea 

Safe voyages,
Ben, FL s/v Chick-a-pea C250wk
<img src="http://www.members.aol.com:/benraye/pictures/fullsail.jpg" border=0>

Edited by - on

osmepneo
Past Commodore

Members Avatar

USA
1420 Posts

Response Posted - 03/18/2003 : 14:42:16

Tray,

The Bible says, talking about other things, that if we train our children in the way they should go, they will not part from it. So, you want the kids to be sailors stat 'em young.

Ya, you'll make some compromises. But kids are worth it. And, they can learn sailing and become very good at it at young ages. Go for it.

Re. Transfering to Norfolk. No reason you couldn't dry sail a 25, maybe a bit inconvienent, but I'd think doable. I did my 22 in one of the dry sail areas of Chicago's park system, and in Houston. Certainly not as convienent as a dock, but, we all have choices to make and that might be a doable solution for you when you're settled their.

Don Peet
c25, 1665, osmepneo, sr/wk
The Great Sacandaga Lake, NY

Edited by - on

kurt
1st Mate

Members Avatar

27 Posts

Response Posted - 03/21/2003 : 11:31:42

Keep it<img src=icon_smile.gif border=0 align=middle><img src=icon_smile_approve.gif border=0 align=middle><img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle> I got our boat when Madelyn was 8 months old
<img src="http://www.snowfish.org/m.JPG" border=0>
<img src="http://www.snowfish.org/m1.jpg" border=0>

Kurt
c25 SR/FK 1986
"Snowfish"

Edited by - kurt on 03/21/2003 11:33:11

Edited by - kurt on 03/21/2003 11:34:57

Edited by - on

Topic

New Topic

Topic Locked

Printer Friendly

Jump To:

Association Forum

Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.