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Kids and Sailing

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raulm
Deckhand

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5 Posts

Initially Posted - 04/01/2004 : 00:18:51

Hi,
When will be a good age for kids to start sailing?
Is 2 year and 8 months old too soon ?

Thanks,
Raul

Edited by - on

rford
1st Mate

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USA
73 Posts

Response Posted - 04/01/2004 : 00:27:56

My nephew sailed when he was 3 and really enjoyed it. We took the obvious precautions and someone was assigned to watch him at all times. My niece just turned 1 and we're looking forward to her first sail as soon as we can get the boat splashed.

Take the kids, keep an eye on them, take the obvious precaustions (PFDs)...have fun!

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Doug
Captain

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USA
457 Posts

Response Posted - 04/01/2004 : 01:01:43

Lot's of fun stuff on board for the 2 year old, and a baby is pretty self contained. Hardest thing with the baby is carrying the diaper bags and stuff. Nice thing about a boat is it always ends the day at a dock or beach, both of which are great for a two year old to explore. As my "crew" hits 11 & 12 they love the boat, but I have noticed some older friends and kids starting to loose interest.

I can also say this: When I was a youngster my dad would force me into sailing a San Juan 21 on lakes in Southern Oregon. I didn't always want to go of course, but now I'm grateful for every hour we spent on board.

Go. Take the kids. Sail.

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RichardG
Admiral

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USA
990 Posts

Response Posted - 04/01/2004 : 01:01:47

Our oldest daughter (now 4) went on her first sail at about 4 months, and on her first overnight trip at about 10 months. Our other daughter (now 2) went on her first sail (an overnight, but close to home) at about 4 weeks and to the Catalina Rendezvous at Catalina Island at about 8 weeks.

The book [url="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0071560300/qid=1080798527/sr=1-3/ref=sr_1_3/002-6072544-6257661?v=glance&s=books"]Babies Aboard[/url] gave us a lot of help and advice. Without that book, I don't think they would have sailed as early and often as they did. (in fact, I don't know if our boat would still be in the family without it).

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CGood
Deckhand

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10 Posts

Response Posted - 04/01/2004 : 09:44:11

I lost virtually all of last summer b/c of a newborn. Now she's one and has been on the boat once so far this spring. Spent most of the time watching the wake, but can just almost climb the seats in the cockpit. On a smooth day, she also likes playing in the cabin. Having everything lashed down turns out to be a pretty good baby proofing - just don't forget about her when the boat starts to rocking even the least amount. There's enough sharp edges to be dangerous.

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dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 04/01/2004 : 10:01:00

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by raulm
 Hi,
When will be a good age for kids to start sailing?
Is 2 year and 8 months old too soon ?

Thanks,
Raul
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

My kids were infants when they first went sailing and one is now in her teens, but I take out nieces and nephews of all ages.

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bsmudd
1st Mate

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61 Posts

Response Posted - 04/01/2004 : 10:54:50

My brother and I brought my nephew out when he was one and he was fascinated with everything. Also, remember that Popeye and Sweet Pea had many adventures while Sweet Pea was a mere infink.

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Dan86
Navigator

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130 Posts

Response Posted - 04/01/2004 : 12:44:48

My son was three when he first went with me. He really likes the "ropes" and likes to make huge knots while, I am working on the boat, that take me forever to untangle. He initally like the flat water and now he is 4 and likes "bumpy" water. My little girl is 18 month and for the first year she hated going because the pfd put pressure on her neck. Now she is a little longer and has a neck, the pfd does not bother her. Our next investment is netting for the life lines as both are very mobile. Dan

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Charlie Vick
Captain

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USA
423 Posts

Response Posted - 04/01/2004 : 13:33:07

I started taking my son when he was 3 also and he loved it except he wasn't as thrilled about the 5 or 6 hour cruises we'd take as I was. Last year he even started manning the helm for me while I hoist sail and has gotten pretty good at it! (Bragging Father

) He's on his second pfd but I'm sure I'll have to get a larger one before the summer is over.
If the wind picks up he get a life line which he thinks is cool.
He and I have some of our best times together out sailing which I'm hoping he'll remember for a long time to come, I know I will.

CVick
PanaceaII '81 C25 #2439 SRSK
Fort Smith, AR

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Chemist
Deckhand

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USA
16 Posts

Response Posted - 04/01/2004 : 16:05:34

I'll add my recommendation that children be started early in sailing. Our first sailboat, a 420, fell victim to the birth of child 1, but was replaced with a, then new, O'Day 22. She (the baby) loved going sailing, and now her kids want to go sailing with Nana and Bapa when they visit. Take prudent precautions, PFDs and life lines if it is rough or the kids are too adventurous. Kids and sailing, perfect together.

Bob Imes
C25 #1544, sr sk, "Prime Time"

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John V.
Admiral

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USA
559 Posts

Response Posted - 04/04/2004 : 08:45:00

I was probably about 1 or so when I started sailing I know I posted this picture in another thread but it is worth posting again here. pictured are my parents, sisters and myself in about 1958 aboard our 20 ft swampscott dory Robidoux in the North Channel.

Grace began sailing when she was about 3 months old and has been an avid sailor ever since. both girls began going on overnight trips when they were about 5 and now at ages 10 and 15 I spend several weeks
cruising with each girl. this summer will be the first time in a number of years that the whole family will spend 7-10 days cruising the North Channel together. Start them early and keep sailing with your kids even when they think it would be more cool to be home with friends. BTW I also have a "son" through the Big Brothers organization. Jake now 17 has been sailing with me since he was in the 5th grade. I sent him to Camp Hayowentha in Michigan where he spent 4 weeks in an intensive sailing program which culminated in a 10 day cruise of the North Channel. I guess the thing we can do for our sport is to keep renewing the pool of individuals who love the beauty of sail. If you don't have kids of your own get in touch with Big Brothers and take a few kids and their "Bigs" on an outing.

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