Sailing with Kids?

[Friends with SCAMPS]

Hi ya'll. I have a 3 1/2 year old friend who has asked to go sailing with us pretty much since she could speak. (We sailed our new to us WWP19 for the first time on the day she was born) Early on "When you're bigger." was enough of an answer, but now she's interested in more specifics. Have any of you had to ask a parent if you could take their kid sailing? Do you have prerequisites? I'd like for her to be a stronger swimmer, but, have no clue what I mean by that. I'd like her to use her listening ears a little more often.. But that will come. I want for Dona and I to prepare, also. We need to do some MOB drills and some more intense "single handing" even with both of us on board. We talked about it over the weekend and she said "When I'm 5 can I go sailing with you?" I said yes, so, now I have 18 months to figure this out & make it fun for all of us. I'd love to hear your stories! Thanks, Dana

[JSsailem]

Hi. No advise just suggestions.
Any idea why she is asking to go sailing? Maybe she just wants to hang out with you. Sailing can mean many things at 3 1/2.

Safety first. Mandatory all people on the boat wear a personal flotation device. No exceptions. PFD must be fitted to the individual. Then on a warm day a joint "Here is how a PFD works" experience is highly recommended. When I taught young naval sailors on their time off to sail dingies the first day of the class included "Life Jacket Testing". When everyone goes in it is more fun.

Like your swimming expectation idea, but no excuse for not wearing a PFD.

I would take it in baby steps. First... A tea party aboard the boat at the dock. Learn about moving about on the inside of the boat. Get a feel for the boat floating. What happens when everyone sits on the same side of the boat? Gauge the comfort level. Only proceed if all participants are wearing smiles with their PFD's.

I would continue with the baby steps. Floating near the dock. Paddling the boat out a ways and back to the dock. Going through the whole docking and tying the boat to the dock procedure. She can help you tie the boat, learning the correct knots. Dome day that may come in handy. Learning it correctly is a big plus. Starting a motor and a 5 minute adventure around the mooring buoy. Next time a 15 minute sail near the dock area. Progress at the child's pace.

Who knows by this time she may be 5 and ready to take on a summer squall.

Hopefully she will be a child sailing prodigy and will break the 16 year old male record of sailing around the world alone.

Best wishes
JohnS

[JSsailem]

Oh almost forgot. Sounds like your "friend" is not your own child.

One parent must accompany the 3 1/2 year old on these adventures.

John S

[Peter E]

Besides the PDF I would like the water to be warm. Hypothermia is always a concern.

[Friends with SCAMPS]

these are great suggestions. Thank you.