Trials, or how to instill the love of sailing in the young

[Rick Klages]

I took my five year old son sailing today for the first time.  Trouble started in the boat ramp parking lot.  Dad just didn't rig the boat fast enough for him (35 min.). Strange that us older folk, who have lived at least half a lifetime seem to have more time than those who have so much life yet to live. He liked motoring out into the bay.  He wasn't very impressed with sailing.  We met the neighbors who were on their big sailboat (31').  Looking forward to the pictures.  So every ten minutes the little guy asked me how long we were "out here". He wanted to go home and play. I had him bring a coloring book and some toys.  He colored on the bridge deck.  He played with curious George in the cabin.  So after two and a half hours of sailing we went home.  Again how long till we go? while rigging for the road.  35 min. to rig for sail. 2.5 hrs on the bay. 45 min to pack for the road.  I can't say I'm not just a little disappointed that he wasn't begging me to stay out there. Am I crazy? 

ick

[frank]

 No worries. Normal stuff. They need to be busy and have short attention spans.Try a day with a nice wind and have him steer.Pic a mark on shore for him to steer towards and help him steer for it. Don't wait too long to change coarse....new focus..less boredom.If he steers all over..who carws.He will get bored so have toys and give him little tasks. Most kids like a cabin.I guess its the security feeling down there.Have a few things for him to do below.A fishing pole over the stern trolling with you tugging the line when he's not looking otta pass some time too ;-)   

[mgoller]

Rick,
I have two kids 8 &10 and they don't exactly beg to go sailing with me.  I've tried too.  I will keep trying.  Its like piano lessons.  Its good for them and they will appreciate it all their lives.  Piano is the only thing we insist on, everything else is their choice.
Sailing came into my spirit early for some reason.  Started with toy boats and then when I was a teen with SunFish.  Later, I'd hitch a ride whenever I could.
Our problem too is that the choices for water sports range from tubing, skiing, kneeboarding, wakeboarding swimming to sailing.  They feel stuck when sailing.
The big sail boat is intimidating, its just a very slow ride for them.  With a SunFish they would feel it more and do it more.  Unfortunately I sold the SunFish.  I'm thinking of getting another small sailboat for them.
I agree with the advice from Frank.  Let them steer a course, hold the Jib Sheet and decide where to go.  Play fun music and talk.
Funny thing, when they get older they will look back on those moments with you with happiness and fondness.
You're a good Dad.

[Rick Klages]

Strange but later he told my wife that sailing with Dad was awesome!



More pictures in Rick Klages's Gallery.

ick

[edbuchanan]

My son Fred  (7) usually loves it.  If we just ghost along, sloshing in the heat and powerboat wakes, he hates it, just like the adults.  A few months ago he was quite miserable, as the adults were trying to motor straight up into confused seas and (15kt?) wind from Deale MD, but when we put up full sail and tacked (motorsailing) home, he was squealing with glee.  Proper foul weather gear also helped his mood by keeping him warm, and protected him from harsh spray.

The most recent trip, Annapolis to Tilghman Island, was about 4 hours each way.  The wind blew about 18kts driving us downwind for most of the trip.  Two days later when we were returning to Annapolis the wind reversed 180 degrees, and blew us right back home.  Tilghman had a nice marina/hotel/restaurant that welcomed pets, so Fred had fun running and screaming with the dogs on the lawn.  The hotel lobby featured a talking parrot which Fred spent much time with.  He had a good time and asks when we will do it again.

He also wants to return to Oxford MD to visit an ice cream place run by "that crazy Scotsman" (best ice cream we know).

Fred has made good friends with some of the kids at our marina, all of which are very sure on their feet.   I'm surprised to see how easy it is to raise mountain goat children if you live on a boat.  We now let him have the run of the place running all around our large marina: hopping onto his friends boats, playing in the grassy areas, and we give him a bit of money so he can get snacks at the snack bar.  The kid has a good time.

Ernie (Molly 23/II  1984)

[tmorgan]

Our girls learned to love sailing when they participated in the junior sail camp at our sail club.  They were 8 years old and attended the camp every year until they were 14.  There is nothing more empowering than an 8 year old kid sailing a Laser alone for the first time! 

[Killjoy]

When I sell a boat trip to my 5 year old girls, I always make it a beach trip (they love to play in the sand and the waves). I show them the destination, usualy a spoil island, on the chart. They get a "Lunchable" for lunch, which are only allowed on the boat, so it's special. They have coloring books and toys in the cabin (care of Mom). They love to lean overboard and drag their hands in the water, which gives me a heart attack, but that's what makes it special to them.
The best time they had was last weekend in Panama City when we were motoring into the wind in 2-3 seas to get to Shell Island. They loved the spray coming over the rail more than anything. I had my 4 year old nephew that day too. His first boat ride. He sat quiet the whole trip and was in charge of holding the port jib sheet (even though I was motoring). Never said a word to me, but after he got home he told his Dad that he loved Uncle Rich's pirate ship and couldn't wait to go again.
Just keep taking him out, be patient, and yes, you'll have to extremely modify your trip to keep it fun for the little ones. But it's worth it.

[Gil Weiss]

Yo Rick,

Great to see your pictures of Steppin' Up! All good advice above . . . kid's temd to have short attention spans. We go out with my two grandchildren (ages 3 and 5) with similar result, but they always want to come back. Lots of nature stuff at the lake that they like. Also, they love to play in the cabin.

We were to go sailing with our friend Ralph on his CP19 this weekend, but he had an emergency at work.

Next weekend I'm going sailing on a Catalina 40 out of Rock Hall, MD.

Boatless in PA - Gil

[tsaiapex]

Rick,

You are doing just fine, give it couple more years and he will tell you what to do in a boat.  You have the perfect boat taking young kids sailing.

My girls have been sailing with me since they were 3.  The magic answer on 5-years-old is towing something behind the boat and it will entertain them for hours!  My younger one would watch it flip over, pulls it in then toss it back out. 

Don't expect using the boat for "sailing" for the first couple years, instead using it as a floating playground so they can associate boating with playing.  When each girl turned 5, I started making annual overnight trips to have one-to-one time.  We have ventured out to many places including Oriental, NC and also to Cape Lookout.  It is usually very tiresome for me because during the trips I am the captain, first mate, dad, mom, cook, and janitor.  We had great memories during those trips.  When we go sailing now, they order me in the cabin when there is incoming traffic so they could show off.

Keep up with it, you are doing just great!

Jeff Tsai
CP19, Mary Grace

[multimedia_smith]

Greetings from the deep South...
My main crew partner is my nine year old daughter... The main thing with kids is the timing thing... they don't like it quite as long as we do.  I do try to bring something to occupy her while I set up or I ask her to "help" with this or that.  Usually though, my wife follows me twenty minutes later to the ramp, drops her off and then picks her up later...

A lot of the time, we'll have a classmate join her.  She and her friend will sit at the pulpit together (I always have them tethered to the boat before they go up front).  I always have her steer the boat in under power while I get the sails down.  She isn't interested in steering under sail yet... Mostly we talk, sing, snack, and cuddle... it's always a great time... but then we don't go out on those windless hot days of summer here.. she likes to come out when it's really blowing for max excitement (she delights the phrase "mommy wouldn't like this").  It's great to start them early... I first took her out on a sunfish and she got the "bug" from that.  We've had the 16 since she was six and she loves it more and more...
Best Regards
Dale

[Rick Klages]

Gil, is "Suo Gan" on the hard for the year?  I wouldn't call you "boatless".  If the weather holds you should take a ride out here and sail the Peconic.   



ick

[Gil Weiss]

Yeh, Rick I had her hauled out and put into winter storage. This weekend I'm sailing on a 40 foot Catalina on the Chesapeake, so I'll get my "sailing fix".

I really emnjoyed your pictures sailing!

[Rick Klages]

Gil, my pleasure.  Going out again tomorrow with the little guy tagging along.  Should be good!  Marine forcast for 10/14/07:SUN W WINDS 10 TO 15 KT WITH GUSTS UP TO 20 KT. WAVES 1 TO 2 FT. OK!  62 and sunny. time for the warmer clothing to emerge from storage.

ick

[Rick Klages]

Sailed today with my son. Very windy gusty, choppy. He lost his first tooth today on "Steppin' Up".  Then the littleguy decided to go below and nap on the port berth.  He didn't wake up until I loaded him and "Steppin' Up" on to the trailer.  Great boat, great day.  Best of all he didn't complain once! Thank you all for the encouragement!  I think I have a sailor here!


ick

[B.Hart]

  I plan taking my grand daughters sailing this winter, ages 4 & 8, in the next month. My wife still gets nervous heeling hard.  I think the kids will enjoy it though.   BILL