I am looking for a way to suspend some-sort of a baby carrier (ex.carseat) in the cabin of my H26. If there is another way to bring a baby on board please let me know. Help me get my boy sailing.
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Jim Kolstoe
travel crib
My wife and I bought our h23 when our oldest was 8 months old. Subsequent kids came aboard at ages 6 weeks and 2 months. We did it by using a travel crib/play pen, that we bungied in place in the cabin. I think we found it in "The Baby Gear Book." It had a tubular frame, netting sides with padding at the lower sides and on the bottom. Might have been Playskool brand, but we gave it away about 7 years ago, so I can't check. Disassembled and in its carry bag, it was about a medium sized duffle bag. You should both be competent at single handing, because thats going to be a skill you'll be using, and chores should be shared to the extent possible. On the h23 the cabin converts to a single large berth from side to side. which makes a large play area for older kids. They loved it. Jim Kolstoe, h23 Kara's Boo
My wife and I bought our h23 when our oldest was 8 months old. Subsequent kids came aboard at ages 6 weeks and 2 months. We did it by using a travel crib/play pen, that we bungied in place in the cabin. I think we found it in "The Baby Gear Book." It had a tubular frame, netting sides with padding at the lower sides and on the bottom. Might have been Playskool brand, but we gave it away about 7 years ago, so I can't check. Disassembled and in its carry bag, it was about a medium sized duffle bag. You should both be competent at single handing, because thats going to be a skill you'll be using, and chores should be shared to the extent possible. On the h23 the cabin converts to a single large berth from side to side. which makes a large play area for older kids. They loved it. Jim Kolstoe, h23 Kara's Boo
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Bob McDowell
Twins
Our twins went sailing for the first time when they were 2 months, we had them in the vberth. We are going to make a netted cover for the end of the vberth that will hold the two "monsters" (very cute monsters). We also are going to put netting around the deck so they won't fall off at dock or at anchor.
Our twins went sailing for the first time when they were 2 months, we had them in the vberth. We are going to make a netted cover for the end of the vberth that will hold the two "monsters" (very cute monsters). We also are going to put netting around the deck so they won't fall off at dock or at anchor.
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Greg Stebbins
Don’t tell me….
Don’t tell me about your North Sea crossing in February, or becalmed and fog bound in the channel; sissy stuff. If you want to impress, tell about sailing any where with TT’s (Tiny Tyrants). For those who know, this is adventure of the highest order, wind, water and boat not withstanding. Passing the legacy of sail to your children is a gift and a reward of the highest order. Twins! Way to go Bob.
Don’t tell me about your North Sea crossing in February, or becalmed and fog bound in the channel; sissy stuff. If you want to impress, tell about sailing any where with TT’s (Tiny Tyrants). For those who know, this is adventure of the highest order, wind, water and boat not withstanding. Passing the legacy of sail to your children is a gift and a reward of the highest order. Twins! Way to go Bob.
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John Allison
Swinging Seats No!
DO NOT USE SWING SEATS. We had one of those baby chairs that you wind up so that they swing back and forth automatically (at least till the spring winds down). Worked great at the docks. However, we decided to anchor out one evening and do a little fishing. Had daughter in swing, in the cockpit. The natural rocking of the boat coupled with the rocking of the swing (perhaps reaching a harmonic) and greatly amplified the motion of the swing together with our daughter in it. Daughter had a ball: parents watched (at first in amusement) and then (somewhat in horror) as the legs of the swing began to lift off the deck. That was the end of that. Had friends who added a hanging swing inside their cabin. Same effect, the swing got out of control and while the danger of overboard catapults does not exist the risk of collison between baby and immovable objects does. And it did. Perhaps cradles would be all right. We found that padding the sides adjacent to the cabin floor as well as fabricating a mattress to fit that area worked quite well in providing for baby comfort and parents piece of mind. Plus the natural motion of the boat served to pacify the baby as well as it does the parents.
DO NOT USE SWING SEATS. We had one of those baby chairs that you wind up so that they swing back and forth automatically (at least till the spring winds down). Worked great at the docks. However, we decided to anchor out one evening and do a little fishing. Had daughter in swing, in the cockpit. The natural rocking of the boat coupled with the rocking of the swing (perhaps reaching a harmonic) and greatly amplified the motion of the swing together with our daughter in it. Daughter had a ball: parents watched (at first in amusement) and then (somewhat in horror) as the legs of the swing began to lift off the deck. That was the end of that. Had friends who added a hanging swing inside their cabin. Same effect, the swing got out of control and while the danger of overboard catapults does not exist the risk of collison between baby and immovable objects does. And it did. Perhaps cradles would be all right. We found that padding the sides adjacent to the cabin floor as well as fabricating a mattress to fit that area worked quite well in providing for baby comfort and parents piece of mind. Plus the natural motion of the boat served to pacify the baby as well as it does the parents.
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Tom FitzGibbon
Car seat bolted to pedestal guard
For daysailing, a front carrier strapped to your chest works reasonably well, if the baby is small enough and if one parent is willing to be sedentary enough to play pack animal. For longer trips, bigger kids and/or more active parents, I remeber seeing an article in either Sail or Crusing World awhile ago (I think within the last 2 years, but I couldn't swear to it) in which the couple in the article mounted a car seat to the pedestal guard. I don't know how well that would work when heeling, however. I've been trying to think of how to mount some sort of swivel to get the same effect for the car seat as you get out of the kind of helmsman's (helmsperson's?) seat with the metail rails that keep the seat horizontal at all times. If I find the article, I'll let you know. I've actually been looking for it myself as we now have an 8 month old to bring with us. Tom FitzGibbon S/V Plan B
For daysailing, a front carrier strapped to your chest works reasonably well, if the baby is small enough and if one parent is willing to be sedentary enough to play pack animal. For longer trips, bigger kids and/or more active parents, I remeber seeing an article in either Sail or Crusing World awhile ago (I think within the last 2 years, but I couldn't swear to it) in which the couple in the article mounted a car seat to the pedestal guard. I don't know how well that would work when heeling, however. I've been trying to think of how to mount some sort of swivel to get the same effect for the car seat as you get out of the kind of helmsman's (helmsperson's?) seat with the metail rails that keep the seat horizontal at all times. If I find the article, I'll let you know. I've actually been looking for it myself as we now have an 8 month old to bring with us. Tom FitzGibbon S/V Plan B
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Alex B
Sweet harmony - baby and boat
Our daughter started sailing at 2 weeks. From Baby slings to a wonderfully mounted Bike seat on the pedestal railing (ie. binical area). She is going on 2, this year will be very interesting due to her curiosity level. I suspect her interest in being in the center of attention will still hold true this sailing season. I always felt safe when she was secure in her seat and it kicked up to 20+ knots. We sail on Lake Champlain in Burlington, VT. Very beautiful, warm and breezy. My childhood was filled with sailing and boats. I only wish, for my family, that sailing could be 12 months a year. We get 6. Good luck - you baby will love the rocking motion and pleasent harmony with nature. Peace from Vermont!
Our daughter started sailing at 2 weeks. From Baby slings to a wonderfully mounted Bike seat on the pedestal railing (ie. binical area). She is going on 2, this year will be very interesting due to her curiosity level. I suspect her interest in being in the center of attention will still hold true this sailing season. I always felt safe when she was secure in her seat and it kicked up to 20+ knots. We sail on Lake Champlain in Burlington, VT. Very beautiful, warm and breezy. My childhood was filled with sailing and boats. I only wish, for my family, that sailing could be 12 months a year. We get 6. Good luck - you baby will love the rocking motion and pleasent harmony with nature. Peace from Vermont!
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Guest
That is a very good question!!!
We have a Hunter 29.5, and believe me, every time we go sailing (and look at the cockpit)I ask that same question. I don't have kids jet,(we are on the lookout). I have resolve the problem of where is she (or he) is going to sleep,(on a portable crib inside the boat). But, I've really haven't get the thing about the baby and the sailing. I do always wonder, where can I place the baby while sailing. Good Luck on your finding.
We have a Hunter 29.5, and believe me, every time we go sailing (and look at the cockpit)I ask that same question. I don't have kids jet,(we are on the lookout). I have resolve the problem of where is she (or he) is going to sleep,(on a portable crib inside the boat). But, I've really haven't get the thing about the baby and the sailing. I do always wonder, where can I place the baby while sailing. Good Luck on your finding.
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Bob McDowell
Sailing babes
When we went sailing with the twins last year they loved rolling around in the vberth. The rougher the sailing the more giggles emanating from the forepeak. They slept like "babies" on the boat wether at anchor or dock. This year because the are toddeling (very close to walking now {oh God}) we are going to put netting around the lifelines. We are making harneses and they will be harnessed any time they are in the cockpit when we are underway. Bob
When we went sailing with the twins last year they loved rolling around in the vberth. The rougher the sailing the more giggles emanating from the forepeak. They slept like "babies" on the boat wether at anchor or dock. This year because the are toddeling (very close to walking now {oh God}) we are going to put netting around the lifelines. We are making harneses and they will be harnessed any time they are in the cockpit when we are underway. Bob
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Bob
Baby Bob
I posted a similar note about 3 years ago just prior to my son being born.. He loves the boat! We use a West Marine Infant harness, it was the best one we found. We kept his car seat tied to the stern rail in the cockpit where he resided happily while docking or performing other necessities that required our hands free for the boat. We also cut some carpet for the cockpit sole so it would be easier on his knees (and head) than the non-skid. He sleeps in his own "room" up in the v-berth while onboard. We've strung up saftey netting around the cockpit rails and lifelines, which I will probably extend forward this year as his mobility has increased. The most difficult thing for his first year was finding a life jacket that was comfortable for a newborn, we were never really successful in that endevour and it was not until last summer that we found a jacket that he was comfortable in for 30lbs and over. I can't wait for this summer to hit full bloom so that we can get him back out! My wife has him working on his vocabulary with a sailboat for his tub toy.... Good Luck Rich!
I posted a similar note about 3 years ago just prior to my son being born.. He loves the boat! We use a West Marine Infant harness, it was the best one we found. We kept his car seat tied to the stern rail in the cockpit where he resided happily while docking or performing other necessities that required our hands free for the boat. We also cut some carpet for the cockpit sole so it would be easier on his knees (and head) than the non-skid. He sleeps in his own "room" up in the v-berth while onboard. We've strung up saftey netting around the cockpit rails and lifelines, which I will probably extend forward this year as his mobility has increased. The most difficult thing for his first year was finding a life jacket that was comfortable for a newborn, we were never really successful in that endevour and it was not until last summer that we found a jacket that he was comfortable in for 30lbs and over. I can't wait for this summer to hit full bloom so that we can get him back out! My wife has him working on his vocabulary with a sailboat for his tub toy.... Good Luck Rich!
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Tom FitzGibbon
Baby PFD's
Bob has a good point on the life jacket. We found one at Captain Al's products (I forget the brand, unfortunately) designed for infants that seemed to fit well and also seemed comfortable. Crotch straps, a bottom on the pfd or something else to keep them from wriggling out of the bottom of the jacket are absolutely essential.
Bob has a good point on the life jacket. We found one at Captain Al's products (I forget the brand, unfortunately) designed for infants that seemed to fit well and also seemed comfortable. Crotch straps, a bottom on the pfd or something else to keep them from wriggling out of the bottom of the jacket are absolutely essential.
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Tom FitzGibbon
Alex B., how did you...
mount the bike seat to the pedestal guard? If it was just bolted or tied on, was heeling a problem? My older kids hate it when we heel beyond just a few degrees and I'm concerned that the baby might feel the same way.
mount the bike seat to the pedestal guard? If it was just bolted or tied on, was heeling a problem? My older kids hate it when we heel beyond just a few degrees and I'm concerned that the baby might feel the same way.
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Jim
car seat/boat seat same thing
Our little girl was 1 1/2 yrs old when we got our Hunter 33. We simple strapped her car seat on the sofa bunk in the cabin. I used some Barrcrafter straps from my car top carrier to hold the seat in place. I drilled a couple holes in sides of the lockers under the sofa and ran the straps thru the holes and between the cushions. She loves sailing and has complained all winter about not seeing the boat. Good Luck Jim Cooper SV/ Just Driftin'
Our little girl was 1 1/2 yrs old when we got our Hunter 33. We simple strapped her car seat on the sofa bunk in the cabin. I used some Barrcrafter straps from my car top carrier to hold the seat in place. I drilled a couple holes in sides of the lockers under the sofa and ran the straps thru the holes and between the cushions. She loves sailing and has complained all winter about not seeing the boat. Good Luck Jim Cooper SV/ Just Driftin'
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Bill Hall
CAR SEAT
This was a trick with our two granddaughters, one and 4 years. THe little one: Suspended a carseat from the hand rails on the cabin ceiling with bungies holding fore and aft swing. All she did was eat and then sleep with the continuous rocking. Watched her from the cockpit. The 3 YO: Kids hate those lifejackets as they are very uncomfortable. A harness with a short tether mounted to the pedistal made her very comfortable and safe. Both worked great, especially the carseat.
This was a trick with our two granddaughters, one and 4 years. THe little one: Suspended a carseat from the hand rails on the cabin ceiling with bungies holding fore and aft swing. All she did was eat and then sleep with the continuous rocking. Watched her from the cockpit. The 3 YO: Kids hate those lifejackets as they are very uncomfortable. A harness with a short tether mounted to the pedistal made her very comfortable and safe. Both worked great, especially the carseat.
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Jim Randall
BABY SAFE LEGEND (uk hunter)
BABY SAFE LEGEND! Our Baby Son Mathew was born on the 6th August 1998. At that time we had a Legend 310 and the only real modification we made was to fit a Car seat in the Cockpit and have it so it could be used down below. Its fair to say that during the first 9 months Mathew presented little problems aboard, as he was unable to move on his own. This however all changed once he found he’s feet! In June 99, we took delivery of our New boat, a Legend 380. We have had to make several modifications to try to make the boat safer for Mathew. Below are some of the things we have done to date: LIFEJACKETS & HARNESSES We have opted for a self-inflating like jacket for Mathew, these are less bulky that normal lifejackets and he does not object to wearing it most of the time. With regard to harnesses we had a lot of trouble finding a harness that was easy to fit and comfortable for him to wear. The first harness we bought use to rub his neck. We have now got a harness which is much more comfortable yet still a little tricky to put on and off and adjust. NETTING ON THE GUARD WIRES Jim being very fussy, was reluctant to fit netting to the Guard wires, he said it always looks messy, however after some gentle persuasion he took the plunge. He has carefully threaded both top and middle guard wires through the netting and to finish off the bottom has had stainless steel wires made to length and threaded through the bottom of the netting and through the bases of the stauntions. I have to say it looks great and seems to work well with Mathew. On the 380 we have opening gates in the guard wires, both port and starboard and we have yet to resolve how we can fill these yet still use them easily. Netting would not work well as it tangles and would be difficult and clumsy to use the gates frequently. The current idea is to have small canvas dodgers made up with pockets for the guard wires and quick release clips at the bottom. For this we are currently waiting a quote from C&J Marine Textiles (sounds expensive!). At the front on the boat Jim is having some guard wires made up that will fit across the pulpit to stop Mathew going right up into the bow where there is no protection. COCKPIT We already had Dodgers made for the Cockpit, however Jim had never fixed the bottoms of the Dodgers to the deck as this would involve drilling holes in the deck. He has now had to do this, as it was possible for Mathew to slip down through the bottom of the Dodgers. The Legend Cockpit is not easy to make safe for Children. Its large size makes it an ideal playground and the circular nature attracts young ones to run around and around the cockpit benches! At the stern it is difficult to fill all the holes in the pushpit. Jim has tried to fit netting, but has not been successful. We looked at a tailored Canvas Dodger around the stern, however this proved too expensive so we are back to the drawing board. Jim has adapted a Car seat to fit in the cockpit where Mathew can be strapped in safely when sleeping. It is located on the front bulkhead in the corner, under the sprayhood. Needless to say there is little hope of keeping him in this now when he is awake. The seat can also be moved to one of the pushpit seats in better weather where there is more fresh air and more to see. We tend to have him in this position when it is hot and sunny. To protect him from the sun we clamp a pushchair sunshade to the seat. The seat can also be tied to the seats in the main cabin for use at dinner times, etc. One of the biggest challenges has been to keep his toys from been thrown overboard. For this we have found for sale at most beach type shops a key ring on what looks like a coiled telephone wire with a quick release clip on the end. These are great as they expand so as to allow the toys to be played with yet not be lost altogether. The other device we have found most useful is a swing. We bought a plastic swing seat and ropes from ‘Toys R Us’ and hang it from the boom. Mathew can be strapped into this and swings for a long time just watching the world go buy. BELOW DECKS We have had to fit netting across the head of the berth in the front Cabin. We learnt the requirement for this last year when Mathew woke whilst sleeping in the front cabin and fell to the floor. We thought we had protected this with a mound of bedding and clothes however he still managed to crawl over it. The netting now goes right up close to the ceiling. In the saloon we have had the table modified to raise right up to the ceiling, leaving a large and uncluttered floor space for Mathew to play on. This also doubles as making the saloon much more open and spacious for lounging about. The only other real danger area has been the steps up to the cockpit. He has been trained to get up and down on his own, and we frequently have to put the washboards in when he is in the cockpit. This is an area where all we have been able to do is make Mathew aware of the dangers and prey! Rona Randall Yacht ‘REBEL’
BABY SAFE LEGEND! Our Baby Son Mathew was born on the 6th August 1998. At that time we had a Legend 310 and the only real modification we made was to fit a Car seat in the Cockpit and have it so it could be used down below. Its fair to say that during the first 9 months Mathew presented little problems aboard, as he was unable to move on his own. This however all changed once he found he’s feet! In June 99, we took delivery of our New boat, a Legend 380. We have had to make several modifications to try to make the boat safer for Mathew. Below are some of the things we have done to date: LIFEJACKETS & HARNESSES We have opted for a self-inflating like jacket for Mathew, these are less bulky that normal lifejackets and he does not object to wearing it most of the time. With regard to harnesses we had a lot of trouble finding a harness that was easy to fit and comfortable for him to wear. The first harness we bought use to rub his neck. We have now got a harness which is much more comfortable yet still a little tricky to put on and off and adjust. NETTING ON THE GUARD WIRES Jim being very fussy, was reluctant to fit netting to the Guard wires, he said it always looks messy, however after some gentle persuasion he took the plunge. He has carefully threaded both top and middle guard wires through the netting and to finish off the bottom has had stainless steel wires made to length and threaded through the bottom of the netting and through the bases of the stauntions. I have to say it looks great and seems to work well with Mathew. On the 380 we have opening gates in the guard wires, both port and starboard and we have yet to resolve how we can fill these yet still use them easily. Netting would not work well as it tangles and would be difficult and clumsy to use the gates frequently. The current idea is to have small canvas dodgers made up with pockets for the guard wires and quick release clips at the bottom. For this we are currently waiting a quote from C&J Marine Textiles (sounds expensive!). At the front on the boat Jim is having some guard wires made up that will fit across the pulpit to stop Mathew going right up into the bow where there is no protection. COCKPIT We already had Dodgers made for the Cockpit, however Jim had never fixed the bottoms of the Dodgers to the deck as this would involve drilling holes in the deck. He has now had to do this, as it was possible for Mathew to slip down through the bottom of the Dodgers. The Legend Cockpit is not easy to make safe for Children. Its large size makes it an ideal playground and the circular nature attracts young ones to run around and around the cockpit benches! At the stern it is difficult to fill all the holes in the pushpit. Jim has tried to fit netting, but has not been successful. We looked at a tailored Canvas Dodger around the stern, however this proved too expensive so we are back to the drawing board. Jim has adapted a Car seat to fit in the cockpit where Mathew can be strapped in safely when sleeping. It is located on the front bulkhead in the corner, under the sprayhood. Needless to say there is little hope of keeping him in this now when he is awake. The seat can also be moved to one of the pushpit seats in better weather where there is more fresh air and more to see. We tend to have him in this position when it is hot and sunny. To protect him from the sun we clamp a pushchair sunshade to the seat. The seat can also be tied to the seats in the main cabin for use at dinner times, etc. One of the biggest challenges has been to keep his toys from been thrown overboard. For this we have found for sale at most beach type shops a key ring on what looks like a coiled telephone wire with a quick release clip on the end. These are great as they expand so as to allow the toys to be played with yet not be lost altogether. The other device we have found most useful is a swing. We bought a plastic swing seat and ropes from ‘Toys R Us’ and hang it from the boom. Mathew can be strapped into this and swings for a long time just watching the world go buy. BELOW DECKS We have had to fit netting across the head of the berth in the front Cabin. We learnt the requirement for this last year when Mathew woke whilst sleeping in the front cabin and fell to the floor. We thought we had protected this with a mound of bedding and clothes however he still managed to crawl over it. The netting now goes right up close to the ceiling. In the saloon we have had the table modified to raise right up to the ceiling, leaving a large and uncluttered floor space for Mathew to play on. This also doubles as making the saloon much more open and spacious for lounging about. The only other real danger area has been the steps up to the cockpit. He has been trained to get up and down on his own, and we frequently have to put the washboards in when he is in the cockpit. This is an area where all we have been able to do is make Mathew aware of the dangers and prey! Rona Randall Yacht ‘REBEL’
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Jim Kolstoe
Tom Fitzgerald - heeling
Tom, I saw that you said your kids hated it when the boat heeled more than a few degrees, and was puzzled. My kids have always loved it when the boat heels. I think the difference might be their sense of whether it represents a possible danger to them. Most of us would be alarmed if the ground refused to stay stable. BUT, its ok if its part of a game. In our h23, the main cabin converts to a bunk that goes from one side of the boat to the other. When very young, our kids discovered that they could treat this bunk, our normal configuration for sailing with them, as a giant soft slide. They spent hours climbing to the high side and rolling down to the low side, sliding toys down, and every variation you can imagine. Naturally they liked the boat heeling, it created a playground for them, and my wife and I did not display any anxiety for them to pick up on. See if you interior will provide a special play area when heeling. JIm Kolstoe, h23 Kara's Boo
Tom, I saw that you said your kids hated it when the boat heeled more than a few degrees, and was puzzled. My kids have always loved it when the boat heels. I think the difference might be their sense of whether it represents a possible danger to them. Most of us would be alarmed if the ground refused to stay stable. BUT, its ok if its part of a game. In our h23, the main cabin converts to a bunk that goes from one side of the boat to the other. When very young, our kids discovered that they could treat this bunk, our normal configuration for sailing with them, as a giant soft slide. They spent hours climbing to the high side and rolling down to the low side, sliding toys down, and every variation you can imagine. Naturally they liked the boat heeling, it created a playground for them, and my wife and I did not display any anxiety for them to pick up on. See if you interior will provide a special play area when heeling. JIm Kolstoe, h23 Kara's Boo
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Greg Stebbins
And Tom F.,
Tom, Your kids picked up their concern for heeling from someone. Do you or your wife start to get a little aggitated when the boat heels? When sailing with small one, maintain an even and positive emotional keel no matter what the boat's doing. Kids read their parents like a book.
Tom, Your kids picked up their concern for heeling from someone. Do you or your wife start to get a little aggitated when the boat heels? When sailing with small one, maintain an even and positive emotional keel no matter what the boat's doing. Kids read their parents like a book.
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Tom FitzGibbon
Greg, to answer...
your question, I don't mind heeling at all and my wife only seems to mind it when it becomes "uncomfortable," a somewhat vague standard somewhere between 10 degrees and burying the rail. My oldest, 12, is absolutely petrified of heights and I think this is where his fear comes from. The others are less concerned and probably reacting to him. I try to keep the boat relatively flat, gladly giving up speed and performance to spend time with the kids, but there are times when a little tilt is appropriate. I'm just trying to think of a way to keep the little one on a level plane - I don't know why I bother, though, the more his siblings spin him around and flip him over, the harder he laughs.
your question, I don't mind heeling at all and my wife only seems to mind it when it becomes "uncomfortable," a somewhat vague standard somewhere between 10 degrees and burying the rail. My oldest, 12, is absolutely petrified of heights and I think this is where his fear comes from. The others are less concerned and probably reacting to him. I try to keep the boat relatively flat, gladly giving up speed and performance to spend time with the kids, but there are times when a little tilt is appropriate. I'm just trying to think of a way to keep the little one on a level plane - I don't know why I bother, though, the more his siblings spin him around and flip him over, the harder he laughs.
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Greg Stebbins
Tom F. again,
Tom, I think your wife and mine may be related. Is she from New York? Kristen tended to tense up at about 10 degrees and above and I could see the effects on the kids. She has sense come to trust the boat but to counter the early conditioning, I started handing over control of the boat to the kids. My 11-year-old takes the tiller and I play winch monkey. The 11-year-old especially likes deciding where we go and how to get there and I get free time to study the rigging and sails.
Tom, I think your wife and mine may be related. Is she from New York? Kristen tended to tense up at about 10 degrees and above and I could see the effects on the kids. She has sense come to trust the boat but to counter the early conditioning, I started handing over control of the boat to the kids. My 11-year-old takes the tiller and I play winch monkey. The 11-year-old especially likes deciding where we go and how to get there and I get free time to study the rigging and sails.
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Jim Kolstoe
confront fears by showing its ok
Tom, my oldest learned how to sail an El Toro a few years ago, but was scared of puffs and strong winds. After talking to her about it, I discovered she was afraid of tipping over. So we put on our swim suits and life jackets, took the El Toro about 20 ft from the curtesy dock, and tipped it with her in the boat. She found out not only was there nothing to fear, but she enjoyed it enough to do it several more times. She now knows, at an emotional level as well as intellectually, that its ok if the El Toro tips over, so puffs and strong winds are now fun occassions. Take you 12 yr old out and play around, letting him drive so he can find out how difficult it is to really heel a keel boat over. Good luck and have fun. Jim Kolstoe, h23 Kara's Boo
Tom, my oldest learned how to sail an El Toro a few years ago, but was scared of puffs and strong winds. After talking to her about it, I discovered she was afraid of tipping over. So we put on our swim suits and life jackets, took the El Toro about 20 ft from the curtesy dock, and tipped it with her in the boat. She found out not only was there nothing to fear, but she enjoyed it enough to do it several more times. She now knows, at an emotional level as well as intellectually, that its ok if the El Toro tips over, so puffs and strong winds are now fun occassions. Take you 12 yr old out and play around, letting him drive so he can find out how difficult it is to really heel a keel boat over. Good luck and have fun. Jim Kolstoe, h23 Kara's Boo
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