What's your approach to children on board? How do you keep them occupied during long passages? Do you enlist them as crew or devise ways to keep them out of the cockpit? Does your boat offer the accommodations you'd like for overnight cruises, or are things bit cramped? Overall, are children a welcome part of your sailing experience, or another problem to be solved? Share your advice here, then vote in the Quick Quiz at the bottom of the home page.
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Got Kids? Got Boat? Got Water? Go Sailing!!!
Do you remember boating with you Dad or Grandfather? I was lucky and was brought up in a boating family and my wife shares most of my enthusiasm. We hope to pass that respect and joy of the water and boats to our two young children (girl 7 & boy 4). I will say that we purchased a 340 to give us a bit more room below with the kids, and add a few life support systems like refrigeration, TV/VCR, Microwave, and AC/Heat (we warm up the cabin in the winter prior to leaving dock). Our approach to having children on board is keep them involved, and keep them safe. My daughter now knows the points of sail and can steer a fairly good course (It is harder when you have to stand to the windward side of ped to see over coachroof). We let her coil non-loaded sheet tails and hold the "cheap" winch handle for us. I found a child's knot tying book at local boat store and have several 4' lengths of line that they practice with. My son is the official "traffic lookout" and friendly waving officer on deck. He also keeps an eye on the depth gage for us (it is important to know when you are in 45' of water <grin>). Once boredom has set in it is time to send them below for a board game, cards, toys. They really like playing in the V-birth. We let them pick out a few videos before the weekend and when all else fails and they are tired we pop in a tape, crack a few hatches, put the boat on a lazy run and my wife and I enjoy a glass of wine in those stern seats that my guest always are sitting in! We always remember to pack lots of snacks and drinks for the kids. In the evening while at anchor we are firm believers in letting them swim till they can barely climb up the stern ladder for one last jump in, they go to sleep very early and sleep all night! We keep two sets of life preserves on board, one set is the wet ones used for swimming and the others for while they are below. When my son is topside we keep him clipped in on a 5' tether. We normally ask the kids to go below while we prepare to leave our slip, while backing into the slip or entering a busy marina, at least we make them stay seated or they will "walk the plank". This allows my wife and I to concentrate on the task at hand without distractions or interference in the cockpit. After kids get accustomed to the routine aboard they do very well. Keep your expectations low and have a great time!
Do you remember boating with you Dad or Grandfather? I was lucky and was brought up in a boating family and my wife shares most of my enthusiasm. We hope to pass that respect and joy of the water and boats to our two young children (girl 7 & boy 4). I will say that we purchased a 340 to give us a bit more room below with the kids, and add a few life support systems like refrigeration, TV/VCR, Microwave, and AC/Heat (we warm up the cabin in the winter prior to leaving dock). Our approach to having children on board is keep them involved, and keep them safe. My daughter now knows the points of sail and can steer a fairly good course (It is harder when you have to stand to the windward side of ped to see over coachroof). We let her coil non-loaded sheet tails and hold the "cheap" winch handle for us. I found a child's knot tying book at local boat store and have several 4' lengths of line that they practice with. My son is the official "traffic lookout" and friendly waving officer on deck. He also keeps an eye on the depth gage for us (it is important to know when you are in 45' of water <grin>). Once boredom has set in it is time to send them below for a board game, cards, toys. They really like playing in the V-birth. We let them pick out a few videos before the weekend and when all else fails and they are tired we pop in a tape, crack a few hatches, put the boat on a lazy run and my wife and I enjoy a glass of wine in those stern seats that my guest always are sitting in! We always remember to pack lots of snacks and drinks for the kids. In the evening while at anchor we are firm believers in letting them swim till they can barely climb up the stern ladder for one last jump in, they go to sleep very early and sleep all night! We keep two sets of life preserves on board, one set is the wet ones used for swimming and the others for while they are below. When my son is topside we keep him clipped in on a 5' tether. We normally ask the kids to go below while we prepare to leave our slip, while backing into the slip or entering a busy marina, at least we make them stay seated or they will "walk the plank". This allows my wife and I to concentrate on the task at hand without distractions or interference in the cockpit. After kids get accustomed to the routine aboard they do very well. Keep your expectations low and have a great time!
My Kids=Crew
My two sons are 15 and 13 (both approaching 6 feet tall) and my daughter 7 are the boats crew. The boys take the sail cover off, raise the sail, run navigation and look out for traffic. My daughter takes the wheel whenever she feels like it and is the "captain" of the boat. When they get bored they head below for games, reading in the cabin. Nights on the boat tend to be vidios and looking at the stars. Russell S/V Allie Kat
My two sons are 15 and 13 (both approaching 6 feet tall) and my daughter 7 are the boats crew. The boys take the sail cover off, raise the sail, run navigation and look out for traffic. My daughter takes the wheel whenever she feels like it and is the "captain" of the boat. When they get bored they head below for games, reading in the cabin. Nights on the boat tend to be vidios and looking at the stars. Russell S/V Allie Kat
Half the fun of sailing...
is getting the kids involved (Daughter 9, son 6)! Jay, it sounds like we're on the same boat!
is getting the kids involved (Daughter 9, son 6)! Jay, it sounds like we're on the same boat!
Instant crew (now I just have to wait 5 years)
With twin 20 month old girls it hasn't been easy to keep sailing but we got out about 20 times this year. We keep them harnessed when in the cockpit and keep lots of toys below. Luckily both of us are capable of single handing the boat so the other plays with the kids. When we come into the marina Erika loves to stand at the stern rail and wave to all the boaters. It is hilarious to see the guys all waving to this little blond haired girl. We hope to live aboard in the near future (boy will our kids be spoiled)
With twin 20 month old girls it hasn't been easy to keep sailing but we got out about 20 times this year. We keep them harnessed when in the cockpit and keep lots of toys below. Luckily both of us are capable of single handing the boat so the other plays with the kids. When we come into the marina Erika loves to stand at the stern rail and wave to all the boaters. It is hilarious to see the guys all waving to this little blond haired girl. We hope to live aboard in the near future (boy will our kids be spoiled)
This is why I am moving up
Our kids are the reason we are moving up from a Hunter 20 to a Catalina 36. This new boat becomes the vacation home for weekend stays and vacation trips to Maine or the Cape and Islands. It is also the way to teach our children about sailing and the ocean. We even hope at some point to go offshore. Les Murray S/V Limerick
Our kids are the reason we are moving up from a Hunter 20 to a Catalina 36. This new boat becomes the vacation home for weekend stays and vacation trips to Maine or the Cape and Islands. It is also the way to teach our children about sailing and the ocean. We even hope at some point to go offshore. Les Murray S/V Limerick
For Ever, I hope
This past weekend, one of the best of the season, we sailed from Rock Hall to St. Mikes on Saturday and returned to Langford Creek on Sunday. After clearing the Narrows, the sail on Sunday, beating up the Chester River, was one of the best ever. On board were my wife, one of our sons and one of our daughters. They got together during the week convinced each other that they needed a sailing fix, called and made the arrangement. Oh, by the way this son is 26 and the daughter, our baby, happens to be a Junior this year at Westchester U. They, along with the other son and daughter grew up on our family sailboats. Their (and our) best memories are of "that thunderstorm" or "those stars" or "that race" or when Mom or Dad did "that" or "this dumb thing" on the boat. They were never an interuption to the sailing plans they made the sailing plans more enjoyable. We always considered ourselfs, as a family, lucky and I guess a little blessed, that we could own a sailboat and enjoy it together. Sure, there were times when someone didn't want to be there that weekend (sometimes it was even one of the adults.) We always tried to accomidate and most of the times we did. It worked out so great that now our two grandchildern (10 and 3) spend time with us sailing, they love it to. We never pushed any of the kids to learn, we just provided the environment for it. They seemed to pick up on our enjoyment of them and the surroundings. I think that games, movies, books and the like are great, just play or watch or read with them as much as you can. All of them still make time in their busy lives to "go sailing" with us. What more of a reward could a Mom and Dad want than that their kids still like to be around them? Oh, buy the way tacking up the Chester on Sunday we passed "everything" out there and when we were through there where "high fives" all around. We are still a great sailing (or otherwize) team.
This past weekend, one of the best of the season, we sailed from Rock Hall to St. Mikes on Saturday and returned to Langford Creek on Sunday. After clearing the Narrows, the sail on Sunday, beating up the Chester River, was one of the best ever. On board were my wife, one of our sons and one of our daughters. They got together during the week convinced each other that they needed a sailing fix, called and made the arrangement. Oh, by the way this son is 26 and the daughter, our baby, happens to be a Junior this year at Westchester U. They, along with the other son and daughter grew up on our family sailboats. Their (and our) best memories are of "that thunderstorm" or "those stars" or "that race" or when Mom or Dad did "that" or "this dumb thing" on the boat. They were never an interuption to the sailing plans they made the sailing plans more enjoyable. We always considered ourselfs, as a family, lucky and I guess a little blessed, that we could own a sailboat and enjoy it together. Sure, there were times when someone didn't want to be there that weekend (sometimes it was even one of the adults.) We always tried to accomidate and most of the times we did. It worked out so great that now our two grandchildern (10 and 3) spend time with us sailing, they love it to. We never pushed any of the kids to learn, we just provided the environment for it. They seemed to pick up on our enjoyment of them and the surroundings. I think that games, movies, books and the like are great, just play or watch or read with them as much as you can. All of them still make time in their busy lives to "go sailing" with us. What more of a reward could a Mom and Dad want than that their kids still like to be around them? Oh, buy the way tacking up the Chester on Sunday we passed "everything" out there and when we were through there where "high fives" all around. We are still a great sailing (or otherwize) team.
Kids and rules
Kids love boats from what I can tell. My two girls (6 and 9) like our little trips to nearby islands around Miami. It really is "quality time" to do things as a family without TV, phones, computers, household chores, etc. Both are good swimmers. The rules: Life preservers anytime they go out of the cockpit (I feel they are pretty safe in the cockpit of my 35) unless then weather is up, then all the time out of the cabin.
Kids love boats from what I can tell. My two girls (6 and 9) like our little trips to nearby islands around Miami. It really is "quality time" to do things as a family without TV, phones, computers, household chores, etc. Both are good swimmers. The rules: Life preservers anytime they go out of the cockpit (I feel they are pretty safe in the cockpit of my 35) unless then weather is up, then all the time out of the cabin.
16 yr old kid ???
I have a 16 year old boy that loves sailing and comes with me often. Steve, s/v The Odyssey
I have a 16 year old boy that loves sailing and comes with me often. Steve, s/v The Odyssey
Kids aren't a problem . . .
except when their mother is aboard to take control and make us all behave responsibility. . .
except when their mother is aboard to take control and make us all behave responsibility. . .
Children and Water = Fun
I have raised 4 kids around the water. The 2 youngest boys (7 and 5), are our present crew. After about 2 hours their getting tired of sailing, so diversions are part of our day. This includes, fishing, swimming off the boat, heading for the beach, and games and snacks down below. I usually don't head out with family if weather is doubtful. As much as I enjoy their company, I do look forward to an afternoon or overnight by myself. Rare as it is. I have started to take overnights with each of the boys seperately, and am delighted that they look forward to this quality time with Dad. Don
I have raised 4 kids around the water. The 2 youngest boys (7 and 5), are our present crew. After about 2 hours their getting tired of sailing, so diversions are part of our day. This includes, fishing, swimming off the boat, heading for the beach, and games and snacks down below. I usually don't head out with family if weather is doubtful. As much as I enjoy their company, I do look forward to an afternoon or overnight by myself. Rare as it is. I have started to take overnights with each of the boys seperately, and am delighted that they look forward to this quality time with Dad. Don
They don't travel light.
I can't go anywhere without my 4 year old girl and 2 year old boy. They are always the most fun both on board and during the over night trips. It's their mothers packing that's the issue. My H27 has plenty of room, until mom comes with the "Necessities". Keeping them occupied is easy. #1 Teach them what you are doing. #2 Bring along an ac/dc TV (only about $150) for the over nights and bad weather. #3 2 escape sail cha-cha's for the 4 of us to have our own regattas. I just always try to keep in mind that the greatest gift and memories of my parents, were spent on the boat. Even the really bad times are remembered years later as at the least, humorous and unforgettable.
I can't go anywhere without my 4 year old girl and 2 year old boy. They are always the most fun both on board and during the over night trips. It's their mothers packing that's the issue. My H27 has plenty of room, until mom comes with the "Necessities". Keeping them occupied is easy. #1 Teach them what you are doing. #2 Bring along an ac/dc TV (only about $150) for the over nights and bad weather. #3 2 escape sail cha-cha's for the 4 of us to have our own regattas. I just always try to keep in mind that the greatest gift and memories of my parents, were spent on the boat. Even the really bad times are remembered years later as at the least, humorous and unforgettable.
Sharing the Fun
I have two children, a 12 year old boy and a 13 year old girl. They have been sailing since the youngest one was 4. I bought the boat with the goal that we would spend time as a family. I've always tried not to yell, and give them every oppurtunity to learn. Jeni does a great job holding her in the wind and she hoists the main pretty good too. In the last few years, we've had their freinds aboard. There are kids out there who would never been exposed to sailing if we didn't take them with us. I now have a pick up crew of four 13 year old girls who love to sail. The music in't so hot though! They aren't sold on Jimmy Buffett yet. My son has taken ownership of the dingy! Spend a weekend on the water with your son or daughter. Let them try to hold a course, don't yell if they round up and lose the wind. Have fun. They grow up too fast. Mike Pajewski H26 "Loon"
I have two children, a 12 year old boy and a 13 year old girl. They have been sailing since the youngest one was 4. I bought the boat with the goal that we would spend time as a family. I've always tried not to yell, and give them every oppurtunity to learn. Jeni does a great job holding her in the wind and she hoists the main pretty good too. In the last few years, we've had their freinds aboard. There are kids out there who would never been exposed to sailing if we didn't take them with us. I now have a pick up crew of four 13 year old girls who love to sail. The music in't so hot though! They aren't sold on Jimmy Buffett yet. My son has taken ownership of the dingy! Spend a weekend on the water with your son or daughter. Let them try to hold a course, don't yell if they round up and lose the wind. Have fun. They grow up too fast. Mike Pajewski H26 "Loon"
Mike I couldn't agree with you more 
Hi There, you know it's been some time now since I took an old lido 14' sailboat that had been donated to the Sea Scouts at the Fresno Naval Reserve Center and had to completely refurbish it. Then after about 6 months of work mostly from the boys we had a Christening on Millerton Lake just N/E of Fresno and you never saw any more entranced 14-16 yr old boys in your life.(10 in all) Who would have thought that an old Lido 14 could make such an impression and love of sailing. I still hear from many of those boys now men in various walks of life, and 9 of the 10 still sail. Either their own boats or with a friend. Just had to share that Happy Sailing Dave LaPere
Hi There, you know it's been some time now since I took an old lido 14' sailboat that had been donated to the Sea Scouts at the Fresno Naval Reserve Center and had to completely refurbish it. Then after about 6 months of work mostly from the boys we had a Christening on Millerton Lake just N/E of Fresno and you never saw any more entranced 14-16 yr old boys in your life.(10 in all) Who would have thought that an old Lido 14 could make such an impression and love of sailing. I still hear from many of those boys now men in various walks of life, and 9 of the 10 still sail. Either their own boats or with a friend. Just had to share that Happy Sailing
Dave LaPereSome good, some bad, ...
I have no kids of my own, so my experience with taking kids sailing is with respect to OPK's (Other People's Kids). The best was a 15 year old boy who was part of a spina bifida benefit cruise. He was paralyzed from the waist down, but could move around the cockpit by sliding along the seats. He had a great time steering the boat and "racing" other boats in the cruise fleet. The worst was three teenaged girls who were "strongly encourged" by their mother to share the sailing experience. It was the longest two hour daysail I have ever had. They refused to participate and spent the whole time down in the cabin. They just wanted to get back to the dock. They had no interest in sailing and they were pissed off at mom for making them go sailing. So there's the good and the bad, and some inbetween. I will go out of my way to offer kids the opportunity to share the sailing experience, but you can't force them to like it.
I have no kids of my own, so my experience with taking kids sailing is with respect to OPK's (Other People's Kids). The best was a 15 year old boy who was part of a spina bifida benefit cruise. He was paralyzed from the waist down, but could move around the cockpit by sliding along the seats. He had a great time steering the boat and "racing" other boats in the cruise fleet. The worst was three teenaged girls who were "strongly encourged" by their mother to share the sailing experience. It was the longest two hour daysail I have ever had. They refused to participate and spent the whole time down in the cabin. They just wanted to get back to the dock. They had no interest in sailing and they were pissed off at mom for making them go sailing. So there's the good and the bad, and some inbetween. I will go out of my way to offer kids the opportunity to share the sailing experience, but you can't force them to like it.
Teenage girls.
I volunteered to take a bunch of cancer treatment kids sailing. There was a group of teenage girls that wanted nothing to do with sailing, wanted the go-fast boat. When it was not available they decided to go sailing after all even tho it was "boring." When I got out of the lee of the buildings with a bit of wind on the beam, I sheeted in the main and got about a 10* heel -- you shoulda heard the screams....
I volunteered to take a bunch of cancer treatment kids sailing. There was a group of teenage girls that wanted nothing to do with sailing, wanted the go-fast boat. When it was not available they decided to go sailing after all even tho it was "boring." When I got out of the lee of the buildings with a bit of wind on the beam, I sheeted in the main and got about a 10* heel -- you shoulda heard the screams....
safety netting
Safety netting around the lifelines offers good peace of mind. I wouldnt trust it completely, but it makes a huge difference for me. Mine are 5-6 and 7
Safety netting around the lifelines offers good peace of mind. I wouldnt trust it completely, but it makes a huge difference for me. Mine are 5-6 and 7
Baby on board
We have sailed this summer with a new baby, 8 mos in June and now 1 year old. She loves sailing. Her 'spot' is in a car seat under the spray hood. We secured the car seat by lashing it to the grab rails on either side of the companionway on the 37.5. The lashing was held in place on the grabrails using fairleads, the type that are made to bolt on to stanchions. The seat itself sat on the companionway plexiglass, which we pulled half closed. It's a very secure setup, and we could still easily go up and down the companionway. Also easy to remove after a trip. Meanwhile baby was out of the sun, out of the wind, and out of the way, but could still see everything that was going on around her. Loved it. Her 'crib' is in the forward Vberth. My wife sewed a a screen that fit across the vberth which we secured to the side of the boat, to make the 'crib'. Her 'high chair' was a fold up plastic booster seat made by Safety 1st, which sits on the starboard side setee, tied onto the chain plate post. She always wears an auto-inflatable lifejacket/harness when on deck- now that she's crawling/walking, we can clip her in to a harness point in the cockpit so she can move around, though she can't go far. I searched and searched, and never found any information on babies on boats, so I am writing this to encourage you all ! All went well this summer, but now we have no2 on the way, so sadly we have put the boat up for sale- we think 2 toddlers will be a bit too difficult (dangerous) to handle at sea. And now that no1 is walking, she won't want to be strapped in to a car seat. See you in 3 or 4 years! (it hasn't sold yet, so try and talk me out of it if you have succeeded with 2 at this age on board!)
We have sailed this summer with a new baby, 8 mos in June and now 1 year old. She loves sailing. Her 'spot' is in a car seat under the spray hood. We secured the car seat by lashing it to the grab rails on either side of the companionway on the 37.5. The lashing was held in place on the grabrails using fairleads, the type that are made to bolt on to stanchions. The seat itself sat on the companionway plexiglass, which we pulled half closed. It's a very secure setup, and we could still easily go up and down the companionway. Also easy to remove after a trip. Meanwhile baby was out of the sun, out of the wind, and out of the way, but could still see everything that was going on around her. Loved it. Her 'crib' is in the forward Vberth. My wife sewed a a screen that fit across the vberth which we secured to the side of the boat, to make the 'crib'. Her 'high chair' was a fold up plastic booster seat made by Safety 1st, which sits on the starboard side setee, tied onto the chain plate post. She always wears an auto-inflatable lifejacket/harness when on deck- now that she's crawling/walking, we can clip her in to a harness point in the cockpit so she can move around, though she can't go far. I searched and searched, and never found any information on babies on boats, so I am writing this to encourage you all ! All went well this summer, but now we have no2 on the way, so sadly we have put the boat up for sale- we think 2 toddlers will be a bit too difficult (dangerous) to handle at sea. And now that no1 is walking, she won't want to be strapped in to a car seat. See you in 3 or 4 years! (it hasn't sold yet, so try and talk me out of it if you have succeeded with 2 at this age on board!)
MANY kids!
Growing up in Missouri, we didn't know about sailboats. I was in my 40's before I even knew that people like me could own one. There were a lot of other things we didn't know about, and I try to at least expose kids I meet to other choices they have. When Zackary was finishing the 5th grade we were close to going cruising. Rainbow Chaser was still on Lake Travis, Texas, so we arranged to have his class have their class picnic at our marina. Then we took two cruises, taking half the class each time, along with a parent and the teacher. This amounted to about 14 kids per trip, plus the adults. There were a couple kids in the class who hadn't been allowed by their parents to go on any field trips the entire year - but on this one, we had 100% participation! How could a parent refuse to let their kid go sailing with the class?! That would border on child abuse. On this trip, you might think that it would be a problem with kids cutting up, getting roudy and not minding. It was exactly the opposite. Every kid did just what he was asked, sat still, and behaved quite will. 3 years later they still talk about it when I see them.
Growing up in Missouri, we didn't know about sailboats. I was in my 40's before I even knew that people like me could own one. There were a lot of other things we didn't know about, and I try to at least expose kids I meet to other choices they have. When Zackary was finishing the 5th grade we were close to going cruising. Rainbow Chaser was still on Lake Travis, Texas, so we arranged to have his class have their class picnic at our marina. Then we took two cruises, taking half the class each time, along with a parent and the teacher. This amounted to about 14 kids per trip, plus the adults. There were a couple kids in the class who hadn't been allowed by their parents to go on any field trips the entire year - but on this one, we had 100% participation! How could a parent refuse to let their kid go sailing with the class?! That would border on child abuse. On this trip, you might think that it would be a problem with kids cutting up, getting roudy and not minding. It was exactly the opposite. Every kid did just what he was asked, sat still, and behaved quite will. 3 years later they still talk about it when I see them.
Warm water fun
With the warm water sailing that we do, the kids list of activities are: Being pulled behind the boat with a fender attached to 25 feet of line, swimming back to the boat and jumping off the bow, then catching the fender again. Keeps them going for hours. Makes for a wet boat and slow headway, but what the heck. While we’re cruising – reading is tops on their list. Now that they are 14 and 17 – not sure that they will join us next summer for the cruise. There choice, our sadness. They help out in the cockpit, on deck and at docking. But when things get kinda rough, they head for the cabin. They enjoy docking better than anchoring out. They enjoy putzing around in the Zodiac checking the crab traps. It’s a great experience having the kids on-board. A chance to leave the TV and video games at home.
With the warm water sailing that we do, the kids list of activities are: Being pulled behind the boat with a fender attached to 25 feet of line, swimming back to the boat and jumping off the bow, then catching the fender again. Keeps them going for hours. Makes for a wet boat and slow headway, but what the heck. While we’re cruising – reading is tops on their list. Now that they are 14 and 17 – not sure that they will join us next summer for the cruise. There choice, our sadness. They help out in the cockpit, on deck and at docking. But when things get kinda rough, they head for the cabin. They enjoy docking better than anchoring out. They enjoy putzing around in the Zodiac checking the crab traps. It’s a great experience having the kids on-board. A chance to leave the TV and video games at home.
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