Over the years I've tried to teach my son what I know about sailing and boat handling in general. He has seemed to pay polite attention but was never really gung-ho. I've often thought he'd probably be happier with a jet ski. As we moved up to a H23 this summer with a very capable Honda 4 stoke outboard, his interest seemed to grow. He has taken his friends out on Lake Erie many times this summer, but mostly they just motor out, drop anchor and swim, bring the boat back to the dock and try to avoid my comments about debris left onboard and sloppy docking lines. When I came home yesterday, I saw an enormous beach ball in our living room and got the following story..... As Jr. and his buddies set out, he estimated that the 2-4' waves and 15 mph gusts were probably not ideal swimming conditions, but could make for a great sail. He reefed down the main before getting into open water, raised the jib and set out. They soon spied the large beach ball several hundred yards away (this thing is at least 4.5' diameter) and set out after it close hauled. When they got near, he cleated the jib sheets on both sides, came up pretty much bow to the wind and did a series of mini-tacks and jibes while keeping the main mostly luffing (as best as I could tell from his description). Eventually, one of his buddies was able to lean over and grab the very slippery ball. When I asked him how he was able to maneuver with sails set as he described, he said "Dad, with this boat, it's so responsive it basically just heads off wherever you point it." Guys, this certainly wasn't a classic figure 8 man overboard drill and Don, I'm sure he violated a bunch of sail trim principals, but he identified a problem and extrapolated from what he knew to get a solution. Later that night one of his buddies came up and said, "Mr. Misko, I had never gone sailing before and just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed it and loved your boat." These are the moments that make it all worthwhile. Jr. and his crew are all heading off to college in a few weeks. It's going to leave a big hole for me and the Admiral to fill. Mike Misko S/V Orion
- Status
Great Story
Mike - great story....when I take my boy out for a sail he usually decides to take a nap! Then again, he is only 4 months olds! I am looking forward to the day when he can take his buddies out for a sail! Rob
Mike - great story....when I take my boy out for a sail he usually decides to take a nap! Then again, he is only 4 months olds! I am looking forward to the day when he can take his buddies out for a sail! Rob
Leadership skills
Years from now your son will appreciate the metaphor of sailing for many skills, not the least of which is leadership. My two daughters are now 28 and 30 and look back on sailing with fond memories of fun, but my memories are along your lines of what they learned on the journey. Bless your heart... and theirs.
Years from now your son will appreciate the metaphor of sailing for many skills, not the least of which is leadership. My two daughters are now 28 and 30 and look back on sailing with fond memories of fun, but my memories are along your lines of what they learned on the journey. Bless your heart... and theirs.
funny
From everybody that I talk to, teens don't seem that interested in sailing...until they start to get about 18-20+ at best. I think the thing that will get them most interested in it is the thought that they can take their buddies out and party and spend the night...so more of a cabin the better. Although...if you really want to get your kid into it, either don't have an expensive boat or don't make it seem like it's your favorite toy. Your kid may be intimidated by it and too afraid to mess it up. After all, a sailboat is intimidating enough as it is. Of course, the more experience they get handling it when your with them, the more comfortable they will feel about it. I'm just the odd ball. I don't remember how I got interested in sailing, but bought my first boat, a 21' swing keel when I was 16 with my savings. I didn't know anybody who sailed so it was a thing out of the blue.
From everybody that I talk to, teens don't seem that interested in sailing...until they start to get about 18-20+ at best. I think the thing that will get them most interested in it is the thought that they can take their buddies out and party and spend the night...so more of a cabin the better. Although...if you really want to get your kid into it, either don't have an expensive boat or don't make it seem like it's your favorite toy. Your kid may be intimidated by it and too afraid to mess it up. After all, a sailboat is intimidating enough as it is. Of course, the more experience they get handling it when your with them, the more comfortable they will feel about it. I'm just the odd ball. I don't remember how I got interested in sailing, but bought my first boat, a 21' swing keel when I was 16 with my savings. I didn't know anybody who sailed so it was a thing out of the blue.
In time, I hope
I have a 12 year old son that has not been interested in sailing until we got our new boat. He doesn't like the sailing as much as he likes being with us on the boat, fishing and messing around the docks. He is, however, pretty good with handling the boat. He's better at remembering what lines are what and says he likes working the lines. I hope the experience helps him gain a stronger interest in sailing as I think it's a wonderful way to enjoy the water and the outdoors.
I have a 12 year old son that has not been interested in sailing until we got our new boat. He doesn't like the sailing as much as he likes being with us on the boat, fishing and messing around the docks. He is, however, pretty good with handling the boat. He's better at remembering what lines are what and says he likes working the lines. I hope the experience helps him gain a stronger interest in sailing as I think it's a wonderful way to enjoy the water and the outdoors.
Proud Mom, Too
We bought a Hunter 30 last Sunday. We took it out for our first sail that afternoon. Once we got away from the crowd and got the sails up, I put my 13 year old daughter at the helm. She has grown up on boats, but this was her first time sailing. She instinctively knew what to do - grasped the concept of heading up and falling off quickly - generally handled the boat like a pro! And I overheard her tell a friend afterwards that our new boat is AWESOME. I hope this means our sailing future together is bright. I agree - many good lessons to be learned on the boat. And if your kids are sailing (or fishing or whatever) with you, you know where they are and what they're into.
We bought a Hunter 30 last Sunday. We took it out for our first sail that afternoon. Once we got away from the crowd and got the sails up, I put my 13 year old daughter at the helm. She has grown up on boats, but this was her first time sailing. She instinctively knew what to do - grasped the concept of heading up and falling off quickly - generally handled the boat like a pro! And I overheard her tell a friend afterwards that our new boat is AWESOME. I hope this means our sailing future together is bright. I agree - many good lessons to be learned on the boat. And if your kids are sailing (or fishing or whatever) with you, you know where they are and what they're into.
Great mental exercise
One of the best aspects of sailing is that,if the wind is blowing, it involves lots of problem solving of various degrees of immediacy and importance. As a retired teacher, I'm convinced that kids who accept and seek these sorts of challenges display a confidence in their ability to figure things out that is invaluable in many other environments, including school. If you are fortunate enough to have a child who shares your love for sailing and occasionally wants to push the envelope a little, you will be envied by many of us. Feed that hunger! (But safety first, of course)
One of the best aspects of sailing is that,if the wind is blowing, it involves lots of problem solving of various degrees of immediacy and importance. As a retired teacher, I'm convinced that kids who accept and seek these sorts of challenges display a confidence in their ability to figure things out that is invaluable in many other environments, including school. If you are fortunate enough to have a child who shares your love for sailing and occasionally wants to push the envelope a little, you will be envied by many of us. Feed that hunger! (But safety first, of course)
- Status