F
francine
Dave,My husband and I sail quite frequently and we have two small girls (ages 3 & 6). We really enjoy sailing as a family and spend overnights at anchor. Both girls love sailing and even the oldest has been at the helm to take the boat across the slot (with one of us near by). I am always worried about safety and would like to hear your opinions. We have a rule that they must be in life jackets when not below. We also routinely tether them when the bay weather is heavy. Both girls now swim (the older better than the younger). We have netting around the entire boat.My questions and things that I have been thinking of doing:1. I was going to teach them how to do a mayday so they know what is important to get across. What do you think?2. I hate the fact that the mustang children PFD's do not have a harness built in. I have asked Mustang if they could add this feature but they have not replied (three weeks waiting). Do you think I might be able to get a retrofit added that might work? It is a hassle to get them in/out of them since it is not that comfortable to wear both harness and lifejacket. 3. I am concerned with our water tempartures in the bay that their chance of survival is not long (15-30 minutes before they get hypothermic, I assume?) that is why I really stress keeping them safe without trying to scare them. Like any children they like to explore and I hate to stop them. I was thinking of ways to try to increase their chance if ever they made in the water (besides getting really good at man over board drills). Is there any in water techniques I can teach them? Can you help with any ideas? thank you so much for your thoughts,regards,Francine(currently on a Cal30 but hoping for a Cal36!)