Have been sailing with our twins from 3 months old, they are now two. Interested to hear other experiences sailing with young children. At what age did it get better? additional safty issues and general comments. The wife used to love sailing 2-3 weekends on the boat each month, now reduced to once about every two months with the kids. its about all she can take. Still single handing when I can to get some additional sailing time. But still not as much as I'd like. Even considered selling the boat and up sizing later, but probibly would not want to make the commitment down the road, so have decided that any sailing is better than none at all. Any advise?
Sailing with young children
- Thread starter Ken - Kerr Lake NC
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Sailing w/ infants
Hi Ken, I found a great discussion right up your alley. Check it out @ http://www.boatsit.com/discus/messages/403/5204.html?1069354109
Hi Ken, I found a great discussion right up your alley. Check it out @ http://www.boatsit.com/discus/messages/403/5204.html?1069354109
Great topic, Ken
Ken, My daughter is nine - we got the boat (an H-26) last year (late in the year) and the little one is still getting used to everything. Funny thing is - the Admiral has sailed a LOT -- her Dad always had boats... but still, they both get a little unsure when the wind gets a tad rough (e.g. 15 knots) My wife had a terrible experience when she was young and hates to 'wash the windows' as it's often referred to... I suspect in some ways she's sent that fear downward, or at least is a LOT more sensitive to it. Makes it tough to sail most weekends around here. On the good side, everyone likes to over-night on the boat - heck, some weekends our boat is nothing more than a waterfront cabin with 52 feet of lake shore (26' down each side!
) Do I want to sail mroe? Sure -- but I don't have the skills that you have to single hand yet... and while the family might follow, I know full well that I'd be the only one having fun (assuming I didn't look at the crew... ) In the end, I'm sure I've not helped you, but all I can say is find that 'fine line' and work with it -- not 'deal with it' because that sounds so negative. I'd love it if my family was so gung-ho I had to catch up, but the reality is, at best, I can't plan on an outing if the winds are going to even threaten 15 knots right now. On the other hand, I still have a boat which I love to be on (even when it's on the hard), I will learn to single hand and in the interim, the outings we DO have as a family are a fun for everyone. Such is the life of a nut, eh? Dave Crowley s/v Wind Dreamer
Ken, My daughter is nine - we got the boat (an H-26) last year (late in the year) and the little one is still getting used to everything. Funny thing is - the Admiral has sailed a LOT -- her Dad always had boats... but still, they both get a little unsure when the wind gets a tad rough (e.g. 15 knots) My wife had a terrible experience when she was young and hates to 'wash the windows' as it's often referred to... I suspect in some ways she's sent that fear downward, or at least is a LOT more sensitive to it. Makes it tough to sail most weekends around here. On the good side, everyone likes to over-night on the boat - heck, some weekends our boat is nothing more than a waterfront cabin with 52 feet of lake shore (26' down each side!
) Do I want to sail mroe? Sure -- but I don't have the skills that you have to single hand yet... and while the family might follow, I know full well that I'd be the only one having fun (assuming I didn't look at the crew... ) In the end, I'm sure I've not helped you, but all I can say is find that 'fine line' and work with it -- not 'deal with it' because that sounds so negative. I'd love it if my family was so gung-ho I had to catch up, but the reality is, at best, I can't plan on an outing if the winds are going to even threaten 15 knots right now. On the other hand, I still have a boat which I love to be on (even when it's on the hard), I will learn to single hand and in the interim, the outings we DO have as a family are a fun for everyone. Such is the life of a nut, eh? Dave Crowley s/v Wind DreamerIt's all about the kids!
Ken, it does get better, but it takes time. We have 3 kids, includes twins age 3 and 1 age 6. To continue our sailing adventures, we moved up from a 26 to a 39. We had been talking about making the move up for quite some time, the twins were the best excuse we were goig to get so we did it-no regrets. Now back to the kids..Wind is not much an issue since the average speeds are 15-20knts. The trick is to limit the distance/time to your destination. Also, make shure that the destination has plennty of things for the kids to do. ie. my kids just love Oak Bluffs on Martha's Vineyard. Nice beach for them to go to, and when they get tired of the beach, there's the nations oldes carusel just a 5 min zodiac ride away. Although this is the farthest of our destinations, the kids always say it's woth the trip, are are not too eager to go home. Also, games and toys aboard help the time pass by, when they get older, a Kayak or 2 is a nice ornament to the bow of any boat..Good Luck.. Also at time to save time of getting to a good spot, I have picked up the wife and kids from other harbours closer to our destination, cutting down on boat travel time with kids. Their attention span for a trip maxes out at about 2&1/2 to 3hrs. This does limit the cruising area, but each year that can inrease a bit, before you know it, your young crew will be of age, and you'll be doing the Wed nigh races....
Ken, it does get better, but it takes time. We have 3 kids, includes twins age 3 and 1 age 6. To continue our sailing adventures, we moved up from a 26 to a 39. We had been talking about making the move up for quite some time, the twins were the best excuse we were goig to get so we did it-no regrets. Now back to the kids..Wind is not much an issue since the average speeds are 15-20knts. The trick is to limit the distance/time to your destination. Also, make shure that the destination has plennty of things for the kids to do. ie. my kids just love Oak Bluffs on Martha's Vineyard. Nice beach for them to go to, and when they get tired of the beach, there's the nations oldes carusel just a 5 min zodiac ride away. Although this is the farthest of our destinations, the kids always say it's woth the trip, are are not too eager to go home. Also, games and toys aboard help the time pass by, when they get older, a Kayak or 2 is a nice ornament to the bow of any boat..Good Luck.. Also at time to save time of getting to a good spot, I have picked up the wife and kids from other harbours closer to our destination, cutting down on boat travel time with kids. Their attention span for a trip maxes out at about 2&1/2 to 3hrs. This does limit the cruising area, but each year that can inrease a bit, before you know it, your young crew will be of age, and you'll be doing the Wed nigh races....
Kids
Our boys were 2 & 5 when we purchased our C25. I traveled a lot then so this became the time for all of us to be together, away from TV and friends. The kids loved their lego's and hot wheels, and we had ample supplies of both. The table down below was their kingdom, and as we heeled, the cars moved on there own, pure magic. They were up and down like yo-yo's and when in the cockpit we often encouraged them to take the helm, to this day they are pretty good at the wheel (now 21 and 24 years old). We were on an inland lake so it was easy to sail for a couple of hours then anchor and swim. Breaking up the activities keeps them interested. All kids are different, learn their limits and keep it fun and they will be sailors for life, mine are. John J.
Our boys were 2 & 5 when we purchased our C25. I traveled a lot then so this became the time for all of us to be together, away from TV and friends. The kids loved their lego's and hot wheels, and we had ample supplies of both. The table down below was their kingdom, and as we heeled, the cars moved on there own, pure magic. They were up and down like yo-yo's and when in the cockpit we often encouraged them to take the helm, to this day they are pretty good at the wheel (now 21 and 24 years old). We were on an inland lake so it was easy to sail for a couple of hours then anchor and swim. Breaking up the activities keeps them interested. All kids are different, learn their limits and keep it fun and they will be sailors for life, mine are. John J.
sail with them while they are young!
We started with an H31 and moved up to an H40. Our kids are now 12 and 15... 12 yr old still loves sailing with us... 15 yr old is waaay too cool for us, but we are hoping he will come back to it! Enjoy it, it is awesome when they take the helm for the first time and you can hang back and enjoy!
We started with an H31 and moved up to an H40. Our kids are now 12 and 15... 12 yr old still loves sailing with us... 15 yr old is waaay too cool for us, but we are hoping he will come back to it! Enjoy it, it is awesome when they take the helm for the first time and you can hang back and enjoy!
Keep them occupied!
My husband and I sail with our two kids that are 10 and 2. As you can imagine the 2 year old is a handful. We have found that she can occupy herself for hours in the cabin at the table or in the v-berth with the proper supplies.....crayons, paper, play doh, dolls, books, etc. We have a box full of activities that stays on the boat. We have also utilized a portable DVD player for longer trips...we initially hated the idea of having it on the boat because it was our "no tv" zone, but it really makes our lives easier when she is occupied. This is especially handy when we are docking and/or doing something that requires her to stay below for safety purposes. We have found that on average she is good for up to 4 hours when she can split her time between the cockpit and the cabin with plenty of food and activities. Don't give up, sailing is a wonderful family activity...I did it as a child and know love sailing with my family!
My husband and I sail with our two kids that are 10 and 2. As you can imagine the 2 year old is a handful. We have found that she can occupy herself for hours in the cabin at the table or in the v-berth with the proper supplies.....crayons, paper, play doh, dolls, books, etc. We have a box full of activities that stays on the boat. We have also utilized a portable DVD player for longer trips...we initially hated the idea of having it on the boat because it was our "no tv" zone, but it really makes our lives easier when she is occupied. This is especially handy when we are docking and/or doing something that requires her to stay below for safety purposes. We have found that on average she is good for up to 4 hours when she can split her time between the cockpit and the cabin with plenty of food and activities. Don't give up, sailing is a wonderful family activity...I did it as a child and know love sailing with my family!
Hey Ken
What do you do with your sons in your 260 while underway? Our daughter is 7 months old now. She does well on the boat, but usually Donna ends up holding her while we sail. As a result, I have been doing alot of singlehanding lately. Donna loves the boat too so we are trying to find ways to keep Morgan in the cabin so we both can sit in the cockpit.
What do you do with your sons in your 260 while underway? Our daughter is 7 months old now. She does well on the boat, but usually Donna ends up holding her while we sail. As a result, I have been doing alot of singlehanding lately. Donna loves the boat too so we are trying to find ways to keep Morgan in the cabin so we both can sit in the cockpit.
An infant/child's car seat works
Hi, When we started out sailing with our children (at ages of less than 1, 4 and 8) I rigged an infant car seat on the cockpit seat for the youngest (later changed to a childs car seat). This was secure and was the same as he had in the car so was accepted. When underway the whole family wore lifejackets when above decks (adults need to set the example). When anchored or at dock you wore a life jacket until you could swim around the boat. We always kept the swim ladder down at anchor or on the dock. The kids learned to swim quickly. As others mentioned we kept the days generally short. For long sails 70 miles or so, we would sail overnight which ment the children spent most of the time sleeping. When sailing during daylight hours particularly if it was rough we would have them in the cockpit with us and play '20 questions' and 'I spy with my little eye' - both need no playing materials except the mind and kept their mind off the rough weather and/or the boredom. Otherwise they had selected games and toys. I shouldn't leave you with the idea that all was bliss - there were occasional squables but by and large they were seeing new things and having new experiences so that they looked forward to the trips. We tended to build special child oriented stuff into the trips - anchorages with sand beaches (Lake Huron/Georgian Bay) or hiking or even amusement parks (Ontario Place in Toronto, Cedar Point in Lake Erie etc.) so they had stuff to look forward to. We did well over 3000 nautical mileson the Great Lakes with the kids and enjoyed it. The real problem comes when they get to be 15 or 16 and (temporarily) don't want to associate with the family on a cruise. They were all there this summer though to help us take the new boat from Toronto up through the Welland ship canal as we brought it up through the Lakes from Toronto to get home to Lake Huron - they are 25, 28 and 32 now and were keen to be on the new boat. Malcolm Young S/V Shimarak II
Hi, When we started out sailing with our children (at ages of less than 1, 4 and 8) I rigged an infant car seat on the cockpit seat for the youngest (later changed to a childs car seat). This was secure and was the same as he had in the car so was accepted. When underway the whole family wore lifejackets when above decks (adults need to set the example). When anchored or at dock you wore a life jacket until you could swim around the boat. We always kept the swim ladder down at anchor or on the dock. The kids learned to swim quickly. As others mentioned we kept the days generally short. For long sails 70 miles or so, we would sail overnight which ment the children spent most of the time sleeping. When sailing during daylight hours particularly if it was rough we would have them in the cockpit with us and play '20 questions' and 'I spy with my little eye' - both need no playing materials except the mind and kept their mind off the rough weather and/or the boredom. Otherwise they had selected games and toys. I shouldn't leave you with the idea that all was bliss - there were occasional squables but by and large they were seeing new things and having new experiences so that they looked forward to the trips. We tended to build special child oriented stuff into the trips - anchorages with sand beaches (Lake Huron/Georgian Bay) or hiking or even amusement parks (Ontario Place in Toronto, Cedar Point in Lake Erie etc.) so they had stuff to look forward to. We did well over 3000 nautical mileson the Great Lakes with the kids and enjoyed it. The real problem comes when they get to be 15 or 16 and (temporarily) don't want to associate with the family on a cruise. They were all there this summer though to help us take the new boat from Toronto up through the Welland ship canal as we brought it up through the Lakes from Toronto to get home to Lake Huron - they are 25, 28 and 32 now and were keen to be on the new boat. Malcolm Young S/V Shimarak II
Ashley, bungie cords?
At seven months we did several things. When in the cabin we used the car seats with out the bases and bungie corded them to secure. usually right on top of the table corded to the mast post support. I always keep our table turned to the v berth for the extra cabin room. For naps we laid them in the rear berth,can't fall out-already on the floor, regular position and used rolled up blankets and pillows to keep them from rolling around. While on deck, having to wear their life jackets, they could not fit in the car seats. only option was to hold. With two we always needed extra crew to go out. When they were able to sit up and just hang out in the cabin we laid a blanket on the floor, removed the seat cushions from the seats and used them for bumpers on the seat face both sides. they would always fall over and this prevented alot of bumps ect... At two they are still working on their sea legs, the life jackets work great as bumper guards, and usually keep them from hitting hard. I feel that if we are to restricive or over protective they will feel confined , unable to explore and not enjoy the experience, so we let them move around within a reasonable area. I have not added webbing or additional life lines, I feel it may give us a false sense of comfort. We do have and review our MOB plan incase we get distracted. We have had plenty of practice as our dog has on several ocaisions decided to take an unanounced swim. It is getting better every time we go out. They do grow up quick.
At seven months we did several things. When in the cabin we used the car seats with out the bases and bungie corded them to secure. usually right on top of the table corded to the mast post support. I always keep our table turned to the v berth for the extra cabin room. For naps we laid them in the rear berth,can't fall out-already on the floor, regular position and used rolled up blankets and pillows to keep them from rolling around. While on deck, having to wear their life jackets, they could not fit in the car seats. only option was to hold. With two we always needed extra crew to go out. When they were able to sit up and just hang out in the cabin we laid a blanket on the floor, removed the seat cushions from the seats and used them for bumpers on the seat face both sides. they would always fall over and this prevented alot of bumps ect... At two they are still working on their sea legs, the life jackets work great as bumper guards, and usually keep them from hitting hard. I feel that if we are to restricive or over protective they will feel confined , unable to explore and not enjoy the experience, so we let them move around within a reasonable area. I have not added webbing or additional life lines, I feel it may give us a false sense of comfort. We do have and review our MOB plan incase we get distracted. We have had plenty of practice as our dog has on several ocaisions decided to take an unanounced swim. It is getting better every time we go out. They do grow up quick.
A couple more suggestions
Further to our earlier response. One more thing we did was make up a canvas lee cloth for the salon seat. This is a cloth that is fastened to the seat under the cushions and was tied to a grab rail which fortunately was directly above the salon seat. As a result the bed was completely enclosed and safe. It was also useful for adults sleeping when underway. We did use netting around the boat. We already had double lifelines. We had a removable section across in front of the bow pulpit as well. While I agree that it could give a false sense of security as the two year old would start to climb over when in port or at anchor - but it did give us a bit of time to react as it was not particulary easy to climb. You simply cannot always hold on to them - they hate it and it is hard on you. Underway when outside the cabin the youngest was always in the car seat and, in port/at anchor, able to move about under surveillance with restrictions (eg cockpit only) based on age and ability. One advantage we had is that the older kids provided backup with the youngest - watching and entertaining. Unfortunately you have to wait for this advantage.
Further to our earlier response. One more thing we did was make up a canvas lee cloth for the salon seat. This is a cloth that is fastened to the seat under the cushions and was tied to a grab rail which fortunately was directly above the salon seat. As a result the bed was completely enclosed and safe. It was also useful for adults sleeping when underway. We did use netting around the boat. We already had double lifelines. We had a removable section across in front of the bow pulpit as well. While I agree that it could give a false sense of security as the two year old would start to climb over when in port or at anchor - but it did give us a bit of time to react as it was not particulary easy to climb. You simply cannot always hold on to them - they hate it and it is hard on you. Underway when outside the cabin the youngest was always in the car seat and, in port/at anchor, able to move about under surveillance with restrictions (eg cockpit only) based on age and ability. One advantage we had is that the older kids provided backup with the youngest - watching and entertaining. Unfortunately you have to wait for this advantage.
Lived Aboard with Child
We lived aboard our Coronado 35 many years ago with our then three year old son. Without question we placed safety netting about the lifeline system that not only kept him in, but his toys as well. As a rule he always had on a safety harness (he got very used to it) when on deck and was always tethered during sailing and untethered under power. The reason being is that under sail we felt it unlikely an emergency would happen whereas he would be thrown off the vessel under power due to a fire or explosion that could sink the boat and him attached!! He was "drown proofed" at the age of two thru pool lessons which gave us some comfort of mind if he slipped off the vessel, but we were extremely attentive anyways. As hard as we tried to constantly maintain a life preserver on him it was extremely uncomfortable for long term wear as you could imagine. The safety netting was the great barrier fence. Children acclimate to sailing and the motions much better then adults and in the two plus years we lived aboard, I was always fascinated by his pleasure and curiousity of it all. One incredible event stands out of all the wonderful memories. He was on the foredeck one day while we were under sail between Fort Meyers and Sannibel. He was holding the upper lifeline and looking out over the water and the world around him. Three dolphins came along his side the boat of which one was a juvenille. ONe of the adults kept nudging the infant up to see my son and as if to say to her infant, look at the human child. The infant dolphin and its two parents or guardians stayed along side for what seemed like an eternity maintianing a rythm with our boat. My son and the infant made plenty of eye contact while the journey continued. I would love to think a special communication occured, but nonetheless it was a spectacular experience for him and we talked about it for weeks. YES, take your child sailing and expose them to the water world around them. You will never regret it. Regards Bob Atlanta C-30
We lived aboard our Coronado 35 many years ago with our then three year old son. Without question we placed safety netting about the lifeline system that not only kept him in, but his toys as well. As a rule he always had on a safety harness (he got very used to it) when on deck and was always tethered during sailing and untethered under power. The reason being is that under sail we felt it unlikely an emergency would happen whereas he would be thrown off the vessel under power due to a fire or explosion that could sink the boat and him attached!! He was "drown proofed" at the age of two thru pool lessons which gave us some comfort of mind if he slipped off the vessel, but we were extremely attentive anyways. As hard as we tried to constantly maintain a life preserver on him it was extremely uncomfortable for long term wear as you could imagine. The safety netting was the great barrier fence. Children acclimate to sailing and the motions much better then adults and in the two plus years we lived aboard, I was always fascinated by his pleasure and curiousity of it all. One incredible event stands out of all the wonderful memories. He was on the foredeck one day while we were under sail between Fort Meyers and Sannibel. He was holding the upper lifeline and looking out over the water and the world around him. Three dolphins came along his side the boat of which one was a juvenille. ONe of the adults kept nudging the infant up to see my son and as if to say to her infant, look at the human child. The infant dolphin and its two parents or guardians stayed along side for what seemed like an eternity maintianing a rythm with our boat. My son and the infant made plenty of eye contact while the journey continued. I would love to think a special communication occured, but nonetheless it was a spectacular experience for him and we talked about it for weeks. YES, take your child sailing and expose them to the water world around them. You will never regret it. Regards Bob Atlanta C-30
Thanks for all the tips
We had a great weekend on the boat. Strapped the carseat to the table while underway and she loved it. She can see us through the companionway and just played and slept while we drifted around the lake (no wind). That really made all the difference in the world. Put the pack-n-play mat on the floor in the cabin with some blankets and toys so she could play while we were in the slip. She is really getting used to the pfd. I won't let her in the cockpit without it if we are underway. I am looking into a lee cloth for the v-berth to keep her from rolling out, she seems to like sleeping up there best and we can see her from the cockpit.
We had a great weekend on the boat. Strapped the carseat to the table while underway and she loved it. She can see us through the companionway and just played and slept while we drifted around the lake (no wind). That really made all the difference in the world. Put the pack-n-play mat on the floor in the cabin with some blankets and toys so she could play while we were in the slip. She is really getting used to the pfd. I won't let her in the cockpit without it if we are underway. I am looking into a lee cloth for the v-berth to keep her from rolling out, she seems to like sleeping up there best and we can see her from the cockpit.
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