Children in marinas - What is the etiquette, so to speak?

[Captain Haddock]

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They came back two hours later saying that a lady bystander had shrieked, "Where are the adults! There are only children in that boat!"

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This person is obviously someone who has never had kids (sensible ones anyway /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif), been on boats or lived a little out of the box.

Mine are sensible enough when left in the tender, they know not to mess about and they know to give way should they need to.

I keep the ouboard away from them as I think skills with the oars are essential and you can have more fun anyway rather than mindlessly buzzing in circles and annoying those of us that relish the sounds of the boat/marina/silence dozing in the sun.

I see a lot of kids in marinas pootling about and I think's it's the best thing for 'em!

 

[jim99]

When I see kids alone in boats, I admit I get nervous. Forget that I was operating powerboats alone when I was under 10 (didn't take up sailing until I was 12). The difference now is that I can't help but imagine all the terrible things that might happen.

 

[Kilter]

Quite agree with sending the kids off to practice their skills, gain confidence and adventure a little; especially given the kit and briefing you describe.

Taught my 11 year old the 3 Rs ... Respect for yourself, Respect for others, Respect for the sea! If all behaved that way we wouldn't have the interminable moans about mobos, raggies, pwcs, etc, etc, etc!

 

[kcrane]

Our 16 year old did his Day Skipper this year on a Sealine T51. During the holiday he did all berthing manoeuvers. To their credit, the owners of the boats we went alongside simply helped with lines and smiled. I reckon most kids who have been around boats know when to be serious and when they can relax.

 

[ShipsWoofy]

I was putting big boats alongside from around 14 upward.

I agree about fun and serious, I got massive pride when I did it right, especially when old sea dogs would comment to either me or the owners about how well I managed to control the boat etc.

Put your kids on the helm.......!

 

[Phoenix of Hamble]

We are in the Wet Dock, and if your kids ever come our way, tell them, they'll get nothing but a friendly wave, and encouragment.......

And also tell 'em not to bump into our kids, cuz they'll probably be out there too.....

Tell the bah humbugs where to poke their attitude, and let the kids get on with being kids....

All supported of course with lifejackets, and as someone said earlier... a good stern safety briefing.... as well as a little discrete observation.....

 

[FinesseChris]

The 'lady' was presumably an Elf an Sayftee professional trying to boost her sphere of influence and thus job opportunities. Ignore them. Eventually they will seem as silly as the Victorian killjoys whose ethos they inherit.

My 14-year-old has taken her time, but being on and off boats (Oppies, Toppers, our old daysailer, now our Finesse) since she was six she has slowly built her OWN confidence, and this is what matters.

Some kids take to being stuck in a boat and left to get on with, some don't. Characters differ. Give them the chance, don't force it, one day they will come right. Then you'll find them hard to prise off the helm, as mine is, and steering up Bembridge harbour channel against the ebb while being crowded by RIBs and mobos. It's about 25ft wide. 'Do you want me to take over?" I asked.

"No, I'm enjoying it!"

Then she takes us, long keel, bowsprit an' all, alongside without any fuss.

She's made herself into a sailor, all we do is provide the opportunity.

Chris