New Sailor

Achillesheel

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Joined
31 Dec 2004
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1,349
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Boat; Falmouth, Home: Gloucestershire
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I am taking my granddaughter (age 5) for her first sail tomorrow, with her Mum & Dad of course.

F3-4 forecast, with sunshine, so we will head down Carrick Roads to see if we can spot any seals sunning themselves on Black Rock. We'll probably anchor for lunch in St Mawes, or St Just.

We may poke our nose out to sea, if conditions are ok.

She'll be equipped with a life jacket, and the grownups will wear them as well to show an example (I confess we don't normally unless the weather is dire and/or working on the foedeck). She will also have a lifeline and be instructed not to go outside the cockpit once we leave the pontoon.

We will let her steer, teach her some nautical terms, wave at passing yachts, and generally give her an experience that she will (hopefully) want to repeat again and again.

She's really excited about the day; almost as much as I am!!

Will try and post some photos next week.
 
Don`t forget to record this event and post a few pics. Have a nice day!
 
Sounds great fun. Hope the sun shines for you.
PS Quite often they like to tow things in the water, (I know I did ) bit of old rope etc. Be prepared for that one
 
Ah yes. I have one of those onboard as well! Bet you a penny to a pound that she will nod off at some stage. Boats seem to have the same effect as a rocking chair on the little mites. Not a bad idea to have a pillow/cushion available so she can get her head down on the cockpit sole. Seems to work quite nicely
 
Best of luck to you. My daughter is five and I am at those same early stages. She was initially scared of the pontoon but now the boat is a source of intrigue and fun. The best advice I was given was get them involved (she takes the helm from time to time) and leave them wanting more. I find that anything to do with pirates always get's her interested ! I hope you have a great day out and the conditions look perfect.
 
Took my grandchildren out for the first time last Sunday.

Got about a mile from the mooring in Falmouth and first the 8 year old felt "ill" and then the 3-year old!

We weren't out long!
 
I read your post and it could have been written by myself. We are doing the exact same trip tomorrow on the Humber plus overnight on the boat. I shan't sleep tonight I'm that excited.!!

Ted.
PS There is so much stuff packed into the car we could be going for a week.
 
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