Yachting & Children

[gunman]

I personally find sailing with the kids to be a bit harder than singlehanded. At least if you are on your own your full attention can go on sailing, I find with them on board I always seem to be keeping one eye on them, esp if you are getting them involved.

 

[YachtAllegro]

Sorry, I've just noticed you did have a specific question about types of boat, which I completely failed to answer!

Ideally I'd like to buy a yacht, but have no idea where to start, what type of yacht is best for short / single handed sailing etc. Should we stick with flotilla holidays / bare boat charter for now ?


I'd buy, then you can sail little but often and everyone gets used to the whole thing much quicker. But I wouldn't be afraid to start with something small. We had a Corribee (21') when our first came along. She slept on a bit of foam rubber on the floor, which had the great advantage she couldn't fall anywhere, and also meant she was in easy reach if she cried! Small is cheap, and everything's easier and quicker than in a big boat. Its often said, but its true that if it takes 5 minutes to winch up the main, you won't bother hoisting it at all for a 30 minute potter across the bay. If you can pull it up in 10 seconds with one hand, not only will you do it, but that 30 minute potter will seem like a proper adventure when you get there. You may not go as far, or as fast, as those who have big boats, but your sense of achievement will be just as great and your anxieties much less. Think about boats like Corribees or Hurley 22s. Or if you want something newer and have more money, perhaps a Cornish Shrimper.

Inside our Corribee - just the right size for learning to stand up in!

Cheers
Patrick

 

[MissIsle]

Our two, now 9 & 11, have sailed since they were toddlers & love it.
Don't buy a boat you can't basically sail single handed as there will be many times when that is the norm.
Always join the kids in & give them real jobs to do.
Trust them, my 9 year old can take the boat right up through Portsmouth harbour on engine on his own while we pack up the boat to go home. (looking through the windows at the looks on peoples faces as he passes by is fantastic)
It's the best present you'll ever give them.
T.

 

[Racecruiser]

Jonic - marvelous stuff on your website. As someone said to me once 'you can always find reasons not to do things' - looks like your philosophy is the reverse of that!

 

[EuanMcKenzie]

won't repeat most of which is very sensible advice

We started on a mooring when my youngest was three...

Two things, I'm glad I bought a slightly bigger boat than originally planned even though it is basic. The reassurance helps confidence especially with my eldest who is more nervous

Secondly I made a proper set of steps to get from the dinghy up onto the boat. when you're three its a long way up and it gives them lots of confidence if they feel safe climbing on board.

Short trips etc... couldn't agree more, Its supposed to be fun for them too.