re: boats for kids

You might find that where you take the kids is as important as what
they boat in. My girls were very wary of the hobie at first ,
especially at sea where I was having a great time in the swells. we
camped for a few days on a lake that was shallow and small after 2
days having dad aboard was an inconvenience to adventure. Try having
a few alternatives on hand for the kids who dont get to be incharge ,
ie , younger b's or s's. A blow up dinghy with oars, an inner tube
with a paddle are a good start. Try a 14 ' boat with a small sail.
My almost 4 daughter sailed a june bug around a lake yesterday. when
we had to tack out of a creek she was forard hand on a jib of 8 ft2
she didnt have to told when to tack after 2 tacks. my 6 1/2 and 8
1/2 y old girls were able to row the jb . 10yold was off with a mate
in the blow up and missed all the fun All up we had 10 kids in 4
boats messing about . very few collisions. As The mothers were able
to see or hear the kids they also relaxed. We gave the kids no
instructions at all , EXcept no mud in the cars.
To put it all in perspective, a few year ago I read an article
about the Junior Hobie world champions. They were 10 and 14 years
old sailing a hobie 16, The 10 y old on helm, And beating most of
the adults . KIds can do anything,
Oh by the way did I mention My almost 4y old Daughter steered uus
around the lake ( dad with proud dad grin on this side if computer)
Cheers all Paul Day And his sailing kids