PAGE 24 • SPRING 2009 THE JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SAILING ASSOCIATION
AMERICAN SAILING ASSOCIATION
P.O. BOX 12079, MARINA DEL REY, CA
PRESORTED
90295-3079 TEL: 310/822-7171
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POSTAGE
WWW.AMERICAN-
U.S.
SAILING.COM
PAID
ANAHEIM, CA
PERMIT NO. 514
INSTRUCTOR TIP
By Capt. Jeff Bowen
Enjoying Sailing with our Youngest Sailors
Keep Them Involved
Find kid-sized jobs that make them a part of the crew.
Younger children can be on look-out duty, coil lines and
swab decks. Older children can hoist and trim sails, help
navigate and even take the helm.
Bring “Unplugged” Kid Activities
Eventually, children will need a break from boat
responsibilities. Items such as coloring books, wildlife
guides to help identify local creatures and small
magnetic board games fit nicely into a backpack. My rule
is simple, as long as it does not run on electricity, it can
go into the pack.
A well-fed crew is a happy crew
Keep the galley stocked with quick and easy treats. A
pint size “ship’s cook” doesn’t actually have to cook
anything but simply be in charge of passing out snacks.
Be aware of the Fear Factor
Burying the rail may make you smile and surfing down
Teaching kids tasks that give
the face of a wave may relieve the stress of the office, but
them pride in their
if the little tikes are clinging to mom in fear of not seeing
accomplishments makes them not
their next birthday, it might be your last family cruise.
just passengers, but crewmembers.
It’s also about the Destination
I know, to us sailors it is all about the journey, but a
little motivation can turn tiny passengers into eager crew
C aptain Jeff Bow en teaches at The Sailing Academy on the
members. Look for sailing destinations that have kid-
Chesapeake Bay and has also cruised extensively with his wife
friendly landfall rewards. An ice cream shop, a waterfront
and five children. The full article “Sailing W ith Children” can
playground or a beach accessible by dinghy are big hits.
be read at www.theSailingAcademy.com.
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