Re: Sailing with children

That is exactly the sort of advice I was looking for.  Thank you!

During two-person manouvres such as raising sails, mooring/docking or tacking, did you typically put the kids down below or did you have them well trained to stay still in the cockpit (at 2 or 4 years of age)?  

Your suggestions are brilliant.  I grew up around yacht club life in the 1970's where it wasn't exactly 'family fun'.  At our club, it was geared toward racing and boozing.  Kids weren't exactly unwelcome but...I certainly didn't have the greatest role models.  The times have changed a little but it still seems to be a lifestyle more geared toward childless couples or older folks.  At my yachtclub, there aren't many other members in their 30's.  Has that been your experience as well?  I wonder if it's the apparent incampatability of children and yachting that dissuade others with young children.  I can certainly understand the dilemma and hope to solve it for ourselves, anyway.  

Thanks again for your help, Dr. Meakins.