Little People
By: Marie Snow #235

Date: Spring 2001

As we are about to begin the 3rd sailing season with Abigail on board, we'd like to share some experiences with you on sailing with a child on board. At the beginning of our first summer with Abigail on board , we asked for advise and suggestions from you (the CLASS ACT readers) regarding children on board. We received some very good advice which is combined in this article along with info we've gleaned from many sources.

First and foremost is safety. We purchased an infant life jacket in bright orange. It was difficult to find one that fit right, as Abigail's torso was just not quite tall enough. The jacket needed to be small enough that she wouldn't slide out and yet loose enough that she could move comfortably . Of course it had a crotch strap so that if she went in the water the jacket wouldn't slide off over her head. The bright orange would make it easier to see if she went in the water , and it also made it easy to keep an eye on her as she wandered around the Yacht Club grounds. ( She got very fast the second summer.) The life jacket was worn from the minute that Abigail was out of the car till she got back in the car to go home. We wanted to have that extra safety factor around the club grounds and docks. We instituted this rule from day 1, and thankfully Abigail didn't resist.

We tied a strap of sail tie material onto the back of her jacket to hold on to when out sailing. She loves being on the boat but doesn't like being confined. Holding the strap allowed her feel like she was free to move around the boat and yet Mom & Dad could keep her from going very far.

At the beginning of our first Summer with Abigail, she was just 6 months old. To keep her safe in the boat while were sailing and racing (yes Abigail went with us for most of the races) , we took the car seat with us. The car seat fit perfectly between the centerboard trunk and the galley. We set it facing aft and Abigail could see through the companion way. Sail ties and other objects tied to the handle of the companionway hatch provided entertainment for her.

Timing was essential. A bottle as we left the dock to keep her happy with the motoring process (she's still frightened of the motor). With a full tummy and gentle rocking motion of the boat, she would frequently drift off for a nap once the motor was turned off and we were under sail . When she woke up from her nap we would bring her out in the cockpit. She loves to sit by Daddy, and "help" . The second summer her naps were less frequent and she was more adamant about doing what ever she saw Mommy & Daddy doing. At a year and 1/2 having her follow you up on the foredeck is a little un-nerving, but she did learn to hold on to the life lines. One of her favorite tasks was to turn the handles on the winches.

Sunburn is a big concern especially with the sensitive skin of a small child. We used "Water Babies SPF45" by Coppertone. This was recommended by the Pediatrician . We re-applied the lotion frequently, being very careful to keep it out of the eyes. Also wiping any excess off in areas such as hands which frequently rub the eyes. It was much easier to get Abigail to allow sunscreen applications if Mommy was putting it on also, so we were both very protected. Abigail got really cute sunglasses to wear and also took possession of Mommy's good pink hat. Small price for the happiness and well being of a child.

Abigail, as I would expect of any child, is very sensitive to the amount of fluids she drinks. Abigail quickly learned to drink from a water bottle just like Mommy & Daddy . She always got her own water bottle. We encouraged her to drink good amounts of water while out on the boat.

The last two summers, we became much more conscience of the weather. We started several mid distances races, only to drop out halfway through due to building storm clouds observed. Having Abigail on board, changed our stubbornness around to the point we were quite content to drop out if the weather looked to be turning ugly. No more -Motcho stuff for us. Abigail's safety is more important.

Many of our non-boating friends I'm sure thought us crazy for taking Abigail with us on the boat, but our Yacht Club friends were all encouragement, many of whom had preceded us with their own children. Having Abigail become comfortable with sailing at such an early age certainly makes it more enjoyable for us What can you say when your 2 &1/2 year old says "Daddy, can we go to the yacht club today? Go on Abbie's sailboat?"

Pictures : Carseat and Winch Grinding

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Sept 1, 2001
MES