All In The Same Boat—Sailing Fun!
San Francisco Bay is considered by many to be the best place to sail in the world! Guest contributor Barbara McVeigh shares her experiences in learning to sail with her children, and provides some resources for parents who want to get started in sailing.
When our sailboat capsized, I heard a loud shriek. It came from me. My six-year-old daughter was too busy laughing to be washed with worry. My giggles quickly followed. Fortunately we were in very protected waters, and we knew how to be safe and recover our capsized boat.
I started taking sailing lessons seven years ago. My husband soon joined the fun, and before long, not only was my six year daughter pulling lines, but now my three-year-old son holds the tiller. Sailing teaches us to work together. But, it can do more than that.
Marin County is next to the best sailing waters in the world. The maritime history is rich, and the Bay is filled with living legends of schooners and brigs that spark children’s imaginations. The sport not only encourages teamwork, but it develops self reliance and confidence unlike any other activity. Respect for nature deepens, as one connects to wind and current, among countless other elements. For a child, this is can be the beginning of lifelong knowledge. But, more than anything, kids laugh and have fun sailing boats!
Sailing season has officially begun. Check out the local sailing resources for children as young as seven years old!
Kids’ Sail Programs, see websites for more information:
- Sailing Education Adventure’s Open House, Saturday, May 15, 1–4 pm. Kids ride Picos for free; parents meet the staff: www.sfsailing.org
- Inverness Yacht Club, scholarships available: www.invernessyachtclub.org
- Sausalito Yacht Club: www.sausalitoyachtclub.org
- Spaulding Wooden Boat Center: www.spauldingcenter.org
