Opening Day and Three Year Olds

[Helmar]

Just in case someone thinks I don't like kids
I have five of these little guys...Well, one is 12 now...

[Stan D]

Actually, my dad made us this boat sometime around 1957 from plans he got somewhere. I don't know what it was, but it had a sail that was almost never used. The helm and electric motor weren't part of the plans, he improvised that. Sadly, after we all outgrew it, it was taken to Montana where it was eaten by beavers.

[McSkagit Tim Jones]

Thanks to everyone who posted or read this thread.

Well, you know the learning curve! It starts early. In the case of this thee year old, he couldn't see over the windshield frame and didn't rally connect his actions on the wheel with the boat's direction change. Also discovered he didn't as yet know his right and left.

So we worked out a sort of compromise, I'd signal with my thumb and reinforce with right or left. Pretty soon he had his R & L down. Then a new command, "Stead as she goes" which meant don't turn the wheel.

He was eager to please and I'll agree, will probably be a lasting experience.

Thanks for all those who took the time to read this thread and also respond...

See you next weekend....:Skipper1:

Cheers,

McSkagit