kids and trap

I picked up a Hobie 16 this summer which was fun sailing with my boys (11 and 14). The H16 came with the trap hardware including a harness and Im not too interested in using this myself (at least at the moment) but I was thinking that it would be fun to let the kids get out on the rail.

However.... Ive fliped a H14 before and am wondering about just how "safe" it is to do what was just mentioned if the boat flipped while the kid was in the harness/trapeze? Id probably be on the conservative side and not do this when there was the risk of flipping the boat but then again, you never know what the wind will do.. The kids are good swimmers and have a fair amount of sailing experience but seems like things could get a little scary..

Walt,
I've raced with my son since he was 9 years old. They bounce.

I would recomend taking them out and flipping the boat under more controlled situations as practice. Warm shallow waters if possible. Flip the boat with them just sitting on the rail. Then right it, and flip it again. Allowing them to swim around and get comfortable with the boat on its side.
Soon they'll be begging you to flip it!

Enjoy

_________________
2003 Tiger - Don Atchley

My sons are 5 and 7. Each love to be out on the wire. The thing to remember is the child's size, age... ...they get cold very quickly so wet suits are required. This also adds a layer of protection from falling.

Capsizing from the wire is hard for an adult, the fall could seriously injure or kill a child. Being thrown around the bow could be just as bad.

When my kids are on the wire, we take it slow, we wear our gear, we wear lifejackets always, and there is a second adult ready to dive in to help if needed, capsize or not.

We are not yet wearing helmets, but it's not a bad idea. I am now going to have a rigging knife with me as well. Read my last post and you will know why.

I would have the kids practice unhooking by feel without looking, as that would be the case in a flip. Also, stressing the first thing they want to do is disconnect when flipping is eniment. The first thing I tell my crew when I know we're going over is "unhook".

Become intimately familiar with trapezing yourself, so you will be able to impart first hand knowledge of getting on and off the wire.

The idea that you can unhook prior to a capsize is like thinking you can "lay down" a motorcycle before you slam in to the side of a car! It's a great idea, but you'll rarely, if ever, have the opportunity to successfully do it.

I like Mike's suggestion, put them out when there's barely enough wind to need them on the wire, keep the bows up and go slow.

_________________
Sheet In...Max Out
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My kids are flipping expert at this point. My son Alexander can right a hobie 16 faster than anyone I have ever seen, by himself, while never getting wet.
When we first flipped the 16 back when we first got it, it was a little tougher, but as was mentioned, practice under controlled conditions and make sure they never jump into the sail. Its like hitting concrete.
My wife flipped with me when we first got the boat too. She won't even go swimming anymore because of it.

"My wife flipped with me when we first got the boat too. She won't even go swimming anymore because of it."

I've heard this so many times it's amazing. How many guys have told you they have a hard time finding crew? Wife won't sail with them? Duh!!!
Wise up, married guys. Or get used to sailing alone.

My wife subtly, suggested I find different racing crew soon after we got married, that was in 1982...we're still married...she's a smart woman.

BTW, she got hooked to the tramp lacing once in a turtle situation and didn't almost drown, but ingested quite a bit of water...scary. Chances are your worst (and best) moments will happen with your life partner.

_________________
Sheet In...Max Out
www.fleet297.org
sailflatlands at gmail dot com

My point was to be able to unlock by feel, so if you are in an underwater situation you can hopefully deal with it without panic.

JE never teach motorcycle safety.

Thanks everyone for the useful comments.

We will spend a fair amount of time doing unhook drills in controlled situations so we dont have to figure out anything in the crazy situation.