Suitable for younger kids?

Hi - my family is just getting into sailing, my kids are 9, 11 and 12 years old. At our club they all sail optimists, and I am looking at buying a boat for us to play around with over summer (southern hemisphere summer!). One of my options is a hobie, not sure of size. Are these boats suitable for kids to sail on their own (ie - a couple of kids in the boat, in gentle conditions?) Thanks

Check the Bravo model ,is boomless with a roller furler main ,I Think will be safe enough and fun .
visit
http://www.hobiecat.com/sailing/models_bravo.html

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hobiecat 14Turbo - TORNADO

I don't have experience on any of the roto boats but the 14 would make a great boat for kids 8-15, Two or three of them could really have a blast on it plus be able to handle it on the beach.
Then if you wanted to you could head out on it solo and fly a full a few times!
Other than that, the bravo or the wave looks fun.

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Nacra 5.2 "Elsies"
Hobie 14T, "Blazin" I guess I am keeping her!

I wouldn't suggest the 14 for a 10 year old kid .Sometime needs strength that a kid hasn't and what about capsizing?Its imposible to handle .
Where will be sailing on a lake or ocean?Cause if the place is open sea the 14 will be unsafe for a kid .
Its my opinion and experience anyway....!
The bravo looks like a safer solution for their beggining .

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hobiecat 14Turbo - TORNADO

IMautner:

Know this is a Hobie site, BUT you might want to also look at a Mystere 4.3. I bought one for 13 year old grand daughter to learn to race with and for both of us to learn spinnaker on.

Doug

You say a boat for "us" (meaning you'll be along) and I think Wave, Bravo would be a tight fit. Also a boat you may enjoy by yourself on a big air day.

They'd all be OK by themselves but remember they'll sail off (and possibly in to trouble) a lot faster on a catamaran. Keep a tight leash Dad!

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hobiejohn at earthlink dot net
Fleet 297

Look at the getaway, its a great all around boat, the wave would be the best for kids but the family would have more fun on a getaway.

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Brad Stephens
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(866) 786-5266 <--- Advice HOTline
http://www.sunjammers.com
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I own a Hobie 20, and a Hobie wave. The wave is great for everyone. My dad feels comfortable on it (70), my 11 year old niece sails it solo all over Mission Bay in San Diego. I also sail it with my wife and two small (5 & 3) sons. It was a good choice for us as the 20 was too much and too fast for the kids. When my niece sails the boat alone or with a friend, we do keep an eye on her as I am not sure she can right it alone, but we always have a second boat to chase her with. It has not been an issue yet at she is too chicken to sheet in hard.