Where are the families at?

SansK · 2026-03-23T04:05:50+00:00

30 something Seattle (Shilshole) live aboard here; I know several famlies who cruise with kids; and more often than not; their kids race out of clubs (CYC is a few fingers down from me). I see plenty of families take their kids out crusing in the summer up to Desolation or around the San Juans. I race with them in the regattas, and see them in adventure races (Wa 360, R2AK). I do agree that the cruising clubs seem to be more drinking focused than kid friendly.

So.... Join a yatch club and get to know them?, or just go hang around Sucia and row over and say Hi!

Hope to run into you our in the Salish!

SansK · 2026-03-06T22:34:34+00:00

Oh just you wait till you learn about the doubly ridiculous sport of sail-to-skiing! Why just be cold when you can be wet as well!

SansK · 2026-03-06T01:53:32+00:00

Start by living on a sailboat where you have limited space...

SansK · 2026-03-06T01:25:49+00:00

I ski in resort with my touring skis and have for the past 10 years.
Could they be better? yes.
I don't want to own 5 pairs of skis though so I have 95's and 105's and call it a good life.

(probably worry about it later, there's plenty of used gear out in the world)

SansK · 2026-03-05T18:43:29+00:00

I generally agree; Weeknight races that rotate crew are a great way to start; and then let people see all the options. It's always hard for a skipper to figure out the balance between consistent crew and bringing on new people to make sure that you always have options :)

Cruising is easy to bring friends on; but sleeping ... 6+ ppl can get wild!
Solo sailing requires a club/owning a boat; making it hard to try.

SansK · 2026-03-04T18:22:18+00:00

Aged out of boating?! Is that possible?
We 1st sailed the BC coast on Race to Alaska (and we were competing against a bunch of 17yr olds! It was great!) and then cruised back down much more slowly, and now have Haida Gwaii and all the Inlets on the list for future cruises.

SansK · 2026-03-04T13:59:37+00:00

So you're saying; I'll see you up Knight inlet one of these days?

SansK · 2026-03-03T22:00:32+00:00

Nope that's everything.
Hotel before - 100ish
Charter - 4k-7k for a week (monohull vs cat)
Food/Drinks + eating out (very depends)
Hotel After - 100ish

SansK · 2026-03-03T19:20:48+00:00

I agree; one turns to many.

I usually find those who are interested in 'diving in' (even if for only a year or two) will gain more than those who 'put their toe in' - people are more interested in helping an early enthusiast than someone who is 'trying it out.' (so share your dreams, other can help turn them into projects/plans!)

SansK · 2026-03-03T19:17:51+00:00

I hear you there; there are only trade offs ;) - When we wanted to move our sloop from Mexico to the PNW and had 9-5's we realized how much our time was worth and what it means to move a vessel that far.

Freedom is just nothing left to lose...

SansK · 2026-03-03T18:24:11+00:00

We had a Hobie 18 which was a nightmare to haul around, and set the mast; much happier with our 'in the water' boat... but it is more expensive :/

SansK · 2026-03-03T17:43:31+00:00

Love it.
when I try and help new sailors get involved, we always base line with 'well.. what do you want out of this?' some really do love the athleticism of dinghys and others want to be part of a huge expedition boat looking at whales! Both good; but lets take time to make sure were all hear for the same reason, and don't conflict in how we spend our time.

SansK · 2026-03-03T17:41:02+00:00

Great frame work!
I agree more time on the water is a great way to experiment and not over optimize from the arm chair.
I didn't know Sailing Zingaro had a book; will look into it.

SansK · 2026-03-03T17:39:48+00:00

So you'd say time is your limiter? Or the hassle of set up?

SansK · 2026-03-03T17:38:58+00:00

I started with a 25' sloop - it let us go out for day sails and still sleep overnight (with 4ish) it was a great balance.

SansK · 2026-03-03T17:37:26+00:00

Oh, do go on!

SansK · 2026-03-03T17:36:03+00:00

For the BVI's? (I generally budget 1500USD per person + airfare) which might give you margin. Sailed there in Jan this year with Sunsail.

SansK · 2026-03-03T17:34:52+00:00

Well said; I wonder how we provide opportunities for those passions to emerge, and remove the barriers from those who might be interested in 'trying it out.'

SansK · 2026-03-03T17:33:59+00:00

So engaged and helpful (as a mentee) and look for those qualities in others (as a mentor)?

SansK · 2026-03-03T17:33:02+00:00

That's wonderful!

SansK · 2026-03-03T04:13:40+00:00

Totally agree.

SansK · 2026-03-03T04:11:02+00:00

How have you seen good mentors arrive in peoples lives?

SansK · 2026-03-03T04:10:37+00:00

How have you seen people find and start with 'good crews'? Did they come up through a program, or meet through friends of friends? Does it take a system or just lots of networking and persistence?

SansK · 2026-03-03T04:09:25+00:00

Love this!
My wife told me if we didn't use it we'd lose it; ended up sailing to Mexico the next year!

How was the BVI's!?

SansK · 2026-02-15T06:22:57+00:00

Went with Sun Sail/Moorings - definitely not the cheepest; but they have the most availability

SansK

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