Sailing with a 4 year old.

Around a year ago I published a post about sailing alone with a three year old.  Today I thought hey he's a whole year older.  Sailing alone with a four year old is different than a three year old.  Sure three and four year old's both want to help and be engaged.    However the four year old is far more capable of "helping out" on the Typhoon.  This can be good, it can also be bad.

Four year old's remember stuff.  They know where you put those sail ties and can retrieve them for you.

Four year old's remember stuff and will tell on you.

Four year old's are stronger so when it comes to light wind days they can actually trim the jib.  "Maybe next year we will learn to tie off cleats."

Four year old's are stronger so they can break things more readily.

Four year old's can help rinse the deck with a hose when you are cleaning.

Four year old's have their own ideas about how clean the boat should be, and may fill your access hatches with water when rinsing the cracks.  "Bilge pump works."

Four year old's can man the helm.  (If you are in the middle of the lake close to nothing at all.)  This is truly one of the great advantages to the Typhoons full length keel.  I let Myles practice steering while I take the sails down most days we are out by ourselves.  The first time I did this it was a bit terrifying, but by the time I had the sail down and the fore deck bag on the jib he had mostly figured it out.  "Getting back to the marina pool is a powerful motivator."  Hopefully by the time he is 5 I'll have my own little auto pilot just add food and drinks.

Four year old's still love feeding ducks.

Four year old's also want to go fishing.  "Watch out for those hooks."

This boat continues to be a great step for our family.