Although children start sailing usually at the age of 7-8, there are schools that teach even three-year-olds.
Optimists are the most popular class of sports yachts for children. Their simple design and low price make almost every sailor start his career from swimming on this boat. At what age is it best to start?
There are no top-down regulations governing the lowest age limit for optimists. The Australian International Optimist Dinghy Association, for example, informs that child can start trainings when he/she feels confident near the water, usually between 8 and 9 years of age, but the Canadian CANSail assumes starting teaching in the Wet Feet group (Wet Feet) already in five-year-olds.
Learning of independence by children is often regarded as the biggest plus of the early start of the sailing trainings. Separation from parents, cooperation with other children and the ability to find a new situation has a positive effect on pre-schoolers.
Classes with preschoolers must be based primarily on getting to know sailing and being fun rather than training. At first, a child can swim on a pontoon with a trainer and watch older sailors and learn simple on-shore activities. Then comes time for the first Cruise Optimist in the company of the teacher. It is important that the activities are varied and interesting - some instructors explain the basic laws of physics, such as buoyancy, through play, while others supplement the training with learning how to ride a bike or ice skating. It is also important to adjust the equipment - there are special, smaller training sails for Optimists. Sometimes it is best to swim without a sail at all - a child learns the wheelhouse by swimming on a boat behind a pontoon. The teacher's role is the key, because he has to assess the maturity and abilities of a small sailor and adapt the classes accordingly.
Preschoolers can certainly start their adventure with sailing, but it must be an adventure controlled. A great responsibility lies with the trainer, who should demonstrate a special sense and pedagogical skills so that the child will love swimming on the boat. Parents' attitude is also important, as in such activities they should first and foremost see fun and a way to spend their time in a good way.
In Gdynia, the biggest regattas in Poland - Volvo Gdynia Sailing Days – has just started so there is an opportunity to see the best sailors not only from Poland but also from whole world! Come and see the youngest sailors to find out that this ia a sport for your child too.
The schedule is below!
