Whats a good class of boat to introduce kids to sailing?

Question

OK I sailed as a kid. Loved it. We had a sabot and then went to a 125 class dinghy. We also used to sail catamarans (cant remember which class).

I rented a hobie cat last weekend (first time on the water in probably 15 years) and took my family out one at a time to show them how to sail and they loved it.

My question, what is a good class of sail boat (mono or multi-hull) which isnt too expensive 2nd hand, but is suitable to teach the kids how to sail. It has to be big enough for 2 adults so the wife can learn too. I was thinking of an old catamaran but I am not familiar with the classes. A 125 like my old one costs too much. I saw a "cherub" class skiff for sale but I dont know anything about them. Opinions please? Should I just jump in and buy an old catamaran or is that expecting a bit much from pre-teen kids?

I live in Australia BTW so preferably opinions about boats I can find here!

Answer 1

Shoot, I don't know Australia, but I will give you US.

Dinghy - Optimist

Laser

X-Boat - best for teaching with adults on board

Answer 2

Personally I would look at something big enough to take a few people along.  I am a mono hull sailor.  I would suggest a Flying Scott, Buccaneer or Mutineer or something along that line.   You can do a web search for these class boats.

The Mutineer will be simpler for the kids to handle solo

The Buccaneer is good for two maybe 3

The Flying Scot is heavy enough and room enough for up to 4 people.

I am sure there are other class boats suitable.

Answer 3

You can't go past the sabot. Take them out in turns.

Answer 4

I would suggest using a small sailing dinghy such as an Optimist to teach them both the basics of sailing first, and then move up from there.  Sailing is sailing, no matter what, but in something like an Optimist they will get more of a feel for it and won't have to worry so much about manuvering with a larger boat.  Have fun.

Answer 5

the 'opti' or optimist pram is the way to go.  most yacht clubs use these boats for their junior sailing program.