Not enough specifics provided in the original question... where are you sailing? How much prior experience does your son have? How big is he?

I was younger than that the first time I solo sailed our family's Hobie 18, but that was on a lake in a 5mph breeze. Within a few years, my buddy and I were racing the boat ourselves. So, yes it can be done.

Would I recommend that for every kid - no way. Frankly, if dad doesn't have enough experience with the boat himself or a high enough level of confidence in his son's ability that he needs to ask the question on a forum, then the answer is probably NO.

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