bullswan,
I'm not dealing with an instant gratification problem here, thankyouverymuch, it's more a problem of schedule. With two careers and two high school kids, working a day that can be committed to a family day of setup, sail and teardown is not easy. Now a uni, on the beach that can be easily soloed would be a different matter, but that doesn't work too well for four people.
Maybe I need another boat. Or one of those robot lawn-mowers.
You are absolutely right, Steve. In thinking about it, I have the same problem in that by the time everyone gets to the lake we have barely enough time to set up and actually spend time on the water. Most of the time we go to Plan B which is the power boat and a fast fried chicken dinner and then we get to spend more time actually on the water (or in it).
A couple of times I've gone over to the lake early and had the boat all set up and ready to go but we always start off on the wrong foot because my wife is angry with me that I put the mast up alone.
Let me know if you find a solution to the lawnmowing as well. I have 3 acres I keep mowed....
Rick,
I hear what you are saying about Regatta's but....
The very word conjures up thoughts of Commodores and Buffy's and Bif's and Blue Blazes for me. I had enough racing as a kid in Beetlecats and for the most part I liked sailing enough to overlook most of the kids I had to sail with. I still carry that stigma with me. But that's my problem. I know racing is a great path to getting better in the sport but I also can't seem to get my kid that interested in racing. We just enjoy the time together as a family.
To do my part for the sport, I'm talking my son's school into starting a sailing program next summer with Lasers or sunfishes. Something easy they can experiment without feeling intimidated. And yes, I'll be volunteering for at least a week.
Greg
