John, Sounds to me like you already have it pretty well figured out. I just got back from a multi-day trip with my 4 year old daughter and while we sailed every day, like you, I made time to do her favorite shore side activities. I spend a lot of time introducing her to the aquatic world through insects, fish, clams, plants etcetera when beached or anchored. Taking a small dip net is great. I engage her with birds and such while sailing. In my experience kids loves that stuff. While sailing she has the run of the boat, which she enjoys. Teaming up with other parents and their kidlets on small sailboats is a sure fire winner - if you can make it happen. I think the M-15 is terrific for kids. I just make the focus of the trip my daughter, and use the boat to transport us around - with reasonably extended passages when the sailing is good :) I hope you can report back on your success! Jason M-15 #411 -----Original Message----- From: montgomery_boats-bounces@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:montgomery_boats-bounces@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of John and DesAnne Hippe Sent: Thursday, July 23, 2009 8:30 PM To: montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com Subject: M_Boats: Cruising with Kids Hello All, In three weeks I will be heading off for a two week cruise around Isle Royale with my two daughters who are 6 and 7 years old. We did a 3 1/2 day shake down cruise a couple of weeks ago and apart from the vomiting, burnt finger, and falling off the dock into the water I would have to say it was a success... Besides improved safety, my plan for the trip is to have plenty to occupy them and to sail every other day around the island so that there is plenty of time for beach combing and other fun stuff. Has anyone else sailed on longer cruises with their kids? Any advice? Respectfully, John M-15 Jester _______________________________________________ http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats Remember, there is no privacy on the Internet!