Showing kids the ropes

[James McMullen]

Here's how I introduced my little nephew Finnegan to the art of sailing:

First I showed him the ropes,
http://inlinethumb51.webshots.com/22642/2776270650088484686S500x500Q85.jpg (http://home-and-garden.webshots.com/photo/2776270650088484686fGhoSa)

And before I knew it, he was grabbing the tiller out of my hands--
http://inlinethumb15.webshots.com/16718/2037286790088484686S500x500Q85.jpg (http://home-and-garden.webshots.com/photo/2037286790088484686sIHmuY)

. . .not that he steered all that straight a course--but all the same, pretty good for someone who can honestly tell his friends some day that he started sailing before he could walk! Oh my! I'm such a proud uncle! He did leave teeth marks on the tiller, though. . . .

The boat is a Ness Yawl, the setting is Puget Sound near Kingston WA. Mr. Finnegan's wardrobe provided by Allison McMullen & Associates.

[Ian McColgin]

I must have AM&A attend to my sartorial needs.

Finnegan will do well with an uncle to sail with. Finastkind.

[Ron Paro]

Most excellent James!

[S.V. Airlie]

Ah, the next generation of potential wooden boat owners. Love it!

[J. Dillon]

Ya can't start em too early .;) Nice charming pix.

JD

[Clinton B Chase]

James this makes me happy as you can imagine.

[FSS172]

Boats are the best playpens in the world. Here's my son at 21 months in the cockpit on the boat's maiden voyage. Closed the seacocks on the cockpit drains, put down bathmats, and turned it into a wading pool. He loved it, especially as the motion of the boat made waves that tossed his tub toys around.:)

http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee297/amnesty172/jonathancockpit.jpg

It was on this trip that he got a hold of a sheet end and, thinking he was holding onto something steady, stood independently and unsupported for the first time. This in a moving boat! These days it's a good day if his Dad can do the same! :rolleyes:

Many happy days ahead for Finnegan and his uncle James!