Brian
There were a number of youths that sailed the H16's in RI
This was Sarah's third Nationals at age 11. She has done our lake,the Pacific and Atlantic ocean.
She was the smallest youth but not the youngest. This year Erica Korz did her first Nationals at age 10. She had a 19 year old skipper in Mike Siau.
The key with the kids is to make sure they have fun.
Dress them warm even when they don't want to. Bring plenty of fun snacks. Let them play around on the boat and do your best to not scare them.
Erica and Mike flipped twice before the start of the first race on Monday and still kept going when a lot of adults were heading in. Matt Perkins and crew Mike Iames (youth team) also stayed out when it was nasty. That's hip.
Hobie 16 Youth squad: