When it comes to sailing, few names are as well-respected as Grant Dalton OBE, CEO of Emirates Team New Zealand. With six Volvo and Whitbread races under his belt, and his wealth of experience and leadership in the America’s Cup, Grant has certainly learned a thing or two about what makes great sailing! But his passion for the sport extends beyond just the professional realm; it’s also about introducing the next generation to the joy of being on the water.
In a testimonial shared by our New Zealand dealer on Facebook, NZ Sailcraft, Grant reflects on his journey to find the right boat for his son Luke, ensuring his first steps in sailing would be safe, enjoyable, and stress-free. After some trial and error, he discovered the perfect fit: the RS Quest.
The Importance of Fun, Safety, and a Smooth Start
In Grant’s own words, getting kids into sailing is all about making the experience fun and safe from the start. He shares with NZ Sailcraft a bit from his personal learning curve with one of his daughters:
“I learned by trial and error (error mainly) that the first steps for a child into sailing must be quiet, fun, and he or she must feel safe. No banging them on the head with the boom on Day 1. Done that, and she never sailed again.”
For Grant, introducing his son Luke to sailing was an important experience, one he didn’t want to rush. At five years old, Luke was ready to start learning, but it had to be the right boat.
The RS Quest – The Perfect Boat for a Beginner Sailor
After searching for a dinghy that would meet these needs, Grant found the ideal match in the RS Quest.
“It needed to be stable and safe, but not be such a barge that Dad got bored. Well, we nailed it with the RS Quest,” Grant says. The RS Quest offers a balanced mix of ease of handling and excitement, allowing Luke to feel confident and comfortable, while still keeping things interesting for Dad.
Now, as they embark on their adventures together, the family is already loving the experience, with Grant adding, “We are at the beginning of the journey now with him, and he loves going sailing. Good if we can go somewhere also – and there’s snacks on the way.” It’s a reminder that sailing, at its best, is about creating enjoyable memories on the water, and of course, a few food bribes never hurt either!
Looking Ahead: Future Transitions
As any parent knows, there’s always a next level when it comes to progressing kids’ interest in hobbies and activities. Grant recently observed some racing in the RS Feva and mused about future possibilities with his son. He humorously reflects:
“I wonder how long it will take ‘till he says, ‘Dad, time to step this up a bit.’”
A Smooth Start with NZ Sailcraft
Grant purchased his RS Quest through NZ Sailcraft Sailing New Zealand and took it out for its first sail in the iconic Auckland Viaduct. The launch of the boat marked the beginning of what promises to be many more adventures on the water for the Dalton family.
The Takeaway: Make Sailing Fun, Safe and Engaging
Grant’s advice to other parents looking to introduce their kids to sailing is simple: focus on fun, safety, and a stress-free start. Finding the right boat is essential to ensuring kids feel comfortable and stay engaged. For Grant, the RS Quest was exactly what he was looking for – a perfect mix of stability and excitement to help Luke to begin his sailing journey with confidence.
Sailing, like any sport, is about finding the right balance and fostering a love for the activity from the start. Thanks to the right equipment, Luke is off to a fantastic start. And who knows? Maybe someday soon, he’ll be taking on more advanced boats like the RS Feva.
Are you looking to introduce your child to sailing? Take some advice from one of the best in the business – make it fun, safe, and memorable! Thanks to Grant for sharing his testimonial.
