Many families claim to be too busy raising their children. They are constantly attending school functions, transporting children to after school sports and activities. Just check the decals on the rear windows of their mini vans and SUVs. After all , if your children don't participate in something, your rear windows would be bare, like an outcast. Who wants to become a social outcast?

When children grow up into young adults it takes the income of both parents to pay for their college education. And with the additional cost of decorating their dorm room, providing the "in styles of clothing, a credit card, their own cell phone and a new laptop computer, parents have little time for their own pleasures.

Something is missing from this treadmill of activities. What happened to family activities? You and I have found sailing to be very important in our lives, but interest is dwindling in the next generation. Sailing is a great family activity. If you or your family has a competitive spirit, there is club or one design racing. For the family weekend getaways, how about coastal cruising? And for a great escape from life's treadmill, take your family cruising.

Some people think that sailing is a dying sport, the majority of Americans are hardly aware of its existence, yet most people would sell their soul to live on waterfront property. It's easy to make a connection to Nascar racing, because we all drive cars. Playing golf is something that many do and even more hope to someday do. I know people who sit in front of their television for entire weekends watching someone hit a little white ball across the lawn.

What is there to "watch" about sailing? Did you see any Olympic sailing? Do you who skippered the winning boat in the last America's Cup races? Our sport is little known to the masses.

Those of us who sail find it difficult to understand why others don't share our passion. How can we convey the thrill, the exhilaration, we experience when wind fills our sails and our boat heels and surges forward? How well do we tell our story? Obviously, not very well. As the population increases, the number of people participating in sailing remains relatively constant. I know most people will say, "It's a rich persons hobby." Others will claim they don't have the time. A person might question, "how can I get out on the water with the shorelines blanketed by private homes and condominiums?" I consider these responses to be excuses.

To delve deeper in search of an answer I have asked many of my sailing friends how they became interested in sailing or how they were introduced to sailing. Not one of them answered, I just decided to sail so I went out and bought a boat." Almost every sailor I asked, after careful thought remembered being taken sailing by a friend or relative. Often this occurred when they were quite young. "My granddaddy had this sailboat at his cottage," or "a neighbor had this sailboat," or I was invited to go sailing one time," are frequent responses. Someone took someone else sailing is a common response.

We, who love sailing, need to put forth diligent effort to replicate these sailing introductions. We need to take someone sailing. Don't do it just once and then rest on your cockpit cushions comfortably feeling, I've done my part. We, as sailors, need to share our treasure, our love, our passion, and often our obsession, with others. Take someone sailing.

Will this work or is it doomed to run aground? Are the obstacles (excuses) overwhelming? Let's explore several of the myths about sailing. First, by taking someone sailing, you don't need to "convince or sell" the concept. If the experience is pleasant, especially if the guest is allowed to participate in the sailing by steering, trimming a sheet, or hoisting a sail, they will 'get the feel' of sailing.

The myriad of excuses fade like a sunset when examined. Access to the water need not be owned as sailing clubs, co-ops, sailing schools and charter companies provide affordable access to the water.

Myth: Sailing is only for the rich. Huh! Compared to playing golf, attending Nascar races, or sending kids to Mexico during Spring break? I don't think so!

Myth: "I can't afford to buy a new sailboat." Fiberglass sailboats may last forever and an ample supply of used boats is available. Many used fiberglass boats are just as good today as they were 50 years ago.

Myth: I don't have enough time for sailing. When sailing becomes a priority, enough time will be found. Example; How many hours each week do you sit in front of the television?

Myth: I need time to relax. Sailing is very relaxing (most of the time). It can be done without television, telephones, or errands to run.

What about taking time away from my family? Who said families shouldn't sail together? Kids love it. Even teenagers love to sail, as long as they can take their friends along and especially if the cruising destinations include shore stops where other teenagers might congregate.

Two sailing industry companies are doing a great job of introducing sailing to new prospects. The Trade Winds Sailing School and Club of Point Richmond, California, has a fleet of over 300 new or nearly new sailboats of various sizes. Membership is very reasonable and once checked out by their staff, members have unlimited use of any boat for which they are qualified. To enrich the pot, frequent social outings, rendezvous, parties, and informational seminars are included in the membership fee. With 300 members and growing, Trade Wind now has 40 couples (former members) that are now sailing around the world on their own boats.

Torresen Marine of Muskegon, Michigan, offers another unique program. Torresen posts invitations at local motels and hotels inviting area visitors to a "Sailing Experience." Based upon availability of boat and captain, anyone calling may reserve a spot for an evening or afternoon sail. Its free for the asking. This unique offer has become very popular and has received many compliments from people who have never been on a sailboat before.

You can help. Take someone sailing. Don't just say it is a great idea, do it! Take someone sailing. Jack Klang-A sailor who at nine years of age was invited by a neighbor to "come sailing."