If you are wondering about having larger dogs who sail then read on to find out about the adventures of this family of Weimaraners; or as their parents call them Wei Mariners. We know them personally and their boat just wouldn’t be the same without them.
A special tribute to the lovely Velvet who recently passed away. You have been dearly loved. Run free dear Velvet.
Doggy Names: Axel, Velvet (recently deceased) & Rudy
Doggy Breed: Weimaraners
Doggy Ages: Axel – 8, Velvet – 11, Rudy – 2
Years Sailing: Axel & Velvet – 6 years, Rudy – 4 days
Places Sailed: Axel & Velvet – Tasmanian SE coast and across Bass Strait to North Queensland
How well do the dogs handle sailing life? Velvet/Axel – no problems as they found the best spot on our bed when conditions weren’t to their liking. Love the dinghy. Rudy – has learnt that the dinghy is fabulous and so far no issues in calm water.
Biggest challenge: Toileting
How did you overcome/manage these challenges? Axel used to use the turf to pee. He still poos on it, however now refuses to use the mat and holds on – very frustrating! Velvet never a problem. Rudy – yet to christen the mat….Currently just short day cruising so dogs go ashore.
Most dog friendly places you’ve experienced on your travels in your local area and abroad? Broadwater at Southport – superb ocean off lead dog beach, plus Broadwater parklands – on leash, but off leash on the adjacent beach. Huge sandbanks. Dog friendly cafes. Keppel Island – superb beaches, and no snakes in the bush.
Any tips on international travels? No and nothing planned. Happy sailing in Australia.
What’s the longest leg your doggy’s have travelled and how do you manage their energy, toileting and behaviour on these legs and keeping them safe on larger swells. Axel and Velvet sailed for 4 days and 3 nights non- stop from Kettering (TAS) to Eden (NSW). They hunkered down in our cabin for the majority of the time as it was a pretty uncomfortable trip for the them. Meals were very light, and they did use the turf for the first 24 hours, but then it became too rough to go up on deck. We hove to – but it was still too rolly. They both held on until close to arrival in Eden and calm water. We had netting on the lifelines, and they wore dog harnesses the whole time. When they were up in the cockpit they just lay down on the cushions.
Have you made any modifications on your boat to accommodate your dogs? Yes, we built fold up steps for the dogs due to the high freeboard, so that they could easily get on and off the boat at dock, and for easy access into and off the dinghy. A follow up article will be provided showcasing this modification. They were a huge success and we also had netting all along the lifelines.
What advice would you like to share with others who have dogs who sail or who are considering having a dog on a boat?
3 Do’s Just do it!!!! Dogs adapt very easily and just love being with you 24/7. Patience and perseverance for those sometimes stubborn issues.
3 Don’ts Don’t listen to people who say it can’t be done – we had Weimaraners and everyone thought we were mad.
Last thoughts (from your dogs perspective). Being with the people we love most on a full time basis, and all the beaches and swimming we could ever want, has to be the best.
