Our granddaughter did the Dyer Dhow thing at Mystic Seaport 2 years ago. She had never sailed, but after two days was off on her own having a great time. The kids all slept aboard the Joseph Conrad, and at the end of the week had the opportunity to climb the rigging - which she did. Doing something worthwhile and new like that gives them a figurative feather in their cap!
But you can tell the future cruisers - they're the ones with the little barbeque off the back.