Sailing with children: a useful guide

A sailing holiday is the perfect moment for sharing some good quality time with your family. But if you're a parent new to this industry, we know the drill: you are planning your next sailing holiday but you are unsure about taking the kids with you. You are afraid they will get bored, that they won't share your passion for the sea, or that they won't enjoy the time spent on the boat. Our best advice is: take them with you! 

It is easy to put a child or a teenager off sailing as they are quick to decide if they like something or not. With a little preparation, you can make the best out of a sailing holiday and make sure your kids will cherish this amazing time forever!

Check out these useful tips ahead of your next sailing adventure and get the most out of such a unique experience. 

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Start slow and at the right age

If your kids are new to the sea and boat life, the best advice is to start slow. There's no limit for age as this depends on you and your children, but our suggestion is to wait for kids to be at least able to walk alone so that they can explore by themselves and you can enjoy a more relaxed holiday. 

Take some time for them to be accustomed to the sea by organizing a few trips to the beach first and having fun in the water. Once you pass this step, you should do the same on a boat. Start with short trips and make many stops along the route, so that they can enjoy the surrounding nature, learn how to swim in deep waters, and avoid the impression that sailing is unpleasant. 

A good idea would be to build excitement toward adventures. Leaving the harbor, reaching a defined spot, letting them choose the next stop, looking for big fish in the sea: these challenges can turn a normal sailing trip into an amazing experience for your kids. 

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Safety on board 

Safety is essential and you must establish a few rules on board. Make sure that your kids learn to wear a life jacket while sailing: sailing boats are designed to tilt on their sides, which can be dangerous if a child is not seated in the right spot. The safest spot is usually the cockpit, so teach them to remain seated when the boat is moving. Some boats are also equipped with safety nets around the perimeter, and you can check this before renting with a charter. 

Below deck, a life jacket is not necessary, but they must understand when to wear it and why. You can also establish other simple rules, such as they are not allowed on deck without an adult, what parts of the boat should be not touched, and so on. Establish these rules without creating tension or anxiety around the matter, or you will get the opposite effect. If your boat is skippered, you can take advantage of the authority of a stranger person (a captain), which your kids will be more likely to listen to without complaining! 

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Travel essentials for a sailing holiday 

The sun is not a big friend of kids, especially on a boat. Here, the risk of getting sunburn or sunstroke is higher so the attention for this matter should be doubled. Always carry with you sun protection, sunglasses, hats, and even UV protection clothing if your family's skin type requires it. Rent boats usually provide first aid kits, but it is good to always bring band-aids and disinfectant for small cuts.

Even if towels are provided, bring others with you to use on deck and after swimming, so you can keep the boat ones clean for showering. 

If you want to know more about sailing travel essentials, read this article.

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Toys and spare time 

During a sailing holiday, there are many chances to reach the shore, so it's always good to carry your kids' favorite toys to play with sand. Some boats are already provided with toys that previous families forgot or left behind, you can ask your boat rental for more info.

In case you bring toys on board, ask to store them in the deck compartments along with some inflatable toys and snorkeling gear: This way, you can safe space below deck, and, most of all, you won't carry copious amounts of sand to the bedrooms! 

Boat life is an amazing adventure for kids. Simple binoculars and a bandana can make them feel like real pirates sailing the seven seas! 

When the weather changes or there are a few temporary rains, some papers and markers can easily keep them busy. Books for kids are also a valid choice during these "dead moments". 

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Sleeping and living comfortably on board

You will notice that your kids can enjoy boat life more than you when it comes to space. A sailing boat is filled with small spaces kids can crawl into, which can be great fun for them.

The boat can also facilitate sleep for some children. The gentle rocking of the waves can be pleasant for both kids and adults, to be honest - unless you get seasick, but that's another story. According to the type of boat, there can be cabins with double or bunk beds. In the case of the second ones, these are usually provided with side barriers so your kids won't fall off. Depending on how they are used to, you can choose the bed allocation that best fits your family. 

Sleeping at anchor is an experience that everyone should try at least once in their lifetime. The freedom of being independent of timings, having a swim at sunset, having a quick shower, and getting ready for dinner in the cockpit is what makes a sailing holiday unique.

Sleeping in the port depends on your holiday's budget availability and the weather conditions. If the skipper decides that it's safer to spend the night in the port, the best suggestion is to follow his directions. There are many advantages of sleeping in a port, such as electrical supplies, water, and the possibility of getting off the boat and visiting a town. A good occasion to stretch your legs and spend some quality time together!   

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These are only some of our best suggestions for enjoying a sailing holiday with your kids. The time spent together is a great gift and a holiday is just an alternative way of being together. Your kids will build core memories that will forever keep in their hearts so make sure you all have fun without stressing too much about the potential issues. The sea is a great source of adventure and learning, and a sailing holiday can enrich your small ones with useful lessons and experiences.  

If you are planning your next sailing holiday with your family, check our boat availability. Your next adventure with your kids is just a few clicks away!