Sailing is a great way for a family to spend a holiday together. Depending on your family’s sailing skills, you can take them on a sailboat, motorboat, a catamaran, canoes or kayaks. Your children will have the opportunity to help with the mooring, steering, or rowing. Your family as a whole can enjoy activities such as snorkelling, diving, fishing and swimming.
 
Children love learning new skills, and this will give them the opportunity to learn all about sailing while you are on holiday. Just remember though, that there is not much room on a small boat, so this might not be the type of holiday you want to take your toddler on, should you have one. There are sailing packages available for all levels of sailing experience. If you have children who are too small for onboard activities, babysitting and childcare facilities are also available.
 
Once you and your family are experienced, you can have the pleasure of chartering a boat and sailing wherever you please. Your family’s requirements and skill levels should help you to choose what type of package and boat you need to go for. However, if you would prefer to do more relaxing and sightseeing while on your sailing holiday, there is always the option of hiring your own skipper.
 
Another really great option for a family sailing holiday is a flotilla. This is where you skipper your own yacht and sail in convoy with other yachts. You sail more or less together and anchor at an agreed place during the day. It is highly recommended that at least one adult in the flotilla have some sailing experience or at least have taken a flotilla course prior to your holiday.
 
Then again, you could opt for a sailing school, where you either sleep on board, or have accommodation on shore and make day cruises. Older children can take their own sail classes and younger children can be in day care, if provided.
 
Before booking, check what type of accommodation is available as well as bathroom facilities. Check too if heating and linen are provided. Find out what type of provisions are provided and if there is a TV on board for entertainment. Check that there will be lifejackets on board for you and your family, the sizes appropriate for the smaller children. Children under age three should have harnesses and safety nets.
 
Remember that when you are sailing, you are in a confined space, so if you have children, it is better for you to charter a boat bigger than what you actually need. You should also check what level of sailing experience you require for your particular sailing holiday.
 
If some of your family are prone to seasickness, then make sure to have the appropriate medication with you on your holiday.

Latest

Trending