Taking children on a sailing
holiday can be a fantastic experience. A sailing trip can be a
great opportunity for kids to learn something about the life on the
sea, nature and possibly other countries. However, having children
aboard can be as tricky as it is fulfilling.
Children get easily bored and
need to be entertained so you need to take plenty of things that make your kid
busy. Also bear in mind that children are curious and they would
probably want to explore the boat. However, they can also get
reckless so you need to implement some safety features for
your kid to safely explore the yacht.
We have prepared for you some
pieces of advice if you are thinking about taking your child
sailing.
First you need to set
clear safety
rules that you have to
discuss with the children before the trip and reinforce them once
you are aboard. As children get easily bored, make sailing
distances short. You could also try to "chop up" your route by
stopping on a beach to run around and play.
Ensure fun and
games
Do not forget to bring
plenty of toys. Also bring snorkeling equipment (unless
your boat already has it) and remember that that dinghy is not only
for decoration; you could take your children to the shore with it
or organize a fishing excursion. Introduce your children with their
"floating home" for the week. Show them how to use the head
properly, how to move around the boat, warn them about the boom,
show them where the handgrips and handrails are.
Learning about sailing and
environment
If your kids are up to it (and
we see no reason for them not to be), teach them something about sailing.
Show them the charts and instruments, explain what type of sails
there are, teach them about wind, make them
participate in anchoring... This all will make them feel involved
and most likely start the "sailing fire" in them.
Expose them to their
surroundings - throw some biology and geography lessons in sailing.
They will learn new things while enjoying themselves.
Safety measures and
supervision
When it comes to safety,
physical safety is the main priority with children
aboard. One of the most important tips is the installation
of a safety net. Safety rules must be strictly followed,
especially when younger children are involved. All children must
wear a life jacket when on deck, no child goes on
the fore deck when sailing, and if the weather gets really too
rough, children must go down below. For extra safety, a harness is
also a good idea. However, beside all these safety measures, the
best one is parent supervision.
Of course, all this does not
mean you should tie your children down not allowing them to move a
muscle. Let them be kids. Let them move around the boat freely and
let them have fun but never forgetting their safety. So can
children sail? The answer is a big yes but only if all the safety
measures are satisfied.
Related
articles:
What Is A Safety Net?
What to Watch for When Sailing with
Kids?
What to Take when Sailing with
Kids?