Sailing Adventures for the Whole Family: Tips for Sailing with Kids
Are you planning a sailing trip with your kids? Sailing with children can be a wonderful and exciting experience for the whole family. However, it’s important to be prepared and take certain precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable adventure. In this article, we will provide you with essential tips and advice to make your family sailing trip a success.
One of the best ways to make your family sailing adventure a success is to involve the kids in the sailing or power boating experience. This not only keeps them engaged and entertained, but it also helps them learn valuable skills and develop a love for boating. Let them help with tasks such as hoisting the sails, steering the boat, and navigating. You can also teach them about the different parts of the boat and how everything works. By involving the kids, you are not only creating lasting memories but also fostering a sense of teamwork and responsibility.
Tips for keeping the kids entertained and safe:
- Make sure they have lifejackets that fit and designed specifically for sailing and their weight.
- Clothing is important when it comes to keeping children comfortable. Gill Marine do a great range of children’s protective clothing.
- Sun protection is a must for anyone sailing, but even more so for children.
- Make sure they have a water bottle and that they drink often, because dehydration can be dangerous.
- VHF radios are not toys and should be used responsibly. It is important to teach children the proper use of VHF radio’s and emphasise their significance in communication and calling for help. One way to practice is by simulating an emergency call on Channel 16, following the correct protocol and clearly communicating the nature of the emergency and the boat’s location. This practice is crucial because there may be situations where you are unable to make the call yourself.
- Kids get a great introduction to sailing through water sports. Kayaking, canoeing or stand up paddleboarding are great ways of exploring inland or coastal waters without requires a high level of skill.
Sailing with kids can be a fun and rewarding experience for the whole family. FlexiSail offer a supportive environment to nurture any young sailors, we also have family events to encourage youngsters to take an interest in boating. By involving the kids in the sailing experience, you are helping them learn valuable skills and develop a love for the water. This not only gives them a sense of responsibility but also allows them to actively participate in a boating adventure. Additionally, you can take the opportunity to teach them about the different parts of the boat and how everything works. By doing so, you are not only creating lasting memories, you are also fostering a sense of teamwork and co-operation among the family members.
If you would like to explore FlexiSail Boat Club, or FlexiCharter – Pay as you Boat with the family, please get in touch and we can advise you on the best options to begin your adventure.