Kids on board

Most of the charter companies represented at boot Düsseldorf already have a number of special family cruises and special offers for children in their programmes and provide competent advice to trade fair visitors on site. Also, on the information stages in the boot Travel World and in the boot Sailing Center travelling with children on board is a much talked about issue. Here is a brief summary of some basic facts how to plan a boating holiday with kids on board:

A few good tips and your boating trip with the whole family will be "child's play". So what should you pay attention to in order to keep the kids fascinated and entertained on the boat? What about extra safety on board? What should children definitely pack for the trip? Which destinations and which type of yacht are particularly suitable for a family cruise? A long list of questions! And many parents wonder whether children will like it at sea, at all, and often have concerns. With good planning, however, the trip with children can become an unforgettable family experience!

Catamarans: It is not a must have but besides the huge living space and the "trampoline" at the bow catamarans offer great sailing stability without the heeling often asocciated with monohulls.

Choose the right destination: The most important thing is to choose the right destination. Not too much wind, few waves and short day trips with sufficient bathing stops make for a family-friendly sailing destination. Starting ports within driving reach by car also save money and exhausting travel. Of course, there is no absolute planning reliability when it comes to weather. However, when checking the weather data from previous years, you can search specifically for the good seasons in the area of your choice - but do not just look for temperatures and sunshine, you also want a low strong wind probability.

Flottillas: Sailing and motorboating in a small group of ships offers variety and safety. Flotillas are especially popular among families with children. The little pirates quickly become friends and "boredom on board" does not get a chance.

Dinghy: If the yacht carries a dinghy, this is an additional option for fun on the water: for small boaters it is particularly exciting to sail across the water on their own at moorings or in a marina.

Railing net: The net is attached to the strings of the railing and fixed to the washrail, thus preventing people or objects from going overboard. Availability should be checked in advance and ordered when booking the yacht. If you install the net on site yourself, it might even be a little cheaper.

Bimini and awnings: Both offer the necessary shade on deck. Often the bimini is part of the standard equipment of a charter yacht. However, an awning is not always automatically on board. Check before you book your boat.

Sprayhood: The half-hood over the hatchway is attached to the cabin roof and cockpit and protects the cockpit against spray and uncomfortable wind. It is almost always part of the standard equipment of charter yachts.

Children's life jackets and water wings: It is best to take your own from home, as children's life jackets are not always available at all charter bases. Better be safe than sorry. A fully automatic life-jacket with integrated life-belt the greatest amount of safety. In order to accustom children to wearing the vest, let them wear it again and again long before the trip. Previous testing at home, for example in the bathtub, is also helpful. Replacement cartridges should also be obtained in advance for automatic vests. An additional foam vest for bathing excursions or time in marinas, where they are more comfortable to wear, ensures all-round safety.

Seating options: A bicycle seat, preferably with a safety belt and parasol, is a safe seat for the little ones on board and is usually easy to attach to the railing. This way all events on deck can be observed in safety by the small crew mebers. Parents and child always have each other in view.

Sun protection: Pack a second pair of sunglasses and two hats as one thing at least will go overboard in no time and the nearest port may still be far away. It's Murphy's Law!