Family Sailing Holidays
Children, boats and the questions to settle before you choose.
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Your Family Aboard
Family sailing holidays should give you time together, with sailing distances and a boat that suit your children. Start with their ages, who will supervise the youngest and how much sailing experience you have. This page helps you settle the boat choice, whether to take a skipper, and where and when to sail.
Safety First
The youngest sailors may need one adult each for supervision, and that adult should not be counted on for other safety jobs. Catamarans offer more space and stability than monohulls, though they are harder to fence in. A skippered charter needs no sailing qualifications or experience from anyone in your family. Tell us who is coming and the dates you can travel, and we can advise on cabin layouts, routing and bad-weather plans.
Quick Navigation
- 1 Children Aboard Supervision Comes First
- 2 Choosing the Boat Space and Stability
- 3 Skipper or Licence Experience and Qualifications
- 4 Days With Children Plan Around the Stops
- 5 Choosing Dates Start With the Calendar
- 6 Family Destinations Choose the Sailing First
1.Children Aboard
Supervision Comes First
Sailing with children calls for a plan built around their ages. Safety depends on where and when you sail, and who is aboard with you. Every boat gives a safety briefing, and life jackets and other safety equipment are on board.
For the youngest children, supervision may mean one adult looking after one child. That adult should not also be counted on for other safety jobs. Catamarans have size and stability in their favour with toddlers, although they are harder to fence in. Before choosing the boat, identify who will supervise each young child and who remains available for other safety duties.
2.Choosing the Boat
Space and Stability
Catamarans have more room inside and out than monohulls, and greater stability. They do not heel over more than about five degrees. Their two engines also make them easier to manoeuvre in marinas. Consider both the space aboard and the handling when comparing boats.
Stability and size are why catamarans are considered safer for toddlers, but they are harder to fence in. When choosing a family boat, weigh those advantages against the supervision your children need. No boat is safe or unsafe on its own. The trip and the experience aboard matter too. Tell us whether the family includes toddlers when discussing the boat. Their need for close supervision matters alongside the extra space and stability a catamaran offers.
3.Skipper or Licence
Experience and Qualifications
You do not need sailing qualifications or experience for a skippered charter. Neither does anyone else in your family.
Bareboat is a different decision. You or one member of your crew needs the right sailing qualification for the country where you sail, and countries differ in what they require and accept. Tell us what qualifications your family holds and where you hope to go before committing to a bareboat charter.
Family Catamarans in Greece
4.Days With Children
Plan Around the Stops
Begin with the distances between overnight stops when sailing with kids. In the Ionian, those distances are short, with plenty of anchorages and places to find provisions and restaurants. Plan the stops alongside the children's ages and supervision needs, rather than choosing the route before deciding who will look after them.
When packing for your sailing holiday, remember that marinas and many overnight stops have supermarkets, restaurants and small shops. Forgotten things can be bought along the way. Ask about provision stops while discussing the route, so shopping and meals ashore are part of the plan.
5.Choosing Dates
Start With the Calendar
Most Mediterranean bareboat charters run Saturday to Saturday, with some exceptions. That pattern applies in Greece, Croatia, Italy and Turkey. Charters run roughly noon to noon, so start by discussing the charter dates before arranging the rest of the holiday. A school holiday gives you a window to work within, but you still need to check the proposed start day.
The British Virgin Islands have a different pattern, with any-day starts normal there. The Caribbean hurricane season arrives in late summer, and by November the Caribbean is back in action. Tell us the dates you can travel, then ask us to check how they fit the charter you are considering.
6.Family Destinations
Choose the Sailing First
The Ionian suits a first family sailing holiday. Calm waters, gentle winds and short distances between overnight stops sit alongside plenty of anchorages, provisions and restaurants. When comparing family sailing destinations, use those features to decide which sailing conditions suit your family.
The British Virgin Islands have steady trade winds and line-of-sight navigation between islands. Bodrum and its nearby islands offer sheltered, quiet overnight stops. Menorca is quieter than its neighbours, with family-run restaurants near sailing stops and places for children to snorkel.
Family Catamarans in Croatia
Your Questions Answered
Can You Sail With Toddlers?
Catamarans are considered safer for toddlers because of their size and stability, though they are harder to fence in. The youngest children may need one adult each for supervision, and that adult should not be counted on for other safety jobs.
Do We Need a Sailing Licence?
Nobody needs sailing qualifications or experience on a skippered charter. For bareboat, you or one crew member needs the right qualification for the country, and requirements differ.
Are Catamarans Better for Families?
Catamarans have more space inside and out than monohulls and are more stable. They do not heel over more than about five degrees, and two engines make marina manoeuvres easier.
Do Charters Have to Start on a Saturday?
Most Mediterranean bareboat charters run Saturday to Saturday, with some exceptions. In the British Virgin Islands, any-day starts are normal.
Is There Somewhere to Buy Food and Nappies on the Way?
Marinas and many overnight stops have supermarkets, restaurants and small shops. Forgotten things can be bought along the way.
Talk to us about the charter you have in mind. We have advised on charters since 2011 and are tied to no operator. The Art of Charter.
Christopher Lait
Chris founded Drake Academy, a sailing company that provides leadership training to businesses. Now the CEO of SailChecker.com you will find him handling many of your enquiries as he attempts to drive SailChecker.com forward as the company of choice for yacht charter and sailing by focusing on quality advice and great customer service.
