A weekend on the water is ideal for busy families. Sailing will help the family to reunite, enjoy great time outdoors and fond memories. But proper planning is essential to make this special time together fun, enjoyable and safe.

How to prepare for a sailing trip with your family
Follow the weather forecast: You must have information about the area and the weather. The weather forecast becomes more accurate and reliable the closer the day of the planned walk approaches, but it is always worth watching for changes, even after going to sea. For example, some regions are prone to short summer storms that can last as little as 15 to 30 minutes, but can be severe and scare enough for your family members to never step on board again. There are also good apps that are great for not only observing the weather, but also depth and objects in the water.
Check and prepare your boat: Take care of extra food and drink supplies as you travel with children. Make sure there is a first aid kit on board with a variety of medications that can be helpful in emergencies. Also, get as many tasks as possible ahead of time so you don't get distracted by them during your trip.
Pack your things carefully: If you are planning an overnight stay, remember that it is like camping, but on the water. Being on the water means it can get cooler at night. Sleeping bags, blankets and pillows, extra clothes are not something to save space on. And sunscreen and insect spray are essential during the summer months.
The age of the children determines what you should take with you, but regardless of age, it is absolutely worth packing their favorite snacks and toys to avoid possible crises. Most of us would prefer to leave some of the children's familiar gadgets and toys on the beach, but this may be necessary to keep things in check while you enjoy the sunset with a cool drink.
If you are planning a longer voyage, sometimes not only the children, but also the parents themselves just need a break, in which case you need to think about entertainment such as movies, books, or board games for the whole family.

Take your camera to capture a family trip. Older kids will have tons of fun collecting photo stories of your recreation and entertainment that they had, both on board and in the water.
Your family is your team, so give everyone meaningful assignments. Let them steer the boat, show them how to raise and secure the sails, and teach a navigation lesson. There are many ways to teach your family something new on board that can be fun for everyone.
If the children are over 5 years old, it will be easier for you to show them all the joys of being on the water.... You can take a rod and boat, anchor, and let them fish on their own. For a child, this can be an experience that will allow them to feel great independence. If you give them freedom and teach them step by step, over time they will be able to quite competently manage the boat under the engine, and then the sails, and this trust shown by the parents is of great importance for the development of the child's abilities and independence. As children get older, their responsibilities will develop, and the knowledge that they are making a great contribution to the onboard processes gives them a great sense of satisfaction and motivation.

Analyze your attitude: It is very important to keep yourself in check. A calm and confident attitude is passed on from you to the whole family. If you are negative or show fear, your children will feel it and will follow suit. Children observe and absorb all of your signals. This is of great importance on board as you are in close contact together most of the time. The boat is a very challenging and stimulating environment for a child of any age, and you will be able to clearly see the benefits of your influence, learning, growth and development of the child in such an environment. Just take your time and be patient.
Safety first: It goes without saying that when the family is together on the water, they must be safe. Life jackets for children are a must. For babies, it is necessary to install a rescue net around the perimeter of the boat. With a toddler on board, you cannot turn your back for a moment and expect the baby to stay where you are when you turn back. Leave the crawling child uncontrolled, and in a second this little explorer will start sticking his hands where it is not necessary, and on the boat there are many dangerous devices for children. Parents should be an exceptionally well-coordinated and effective team.
If you are the only one in the family who really knows how to fly a yacht, Teach your spouse and older children how to start the engine and other important basics, because if something happens to you, another family member should be able to take control of the situation.

First of all, your time on the boat together is fun. If you are new to this, start with a short walk and gradually work your way up to night crossings. If your kids are young and tired after just an hour on the water, consider stopping in advance where you can anchor and swim, or be within reach of the marina in case of emergency.
Most importantly, don't think of the shorter walk as a failure. Even if you return earlier than planned, continue your day by the water - fish, look for rocks, swim, just relax or dine aboard the yacht in the marina, eat ice cream at the marina and the list of options is endless. Find the positives - it will still be a day on the water, outdoors with your family. And most importantly, it will be a balance, it will not be monotonous and tiring, and your children will want to come back!
On the picture: Catamaran Lucia 40 from Fountaine Pajot
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