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Family-Friendly Yachting: Tips for an Unforgettable Family Yacht Vacation

Embark on a family adventure like no other with our expert tips for a memorable and family-friendly yacht vacation. Leave behind the mundane and embrace the extraordinary as we guide you through the art of choosing the perfect yacht, ensuring essential safety precautions, and packing efficiently. Discover how to create a kid-friendly itinerary that will keep everyone entertained, and make the most of the luxurious onboard amenities. Get ready for an innovative and unforgettable experience on the open seas.

Choosing the Perfect Yacht

Selecting the ideal yacht is paramount when planning an unforgettable family yacht vacation. There are various factors to consider, such as yacht sizes, luxury vs. budget options, private vs. charter yachts, yacht features and facilities, and crewed vs. bareboat charters.

Yacht sizes play a crucial role in ensuring comfort and space for the entire family. Smaller yachts are more intimate and can navigate narrower waters, while larger yachts offer more amenities and space to accommodate larger families. It is important to consider the number of cabins and sleeping arrangements when choosing the right size for your family.

Luxury yachts provide top-of-the-line amenities and services, ensuring a lavish experience. On the other hand, budget options offer a more affordable alternative without compromising on the overall experience. It is essential to determine your family’s preferences and budget before making a decision.

Private yachts offer exclusivity and privacy for your family, allowing you to customize your itinerary and have a more intimate experience. Charter yachts, on the other hand, come with a professional crew who take care of navigation and maintenance, providing a hassle-free vacation experience.

Yacht features and facilities also vary, with some yachts offering water toys, jacuzzis, and onboard entertainment systems. It is important to consider your family’s interests and preferences to ensure a memorable experience.

Finally, choosing between crewed and bareboat charters depends on your sailing experience and preference for independence. Crewed charters provide a dedicated crew to navigate and assist, while bareboat charters allow you to be the captain and have full control over your vacation.

Please call or email Doug (our seasoned yacht travel specialist) today at (781) 679-1162 or email at [email protected] .

Essential Safety Precautions

When planning an unforgettable family yacht vacation, it is crucial to prioritize essential safety precautions to ensure a secure and enjoyable experience for everyone on board. Water activities can be fun and exciting, but they also come with certain risks. To mitigate these risks, it is important to establish and communicate emergency procedures before setting sail. Make sure everyone on board is aware of the location and proper usage of safety equipment, such as life jackets, and educate them on how to respond in case of an emergency.

Childproofing measures should also be taken into consideration to ensure the safety of young children on board. Install safety gates or nets to prevent falls, secure cabinets and drawers to keep dangerous objects out of reach, and cover sharp edges to prevent injuries. Additionally, having a well-stocked first aid kit on board is essential. Include basic medical supplies such as bandages, antiseptics, and medications for common ailments.

Life jacket usage is non-negotiable, especially for children. Ensure that life jackets are properly fitted and worn at all times during water activities. It is also a good idea to assign a responsible adult to keep a close eye on children, especially when they are near the water.

Packing Tips for a Family Yacht Vacation

To ensure a smooth and organized family yacht vacation, proper packing is essential. Here are some tips to help you pack efficiently and ensure you have everything you need for a memorable trip:

• Clothing essentials: Pack comfortable and lightweight clothing suitable for warm weather. Don’t forget swimsuits, cover-ups, and hats to protect from the sun. Also, include a few warmer layers for cooler evenings. Remember to pack enough clothes for the duration of your trip, as laundry facilities may be limited.
• Food and snacks: While most yachts provide meals, it’s a good idea to bring some of your family’s favorite snacks and non-perishable food items. This ensures you have options that everyone will enjoy, especially if you have picky eaters. Don’t forget to pack enough water to stay hydrated throughout your journey.
• Entertainment options: Keep your family entertained during the yacht vacation with a selection of books, magazines, board games, and playing cards. If you have children, consider bringing their favorite toys or electronic devices to keep them occupied during downtime. Additionally, you may want to bring a portable speaker to enjoy music while on board.

Remember to also pack beach and water gear such as towels, sunscreen, snorkeling gear, and inflatables. Lastly, it’s crucial to have a well-stocked first aid kit on board, including basic medications, band-aids, and any necessary prescription medications.

Creating a Kid-Friendly Itinerary

Designing a tailored itinerary that caters to the interests and needs of children is essential for a successful family yacht vacation. To ensure an unforgettable experience, it is important to incorporate fun activities, choose kid-friendly destinations , provide educational experiences, offer child-friendly meals, and provide entertainment options.

When planning a kid-friendly itinerary, it is crucial to include a variety of fun activities that will keep the children engaged and entertained throughout the trip. This can include water sports such as snorkeling or paddleboarding, beach games, treasure hunts, and even onboard movie nights under the stars.

Selecting kid-friendly destinations is another key aspect of creating an itinerary that children will enjoy. Look for destinations that offer attractions and activities tailored to kids , such as theme parks, aquariums, or wildlife sanctuaries. These destinations will not only provide entertainment but also educational experiences that can enrich their understanding of the world around them.

Incorporating educational experiences into the itinerary can be both enriching and entertaining for children. This can include visits to local museums, historical sites, or cultural centers, where they can learn about the history and traditions of the places they visit.

Child-friendly meals should also be a priority when planning a family yacht vacation. Ensure that the yacht’s chef is aware of any dietary restrictions or preferences of the children and can provide meals that are not only nutritious but also appealing to their young palates.

Lastly, offering a range of entertainment options onboard the yacht is essential. This can include games, puzzles, books, and even a selection of age-appropriate movies or TV shows. Having these options available will keep the children entertained during downtime or in case of bad weather.

Making the Most of Onboard Amenities

To fully maximize the onboard amenities, families should take advantage of the wide range of features and facilities available on the yacht. Here are three key ways families can make the most of these amenities:

• Entertainment options: Yachts today are equipped with state-of-the-art entertainment systems, including flat-screen TVs, surround sound, and streaming capabilities. Families can enjoy movie nights under the stars or have a karaoke session in the comfort of their own yacht. Some yachts even offer gaming consoles and virtual reality experiences, ensuring endless entertainment for everyone on board.
• Meal planning: Many yachts come with a professional chef who can cater to the specific dietary needs and preferences of the family. From gourmet meals to themed dinners, families can indulge in culinary delights without having to worry about planning and preparing meals themselves. The chef can also organize cooking classes for the whole family, allowing them to learn new recipes and techniques during their vacation.
• Water activities: Yacht vacations offer numerous opportunities for water-based fun. Families can engage in activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving , jet skiing, and paddleboarding. Yachts often come with water toys, such as inflatable slides and trampolines, ensuring endless hours of excitement on the open sea.

In conclusion, a family yacht vacation can be a truly unforgettable experience, providing a unique opportunity for quality time, relaxation, and adventure. By choosing the perfect yacht, taking essential safety precautions, packing wisely, and creating a kid-friendly itinerary, families can make the most of their time on board. With the abundance of onboard amenities available, there is no shortage of entertainment and enjoyment for everyone. So set sail and create lasting memories with your loved ones on a family-friendly yacht vacation.

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Use our quick contact form to give us the basics about what you’re looking for and we’ll send you ideas and pricing. Don’t worry if it’s not grand enough or should be scaled back; we’ll take care of that too. When you love the plan, we put it into action. All you have to do is show up and enjoy.

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How to Talk Like a Sailor (without Swearing)

A rear view of a father sitting on a boat with his children on the sea, they are waving at another boat on the sea.

Your little skippers will be ready for a high-seas adventure after learning a few fun words and phrases and their nautical origins. And if you like these, check out our pirate dictionary . You never know, one of these terms just might bale you out of the doldrums in just a couple of shakes. Read on!

photo: andreas160578  via pixabay

Adrift: Evolved from the word ‘drift’ or float, it became a way of describing a ship moved by wind and tides. It is now used to describe anything that is lost, as in, “Her matching sock were adrift among the piles of laundry.”

Bale/bale out: To remove water from a vessel, this phrase now means to help someone out of a sticky situation. (Note: alternate, Old nautical English spelling of bail).

Becalm: To cut off the wind from the sails of a ship. Can be used interchangeably with sooth, as in, “The mother was able to becalm her child temporarily with the promise of a cookie.”

Booby: A fearless little sea bird that is known for being easy to catch. The term booby or boob is sometimes used to describe someone who may not be that bright.

Bumboat: A privately owned boat that sells goods or merchandise. Fun to say.

Caboose: Sure, you know it as the little red car at the end of a train but a ship has a caboose too! It’s the kitchen or galley on a small ship.

Cats paws: A term to describe small waves produced by light, variable winds on otherwise calm waters.

Chew (chewing) the fat: Salt pork or fatty, jerky-like meat was common food on sailing vessels as it lasted a long time without rotting. Sailors would complain about the food while gnawing away at the fat, thus the term became synonymous with gabbing, casual conversation or gossip.

Cranky: A crank was an unstable ship or vessel, now a term to describe a toddler who hasn’t napped.

Cringle : Not to be confused with Kris Kringle or the delicious pastry, kringle, this nautical term describes a rope loop at the corner of a sail for fixing the sail to the spar (see definition of spar below).

Dinghy: A dinghy can be a small boat carried or towed by a larger ship, often inflatable and used as a life raft; a type of racing yacht; or a rowboat.

Dog watch: A short watch period (for sailors on deck) from 4–6 p.m. or 6–8 p.m. it can also refer to any night shift, most often the last shift. As in, “Tonight Dad was on dogwatch for the little one’s feeding so mom could get some much-needed sleep.”

Doldrums:  An area in the equatorial region of the Atlantic Ocean with calms, sudden storms and unpredictable but light winds. Because of the variable weather ships would get stuck in the doldrums. Now we use it as a term to describe being stuck or stagnant. As in, “Our nightly dinner routine is in the doldrums .”

Dolphin: A man-made structure in the sea or river used as a marker.

Earings: Nope, not (earrings) the kind with bling. These are the small lines that secure the upper corners of the largest sail to the yardarms. (See below for yardarms definition).

Fore and aft: From stem to stern or lengthwise of a ship. “Please vacuum your room fore and aft and not just the entryway.”

Ghost: To sail slowly.

Gob-stoppers: Grapeshot put in the mouth of a young, gabby sailor. Now used to describe the hard, chipped-tooth-inducing candy.

Grapeshot: Small cannonballs; basically smallish balls of lead fired from a canon used to damage rigging or aimed directly at sailors on an enemy ship (cannon balls would be used to cause more structural damage and sink the ship).

Hog:  A rough flat scrubbing brush for cleaning the ship’s bottom underwater. No comment.

Horse: To move or adjust a sail by hand, using brute force rather than running rigging.

Hulk:  An old ship that has become obsolete. (not all that incredible).

Jack, also jack tar:   A sailor. Also sometimes a flag on a ship.

Jury rig: The act of rigging temporary mast or sails, also the actual mast or sail that has been temporarily rigged. This is now used interchangeably with makeshift.

Mind your P’s & Q’s : When sailors would go to a port town and visit the local tavern, the barkeepers would give them credit. A “P” would indicate pint and a “Q” was a quart. So when payday came and it time to pay their tab, they’d be minding their Ps and Qs. It is now considered a term for good manners.

Ship Shape: A term now used to say something is clean, tidy and ready to go, in the 1800s, ships were inspected to make sure they were okay to port. If a vessel was in “ship shape” it was free of disease or other unsavories. “Timmy’s room was in ship shape before the play date.”

Show your true colors : A warship would have many colored flags on board to try and deceive enemy ships. The true color would only be revealed when it was too late. Now it’s a term used to describe someone who has shown their true nature.

Spar : Not to be confused with the verb which means to fight, a spar is a pole, usually of wood or metal, used to support the ship’s sail. Sometimes called a pelican striker.

Spin a yarn: This phrase means to tell a story or a tale and is comes from the stories sailors would tell to pass the time while doing monotonous tasks such as making spun-yarn.

Starboard and Port: Starboard is the ship’s right and port its left. Fun fact: the term “posh” originated from port out, starboard home, said to be the way to get the best view, and so where the elite class was seated or bunked.

Two shakes or a couple of shakes : Used to describe a short period of time, as in, “Give me two shakes and I’ll have your PB&J ready.” Sailors would measure short periods of time by the shaking of the sails.

Whole nine yards: Old ships had three masts, each of which had three-yard sails, so the whole nine yards meant all sails were up. Now it means all of something.

Yardarms: Either end of a yard of a square sail.

What’s your favorite nautical term or phrase? Share it with us in the comments below. 

—Amber Guetebier

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How to get kids hooked on family sailing.

Sailing is a fun, healthy, and socially-distanced outdoor activity that families can enjoy together. With charter crews currently limited to members of a common household or social bubble, this is the perfect time to get your kids hooked on sailing. 

There is no perfect age for introducing kids to sailing. At Modern Sailing, we’ve seen members introduce children to sailing as young as infants and toddlers! Of course, the younger and more inexperienced the child, the more dedicated their caregiver’s attention will need to be to keep them safe. But no matter their age, when you take the time to provide kids with a rich variety of fun, incremental, and inclusive learning experiences, you’ll open their way to a lifetime of sailing appreciation. Take it slow, keep it light, and enjoy the moment, even when things don’t go perfectly.

It's All About The Fun

With kids, getting and keeping their interest is all about having fun! Sailing is more fun for kids when they feel safe, comfortable, and included. Keep the learning fun by helping to build interest, experience, skills, and confidence one step at a time.

Limit your newest crew member's first sail to helping them learn essential safety behaviors while becoming familiar and comfortable with the boat. Begin with a short sail on a day forecast for pleasant conditions. If you’d like go for a longer sail, plan to take a break on anchor for a snack and meal after a couple of hours. Along the way, focus on some of the most fun aspects of sailing - like unfurling sails, sighting marine wildlife, steering on the helm, and ogling the fascinating array of other vessels to be seen on the Bay.

As your kids’ comfort and interest increases, increase the fun by adding learning, variety, and adventure to your family sailing excursions. Begin teaching some basic crew skills. Dock at Ayala Cove and hike on Angel Island, or sail up the Oakland Estuary and dock at Jack London Square for takeout. Try a night sleeping on anchor and explore further reaches of the Bay together. 

Safety and Comfort

California state boating regulations mandate that children aged 12 and younger must wear a US Coast Guard-approved PFD at all times while aboard a moving vessel of any size. Most marine retailers carry child-sized life jackets, and Modern Sailing stocks a variety of child-sized PFDs available for loan.

While at the dock, provide kids with a safety briefing. You can also teach them some easily remembered idioms, such as:

• “One hand for you, one hand for the boat.” Show them where to find all the handholds above and below deck.
• “Toes grip, heels slip.” Demonstrate the safest way to use the companionway stairs and step around the boat.
• “Thumbs up to the heart.” Handling a line with the thumbs pointed toward the heart improves leverage and prevents fingers from suddenly being pulled into a winch or block.
• For more information about physical safety on a boat, see our Member Resources article Common Sailing Injuries and How to Prevent Them .
• Here's a great article for grown-ups to read about keeping kids safe on boats: 12 Boat Safety Tips that Might Just Save Your Child's Life

Some kids will approach a first sail apprehensively, some will charge aboard like a pirate born some 200-odd years too late, and others will feel somewhere in between. If your kid isn’t a born pirate, avoid a mutiny by limiting discomfort as much as possible.

• Before leaving the dock, teach kids how to use the head. Younger kids may need a caregiver’s assistance to use the head when under way.
• Keep the ride easy-going. In windy, choppy conditions, reef early and minimize sailing to weather.
• If children fear going overboard, a tether clipped to their PFD and grippy shoes will help them feel more secure.
• When it comes to line handling, be aware that the forces generated by high winds on a large boat can overwhelm kids. Provide learning opportunities in calm conditions. For example, find shelter from the wind behind Angel Island or the Tiburon Peninsula when teaching new maneuvers. Teach them how to grind a winch when it is not under load.
• Respect the child’s limits. Keep an eye on comfort and energy levels. Know when to call it a day or take a rest hove-to or on anchor.

Protection from the Elements

Ensure kids are prepared for comfortable sailing with suncreen, a hat, and layered clothing including a wind and waterproof outer layer. If handling lines, sailing gloves are essential. Bib pants and overalls will complicate visits to the head, and jeans provide little to no protection in a cold breeze. Bring extra clothing, some warm blankets, and/or hand warmers in your gear bag just in case. A pillow for naps is a good idea too.

Energy and Hydration

The right amount and types of foods will help keep your young sailor’s mood and energy up, with the added benefit of helping to keep tummies calm.

• Offer plenty of light, bite-sized finger foods such as crackers, fruit (peeled orange sections, grapes, strawberries/raspberries, bananas), energy bars, or sandwiches cut in sections small enough to hold with one hand. Avoid heavy, rich, and fatty foods.
• Sparkling water, ginger ale, and iced or hot peppermint tea can do double-duty as refreshing hydration and mal-de-mer mitigation.

Teaching and Learning

All kids are different. They will learn at different rates and by different means and will approach new challenges with varying degrees of confidence. Encouraging children to go slightly outside of their comfort zone keeps boredom at bay and helps grow skills, confidence, and character. Once arriving just outside that comfort zone, help the child adapt and wait until they feel comfortable again before introducing another new skill or experience. Don’t try to teach everything all at once.

Start with the big-picture basics, keep lessons bite-sized, and let kids pace their learning. When teaching a new skill, verbally explain what you’re about to teach, and ask if they would like to learn this. If yes:

• Demonstrate the new skill 1 to 3 times.
• Let the child try out the new skill. If a mistake is made, reassure the child that mistakes are a part of learning. When they do it correctly, offer praise. Encourage the child to practice this skill several times. Give them some time to relax and enjoy the sense of accomplishment.
• When the child feels accomplished at this skill, ask, “Are you ready to learn something new?”

If your youngster turns around and starts asking you lots of questions, this is a good sign that you have a budding sailor aboard!

To Include Practice, Practice Inclusion

Invite children and crew to try out different roles and “jobs” while sailing. Special jobs aboard your boat will keep them engaged and feeling like valued and important members of the crew. You can invent and assign different jobs aboard your boat designed to discourage boredom, encourage practice, and reinforce certain skills. Jobs can be suited or tailored for a certain age, ability, or interest, or can even provide a rest from active sailing. Rotate between jobs incrementally by setting 30-minute, 1-hour, or 2-hour shifts or “watches.” Set a timer to let the crew know when the watch is changing. The skipper or another skilled adult sailor aboard will need to transfer knowledge, model the skills required for each job, and monitor to ensure tasks are performed safely and correctly.

Here are some "job" ideas for a variety of ages, skill, and interest levels:

• First Mate – Organizes watch assignments for the crew and keeps track of watch schedules.
• Mate – Helps maneuver the boat by handling sheets and halyards.
• Deck Hand – Retrieves and deploys fenders and dock lines. Keeps lines from going overboard and ship-shape so no one trips on them. 
• Helmsperson – Steers the boat and communicates intentions and directions to the crew. 
• Lookout – Keeps the helmsperson and/or skipper appraised of the location and movement of other vessels on the Bay. The lookout considers and communicates whether an approaching vessel may be on a possible collision course. The lookout also watches for incoming fog, floating debris, and other hazards to navigation. 
• Navigator – Decides which mark to sail to next and the best way to get there. Practice speed and distance exercises using known marks in the Bay. Time how long it takes to travel from mark to mark and calculate the speed of the boat. The navigator can also experiment with apps such as Navionics and Boat Beacon. 
• Engineer – Tests the head, operates battery switches, starts and stops the engine, operates switches on the electrical control panel (water pressure pump, cabin lights, navigation lights, windlass, etc.). Monitors power usage, battery status, and tank levels.
• Biologist – For the kid more interested in the flora and fauna than in the sailing. Keep a reference book, pen and notebook handy for the biologist to identify and document wildlife sightings. If unable to identify, the kid can make notes describing the animal’s features and use Google to identify it later.
• Steward – Offers snacks, beverages, clothing layers, or blankets to crew on watch.
• DJ – Keeps the crew entertained with music. 
• Off Duty – Sailor is on free time.

These are only a few of the possibilities - use your imagination! While you're at it, encourage the kids to use their imagination too.

Sailing Builds Confidence and Character

Well, we all know boats. Things can and do go wrong. A mistake, a boat problem, or emergency can be a valuable learning opportunity for adults and kids alike. The lessons we learn when things don’t go our way aboard a boat can be applied to solving problems in the greater context of life. As the old expressions go, "When the winds change, adjust the sails,” and "A calm sea never made a skilled sailor." 

Kids and Modern Sailing School

Modern Sailing is an adult sailing school and does not offer classes strictly for children. However, children can benefit from private sailing lessons with a parent or guardian and one of our oustanding instructors. To learn more about private instruction with kids, call our office at (415) 331-8250 or send us an email .

Additional Reading and Resources

12 Boat Safety Tips that Might Just Save Your Child's Life

A Kid's Guide to Sailing Boats - article by Peter Whiting / Seattle Yachts. (Some of the content in this article comes from our MSC's article "How to Get Kids Hooked on Family Sailing," which is also listed as a source in  the article).

Sausalito Yacht Club - Sausalito Yacht Club’s programs are designed to teach all levels of sailing in a fun and safe environment.

Golden Gate Yacht Club - Golden Gate Yacht Club has a fantastic High School Program.

San Francisco Yacht Club - Youth Sailing at The San Francisco Yacht Club has a number of distinct components: Learn-to-Sail Instructional Programs, Race Teams, High School Racing, "All Age Programs," and Private Sessions are organized through the Youth Sailing Office.

Article by Mary Elkins on July 22, 2020

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Every aspect of Modern Sailing - training, syllabus, course materials, quality of the boats, quality of the instructors, and the very friendly and helpful staff - exceeded my expectations. Modern Sailing has a first class sailing program in an environment with challenging winds and currents. I look forward to coming back to charter a boat and certainly plan to continue my sailing training.

The meeting room was quite adequate and the location most convenient, but the course outline and instruction were outstanding. Modern Sailing is fortunate to have such a well organized instructor in Mr. Stan Lander who teaches very well from a rich professional background. Mr. Lander was generous with his time and patiently in helping students who needed more attention or time in understanding various aspects of the curriculum.

We just took our ASA 106 at a school in Rhode Island as we prepare for 6 months of cruising in the Caribbean. The class was great, but more than anything it made us really appreciate the quality of teaching and rigor at Modern Sailing. Even though we were the newest to sailing, the group seemed to think that we had the best fundamentals. We felt very well prepared and we see why Modern Sailing has the reputation it does.

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Yachting Monthly

• Digital edition

Family sailing: The secrets of cruising with kids

• Theo Stocker
• April 30, 2021

Theo Stocker speaks to a variety of cruising sailors in order to get their best tips on what to do and what to avoid when going family sailing

As sailors, you’re likely to share your passion with your nearest and dearest. Family sailing offers the promise of quality time with your family, adventures and memories for the children and passing on your love of the sea, whether they are your own children, nephews, nieces, grandchildren or those of friends.

Family sailing isn’t without its challenges, however. How do you keep your crew happy , warm, fed, entertained and occupied within the confines of a small boat? And how does life aboard change as children grow from babies and toddlers to teenagers?

More importantly, how do you ensure that going sailing is a positive experience for everyone involved, and that they are going to want to come back next time?

Unlike navigation or boat handling , there are no courses or text books for family sailing. The particular challenges will be different for everyone, depending on the children’s age, temperament, and how many of them there are, the size of your boat, your level of experience, where you sail and the kind of sailing you’re planning.

The Kavanaghs are a family of four: Bruce, Abi, Skye (7) and Savannah (5), with a Warrior 40 based in Gosport. Photo: Abi Kavanagh

We’ve canvassed a diverse group of skippers who sail with an array of family arrangements, including as grandparents, parents and teenagers, from liveaboard cruisers to open-boat adventurers, and those raised with salt in their blood to sailing novices. Their wisdom has been gained through years of family sailing and discovering by experience what works and what doesn’t.

It’s easy to put a child off sailing with an initial negative experience, but a positive one can be the start of a life-long passion for the sea. Clearly, the sailors in this article have found how to make family sailing a success, and hopefully their advice and experiences will help you do the same.

Starting slow

The most formative time for your children will be the first few times you sail with them, says Olly Perkins. ‘Children and teenagers are quick to decide if they like something or not and it would be very easy to put your kids off sailing for life if you are not careful. Most importantly, don’t be too ambitious.

Even one eight-hour passage in a lumpy sea could give children the impression that sailing is always unpleasant.

‘Start off with small trips, building up excitement towards big adventures. It took us years before we first ventured out of the cosy confines of Chichester Harbour , once we did we were so thrilled to be able to leave harbour.’

Abi Kavanagh agrees that, initially at least, plans should be modest. ‘We have found that for any given trip we do less sailing than we did pre-kids and never push as hard, but as they get older this is changing. We’ve done a few very early morning departures with the kids still asleep and late evening sails after they have gone to bed which have worked well.’

You don’t even have to leave harbour if you don’t want to. ‘Sometimes not going anywhere is as much of an adventure with young children,’ says Hamish Southby Tailyour. ‘On a mooring just use the boat as a base for the weekend with a barbecue or pub supper ashore. At anchor stay there an extra day, relax and see who turns up in the evening.’

Having all the mod cons isn’t necessary either. Conrad Humphreys and daughters enjoy river cruises in an open boat. ‘We’ve been mainly cruising around Devon and Cornwall, exploring the rivers closer to home,’ he says. ‘We love the Yealm and the upper reaches of the Tamar and Lynher Rivers are just fantastic for a small, shallow draft boat like Bounty’s End . This year we plan to explore the River Fal and venture down to the Scilly Isles , which should be a reasonable passage in an open boat.

‘Our biggest challenge when away for longer trips is keeping Bounty’s End ’s batteries charged, as she is fully electric with only a small capacity to charge when under sail. We either carry a small generator or make sure we can spend the night in a marina for an overnight charge if necessary.’

Attractions ashore

Think about where children would choose to go. ‘In the early years, we favoured beach anchorages, and that now holds true with our small granddaughters,’ says Ken Endean – and beaches were the most popular by consensus.

Exploring creeks and camping overnight by a fire is the ultimate adventure for kids and adults alike. Photo: Hamish Southby Tailyour

Priorities change as children get older, however. ‘Teenagers are more alert to foreign cultures and places that are off the normal tourist track, while unfamiliar wildlife, such as dolphins, is always a bonus,’ says Ken. ‘Our actual passage planning was not greatly affected by having youngsters on board: a cruise should be safe and comfortable, whatever the ages of the crew.’

Planning small adventures works well, says Perkins. ‘We loved visiting beaches, fishing and going on “expeditions” – in other words, walks we hadn’t done before.’

Meet others

Family sailing is also about the people you’ll meet, says Hamish Southby Tailyour. ‘Plan to meet with friends either afloat or on the beach on your cruise. Row over, with your children, to any boat with other children onboard sharing the anchorage or marina. Join Kids4Sail , a subset of www.noforeignland.com. This totally changed our cruising and connecting with other boats with children in the Med.’

Erin Carey agrees. ‘When cruising with children, the destinations you choose to visit will often revolve around where the other boats with kids are. This gives them the chance to make playmates and allows parents to have a break. It’s truly amazing how quickly families on boats can become friends, with the common interest of keeping the kids sociable, well-rounded creatures.’

Don’t fight the weather

‘I am much more mindful about the weather, picking and choosing the days when I know sailing will be enjoyable for us both,’ says Graham Snook. ‘This is probably one of the most important things I’ve learnt.

‘Being divorced, the dates I have Ella are set in advance so if the weather doesn’t look good, we don’t go sailing and use the boat as a base instead. Last year the two weeks over the holiday were beset by strong winds; we still went to the boat but did different things around Gosport instead.’

Family sailing planning

One piece of family sailing advice from Hamish is to get everyone involved with the planning. ‘Google maps, electronic charts – get your digital natives helping. Ask them and give no more than two choices, both that are acceptable to you.

Our eldest was eight and the twins six when we took the plunge and purchased our first boat, says Frank Thorogood. Photo: Frank Thorogood

‘You may need lots of expectation management. Pubs, ice-cream, the draw of good free Wi-Fi connections, and time on the beach are obvious incentives, but funfairs, skate parks and a land visit to the local lighthouse have all proved to be tempting destinations.’

Family sailing safely

Safety is essential, but sailing shouldn’t be a list of dos and don’ts, says Olly Perkins. ‘Have only a few rules, but emphasise their importance.’

‘Rules were an integral part of our liveaboard lifestyle,’ says Erin Carey. ‘When you are above deck underway, you are tethered with a self-inflating lifejacket, no matter what. When we were anchored, they were not allowed on deck without a buddy, and never before we were out of bed.’

Everyone agreed that either lifejackets or harnesses are necessary underway when family sailing, and when the boat is stopped and children are on deck or on the pontoon, that a flotation device is absolutely essential.

‘Ella initially wore a kids lifejacket ,’ says Graham Snook, ‘but it was bulky and uncomfortable. Below decks, she’d take it off, but then change her mind and want to come back up on deck. It was much easier for her to wear a harness that was comfortable enough to wear all day.’

A few basic rules:

• Lifejackets or harnesses to be worn whenever underway, and lifejackets to be donned on the pontoon.
• Keep hands clear of winches.
• One hand for the boat and one for yourself.
• When sleeping at night the children have to tell us if they’re going up on deck alone.
• Take care getting in and out of the dinghy
• Bottoms-first going down into the cabin.

Skills to learn

‘I’ve taken time to show Ella how to use the VHF radio,’ says Graham Snook. ‘I test her on how she’d react if anything happened.’

Even younger children can be taught basic safety roles, like using the VHF or pointing to a MOB. Photo: Abi Kavanagh

Practising drills is important, particularly when family sailing says Abi. ‘We practise man-overboard drills, where everyone has a role. Our youngest focuses on pointing at the casualty. Our eldest presses the DSC button and places the Mayday call on the radio. Early in the season we try to get them to practise floating in their lifejackets, so that they understand how it works. Doing this in a swimming pool is fun.’

Going to the toilet underway can be an issue, says Hamish. ‘Make going in a bucket in the cockpit whilst at sea normal. It’s easier and safer and you can help them easily without going below yourself. Children can also become dehydrated quickly, which makes them more clumsy, grumpy and can make them more susceptible to seasickness, so keep them hydrated.’

‘Kids have an amazing ability to have fun,’ says Frank Thorogood, ‘and our three were no exception in finding out what parts of our days on the water they enjoyed.’

‘All of life is on board a cruising boat, from practical and cerebral skills, nautical and domestic, food preparation and cleaning, but also the psychological – seeing their parents solve real immediate problems in a calm logical way is a wonderful legacy to pass on,’ says Hamish Southby Tailyour.

Some jobs are more fun than others! Photo: Hamish Southby Tailyour

‘There are a multitude of mathematical opportunities to learn. There is the fun of knot-tying and rope-throwing competitions, but give them names that describe how they are used: not a clove hitch, a fender knot; not a rolling hitch but a lee cloth knot; and not how far can you throw a rope, but can you lasso a cleat, or even your brother?

If it’s dark and you notice the phosphorescence, stop putting the children to bed and jump in for a swim. The lasting memories are worth the effort of a midnight swim in the phosphorescence with your children.

Help them keep a daily journal with drawings and scraps stuck in, or a video log. Set up your own traditions. We have pancakes every Sunday, and this doesn’t change when we’re on the boat.’

Inside Games

Julia Jones says a boat is ‘a great space for family reading aloud.’ Frank Thorogood agrees that plenty of books are essential, as well as audiobooks. ‘Our son Kemmel is dyslexic, and on the voyage down to Cornwall audiobooks of the Harry Potter series were brilliant for him.’

Games are essential for family life on board. ‘There’s usually some game that everyone gets obsessed by,’ says Julia.

‘Liar Dice was very popular when I was little, or gambling with matchsticks,’ says Julia. ‘Gameboys suited the millennial children.

Sailing is great for life skills, like getting involved in cooking. Photo Hamish Southby Tailyour

I’ve come to dread iPhones as we are not strong on battery power, so long-lasting battery packs are very useful.’

‘Down below we keep a stock of sticker books, colouring books, modelling clay, paints and books to read,’ adds Abi Kavanagh. ‘There are also some good stop-motion apps that you can download and we have made some stop-motion animations with the things they have created.’

‘Musical instruments are a must so they can join in with others who you’ll meet along the way,’ adds Hamish Southby Tailyour.

Outside Games

There’s plenty to occupy children on deck without getting off the boat. Julia says, ‘My brothers and I used to spend hours climbing around without touching the cabin floor or the side decks or whatever the challenge was. I often welcome visiting children and find that being encouraged to climb in and out of the forehatch never fails to provide amusement.’

‘When getting off the boat isn’t an option, we sometimes put a paddling pool on the foredeck and give them a variety of containers to play with,’ says Abi Kavanagh.

Hamish adds, ‘The Star Atlas by H E Ray and red head torches is a wonderful and easy way to learn the constellations. Mast-swinging and jumping from the boom are our best activities. Set up the fender board or passerelle and make them walk the plank. Hammocks are a must.’

At anchor swimming, playing in the dinghy and fishing can keep children occupied for hours. Photo: Olly Perkins

‘We have a fishing rod and some hand lines,’ says Conrad Humphreys. ‘We also tow an inflatable paddleboard which the kids spend many an hour jumping off or exploring the mud flats.’

As for equipment for playing, Hamish recommends, ‘Sand castle-making equipment and snorkeling gear, tractor inner tube and an SUP board, wetsuits and rash vests, and things for a barbecue. Or use rope, fenders, oars, boathooks, deck brushes and the passerelle to make a raft.’

If the children are getting cooped up, however, ‘always make sure the kids can let off some steam on dry land,’ says Olly Perkins, ‘and remember sandy beaches are always a winner!’

Exploration and independence

‘Children probably learn more seamanship when commanding a dinghy than while steering their parents’ big yacht,’ says Ken Endean. ‘When the girls were nine and six, we built a small folding boat, Sugarlump, in which they played Swallows and Amazons when at anchor. Sugarlump has been refurbed and is about to be given to our granddaughters.’

Young people thrive on being challenged, says Hamish Southby Tailyour. ‘Give them slightly over-age responsibility. Send them off rowing on a long floating line.

Let them steer with the outboard and lean to start and stop it, practise coming alongside and how to balance the dingy. Heather has been steering with the outboard since she was seven, and by 11 was confident and competent enough to take the dinghy ashore alone under outboard to collect some friends.’

Living Aboard

When it comes to sleeping arrangements, a dedicated bunk is not always an option,’ says Erin Carey. ‘Our kids actually loved being in the one cabin together. Sturdy lee cloths are a must, and we kept ours up even when anchored. It’s also important for them to put up their drawings and posters, to have somewhere to keep their little trinkets and shells they have collected, to make it feel like home.’

Having some personal space in a bunk is important and should be respected. Photo: Hamish Southby Tailyour

Hamish Southby Tailyour agrees. ‘A personalised space, however small, is vital especially as children get older; somewhere that is theirs and respected as such. Allow them to put pictures around their bunk.

‘We installed shelves and installed individual phone-charging points at their bunks and a designated hook for a head torch just helped with the children’s chaos of a cabin.

‘They will spend much time in their bunks and that is okay, and the more it is their space the better. For parents, forfeiting the forepeak is worth doing, if only so you can have some adult time after they have gone to bed.’

Separate cabins aren’t always an option, however. ‘Peter Duck is very open plan so we just have to cram in and use the floor if necessary,’ says Julia Jones. ‘She was designed for two but luckily they were large!

‘This means that side berths are quite wide so it’s possible to squeeze adult and child together on one if necessary. Loved-up teenagers have also used this facility. There’s also a quarter berth, which is great once you’re in, and a fo’c’s’le berth by the heads. By modern standards there’s no privacy and not much comfort, but I love it.’

Safety is imperative but try not to overwhelm children with a daunting list of rules. Lifejacket etiquette is a must however. Photo: Julia Jones

Children will enjoy making do in small boats, Ken Endean says. ‘Small children seem to regard a yacht’s cabin as a kind of playhouse and very small ones will happily make a nest in a quarter berth. When at anchor, our girls occupied the fore-cabin and usually slept undisturbed.

‘On rough passages, the most secure place for children below deck is a proper sea berth, with raised side panels or lee cloths.’

Babies on board

‘For babies, a box-type carrycot is ideal for both transport and sleeping,’ recommends Ken. ‘It can be lifted like a briefcase and lowered on to someone’s knees in a tender, all without disturbing the occupant. And on a hard beat to windward, Mary found breast- feeding kept little ones quiet without having to juggle bottles and other equipment.’

As they grow, a portable travel cot can come in handy. ‘When they were little they slept with us or in a Phil & Teds Pack’n’Play,’ says Abi Kavanagh, ‘which had the advantage that it packs up really small and has a zip on one of the side panels so that you don’t have to lift the baby out of the top, particularly useful in low spaces.

Reuben, 4 months, sleeping soundly in the sling, onboard. Photo: Theo Stocker

‘I know a lot of people use slings or carriers for babies,’ she added. ‘We always worried about what would happen if the adult wearing the baby went overboard, but I can definitely see the advantage of being hands-free.’

When excitement is high, getting children to sleep isn’t always easy. ‘We do our best to stick to bedtimes; no one wants a cranky five-year-old on a sail the next day,’ says Abi Kavanagh. ‘We try not to have two big sailing days concurrently, though obviously this isn’t always possible.’

‘Our children are old enough now that bedtimes don’t vary much whether at home or on the boat,’ says Frank, while Julia Jones likes the variety. ‘Days on the water are outside normal routine. They have routines but these are determined by the weather and the tide and what you’re trying to do.’

Hamish Southby Tailyour says the only routine they have to stick to is brushing their teeth, although ‘having stories read to them whilst tucked deep in their bunks’ was a firm favourite.

Charging up

‘One important thing to consider when cruising with kids is power consumption,’ says Erin Carey. ‘The amount of amps drawn by charging laptops, iPad, Kindles, EarPods, and portable speakers can be mind boggling.

Audiobooks and games are a must for down-time but make sure you have sufficient charging capacity. Photo: Frank Thorogood

‘The endless array of cords and chargers is equally as frustrating. Having a dedicated charging area somewhere central in the boat is one way to deal with this. Another solution is to use portable batteries for the devices. These can be charged up during the day when the solar is at its best, ready for the night time.’

When it comes to mealtimes, sharing the work is all part of life aboard, says Hamish Southby Tailyour. ‘Simple tasks we always ask our children to help with include laying the table, serving up the portions, dish- washing and drying up, putting away and the daily cleaning of the decks, heads, and cooker. More importantly Heather now mixes an excellent gin and tonic and pours a good beer.’

For smaller children, ‘plastic trough bibs help to keep food under control but the children must be well-wedged if they are inclined to eat with both hands,’ says Ken Endean. ‘On a couple of very lumpy Force 6-7 passages, both our girls ate lunch while sitting on the saloon floor.’

When you’re in a foreign country, going to buy food is a great way to explore, says Erin Carey. ‘Trips ashore to the market are a great way to interact with the locals and to get fresh produce. Having the kids handle the money, find the right vegetables, weigh them and barter with the shop owners really builds their confidence.’

Conrad Humpreys prefers a more relaxed approach when he is going family sailing. ‘I’m not one for fussing too much about victualling the boat with endless supplies of food, preferring to either forage, fish, or find a local pub, but if we are away with the kids, then Vikki always manages to sneak onboard some flapjack or chocolate brownies to keep the wolves at bay. There is always some emergency freeze-dried food if we do get caught out.’

‘Food on a boat doesn’t have to be worse than food at home.’ says Olly Perkins. ‘Have special food which the kids particularly like – pizzas are a good shout. But our favourite was the “yummy cupboard”. This was filled with snacks that we’d rarely see at home.’

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Family-Friendly Fun: Top Five Charter Yachts for Kids

Posted May 26, 2022 in Charter by Janine St.Denis

There’s no better way to spend time with your family than aboard a charter yacht. With the world at your little one’s fingertips, yacht charters open doors to sights unseen, daring adventures and a touch of education along the way. Whether you choose to take to the waves with a delightful afternoon using the water toys or relax in the on-deck pool , on-water enjoyment for children is always available. Since summer is just around the corner and vacation season is on the horizon, Northrop & Johnson presents our top five picks for kid-friendly charters.

CHASING DAYLIGHT

The 164′ (50m) Westport superyacht CHASING DAYLIGHT is an awe-inspiring luxury charter, perfect for your next family vacay. She spotlights a one-of-a-kind crew of 11 dedicated to the ultimate on-water experiences, from themed dinners to exceptional water sports instruction. Be they grandparent to grandchild or father to daughter, CHASING DAYLIGHT’s unique fishing equipment and experienced crewmembers allow any family duo to experience the juxtaposition of competition and relaxation through on-deck fishing. She features an impressive selection of toys for additional on-water entertainment, including three-person WaveRunners, a Jet Ski, Seabobs, kitesurfing, and more. With an elevator servicing all levels, CHASING DAYLIGHT ensures that her on-deck enjoyment is available to all. From relaxation to adventure, CHASING DAYLIGHT is the perfect choice for your next family-friendly yacht charter.

CHASING DAYLIGHT charters to The Bahamas in the summer and the Leeward Islands , Virgin Islands , British Virgin Islands , Windward Islands and The Bahamas in the winter. Her prices start at $ 205,000 per week, plus expenses.

The 164′ (50m) Overmarine Mangusta superyacht DA VINCI is one of the hottest yachts on the market for kid-friendly yacht charters. Devoted to the most exciting client experiences, her young crew takes pride in their ability to organize phenomenal adventures for children. They’ve been known to carefully curate specialized treasure hunts and entertaining hands-on activities for all of the little ones aboard. In addition to the lively companions on-deck, DA VINCI showcases a 49′ (15m) foredeck with dining, a Jacuzzi and vast sunpads. With optional shading, the family can relax away from the sun after a delightful day at sea or come together for the perfect meal at sundown. She comes with a snorkeling gear package for adults and children, an inflatable donut, water skis and additional on-water amenities.

DA VINCI charters to Sicily , Rome & Italy , the Italian Riviera , Corsica and the French Riviera , Balearic Islands and Monaco in the summer. Her prices start at € 225,000 per week, plus expenses.

The 153′ (46.7m) Cantieri Di Pisa superyacht BALISTA is celebrated for her need-for-speed and vigorous activities aboard, making her an excellent choice for your next charter focused on family fun. She features numerous places aboard for relaxation and movie nights and the joy of alfresco living. She has a vastly experienced crew with children of their own, making the perfect company for your family adventure. BALISTA is accompanied by a collection of water toys with towable inflatables, a giant inflatable waterslide, WaveRunners, water skis and more. She offers a modern palace to explore during the journey and an Intrepid tender to explore historical and educational destinations for the little ones. At night, the family can come together to count the stars in the warmth of the Jacuzzi or take to the VIP suite, which can be converted to accommodate multiple children.

BALISTA charters to Malta , Rome & Italy , the French Riviera , Croatia , Sicily , Montenegro , Corsica & Sardinia , Monaco , Venice & Eastern Italy and the Italian Riviera in the summer. In the winter, she travels to The Bahamas. Her prices start at € 165,000 per week, plus expenses.

The 146′ (44.5m) Christensen superyacht MILESTONE is the most customized build of her generation, making her the ideal yacht to take your kids on for your next charter. She comes with a seemingly endless, unparalleled selection of tenders and toys that guarantee your on-water family bonding will never cease to impress. From a huge FreeStyle slide to Seabobs to a standup Jet Ski to jet surfs to a jet pack Fly board to kitesurfing to an inflatable dock and more, there are more tenders than you can imagine aboard this breathtaking luxury yacht. For the adults onboard, MILESTONE offers a Jacuzzi with a swim-up bar. Guests can take to the skylounge cinematic seating for rejuvenating nights or rainy days and cuddle up with warm blankets.

MILESTONE charters to New England and the Bahamas in the summer and the Windward Islands , US Virgin Islands , Leeward Islands , British Virgin Islands , and The Bahamas in the winter. Her prices start at $175,000 per week, plus expenses.

The 130′ (39.62m) Heesen superyacht LIONSHARE embodies one of the most family-friendly layouts in the charter business. Vast and eco-conscious, LIONSHARE boasts everything that a party of family and friends could ask for, from scuba diving to on-deck massages to an outdoor cinema. With on-deck exercise equipment and a Jacuzzi, the adults are guaranteed to enjoy their stay just as much as their children. LIONSHARE features an excellent stateroom for a babysitter or nanny. She spotlights a flyboard, an inflatable platform, yacht golfing, fishing gear, snorkeling gear, and even two two-person Sea-Doos for the kids. With a dedicated crew, guests aboard this magnificent luxury yacht are guaranteed to enjoy the beauty of on-water adventure and on-deck relaxation.

LIONSHARE charters to the Windward Islands , Leeward Islands and The Bahamas in both seasons. She additionally travels to the US Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands in the winter. Her prices start at $130,000 per week, plus expenses.

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© 2024 Northrop & Johnson

A yacht (pronounced "yot") is a type of boat which is mainly used for recreation. [1] It usually has a cabin , so it does not need to return to the harbour overnight. Originally, yachts were sailing-boats , but now there are also motor yachts. The name comes from the Dutch word jachtschip , which originally meant hunting-boat or fast boat . Yachts have a fixed keel .

A yacht can vary in size from about 20 feet (6 metres) to 200 feet (60 metres) or more. [2]

Most privately owned yachts fall in the range of about 7 metres (23 ft)-14 metres (46 ft); the cost of building and keeping a yacht rises quickly as length increases. In the United States, sailors tend to refer to smaller yachts as sailboats , while referring to the general sport of sailing as yachting. In sailboat racing, a yacht is any sailing vessel taking part in a race.

Yacht Media

A 45-foot cruising yacht in 2010

The superyacht Azzam , the largest private yacht by length, as of 2018.

An 18th-century Dutch jacht

1893 America's Cup match between Vigilant and Valkyrie II

Steam yacht, Gunilda , ca. 1910

Turkish state yacht, Savarona in 2014, a steam-turbine yacht re-engined with diesels

Maltese Falcon sailing yacht in 2008

Sailing yacht interior with fold-down table in main salon, galley (kitchen) on left, and navigation station on right and forward cabin visible beyond.

Wheelhouse of motor yacht, Taransay , in 2015 with navigation and systems displays

Small sailing yacht with outboard motor in 2017

• ↑ Moretti, Paolo (January 21, 2015). "Yacht classification definitions" . Boat International . Retrieved 2019-04-19 .

Yacht Trips with Kids | Planning Fun and Safe Adventures

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Customer registration, how to plan a yacht trip with kids.

• How to Plan a Yacht Trip with Kids:

Tips for a Fun and Safe Boat Family Vacation

Choose the Right Yacht

• Safety First
• Plan Activities for Children

Packing for the Trip

• Choose the Right Destinations

Consider the Food

Be Flexible

Going on a yacht trip with children can be an amazing experience for parents and kids. It’s a chance to bond with the family, create unforgettable memories and explore beautiful destinations. However, embarking on a yacht trip with children requires careful planning and attention to detail. This article will provide tips on planning a yacht trip in Dubai with children, ensuring a fun and safe boat family vacation.

When planning a yacht trip with kids, it’s important to choose the right yacht that is family-friendly. It's important to factor in your kids' ages and needs while selecting a yacht. Choose a yacht with plenty of space inside, spacious cabins, and several seating options. A yacht equipped with a flybridge or sun deck is also an excellent option for kids, giving them ample room to play and enjoy the scenery. Choosing the right yacht for your family vacation is crucial. When looking for a yacht, consider the following factors:

• Size: Make sure the yacht is large enough to accommodate your family comfortably. Consider the number of cabins, bathrooms, and the size of the common areas like the saloon and deck.
• Amenities: Look for yachts with amenities that will keep your children entertained. This might include a TV, DVD player, games console, water toys, swimming pool, and more.
• Crew: Choose a yacht with a crew experienced in working with families with children. They can help keep your children safe and entertained and offer advice on the best places to visit and activities.

  Safety First

Safety is always a crown priority when planning a yacht trip with kids. Ensure your yacht has life jackets, fire extinguishers, first aid kits, emergency communication devices, and other safety equipment. Familiarize your children with the safety procedures and rules onboard. Assign a designated area for children to play and ensure they are always supervised. If your children are young, remember to bring a baby gate to avert them from accessing hazardous areas such as the stairs or the deck.

Plan Activities for Children:

Once you've chosen your yacht, it's time to start planning activities for your family. This is where the crew can be especially helpful, as they can advise on the best places to visit and activities to do. Here are some ideas for family-friendly activities:

• Water sports: Many yachts have water toys such as kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkeling equipment. These can provide hours of entertainment for children.
• Beach days: There are countless beautiful beaches to explore on a yacht trip. The crew can help you find the best spots and even set up a beach picnic for your family.
• Wildlife watching: Many yacht destinations offer opportunities to watch and enjoy marine life, such as dolphins, whales, and turtles. Your crew can help you find the best places to go and may even be able to arrange a guided tour.
• Cultural experiences : Yacht trips offer the opportunity to experience different cultures and cuisines. Your crew can recommend local restaurants and attractions to visit.
• Fun time: Bring board games, cards, books, and other forms of entertainment that your children may enjoy. If your yacht has a TV or entertainment system, bring some movies or shows your children can watch.

When packing for a yacht trip with children, it's important to pack light and bring only what's necessary. Ensure you pack suitable clothing for the climate and activities. It's recommended to bring extra swimsuits, hats, and sunscreen. Additionally, packing snacks and drinks that your kids prefer is also essential. If your children have special dietary needs, make sure to bring along their favorite snacks and meals. Here are some essentials to consider:

• Sun protection: Bring hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses to protect your family from the sun.
• Comfortable clothing: Pack comfortable clothing suitable for warm weather and easy to move around.
• Entertainment: Bring books, games, and electronics to entertain your children during downtime.
• Medications: If anyone in your family requires medication, bring the required for the duration of the trip.
• Snacks: Bring plenty of snacks to keep your children fed and energized throughout the day.  

Choose the Right Destinations :

When planning a yacht trip with children, choosing family-friendly destinations is important. Look for destinations that offer activities for children, such as water parks, amusement parks, and beaches. Research the local attractions and plan some excursions that your children will enjoy. Consider the duration of the trip and the distance between destinations to avoid long periods of travel that may be challenging for children.

When planning a yacht trip with kids, it's essential to consider their food preferences and dietary restrictions. Look for yachts with experienced chefs who can accommodate dietary needs and provide kid-friendly options.

Stay adaptable throughout your trip to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Kids can be unpredictable, and sometimes things don't go as planned. So be open to changing plans to keep everyone happy and comfortable.

Planning a yacht trip with children can be a rewarding experience for the whole family. With these helpful tips, you can guarantee a memorable and secure family yacht trip that everyone will cherish.

Remember to choose the right yacht, prioritize safety, plan activities for children, pack appropriately, and choose the right destinations. With proper planning and preparation, a yacht trip with kids can be a dream come true.

10 Tips for a Fun Yacht Charter Vacation With Kids

Want the perfect way to relax and bond with your family? Consider a yacht charter vacation. Traveling with kids, however, requires extra planning to ensure their safety and enjoyment. With these expert tips for a yacht charter vacation with kids, you can plan a trip that's both smooth and fun for everyone. From exploring the best kid-friendly destinations to involving your children in the planning phase, packing wisely, and following essential safety guidelines, get ready for an unforgettable adventure on the open seas!

Choosing Kid-Friendly Yacht Charter Destinations

When it comes to yacht charter destinations, there are endless possibilities. Here are some top kid-friendly locations:

• The US Virgin Islands: Known for its child-friendly activities like Mermaid Swims and interactive marine parks, it's a paradise for young explorers. Zip-lining through St. Thomas offers an adrenaline rush for the whole family.
• Italy: This Mediterranean jewel isn't just for adults. It's packed with kid-friendly attractions like theme parks and beaches, alongside cultural treasures and delicious cuisine.
• The Caribbean: Islands like the Bahamas are perfect for families, offering vibrant cultures and unique experiences like swimming with the pics on Staniel Clay.
• Greece: With its rich mythology and historical sites, Greece is a wonderland for kids. Visit the temple of Zeus or the Panathenaic Stadium to bring ancient tales to life.

Involving Kids in the Planning Phase

Involving your children in the planning phase of your yacht charter can be incredibly beneficial. It helps them feel valued and excited about the trip. Allow them to have a say in choosing destinations and activities. This not only builds anticipation but also ensures the trip caters to everyone's interests.

When traveling with children, it's wise to pack light. One of the best things about a yacht charter is you don't have to worry about getting your kids dressed to go to a restaurant when dining on the yacht.

Safety Checklist for Yachting with Kids

Ensuring the safety of your children is a top priority. Here’s a checklist to help you prepare:

• Verify the availability of child-sized life jackets. Though we recommend you come with a life jacket from home to ensure the right fit.
• Check for childproofing measures on the yacht (e.g., netting, secure railings).
• Pack a first-aid kit with child-specific medications.
• Ensure there are safety instructions and procedures on board.
• Confirm that the crew is trained in emergency procedures.

Follow the Safety Rules on a Yacht Charter

Safety is paramount on a yacht charter. It's important to familiarize your children with the safety rules on board:

• Wear a life vest on deck.
• Avoid running on the boat.
• Stay inside during bad weather.
• Never go swimming alone.
• Restrict unsupervised access to the foredeck. Always have an adult present–the crew isn’t there to babysit. 

Before boarding, discuss these rules with your children simply and clearly. When kids comprehend the reasoning behind a rule, they're more likely to follow it.

Wear Sunscreen and Lifejackets

The sun and sea are great companions but require the right precautions. Regularly applying reef-safe sunscreen is crucial to protect your child from harmful rays, even on cloudy days. Also, ensure life jackets are readily available and worn when necessary. Please note, spray sunscreens aren’t allowed on board, as they stain the cushions and deck of the yacht. 

Plan for Childcare

Arranging for childcare during your yacht charter is key to ensuring a well-rounded vacation for you and your children. While the joy of family time is irreplaceable, adults also need moments for relaxation and engaging in activities that might not be suitable for younger members. 

Consider these options:

• Family Members: If you’re traveling with extended family, you can take turns supervising the kids, allowing each other some downtime. Remember, always have an adult present with your kids–never presume someone is watching your child. 
• Hired Help: It’s best and encouraged to bring a trusted nanny with you if you’re looking for some adult time.

Balancing family time with adult leisure is essential. Whether it's a quiet dinner on deck, a visit to a local spa, or simply unwinding with a book, these adult-only moments contribute significantly to the overall vacation experience.

Engage Kids with Onboard Activities

Keeping children entertained and engaged is crucial for a smooth sailing experience. Yachts typically come equipped with a variety of child-friendly entertainment options. Here's how you can ensure your kids have a blast:

• Interactive Games: Most yachts are loaded with board games in case you have a rainy day. Or bring your favorite games with you!
• Creative Workshops: Depending on the yacht’s amenities, you can set up arts and crafts sessions or even a cooking lesson with the chef.
• Educational Activities: Introduce educational elements such as star gazing, marine biology basics, or navigation lessons tailored to children.
• Movie Nights: Set up a cozy area with pillows and blankets for a movie night under the stars. Choose films that are appropriate and enjoyable for all age groups.
• Water-Based Fun: If the yacht is equipped and it's safe to do so, engage in water-based activities like tubing, water skis, stand up paddle boards, sea scooters, sea bobs, snorkeling, swimming, or even simple fishing.

A mix of fun, education, and creative activities not only keeps children entertained but also enriches their yacht charter experience, making it memorable and enjoyable for the entire family.

Tips for First-Time Yachters with Kids

For families new to yacht chartering, here are some tips to make your experience seamless:

• Choose a family-friendly yacht with a crew that likes kids. 
• Involve your kids in the planning process to get them excited and invested in the trip.
• Start with a shorter itinerary to gauge how your kids adapt to life at sea.

Explore the Shore

A yacht charter isn't just about the time spent on the water; it's also about the adventures on land. Exploring coastal towns, visiting museums, tasting local cuisine, and discovering famous landmarks offer enriching experiences for the whole family. It's a chance to immerse in different cultures and create lasting memories.

FAQs for Yacht Chartering with Kids

Is yacht chartering safe for young children.

Absolutely! With the right yacht, equipped with child safety features, and adherence to safety guidelines, it’s a wonderful experience for kids.

What should I pack for my kids?

Besides the usual essentials, pack swimwear, sun hats, motion sickness medication, and their favorite toys or books.

How can I keep my kids entertained on the yacht?

Most yachts come equipped with various games and entertainment options. Additionally, water-based activities and shore excursions are great for keeping them engaged.

Start Planning with Myst Yacht Charters

Begin planning your next family adventure with Myst Yacht Charters. Explore private yacht charters in family-friendly locations such as France, Greece, Italy, the Bahamas, and the Caribbean. We can help you find the perfect charter to meet your family's needs, ensuring a memorable and enjoyable yacht charter vacation with your kids. Contact us today to start planning your journey!

Call us today:

1(833) YACHT4U

Outside the US/Canada:

+1-207-558-1264

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6 Tips for a Fun Yacht Charter Vacation With Kids

• Yacht Rentals

13-March-2023

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 Along with the sightseeing tours in Dubai , you may also want to sail on its waters along with your kids to have some fun on the waters. For yacht rides in Dubai , you can choose to pick up your boat from yacht rentals in Dubai Marina . Suitable private yachts for hire in Dubai will allow you to take your entire family along with your kids for a ride along the Dubai coastline. 

#1: Choosing the right destination

Yachting is fun, especially when your trip with your family and kids is a planned one with all safety arrangements in place. You should also choose a kid-friendly destination. When you book luxury yachts in Dubai , they will provide you with a list of such destinations. You can take your pick from the list and enjoy your ride. This would be a yacht charter that will be thoroughly enjoyed by your kids. 

When you decide to go on a yacht or boat tour in Dubai , ensure that your yacht is parked in shallow spots where children will get a chance to visually explore the marine life around. You can even take them snorkelling if they are old enough. This would raise their curiosity and they would ask you the right questions.

#2: Carry plenty of items

You may end up over-packing when you take your family and kids for their yacht vacation. Kids are likely to be clumsy and messy and prone to misplacing or losing things. Therefore you will need to carry extra apparel, playthings and different types of kids’ food when you yachting in Dubai with your family. When you book luxury yachts in Dubai , they will be stocked with the essentials you need. However, they will recommend that you carry more things than you think you need for items such as pacifiers, children’s clothing, children’s special food, etc., which are easy to misplace or get dirty.

#3: Play on the yacht

When you are taking your kids on a yacht trip, you have to be ready to play on the yacht. There are many ways to do this. Many of the lease yachts will have board games for the children and adults to play together and you can bring your own toys and games as well. Some yachts also have TV, and you can even enjoy a family movie. With music to play, you can even look forward to an enjoyable karaoke evening. You can pick boats that have kids’ entertainment sections such as play areas, playpens, movie rooms, etc. to keep them engaged. 

#4: Splash in the water

When on a yacht trip, you are surrounded by water. You can spend time admiring the waves and at the right spots, you can even swim, snorkel, and do some water skiing if you desire with your children. You can allow the kids to splash around at recommended shallow spots. However, you have to be careful and follow the instructions of the crew. This leads us to the next point, safety measures that you have to take care of. Yacht or boat tours in Dubai provide basic gear, but you can also rent and bring items like skis and boards for a small charge. You can even bring in some fishing lines and park the yacht and enjoy fishing with your kids. 

#5: Ensure the children’s safety

For this, you all have to strictly follow the rules laid down and recommended by the officials and crew of the Dubai private yacht rental company . Ensure that your kids follow all of the rules too. The common rules laid down are:

Wear a life vest while on the deck.

Never run on the boat.

Keep your head inside if the weather is bad.

Never swim alone.

Do not leave the kids alone on the foredeck.

Explain the rules to your kids in a simple manner before you board the yacht. Explain the consequences of not following rules instead of simply asking them not to do certain things. 

#6: Select a yacht having kid-friendly features

Even if you are looking to book small yachts rental in Dubai , choose the more child-friendly ones. Look for yachts that include kids' entertainment sections, that have safety netting where required and gates that will keep children from freely wandering and falling into the waters. Look for yachts that provide water toys and have smaller beds for children.

Lastly, carry sunscreen for you and the children even if the sky is overcast. The UV rays can reach all of you through the clouds. Also, ensure that they wear their life jackets throughout the trip. This will keep them safe with sufficient parental supervision. Arrange for childcare/nanny prior to the trip if your children have to be constantly looked after. 

About D3 Yachts

At D3 yachts in Dubai, a premium yacht rental in Dubai , we can offer you the perfect yacht rides if you are done with sightseeing in the city. You can do your ultra luxury yachts booking at the most competitive rates with us. Moreover, we have attractive running offers for the upcoming season and you can get hold of the best yachts for hire in Dubai deals in the summer. To book a boat in Dubai, you can just go online at www.d3yachts.com . You will get all the other details about our Dubai yacht rental s here.

• motorboat: a small boat with a motor.
• motorist: a person who drives a car or other motor vehicle.
• motor vehicle: a vehicle with a motor, such as a car or truck.