IS IT SAFE TO BOAT WITH MY FAMILY?
The first thing most parents think about when deciding on a family boat vacation is whether it is safe to sail with their children. The answer to this question is definitely yes!
Family yachting holidays with kids have far more benefits than problems. Sailing with your family and children gives you the opportunity to learn new skills, spend a fulfilling time together and explore the world in a safe environment.
Safety briefings will be provided on all boats and life jackets and other boat safety devices will be placed on board along with side rails and other safety requirements.
WHAT SHOULD I PACK?
When traveling with a family or with small children, it is common to pack a lot of luggage for vacation. You will pack everything you need and more.
With yacht charters, you may find it not so easy to jump into a car and go to a supermarket or mall. Marinas and all-night moorings often have supermarkets, restaurants, and small boutiques where you can buy anything you forgot.
With that said, you don’t need to pack anything out of the ordinary for your family sailing vacation – plenty of sunscreens, swimwear, light clothing, a raincoat, and a first aid kit.
WHAT TYPE OF YACHT SHOULD I RENT?
Depending on the number of people in your group or family, your sailing experience depends on the type of boat you should choose. There are a variety of full-sized boats, sailboats, mono boats, and superyachts.
For a family sailing vacation, a catamaran will provide a more stable sailing experience and more space for your family to relax without being too crowded. A sailing yacht will provide a more thrilling sailing experience for more experienced sailors or take advantage of monohull yachting.
You also have the option of renting a bareboat or skippered a charter depending on your sailing experience, your level of expertise, and where you want to go on your family sailing vacation.
For charters in Greece, you are required to hold an ICC certificate. You must also be assisted by a crew member who is over 18. They don’t need a formal sailing qualification but will be named in the books.
WILL THE CHILDREN GET BORED?
A family sailing vacation will be anything but boring!
Things to do and see on a yacht charter will depend on the destination. For example, chartering a yacht in the Sporades can involve visiting the islands, exploring Skiathos, Skopelos, or Alonissos, having lunch or dinner in local ports, and more.
On a typical family yacht vacation, you can anchor the boat for a swim, snorkel, visit the beaches, explore the port towns, explore further afield, dine or have lunch at the port, or villages. And if that’s not all, you can also add paddle boards or kayaks to your yacht charter for even more things to do and see.