Hot Topic: Holidaying with children
Henry Burkitt, founder & CEO of adventure sailing holiday specialists, Kraken Travel, explains how he sails with two young children.
Boats have always been my second home, so I had always hoped my future family would share my passion for sailing. I was five when I first stepped foot on one and last summer, my oldest (5) and youngest (2) followed in my footsteps as we set sail on our first trip as a family of four.
My wife was understandably nervous; you would think the children would be fine as we were in an enclosed space, so there was no chance of us losing sight of them. However, in reality, there are hazards to be aware of. Despite this, we boarded the catamaran in Palma, Mallorca and had a holiday to remember. Planning goes a long way to ensure it is smooth sailing. If you are thinking of doing the same, here are my top tips for successful family holidays on the water:
1. Choose your boat carefully. Our catamaran had a choice of berths, which included bunk beds opposite our cabin for the children, so even during the night they were next door and always within earshot. There is a degree of soundproofing for the benefit of the rest of the crew too.
2. Choosing the correct destination for your charter is crucial when travelling with your family. Island or archipelago destinations are generally more sheltered and offer flatter seas than a long coastal journey. Enjoy the naturally diverse beauty of island sailing, and explore everything it will have to offer. In addition, sailing in a smaller area allows a shorter sailing time, eliminating the worry of keeping the kids busy. Lots of beaches are always a winner.
3. Take your own lifejackets for the little ones. My girls had them at all times when on deck, when swimming from the boat and on the tender – it provided huge peace of mind for us as parents. And, by taking your own, you know they will be the right size. Our catamaran was fitted with netting on the guard wires to stop them from falling in; it is always worth asking for this when booking. Try and get the charter base to fit it for you too.
4. Hire a skipper or holiday with competent sailing friends. As any parent knows, holidays – on land or the water – can be stressful, so being with friends or having professional support can make it more enjoyable for everyone. We were with friends last summer, who were all great with our girls, not least because, between us, our group always had eyes on them and kept them entertained, allowing us to also take turns at the wheel, cooking dinner or going for a swim.
5. Plan some off-the-water activities. While sailing allows you to visit a different place every day, boats do not always have lots of space to run around. Take beach days, visit the park or go for a stroll around the city so the children can burn off some energy before they get back on board. I would also recommend hiring a boat with water toys if you can; watersports are fun for all the group – old and young. We had SUPs on board, which everyone loved.
6. Plan ahead with the children in mind. This is not unique to sailing but, depending on where you are, dining options can be limited, so either fill the fridge before you leave port on day one or, better still, pack your children’s favourite snacks in your suitcase. I would also recommend taking some activities – a travel game or two and a colouring book and pens – to help pass the time if you have a long sail one day.
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