Sailing With Children?
A crewed charter: The great family escape!
Despite the twin concerns of parents; boredom and safety, we have provided cherished memories to families of their sailing holidays for six seasons now.
Children from 5-18 …ok and a few older children too! join us each summer for a vacation that gives them a new perspective and new skills.
Parents are surprised that the one thing that they don’t hear from their offspring during their time afloat is the comment ‘I am bored. There is clearly too much fun to be had! The obvious pursuits of swimming and snorkelling are a regular features of the day. It is a joy to watch the endless pleasure children get from simply jumping off the anchored boat into the water climbing the ladder only to repeat the whole exercise.
Most children, of whatever age, want to take on a job for the time on board. it could be raising the sails, taking the helm, pulling up the anchor or even learning how to sail the yacht. The skippers will allow your children to safely get involved to their level of ability. Even the youngest quickly learn to be a useful member of the crew.
On longer passages the fishing lines come out as we try and catch lunch or supper. We also have fish traps for overnight anchorages and squid jigging rigs for night-time adventures.
Down below the yacht is equipped with TV DVD a selection of titles for all ages and when on 240v shore power the x box, play stations etc may be used. Adults may initially groan at this but the reality is this equipment is seldom used… We have a games cupboard with playing cards, board games and other children’s games. This can be useful if you want them out of the sun for an hour or so.
For the older or more active there are plenty of opportunities for hiring bikes or kayaks or exploring a new Island on foot. Scuba diving , waterskiing or windsurfing can be included in the itinerary if requested.
Those older kids looking for a little nightlife will find it in Dubrovnik,Budvar Korcula and Kotor for example , talk with the skipper and he will work in a night out for the youngsters.
Where a housekeeper has been booked for your trip it may be possible to arrange ‘babysitting’
Safety and well being on board
Children and to some degree adults need to be aware of the special environment on the sea . The weather will be hot and the children active so the twin issues of sunburn and heat stroke need to be avoided. Sun screen, hats and limited exposure to the sun combined with drinking sufficient water are sensible preventative measures. There is plenty of shade on board and unlimited drinking water.
We have children’s life jackets in most sizes and the yacht has many safety feature designed for sailing with smaller crew members. Including: Wide decks and lifelines, enclosed cockpit area with lockable gate to swim deck, safe seating areas with no moving parts, boom height over 2 meters.
Food: we find children like the informality of our buffet style breakfasts and lunches as they can pick the items they prefer and choose the quantity. Please let us know of any strong likes or dislikes allergies or diets and will do our best to accommodate them. The number of children who start the week saying they don’t like fish and end the week ordering squid , mussels and the local Brodetta is astonishing. Ashore there is always a Pizza or pasta option but younger children usually enjoy the BBQ meats and fish. Croatian and Montenegrin restaurants welcome children and are normally happy to serve a child’s portion or allow children to share a full sized dish. Ice cream and pancakes remain a favourite for desert.
By taking into consideration the limitations of the younger guests n terms of length of passage and destinations chosen your family will have a rewarding relaxing yet fun filled holiday. One we know through experience you and your children will be able to share many years after you leave us.
Address: Lazy Winch Ltd. Unit One, Hedgerows, Brockley, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP29 4AF | Company Reg No. 5146053
Registered Office: Unit 5 Brunet Business Court, Eastern Way, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP32 7AB