Reasons for Going on a Yacht Trip With Children
Kids from all backgrounds can have a whale of a time onboard a yacht charter that you can easily get from the firms offering private charter boat rental at Indian rocks Beach FL.
Whether they are already captains-in-training, fun-loving fishes or still overcoming some nautical nerves, there are plenty of ways to help foster a sense of security, fun and adventure onboard that every child can flourish within.
When taking a yacht trip with children in one of our family-friendly sailing destinations, it’s even easier to entertain and support young sailors, from plotting the course to tying knots, navigating and setting sails.
Take it from the experts
Q: What was your general take away from bringing young children on charter?
Patrick: Since my son was born, we have chosen to bring him on every charter we’ve taken. As luck would have it, he genuinely loves being on the water with us. Who wouldn’t enjoy having dolphins jumping right off the transom in our wake, or snorkeling in caves surrounded by reef life, passing through squalls to be greeted with a double rainbow at the new anchorage.
Bill: Children are super adaptable and will find joy in most anything they do; whether spending a week on a boat or hiking in the mountains. It’s great to see them outside and enjoying nature, learning new skills, and experiencing things they don’t get to do every day.
Q: Do you have any tips and tricks that you’ve collected while cruising with kids?
Patrick: We found that once we determined the sailing plan for the following day, we would make sure that the kids were part of the discussion. We enjoyed pulling out the nautical charts and showing them the route, and then discussing the different activities, giving them something to look forward to.
Bill: We had a little apprehension over anchoring or picking up a mooring with our daughter on board. Ultimately, my wife and I found by just taking a moment to explain to our daughter what was going on and why she needed to stay in the cockpit, she was fine with it.
Q: Is there anything that you would recommend bringing?
Patrick: My son packs a backpack full of necessities to enjoy: kite to fly, an array of puzzles, arts and crafts, card games, stuffed animals, action heroes, books, cars, and balls to name a few.
On long passages, it’s a great way to keep kids entertained otherwise the “are we there yet?” comments reign supreme. Bringing kids movies to coordinate a movie night on board is also great, with the saloon table down and popcorn served.
Bill: We brought a comfortable life vest that my daughter was used to wearing, and also two inflatable life vests for ourselves. Onboard, we had a rule to all wear them while underway, to set a good example.
We had our daughter pick out a few toys and books that she could bring so she had a little taste of some of her favorites from home. Also, bring some reef-safe, child-appropriate sunscreen and lots of sun shirts, rash guards and hats.
Q: What was your kids’ favorite part about the charter?
Patrick: My son loves hermit crab racing, snorkeling at every stop, steering the dinghy to shore, helping work the lines, naps while under sail on the trampoline and fishing!
Bill: My daughter really loved snorkeling. We practiced ahead of time in the bathtub at home, and I got her an appropriately sized dry snorkel and mask to bring along. As she was only 3 and a half years old, I wasn’t expecting much.
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