Sailing with children might sound like a challenge, but it can be one of the most rewarding experiences your family will ever have. With the right preparation, a bit of patience, and some creativity, your time on the water can be both safe and filled with adventure. Whether you’re taking a short trip along the coast or heading out for a long journey, this guide offers practical tips on how to make the experience enjoyable for both you and your children—no matter their age.
How to prepare for sailing with kids
Before you head out on the open sea, planning is key to ensuring everything goes smoothly. With kids on board, you’ll need to take extra steps to cover all the bases—safety, comfort, and entertainment.
Boat safety and equipment
Safety is always a top priority when sailing with kids. Life jackets are essential, but you should also consider more modern buoyancy aids (buoys) that are easy to wear and provide extra safety, especially for younger children. Your boat should be fully equipped with:
- child-sized life jackets and buoyancy aids (for infants and toddlers, make sure the jackets include head support)
- safety nets along the deck rails to prevent falls
- harnesses and safety lines that kids can clip into when walking around the deck
- a first aid kit with child-specific items, including motion sickness tablets suitable for their age
Make sure the kids know basic safety rules, like always wearing a life jacket when on deck, staying inside certain areas during bad weather, and learning what to do in an emergency.
Planning the route
Your route matters more when you have little ones on board. For younger children or those prone to seasickness, shorter trips with frequent stops are best. Older kids might be more resilient and can handle longer voyages. Keep an eye on the weather forecast and aim to sail in calmer seas, avoiding stormy conditions whenever possible.
Here’s a simple way to break it down based on age:
- Infants and toddlers (0–3 years): Stick to coastal trips where you can easily stop at marinas or sheltered bays. Avoid long, rough passages that might be too hard on little ones.
- Preschoolers (4–6 years): These kids will love exploring new places, but make sure the stops are frequent enough for them to run around. Beaches and safe harbors with parks or hiking trails are perfect.
- School-age children (7–12 years): Kids at this age can start helping out with simple sailing tasks. They can handle longer stretches at sea and will enjoy learning about navigation or marine life. Plan a mix of shorter and longer trips.
- Teens (13+ years): Teenagers may need more independence and time to themselves. Longer voyages are fine, as long as there’s some time on land for them to explore and socialize. Involve them in planning the route to keep them engaged.
Provisioning for family sailing
With children on board, you’ll need to be strategic with your provisioning. Younger kids can be picky eaters, so it’s smart to pack their favorite snacks and comfort foods. Don’t forget the basics like diapers for babies, formula, or specific foods if they have allergies.
A good rule of thumb is to plan meals that are quick and easy to make, especially if the weather is rough. For longer voyages, bringing non-perishable foods and enough supplies to last the trip is key. Make sure to have lots of water and healthy snacks that keep kids energized throughout the day.
Safety checklist for family sailing
Here’s a simple checklist to make sure your family is safe at sea:
- properly fitted life jackets and buoyancy aids for each child
- safety nets and harnesses for extra security on deck
- first aid kit with extra supplies for children (including seasickness medication)
- sun protection: sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses
- emergency plan: everyone, including older children, should know what to do in an emergency
It’s a good idea to run safety drills, especially if this is your child’s first time sailing. Practice what to do if someone falls overboard or if the boat encounters bad weather.
Proper preparation is key when sailing with children. It’s not just about safety, although that’s crucial, but also about creating an environment where kids can learn, explore, and thrive. The goal is to make them feel like valued crew members, not just passengers.
ANNA MCCARTHY
How to keep children entertained while sailing
One of the most common concerns when sailing with children is how to keep them entertained. Depending on their age, what keeps them busy will differ, but the good news is that the ocean provides endless possibilities for fun.
For infants and toddlers:
With younger kids, it’s all about keeping them safe, comfortable, and entertained in a small space. Pack plenty of familiar toys, books, and snacks. Create a small play area inside the cabin where they can safely crawl or play with their toys without being in harm’s way. If the weather is nice, a small inflatable pool on deck can be a great way to keep toddlers entertained (under close supervision, of course!).
For preschoolers:
These kids love exploring, so make sure to take frequent breaks at child-friendly stops, such as beaches or parks. Onboard, activities like coloring books, simple puzzles, and helping with small tasks like “steering” the boat (under supervision) can keep them busy. Preschoolers will also enjoy spotting fish or dolphins—bring binoculars for added excitement!
For school-age children:
This is the age where sailing becomes an adventure. School-age children love learning, so teaching them the basics of navigation, tying knots, or understanding how the weather affects sailing can be really engaging. Keep a few books on marine life handy, or start a sea log where they can document what they see and learn along the way.
For teens:
Teens crave independence, so involve them in the actual sailing. Teach them to navigate, manage sails, or even steer the boat. They’ll appreciate the responsibility and the chance to prove themselves. When you dock, let them explore on their own (within reason) or plan more adventurous activities like snorkeling, hiking, or visiting local towns.
Tips for avoiding common challenges
Sailing with children comes with its own set of challenges, but most can be managed with the right preparation and attitude.
Seasickness
Seasickness is a common issue, especially in younger children. Make sure to:
- bring seasickness tablets or natural remedies like ginger
- keep children busy with activities that take their mind off the motion, like spotting wildlife or playing games
- choose routes with calmer waters and avoid rough seas whenever possible
Homesickness
For longer trips, children may feel homesick. Here’s how to help:
- pack a few comfort items like their favorite blanket, toy, or book
- keep in touch with family or friends through video calls when you have an internet connection
- involve them in trip planning and make time for fun stops where they can explore new places
Limited space
Living on a boat can feel cramped. Create personal spaces for each child, even if it’s just a corner where they can keep their belongings or retreat for some quiet time. Plan regular time on deck or onshore to let everyone stretch their legs.
Where to find more information on family sailing
Ready to dive deeper? Here are some great resources with tips and advice from experienced sailing families:
- Sailing Totem: A blog by a family who sailed around the world, offering practical tips for cruising with kids.
- Family Adventure Sailing: Full of advice and stories about sailing with children.
- Noonsite – Family Sailing: A comprehensive resource for safety tips, destinations, and sailing advice for families.
Sailing with kids can be an unforgettable experience, full of discovery and adventure. By preparing carefully, staying flexible, and keeping safety top of mind, you’ll create memories that your family will treasure for years to come.