What to Pack When Taking Your Kids Sailing

Water activity holidays for families require some advance planning . Our packing list will help you plan your next sailing adventure with the kids.

Sailing activity holidays for families are the perfect way to bring the family together while enjoying quality time out on the water. Little sailors will jump at the chance to spend a day playing captain at sea and adults will find the perfect balance between relaxing and play time with the kids. We’ve a list of essentials you will want to pack for your sailing trip to supplement those that the sailing charter will already have on board.

Safety

Ensure each person on board has a life jacket that fits well. Life jackets are a non-negotiable issue for all on board and should be worn at all times.

Sailing can be a blast, even with toddlers. If you have a little one in tow, bring along a car seat to have a place where a child can sit securely, especially if the adults are needed to handle the boat at any time. Parents may also feel comfortable bringing along a child harness, to keep small children within arm’s reach on deck. Some sailing charters can also provide a child net around the boat during sailing activity holidays for families. A portable high chair can also be good for active toddlers to have a convenient and familiar place to eat.

Clothing

At least a couple of changes of swimwear for each person will be needed and long-sleeved sun suits are ideal for small children to protect arms and legs from sunburn. A wide-brimmed sun hat with chin strap, UV protected sunglasses and high SPF sunblock will be necessary for each child on board, as the sun’s rays will reflect off the surface of the water and burn skin more easily than on land. Apply more sunblock than usual and don’t forget to reapply in between swims.

Some other clothing items to pack for your children include casual summer wear, deck shoes or flip flops, a sweatshirt or jumper for cool nights or windy days and a waterproof sailing jacket in the event of rain. Many families are taken by surprise when they discover that warm, dry clothing is just the thing on a sailing trip.

Entertainment

Kids are generally happier when they are busily occupied during any activity holidays. For families who want to take time to kick back as well, it is best to bring some additional entertainment items for the kids, such as books, colouring books and crayons, bubbles, and board games. Of course, a sailing trip wouldn’t be complete without the chance for the whole family to see what lives under the water’s surface, so pack snorkels, masks and fins.

Food and Drink

Spending a day out on the water can leave the family feeling famished, so pack some delicious, prepared food, lots of water and juices, and favourite snacks packed in coolers with ice.

Other

If you family will be sailing alone, ensure you have a copy of any Sail Boat Manual, as well as a phone number in case of emergency. Don’t forget a phone charger (solar is best in the sun) for your phone.

Lastly, pack some beach towels, insect repellent, biodegradable soap, after-sun lotion, spray water bottle to keep cool, and medication in the event of motion sickness (or motion sickness wristbands as an alternative). Remember to capture those special moments with a camera (and waterproof case), a must for any activity holidays for families.

Bon voyage!

Article Tags: Activity Holidays, Sailing Trip

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