Plan the navigations
If you like sailing and being at sea, it is not necessarily the same for your children. Avoid too long sailing trips â?" 4 hours are often enough, 6 hours are really long for the little ones. Before departure, explain the route you will take and plan the stopovers with them. If you have experience, night sailing is a good alternative to sail longer while the children are sleeping in their cabin.
Check the weather
Before you leave, check the weather forecast so you don't get caught off guard. Choose maneuverable conditions and consider optimizing your route in relation to downwind weather, which is much more pleasant for everyone.
Think about the appendix
This remark may seem trivial to you, but the dinghy is essential for a trip or a cruise. At anchor, it allows you to get back to dry land, to stock up on supplies, to carry thingsâ?¦ So adapt your dinghy to the number of people on board.
A dinghy of 2.60 m will be enough for four people (2 adults and 2 children). Check the height carefully to avoid getting wet. The diameter of your floats should be greater than 34 cm. Finally, to avoid the joys of rowing, especially against the current, and if you can afford it, opt for a motor. The electric one is a good solution.
Apart from the practical aspect of the dinghy, it becomes a playground for children, who take possession of it at anchor. They can quickly become autonomous and the older ones will be happy to use it in the port for example.
Delineate areas of travel
On board, we move around under supervision. Inside, we hold on when things are moving too much and we avoid untimely movements. Outside, wearing a life jacket is mandatory. Access to the cockpit is allowed with an adult outside and moving forward is only done with an adult, holding on to the lifelines on a sailboat or to the railing on a motorboat.
When sailing, don't forget harnesses and lanyards, which will also be useful when moving around, especially for children who can't swim. For even more safety, you can equip your boat with nets.
Plan the provisioning
If on board, we like to plan simple things to eat, it is even more true when sailing with little ones. Think simple and in quantity. Don't forget cakes for snacking and easy to swallow snacks when you don't feel great (compote, soupâ?¦). Finally, have water easily accessible everywhere on board.
Bring your own sea clothes
When sailing, the weather changes rapidly and you must be prepared for any eventuality. Make sure you are dressed for the sun, but also for the cold. Use and abuse sun creams (prefer the one adapted to children) and anti-UV clothes, think of caps and hats, small canvas sneakers for the displacements or crocs (for the most comfortable). Don't forget the sunglasses that will protect your little eyes from the sun.
For cold and rainy weather, fleeces, raincoats, overpants, hats, gloves and boots will warmly dress your child. Make sure they don't get cold.
