Why sailing with children is ideal
A sailing trip with the family is undoubtedly one of the best ways to spend a vacation. The freedom of the sea, the gentle rocking of the waves, life in nature – all this not only inspires adults, but also makes children’s hearts beat faster.
At Nautic Alliance we know that sailing with children is not only possible – it can be an unforgettable experience for the whole family.
There is nothing better than teaching children to sail and seeing them get in touch with nature and gain self-confidence.
– Klaus Pitter, CEO Pitter Yachtcharter and Nautic Alliance
This is the essence of a successful family cruise: time together where children learn through play, take responsibility and experience nature in an intensive way – far away from screen time and the hectic pace of everyday life.
A sailing vacation offers families numerous advantages:
- Adventures together: every time you anchor in a new bay, go ashore or spot a dolphin on the bow, it becomes a special highlight.
- Learning through experience: Children discover geography, weather, navigation and life on board in a natural way.
- Fixed structures & freedom: The daily routine on board provides security, while at the same time leaving enough room for creativity and play.
- Digital detox made easy: without constant internet access, the family moves closer together – and discovers completely new sides to each other.
Tips for relaxed sailing with children
Family time on the water
Safety aspects – the be-all and end-all
Before the fun begins, safety comes first. You should pay attention to these points before and during the trip:
Children’s life jackets on board: always in the right size and in tested condition.
Attach the net to the railings: For additional safety for small children.
Create shady spots: Sun protection is extremely important, especially at sea.
Non-slip shoes and clear rules: Barefoot is often pleasant, but safety can take precedence at sea.
Transfer responsibility in an age-appropriate manner: Children are welcome to actively help out – under supervision and depending on their age.
Trip planning
child-friendly & relaxed
The route should be tailored to the children’s needs:
Short legs: 2-4 hours of sailing time per day is usually enough.
Swimming-friendly bays: Places with calm water and beaches are ideal.
Regular breaks: An ice cream on land or a dip in the water will keep spirits high.
Portswith infrastructure: If necessary, sanitary facilities, playgrounds or supermarkets are worth their weight in gold.
Which boats are suitable for families?
For a family vacation with children, we recommend spacious yachts:
Catamarans offer more space, stability and flat decks – ideal for small children.
Boats with a bow cabin for children or double cabins for parents and children create places of retreat.
Shade on deck and good ventilation make your stay more pleasant.
Please contact us when booking – we will advise you individually on the best options for your family.
Employment on board – Boredom? No way!
To make sailing with children a special experience, you need to keep them busy.
Here are a few tips:
- Join in and learn
Children love to hold the helm or help with the mooring. Learning to navigate, recognize flags or tie knots – all this can be taught through play. - Creative activities
Take painting and craft materials with you – e.g. paint stones, collect shells or keep a travel diary. A camera (also for children) is fun and encourages an eye for detail. - Games for indoors and outdoors
Classics such as Uno, Memory or “I see something you don’t see” also work on board. Small toys that take up little space are ideal – e.g. Lego, magnetic games, card games. - Swimming fun and shore excursions
Anchorages with shallow water invite you to swim, snorkel or SUP. Short exploratory tours on land are great adventures – whether by dinghy or SUP. - Books and audio plays
Favorite stories and children’s audio books are ideal for quiet hours or for falling asleep.
A family sailing trip also offers a wonderful opportunity to teach children about the fascinating world of marine life in a fun way.
By observing dolphins, jellyfish or seabirds together, they not only learn about new animal species, but also develop an awareness of the delicate balance of marine ecosystems. Small experiments on board, books about marine life and child-friendly environmental games make the topic tangible.
This also raises awareness of environmental protection – for example by collecting garbage on deserted beaches or avoiding plastic on board. In this way, even the youngest children can be inspired to protect the sea, coasts and nature and promote sustainable thinking.
Sailing with children – a vacation that connects
A sailing trip with children is more than just a vacation – it’s time together, where the family grows together, gains new experiences and shares unforgettable adventures. Whether steering, playing or swimming – every child will find their place on board.
Our tip: Plan early, book children’s equipment at the same time and let our team advise you. With Nautic Alliance we will be happy to help you prepare your perfect family sailing adventure!
Environmental and marine protection while sailing
Cooking on board
