Welcome to our blog series, created in partnership with Towergate Boat Insurance, where we bring you expert tips and insights tailored specifically for Yacht Havens berth holders. In this series, we'll explore the essentials of boat ownership and making the most of your time onboard. This time, we're providing some great ideas for ensuring little ones love spending time afloat.
Taking your kids on a boating adventure can be a thrilling way to create cherished family memories. The open water, fresh air, and sense of adventure are sure to capture their imaginations.
However, boating with children comes with unique challenges that require careful planning and attention. Here are 5 top tips to make your family boating trip both safe and enjoyable...
1. Making Safety Fun
First and foremost, the non-negotiable. All children MUST wear a lifejacket or buoyancy aid. Make sure it fits snugly and correctly, with no risk of slipping off whilst allowing your child to move comfortably.
But here's a couple of top tips to make this exercise stress-free, interesting and exciting for your little ones:
- Let your little ones practice wearing them at home and around the house! This means it won't be a surprise to them when they put it on when you're onboard.
- Let your children decorate their lifejacket. Grab some colourful, washable pens or stickers and let your children turn their boring lifejackets into stylish personalised outfits.
- Go one step further and get them to adopt an ocean-themed superhero for their time onboard! Think Tiger Shark Tim, First Mate Matilda, Dolphin Daisy or Captain Charlie.
2. Who's hungry or thirsty?
It's incredible how much energy children can burn while on a boating adventure or breathing in fresh sea air.
Make sure you're well-stocked with water and snacks, particularly food that kids can eat on-the-go. Fruit, crackers, sandwiches - think 'finger food' and you should be well set!
Top Tip - bring a pack of ginger biscuits or plain crackers. Ginger is a well-known remedy for nausia and plain foods can be handy if there's a risk of sea sickness. Bananas are also easy to digest and a great energy boost.
3. Get them involved!
There are basic sailing principles that can be taught to children. For example, explain how boats 'drive' on a side of the road, and there are green/red markers to help guide the channel.
Top tips:
- Make your children the main 'look out'. Ask them to shout when they see another boat nearby, or when they spot a buoy.
- Give them ropes to hold or practice tying knots.
- For older children, you can even let them steer under your guidance (providing they have been well-behaved!)
You can also get elasticated tethers (also known as Safety Lines) and attach them from the deck to your child's lifejacket. This will give your child the freedom to explore the deck while being safely tethered to the boat.
4. Short trips & playing games
Children may not have the patience for long excursions. So plan shorter trips to keep them engaged and avoid boredom.
By only doing shorter trips, you've got time to play games. Here's our top tips for great games to play while sailing:
- "I Spy" with a marine twist. Don't forget to let children try the binoculars to make it feel more adventurous
- Treasure Hunt - Prepare a list of items or landmarks to spot while onboard
- Stories - Don't forget your pirate stories and tales from years gon' by when you see a shipwreck!
- "Captain Says" - Have fun with a nautical version of Simon Says!
Not forgetting every boat needs to be equipped with a deck of cards and backgammon!
5. Suncream and Clothing
Don't forget to bring plenty of layers and keep the Factor 50 Children's Suncream to hand.
Being onboard can bring the unique combination of sunshine, feeling chilly, wrapping up warm and the possibility for sunburn.
Top Tip - Bring a spare hat! The first thing to fly off will be your child's hat, so having a spare is a good idea. Alternatively, bring a hat with a safety loop under the chin!
Protecting your passion for boating
At Yacht Havens, we want to help you get the right boat insurance for your vessel. That’s why we have worked with one of the market-leading boat insurance specialists to create insurance policies and benefits designed to meet the needs of our Berth Holders.
What's more, Yacht Havens berth holders can enjoy a further 20% discount when you buy or renew a Towergate Insurance policy*.
