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Are you apprehensive to go on a catamaran trip with your family and children? Think again, because this type of boat is a great way to have a unique and timeless family holiday, even with a baby!
No matter the season, in summer or winter, it’s always a lot of fun to go on holiday with the whole family or friends! Of course, travelling with your kids requires a little more organization, but the rewards are worth the effort. And there’s a good chance that you’ll become addicted to sailing after this family sailing holiday.
To better organize a week (or more) on a catamaran with your family, discover our tips for a successful family sailing holiday! So, ready to sail?
Why should you take a catamaran trip with your family?
Sailing with children may seem dangerous to some, and tiring to others, but it is far from it. For us, sailing as a family is the best idea in the world!
During a boat tour, it is very easy to switch off and surrender to the rhythm of the wind and tides. Forget the daily routine and make room for new habits! Because on board, cooking, washing up, tidying up and showering – everyday activities – have nothing to do with her. At sea, we know, you have to adapt!
Sailing holidays and catamaran charters are also ideal for nature lovers: you live in constant contact with the sea, wild coasts, fish and dolphins. Furthermore, it is entirely possible and very easy to do a small dive whenever you feel like it. In short, a trip by catamaran is pure freedom!
A catamaran offers space for up to 12 people, or more, on board and is very well-equipped for sailing with the family. It is the most suitable boat to sail comfortably when there are many people on board. The catamaran is designed for outdoor living and has many sunbathing and relaxation areas on deck. And if you still have enough space, take a stand-up paddle or a windsurf board with you to experience even more thrills on the water!
What should you consider when planning a family sailing holiday with children?
Between those who can’t swim yet, those who get seasick and the real water lovers in the family, the catamaran remains the best boat for a family sailing trip. Its stability, safety and space will delight parents and/or grandparents who want their children and grandchildren to discover the joys of sailing.
Depending on the age of your youngest children, you will need to adjust your driving speed. If you have small children, we advise you not to undertake long crossings, but rather to sail short trips of a maximum of 2 or 3 hours.
It is ideal to go to destinations where the climate is mild, and the water temperature is pleasant, such as Cannes, where you can sail along the bays in peace and quiet.
What are the best destinations for a family trip on a catamaran?
In France, our favourite is the “île de Beauté”, Corsica. A catamaran charter in Corsica is sure to delight you. Corsica’s wild landscape, its coasts with steep cliffs, its bays with turquoise waters and its colourful seabed teeming with fish and dolphins will captivate parents and children alike.
A catamaran charter in Croatia is also ideal for a holiday with your children. Authentic and family-friendly, Croatia delights with well-preserved and very safe coasts for your next family sailing holiday.
If you want to go to the other side of the world in winter, we recommend renting a catamaran in Martinique. Warm water, dolphins, dream anchorages and sandy beaches, everything is there for a wonderful family holiday!
What does a typical day look like on a family catamaran trip?
Everyone has their own ritual to start their day. For us, a day on a catamaran couldn’t start better than with a little splash in the morning before breakfast under the first rays of sunshine. After digestion, there is a short sailing, during which the children learn how to become comfortable in the water. Some days you’ll prefer to anchor off a beach for a quick walk or picnic. In the afternoon (after a nap for young and old) swimming, snorkelling and cycling are on the program. And in the evening comes parents’ favourite time, the time for an apéritif and dinner with the family.
Here are a few ideas for activities to keep your kids busy during your family sailing holiday:
- Card games
- Coloured pencils and colouring books
- Water floats and loungers
- Logbook for sailors, which must be filled out from day to day
- Folding origami boat
- Diving competitions
Don’t have a boating licence or boating experience?
No reason to panic! You can choose to rent a catamaran with a skipper. The skipper will be able to pass on his passion and give you his advice to help you become the perfect crew! It will also be an opportunity to enjoy the landscape even more by being guided.
And if you want to have a relaxing trip without having to worry about anything, opt for a catamaran charter with skipper and/or crew. The crew will take care of you while you travel with your family on a catamaran without you having to worry about anything.
Would you like to read more tips? Then have a look at other articles in our blog!
