Dreaming of sailing away to turquoise waters, sun on your skin, and a life you truly love? You’ve devoured the magazines, binged the YouTube channels, and now you’re hooked on the cruising lifestyle. But how do you go from armchair dreamer to salty sailor, especially with your family in tow? The learning curve feels overwhelming, right? Don’t let it paralyze you. Stop dreaming and start doing. The absolute best way to figure out if this life, sailing away with your family, is truly for you is to get out on the water.
I know it sounds simple, but it’s the most crucial step in getting started with family sailing. Forget endlessly researching boat types, navigation techniques, or provisioning strategies for now. Those details will come later. What you need is experience. And the quickest way to get it? Book a sailing charter.
Think about it: a week in the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, or wherever your heart desires.
You, your family, and a professional captain. You’ll get a taste of the cruising life firsthand. You’ll experience the rhythm of the sea, the challenges (and triumphs) of living on a boat, and, most importantly, you’ll discover if everyone actually enjoys it. This is the first real step in sailing away with your family.
This is your litmus test for family sailing. Do the kids love the snorkeling and exploring hidden coves? Does your partner embrace the different pace of life? Do you feel the pull of the ocean calling you back? Or does everyone end up a little seasick and longing for solid ground? For most families, that first taste of sailing away is magical, igniting a passion that lasts a lifetime. But it’s important to be prepared for all possibilities.
When sailing away doesn’t work.
We had a family of four join us—dad, mom, and two daughters. Before buying a boat, they flew from the UK to the Caribbean to test-drive the sailing life with us on Britican. One of the daughters felt motion sickness on the plane—not a good sign. The dinghy ride to the boat was worse. By the time she was on the sailboat, she was green and vomiting. Not long after, her sister got sick, and then her mom. The family spent one night on the boat and then had to get off. In the hundreds of people we’ve had on Britican, and now Manava, this is the only experience where the family discovered that the dream would have to wait. It was a valuable lesson learned before a significant investment.
Honestly, either outcome of your charter is a win. If you discover that cruising isn’t your family’s cup of tea, you’ve saved yourself years of planning, thousands of dollars, and potential heartache. You can then shift your focus to another dream, knowing you have explored this one thoroughly.
My own journey into sailing started with a similar “test drive.” Shortly after Simon and I were married, we decided to see if the sailing life was for us with a week-long flotilla vacation in Greece. Simon took a quick two-day course, got certified, and we joined seven other newbie sailors exploring the Ionian Sea. We had such an incredible time that we did a flotilla every year for ten years! We’d leave with tears in our eyes, wishing it wasn’t over. At that point, we didn’t even know people sailed full-time! Once we discovered the world of cruising, we knew sailing away was something we had to do.
But, what if the week ignites a fire in the souls of everyone in the family? You’ve taken the first, most significant step in sailing away. Now you know this dream is worth pursuing. From there, the learning begins. Start with sailing courses. Learn the basics of navigation, boat handling, and safety. Build your skills gradually. This is a key part of getting started with family sailing.
Don’t get bogged down in the details just yet. Focus on getting comfortable on the water. Chartering again, perhaps without a captain this time, is a great way to reinforce what you’ve learned. Each experience will build your confidence and bring you closer to your cruising goals. You’ll be sailing away with your family before you know it!
The sailing lifestyle is an incredible adventure, but it’s not for everyone. Many families have questions and concerns: “What about schooling for the kids?” “How do we afford this lifestyle?” “Is it safe?” These are valid questions, and a charter is a great way to start getting answers. By spending a week on the water, talking to experienced sailors like Simon, you’ll gain invaluable insights. You’ll learn about the realities of cruising life, from practical tips on provisioning and maintenance to the joys and challenges of living at sea. You’ll get a chance to ask all those burning questions and see firsthand how other families make it work.
The best way to find out if it’s for your family is to dive in. Don’t procrastinate. Don’t overthink it. Book that charter and set sail on your dream of sailing away.
Want to experience the sailing lifestyle firsthand? Consider joining Simon on Manava for a Sailing Lifestyle Experience. Visit our Sailing Lifestyle Experiences to learn more and start your adventure of sailing away with your family today!
How To Choose A Charter
Define Your Dream Destination and Charter Type:
- Destination: Where do you envision your family sailing away? The Caribbean? The Mediterranean? Consider factors like climate, scenery, and activities available. Do you dream of turquoise waters and white sand beaches, or rugged coastlines and historical sites? Think about what will appeal to everyone in your family. Several charter type options exist:
- Crewed Charter: A captain and crew are onboard to handle the sailing and boat operations, allowing you to relax and enjoy the experience. This is ideal for beginners and families who want a truly carefree vacation.
- Bareboat Charter: You’re responsible for sailing the boat yourself. This requires prior sailing experience and certifications. It offers more independence but also more responsibility.
- Flotilla Charter: A group of boats sails together, often with a lead boat providing guidance and support. This can be a good option for those with some sailing experience who want a bit of extra security and a social element.
Research and Compare Charter Companies:
- Online Resources: Use online search engines, charter booking websites, and sailing forums to find charter companies that operate in your desired destination.
- Reviews and Testimonials: Look for reviews and testimonials from previous charter guests. Pay attention to comments about the condition of the boats, the professionalism of the crew (if applicable), and the overall experience.
- Ask for Recommendations: Reach out to friends, family, or online sailing communities for recommendations. Personal experiences can be invaluable.
Contact Charter Companies and Ask Questions:
- Inquire About Availability: Check the availability of charters during your desired travel dates. Popular destinations and charter types book up quickly, so it’s best to plan well in advance.
- Ask Specific Questions: Don’t hesitate to ask detailed questions about the boats, the itinerary, the crew (if applicable), and any additional costs. Clarify what is included in the price and what is not. Inquire about their cancellation policy and travel insurance options.
- Communicate Your Needs: Let the charter company know about your family’s specific needs and preferences. Do you have young children? Are there any dietary restrictions? Do you have any special requests for activities or destinations?
Book Your Charter and Start Planning!
- Review the Contract Carefully: Before you sign anything, read the charter contract thoroughly. Make sure you understand all the terms and conditions, including the payment schedule, cancellation policy, and any liability waivers.
- Confirm All Details: Double-check all the details of your booking, including the dates, the boat, the crew (if applicable), and any pre-arranged activities.
- Start Planning Your Trip: Once your charter is booked, the real fun begins! Start planning your itinerary, researching local attractions, and getting your family excited for your sailing adventure.
Ready to turn your sailing dreams into reality? Learn more about our Sailing Lifestyle Experiences and start planning your family’s adventure today!