"As in all aspects of chartering, preparation is key. Talk with your kids so they’ll know what to expect regarding getting wet, moving around the boat, sharing with siblings, and safety onboard."
"Most kids will enjoy time ashore more than time underway. Many consider the voyage as a necessary means to an end (getting to the beach), so try to keep passages short. All charter itineraries should be flexible enough to accommodate inclement weather (or maintenance issues), or to linger in a favorite spot – this is especially true when chartering with kids. For a week-long charter, Hedy & Jim recommend building in a land day where the boat stays put, so you can dedicate time to shore excursions. Your kids will have ample opportunity to swim, snorkel, build sand castles, go fishing, clamber over rocks and explore pirate caves, hike to lookouts, chase chickens and goats, and search for seashells. What’s not to love?"
" Don’t try to pack every activity and destination into the first charter. Families are over-scheduled as it is; give yours a chance to relax and play together.
"We were not surprised to discover that bareboat sailing vacations do resemble camper trips in a number of ways -- the challenges and benefits of a confined but mobile living space, and getting to spend much of one's time outdoors."
http://www.visailing.com/articles/BVI-Sailing-Vacation-With-Kids.php
"I had three main concerns. First, would they be bored without their television, GameBoys and Playstations? Second, would the normal sibling spats escalate being in a relatively confined space 24/7? And finally, how would they handle different foods when they primarily subsisted on pizza and buttered noodles? I did not need to worry"
"The kids loved exploring pirate caves on Norman Island, jumping off the Willie T at the Bight, and snorkeling for hours around the Indians."
"The crossing to Marina Cay was occupied by learning to man the helm, plotting a course on a chart, and playing hide and seek on the Cat"
"They delighted in playing in the sand at the Beach Club of Cooper Island, chasing goats on Peter Island and swimming with the sea turtles in Great Harbour."
"Days were spent snorkeling, swimming, jumping on the trampoline of the Cat, cannon-balling off the aft, telling pirate stories and making up pirate names for each of us. Playing boule and singing with the donkey at Dick’s Last Resort, searching for iguanas, and exploring various coves while learning to steer a dingy were also a great hit."
"My husband and I have spent many vacations with them, but this was definitely the best"
""I too was nervous after booking a one week bareboat charter for myself, my wife and three children. The kids were 5,4 and a few months old at the time. We had all of the pre vacation jitters as many others, but once we checked in at Sunsail and got on the boat the kids were already having a great time. They never said they were bored or that they wanted to watch TV. We had a great time for the entire week, and the kids were already asking when we can go back as soon as we left the boat. Needless to to say, I'm looking forward to next years three week charter with the family!! If you're not sure about bringing the kids ... BRING THEM!!!" "
http://www.powerandmotoryacht.com/charter/bareboat-charter-means-family-fun
"Lifejackets or PFDs are essential, but how and when you require them is up to each parent and depends, to some extent, on the age of the youngsters. For one family I know, all the preteens have the run of the enclosed cockpit and the cabin without lifejackets. Set one foot on deck, however, and the lifejacket rule is in force. The adults can set a good example by wearing their own PFDs so the kids don’t feel like outcasts."
"While having lots of soft drinks is a popular idea, make sure you have gallon jugs of bottled water. The water on most charter boats isn’t particularly tasty for drinking, and kids need to stay hydrated"
"Snorkeling is a great part of bareboating, but let the kids try it out first in the shallow water on a beach. Not only does it feel more secure when they can put their feet down, but it’s a lot easier to adjust masks and flippers in shallow water."
" was desperate to get off the catamaran her family was sailing with friends. "This isn't a vacation," she said. She was desperate for air conditioning and a real bed."
"Many of our clients ask us if it's a good idea to bring the kids along on a yacht charter - not just for the obvious safety reasons, but because they're worried the kids will feel cooped up on the boat and ruin the vacation for kids and parents alike. These are valid concerns, but from our experience this is rarely the case, in fact children love being on a yacht, learn to respect the rules of the boat, and are normally better behaved because they are entranced by the experience. Simply put, kids love boats! - See more at: http://www.boatbookings.com/yachting_content/charter_with_children.php#sthash.xwFVsjh7.dpuf"
Make the sailing distances short. This reduces the chances of boredom leading to mischeif. Insetad of a 4 hours sail, do two 2 hour sails, stopping on a beach to run around and play in between.
Bring plenty of Beach and Water Toys. If possible, rent a kayak and or a paddle board, they'll love the freedom (they should always go out in twos and wear life jackets, of course). Make sure their snorkeling equipment fits and works, and that they've practiced breathing at home (even if it's in a bath tub). It's hard to teach how to use a snorkel in the wavy salt water.
- See more at: http://www.boatbookings.com/yachting_content/charter_with_children.php#sthash.xwFVsjh7.dpufThe Riteway market, just across the road from BVI Charters, is now a superstore the size of a warehouse. They stock just about anything you could want including many gourmet items. The store is impressive, even by our US standards.
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