4 Tips to Prepare for Your Family Sailing Trip on Shardana
Family sailing vacations are supposed to be fun and preparing for them can be anything except fun. Luckily, there are ways to take some of the stress out and make the planning experience more positive than you may have imagined.
Here are 4 easy tips to preparing for a family sailing trip.
Include your kids in the planning
When you book a trip with Shardana Sailing Charters, every part of your itinerary can be customized for you—from the places you want to visit, to the activities you want to experience. Once you book a trip with us, you will be assigned your own personal captain. Four to six weeks before your sailing charter, your personal captain will work with you to design your itinerary and help you decide on how you want to provision the boat for your trip.
With this in mind and to ensure maximum fun on your trip, consider allowing every member of your family to contribute in planning the trip. Make sure they know the itinerary so they can plan accordingly.
There are no shortages ideas to include in your itinerary. Swimming, fishing, hiking, star gazing, eating crabs at classic Chesapeake Bay crab house, visiting towns, visiting one of the many maritime museums, like the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum and shopping on the mainland are just a few of the activities everyone in the family can enjoy on Chesapeake Bay.
For the laid back days relaxing on the water, bring books, fishing rods, small games, and similar items that can keep younger kids entertained while mom and dad get some much needed R&R.
Establish rules
Rules serve a few purposes on family sailing vacations. First, and most importantly, it keeps everyone on board safe. Second, it guarantees a fun and stress-free environment providing an unforgettable vacation
Here are some common rules to consider while preparing your family:
Pay attention to the rules and safety measures implemented with the captain
Never run around on the boat
One hand for yourself one hand for the boat. Always hold on to the boat with at least one hand
In rough weather, children must stay in the cockpit.
Do not go swimming alone or without direct supervision.
Be sure to follow additional instructions and safety demos from the captain and crew.
Pack the essentials
When it comes to family trips, the key is to be prepared but not overpack. For this reason, knowing what is essential to you is essential. While the weather in the Chesapeake Bay is beautiful, we recommend double-checking the forecast before heading out to make sure you pack appropriately.
Here is a quick list of items to be comfortable on your Chesapeake Bay vacation:
Swimsuits
Hats and sun protective clothing for extra sun protection
Sunglasses and sun block
Boat shoes with non-skid soles
Comfortable shoes for walking or hiking
Water-proof jacket or windbreaker
Sweater or sweatshirt for night
Comfortable, casual clothing
A nicer outfit for going to a nice dinner
Plan ahead for the unexpected
When it comes to sailing with the family—especially young children, it is always best to expect the unexpected. You never know when sunburns, seasickness, or an upset stomach will strike.
While we are never more than 1-2 hours from shore, since you’ll be on the water and might not have quicker access to shore, you will want to prepare accordingly. When packing, include any regular medications, and other precautions you think you or your family might need for a comfortable sailing trip. As a rule of thumb, bring lots of sunscreen and aloe, just in case.
For any additional concerns or to get your specific questions answered, don’t hesitate to contact us or give us a call!