Cruising with Children

Many parents are naturally concerned when travelling with children. Cruising is no exception, for some adventuring aboard a sailboat for a week or two with their children can be both exciting and unfamiliar. For the adults and especially the crew, we take pride in educating our guests and yes even the children of the safety issues. The crew of Out-N-Aboat are very sensitive to these issues and find that when safety rules are illustrated in a proactive and fun way, everyone becomces more respectful of their environment while sailing.

Catamarans are very exciting for children - Out-N-Aboat offers a lot of play space both inside and on deck. There is very little motion and the children will love being on the forward trampolines and jumping off the stern deck when anchored in a pradise lagoon.

Ensuring your children enjoy a safe cruise, however, does require some planning and rule enforcement. It helps if the parents reinforce and discuss these rules prior to arriving. Once aboard we will again go over these rules as your crew make the whole process as fun as possible with the understanding that we all need to pay close attention to safety while onboard.

Set clear safety rules. Discuss the rules of a charter before the trip and reinforce them the moment you get on the boat. Some rules reinforce are:

• Always wear life vests when not in the cockpit
• Never leave a boat without permission from an adult
• Never go to the front of the boat without an adult
• The skipper is the boss, his word is law
• No running around on deck, ever
• Always swim in pairs, like at camp

When sailing between islands we like to make the sailing distances short. This reduces the chances of boredom. Insetad of a 4 hours, we sail 2 hours stopping on a beach to run around and play in between.

Bring plenty of beach and boat toys. Out-N-Aboat has many activities and games both onboard, in the water or on the beach. If you are not convinced just have a look at the number of games and activities we provide onboard Out-N-Aboat. You and your children will never find yourselves without something to do or see while sailing with us.

Make sure their snorkeling equipment fits and works, and that they've practiced breathing at home (even if it's in a bath tub). There are going to be many new and exciting sights and activities for everyone and the more the children are prepared the more enjoyable it will be for all.

The marine world is a fun and a beautiful classroom for children and even adults. The crew of Out-N-Aboat will show anyone who is curious the charts, the instruments, hoist a sail, winch and push the button for the anchor. They will feel more "connected" and begin a lifelong love affair with boats

Expose them to nature. Buy fish and wildlife guides, so they can learn more about what they're seeing. The laminated colorful fish charts are a big hit.