By Caroline Barbour, Marketing Manager for global yacht charter company Sunsail.
A luxury sailing holiday is a unique way to explore stunning coastlines, secluded coves, and bustling ports, offering adventure and relaxation in equal measure. For families, it can be an unforgettable bonding experience, but getting started might feel daunting if you’re not already an experienced sailor or have never sailed with children before. Thankfully, Sunsail offers an accessible pathway for beginners, with tailored experiences that suit every skill level.
Sailing Schools
If you or your family are new to sailing, sailing schools are excellent places to consider for your first sailing holiday. Schools provide structured courses designed for all abilities, from complete novices to those looking to refresh their skills while giving access to some of the world’s best holiday locations. Sailing schools in locations such as Agana in Central Dalmatia can offer a gateway to Croatia’s stunning Dalmatian Coast, where you can learn while surrounded by turquoise waters and charming medieval towns. Lefkas in Greece on the other hand, serves up the Ionian Sea’s calm, family-friendly waters and a mix of vibrant and tranquil harbours.
Courses cover essential techniques like knot-tying, navigation and mooring, with hands-on practice at sea. For families, sailing schools provide a chance to learn together, building confidence and skills that will last a lifetime, while giving the whole family the chance to explore the joys of the open water with the support of the experts.
Flotilla Holidays
It is natural to feel nervous about transitioning from a sailing school to an independent sailing holiday. Navigating to the best spots, safety, and entertainment for children are often featured at the top of things to worry about for many parents.
Flotilla holidays are a natural next step for many of our customers who travel with children following a sailing school experience. In a flotilla, multiple boats sail together under the guidance of a qualified lead crew including a skipper, technician and host who offer daily briefings, navigational advice and assistance at mooring points.
Unlike other sailing holidays, flotillas follow tailored itineraries which cater for the wider group, these often visit family-friendly locations, from sandy beaches to towns with rich cultural experiences, removing the need to worry about planning and researching family-friendly activities. There are always plenty of lively group social activities available for children and adults to enjoy the camaraderie with fellow sailors. During peak summer dates, certain flotillas have a kids coordinator as part of the lead crew too.
This supportive setup is perfect for families who want independence but appreciate having a safety net, creating the perfect blend of freedom and structure, and making them an ideal holiday for the whole family.
Bareboat sailing
For experienced sailors who want an independent adventure, bareboat charters offer families the opportunity to take full control of the itinerary and pace. With a bareboat charter you are in control and have the freedom to navigate your way between idyllic locations, anchoring at your leisure and allowing time to eat, rest, play and discover more.
However, if relaxation is the main goal, hiring a professional skipper lets you enjoy all the perks of a private yacht without the responsibilities of sailing, while benefiting from their expert local knowledge.
Top tips for planning your family sailing adventure
1. Choose the right destination
Young and novice sailors may not feel confident in all waters, but the calm waters of the Ionian around Lefkas or the sheltered bays of Croatia in areas such as Agana are excellent for families looking for easier seas to sail.
2. Check your qualifications
The RYA day skipper qualification is the minimum entry qualification for chartering a yacht without a skipper, with some regions requiring the ICC International Certificate of Competence. Novices can enjoy a sailing holiday while they learn at RYA accredited sailing schools in locations such as Lefkas, Greece and Agana, Croatia or they will need to book a qualified skipper. Qualified sailors will be asked to share their qualification upon booking.
3. Consider hiring a skipper
However skilled you are, hiring a skipper ensures a stress-free trip. They will take care of navigation, plan the best itinerary for your group, and all while you enjoy quality family time.
4. Pack smart
Include essentials like reef-safe sunscreen, non-slip shoes and entertainment for downtime on board.
5. Engage the kids
Sailing is an adventure for the whole family, let children help with simple sailing tasks or navigating—it’s educational and fun!
6. Don’t be afraid to ask for help
When you book your sailing holiday whether it be at a sailing school, as part of a flotilla or a bareboat, your expert holiday planner will be able to give advice on what to take, where to visit and the best blogs pages to visit for holiday planning advice. When you check in to your boat the local base team will know the best spots to dine, relax and explore.
A luxury sailing holiday offers the perfect mix of adventure, relaxation and quality time on land and at sea, where everyone is welcome. Whether you’re charting a course in Croatia or the Greek Isles, this experience promises memories your family will cherish forever. With the right planning and support, you’ll be navigating confidently in no time.
About the expert
Caroline Barbour is the UK/ZA/AU Marketing Manager for global yacht charter company Sunsail and its sister brand, The Moorings. The brands operate a combined global fleet of around 700 yachts in 20+ destinations around the world. Her journey began in a global product marketing role before she transitioned into the position of marketing manager, overseeing the UK market for both brands. Hailing from a quaint seaside town in Scotland, Caroline’s connection to the ocean has been a lifelong influence, shaping her professional path within the maritime travel sector. For more information on Sunsail, please visit sunsail.com/uk
