5 important things your kids will learn on sailing

What is the first thing you think of when it comes to sailing with children? While some think of it as a synonym for danger or seasickness, others think of it as a great idea. We definetly agree it's a great idea. Sailing with children is a special moment, both for parents and for kids, so, even during the planning of your sailing vacation schedule enough time also for new knowledge for children leisure.

You have probably wondered many times if your child is ready for sailing. Our answer is –always. If you became a parent not so long ago, you are probably being covered with useful pieces of advice, including those to spend this summer at home because you have a small child. The most important things are your feeling and your wishes because you are the most important person in your child´s life and you are the one who will pass on the emotion. So, if you enjoy sailing and want a family vacation to be just about sailing, rent a boat and go. Your child will enjoy it as much as you do.

If you are a proud parent of a child of a school age, family sailing will not only be fun, but also very instructive. Not only will your kid develop love for the sea and sailing, he or she will also learn the tricks that will turn him or her into a real sailor and explorer. Sailing will also help develop other features such as responsibility, teamwork, patience and ecological awareness. Regardless of which lifestyle he or she chooses for a career, it is crucial for every human to have the qualities and skills that will make him/her a better person. The parent's job is to develop these life skills during childhood. Sailing is a great opportunity for all of this! In this blog, we bring you what your kids can learn with sailing experience.

Responsibility. When you are talking with your child about sailing, she or he should be aware that boat must be handled with care and that this is the imperative for the safety of all persons on board. Already after check-in on the boat, meet the child with the boat, explain to him/her how the boat works. It's also important to set the rules on a boat that will hold the entire crew to make your sailing more enjoyable. During sailing, talk to your child about the rules of maritime traffic and safe navigation. Child will learn that it is necessary to stick to some rules to make the passengers and the boat safe. It is therefore important to also point the child to safety procedures, and protective equipment. Don't scare them, show them all this in a positive tone and through the game. Show them where the life jackets are and how they are dressed at all circumstances, what's all in the first aid box and when the torches should be lit.

Teamwork. Sailing is almost unable to be imagined without the teamwork. The importance of good communication on board and the quality of doing every part is crucial. However, it is also essential to involve children in teamwork. Make them feel equal with other team members and their happiness will be even bigger. Allow them to go wrong, but do not panic because it can provoke dislike and fear. Sailing requires precise and timely communication among crew members, so this form of vacation is ideal for developing communication skills. Be a good example at any time. However, even though sailing teamwork and communication in the team are essential, crew must know who the captain of the boat is.

Ability to decide. The kids need to develop respect for authority. During sailing, the authority will be the captain of the boat. Be a good example for a child to learn what it means to decide in real terms. During navigation, there must be a responsible person who makes decisions for safe boat managing because very often there is no time for discussion with the whole team, but the decision should be taken at the moment. After several years of sailing with your children, you can offer them the 'younger captain's role', but of course, under your supervision. That way they will build self-confidence because there is nothing more significant in the children world than to be able to "manage" the boat by themselves.

Space orientation. In addition to sailing, teach your kids about winds that are essential for sailing. Show them the route you are sailing on the map to get to know the geographic and historical attractions of Croatia. Book a day to explore some of the beautiful seaside resorts on the coast. We suggest a trip to NP Krka, a tour of the city of Šibenik or if you go south, visit the island of Vis. Sailing is ideal for learning orientation, astronomy during the clear night sky, as well as developing feeling for distance.

Avanturistic spirit. It is very important to create a sense of adventure for a child. Although sailing boats are safe in the quiet harbour, just getting off the land, sailing and exploring new places, raises the level of adrenaline. During the stay on board, every child will feel at least as a pirate, will have the desire to discover the unknown. Boarding and sailing are an ideal environment for encouraging children curiosity and imagination. And where is imagination, there is also fun. If you prepare well, you should not be afraid that your child will be bored. This type of vacation is ideal for kids to leave the screen of cell phones, tablets and TVs (at least for seven days). Take advantage of it! First of all, interest your child into sailing and everything about it, but be sure to bring some social games and join them in the game. Choose social games according the age of the child. Here are some of our suggestions: 'UNO cards', 'Ludo', 'Puzzles', 'Memory'... We also suggest that you have a stock of commemorative books or comic books as a backup. Teach the kids to enjoy the day without smartphones and technology while they are surounded with the nature.

With a little effort, this will be a holiday to remember!

Do not forget, sailing is for everyone! Both for adults and children. Every activity, and thus sailing, encourages the acquisition of life skills in children and also for grown-ups. Take them with you and transfer your love for sailing on them!