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Top tips for a sailing holiday

A family sailing holiday is a fantastic way to not only build confidence in and on the water, but also enjoy a fun and exciting time together learning or improving on a skill. Sailing encourages team work and helps each member of the family stay active and healthy, whilst enjoying an entertaining holiday that gets the family off the sun-loungers and onto the waves.

Susie McKay is the Waterfront Manager at Mark Warner’s Lakitira resort in Kos, Greece and heads up the sailing courses there. As specialists in family holidays, Mark Warner is devoted to safety in all of their activities and Susie has kindly shared her top ten tips for a sailing holiday.

Top tips for a sailing holiday:

1. Wherever you sail before heading out on the water for the first time, be sure to ask the locals for advice on the best spots before setting off.

2. If you plan to sail quite far be sure to phone ahead and check that the wind is going to be good for a day’s sailing. You don’t want to promise the kids a day on the water then turn up to the beach where there is no wind!

3. Be sure to check whether or not you need to get a permit to launch from the beach you plan to visit, as you will find that some places require you to pay a fee. The fee is to help with the upkeep of the area especially if there is a car parking space, launching ramp and bins etc. The permitted areas not only make it easy for you and the family to access the water but are also there to minimise the effect on the local wildlife.

4. If you are transporting your kit to your destination my top tip is to get it all out and check you have it all first before starting to rig. The last thing you want to do is to rig up your sail and then realise that you left the UJ for connecting the board to the sail at home.

5. Always tell someone where you are going and when you plan to return. More importantly, give them a call as soon as you are back on dry land so they don’t send out the coast guard for you.

6. Even on a hot summer’s day it can be cold if you are in and out the water, so make sure you pack plenty of warm clothes and always carry a little snack and drink.

7. If you are heading out to a hot climate and are learning to sail or windsurf for the first time, the most common injury from wearing shorts and scrambling around in boats and on boards is grazed knees. I have spotted many guests on returning holidays arrive with some knee pads which are highly recommended!

8. Whether in a hot or cold climate, the reflection of the sun on the water means you burn more quickly so a hat is recommended. Hopefully you will have some nice wind, so get a hat with a draw string or go for a cap. Both can be fitted with a short leash that clips to your buoyancy aid meaning that even if it flips off your head, you won’t lose it.

9. For those with really small kids, the all-in-one sun suits are great for summer sailing in hot climates. There are also some great kids’ poncho towels that have a hood, brilliant for when they come off the water.

10. If you felt inspired by your sailing holiday and are looking for a place to sail in the UK my best advice is to get onto the RYA website where they will tell you your nearest centre. This way you can get out on the water in the sound knowledge that you will be looked after by fully qualified instructors and safety boat drivers.

Mark Warner offers a range of sailing holidays with Royal Yachting Association (RYA) courses, including free group sailing clinics, at resorts in Greece, Corsica, Sardinia and Turkey. Families can also take advantage of their complimentary childcare facilities for kids from 4 months to 17 years. Visit www.markwarner.co.uk for more information.