Happy family with two children sailing a catamaran together, parents teaching kids to steer while dolphins play in the wake

Sail Together: Adventures Your Family Will Never Forget

Q: How do you keep kids safe on the boat?

Safety is our top priority. Here is what we do: - Lifejackets: Kid-sized PFDs worn at all times on deck until they prove comfortable - Netting: Secure netting around the boat prevents falls - Supervision: Instructor maintains constant awareness; parents share responsibility - Safety drills: Fun, non-scary practice of what to do in emergencies - Shallow waters: We sail in protected areas with calm conditions Our catamarans are especially safe - the wide, stable platform means less risk of falling and easier movement for small legs.

Disconnect from screens and reconnect as a family. Safe, fun, and educational sailing experiences designed for all ages.

Plan Your Family Adventure

American Sailing Association Certified Training Facility

ASA CertifiedTraining Facility

Family FriendlyKids Welcome

4.98/5228 reviews

5-7 days

Duration

6+ welcome

Ages

$2,995/person

From

Spacious Catamaran

Boat Type

Your Family Sailing Adventure

Create unforgettable memories with your family on a safe, fun, and educational sailing experience.

Kids enjoying the spacious catamaran deck

1 / 6

Is Family Right for You?

Find out if this course matches your experience level and goals.

Perfect For

Families with children aged 6 and up
Parents wanting quality screen-free time with kids
Multi-generational groups (grandparents welcome!)
Families new to sailing seeking a safe introduction
Adventure-seeking families who want more than a beach resort
Parents looking to teach kids self-reliance and teamwork

Prerequisites

No sailing experience required! We welcome complete beginners of all ages. Children should be comfortable in the water and able to swim. We provide kid-sized lifejackets and safety equipment.

What You'll Achieve

Foundational sailing skills for the whole family
Optional ASA certification for adults (ASA 101 + 103)
Confidence on the water for children and parents alike
Unforgettable shared experiences and stories
A new family hobby you can enjoy for a lifetime

Children wearing lifejackets learning to tie knots on deck while parents watch proudly

What You'll Learn

Our family sailing curriculum balances genuine learning for adults with age-appropriate fun for kids. Parents can pursue full ASA certification while children learn through games and hands-on activities. Everyone participates, everyone contributes, everyone has a blast.

Basic boat vocabulary: bow, stern, port, starboard (kids love this!)

Wind awareness: reading flags, telltales, and waves

Steering: everyone gets helm time, with kid-height supervision

Knot tying: bowline, cleat hitch, and figure-8 (with games and challenges)

Sail handling: hoisting, trimming, and reefing (age-appropriate tasks)

Safety drills: man overboard, fire, abandoning ship (made non-scary)

Navigation basics: reading charts, using compass, plotting course

Swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding skills

Points of sail: close-hauled, beam reach, broad reach, running

Tacking and gybing maneuvers

Sail trim and balance

Right of way rules

Anchoring and mooring techniques

VHF radio procedures

Engine operation basics

Weather interpretation

All certifications issued by the American Sailing Association (ASA)

A Day in the Life

Family sailing days blend adventure, learning, and plenty of downtime. Here is what a typical day looks like for families aboard.

Time	Activity	What You'll Learn	Vibe
07:30	Wake up to calm harbor sounds	Kids explore the boat while adults enjoy coffee on deck	Zen
08:30	Family breakfast together	Pancakes and fresh fruit fuel the adventure ahead	Social
09:30	Morning swim and paddleboard time	Burn energy before sailing - especially important for kids!	Active
10:30	Up anchor and sail to new destination	Kids take turns at the helm (with supervision)	High Focus
11:30	Knot-tying challenge on the trampoline	Friendly competition keeps kids engaged during passage	Academic
12:30	Lunch underway: sandwiches and snacks	Easy meals let everyone enjoy the sail	Social
14:00	Arrive at new bay, anchor, explore	Snorkeling, beach treasure hunts, or dinghy adventures	Active
16:00	Quiet time: reading, games, napping	Downtime for kids (and parents!) to recharge	Zen
18:00	Sunset dolphin watch	Magic moments as wildlife appears in golden light	Celebration
19:30	Dinner ashore or family BBQ on the back deck	Share highlights and plan tomorrow's adventure	Social

07:30Wake up to calm harbor sounds

Kids explore the boat while adults enjoy coffee on deck

Zen

08:30Family breakfast together

Pancakes and fresh fruit fuel the adventure ahead

Social

09:30Morning swim and paddleboard time

Burn energy before sailing - especially important for kids!

Active

10:30Up anchor and sail to new destination

Kids take turns at the helm (with supervision)

High Focus

11:30Knot-tying challenge on the trampoline

Friendly competition keeps kids engaged during passage

Academic

12:30Lunch underway: sandwiches and snacks

Easy meals let everyone enjoy the sail

Social

14:00Arrive at new bay, anchor, explore

Snorkeling, beach treasure hunts, or dinghy adventures

Active

16:00Quiet time: reading, games, napping

Downtime for kids (and parents!) to recharge

Zen

18:00Sunset dolphin watch

Magic moments as wildlife appears in golden light

Celebration

19:30Dinner ashore or family BBQ on the back deck

Share highlights and plan tomorrow's adventure

Social

Zen

Academic

Active

Social

High Focus

Celebration

Your Crew

Meet Your Instructors

Our family course instructors are chosen for their patience, warmth, and ability to engage sailors of all ages.

Captain Mitchell Selby

ASA Certified Instructor

Mitchell has 20 years of sailing experience and has been involved in the charter industry for 6 years. Based in Hawaii, he operates year-round, combining his interests in surfing and sailing while traveling to various destinations for charters and...

ASA Certified InstructorSailing Virgins Instructor

1 of 5 instructors

Meet all our instructors

Tripadvisor Reviews

What Families Say

5.0

(228+ reviews)

“We did the typical Caribbean resort thing for years. This was on another level. The kids learned to steer the boat, tie real knots, and spot dolphins. Screen time became a non-issue because they were too busy living. Our 11-year-old wants to be a captain now. Best family vacation we have ever taken.”

The Rodriguez Family

Parents + 2 kids (ages 8 & 11), First-time Sailors

“This is now our fourth year sailing with Sailing Virgins. The kids remember these trips more than any other vacation. Watching them grow from nervous first-timers to confident crew members has been incredible. The instructors treat our kids like capable people, not inconveniences. They rise to the occasion every time.”

Jennifer & Mark T.

Parents + 3 kids (ages 6, 9 & 12), Annual Trip Tradition

“We brought grandma and grandpa! Three generations on a catamaran in Greece for a week. Everyone contributed - kids handled lines, grandpa navigated, grandma kept us fed. The boat became our floating home. Grandpa got emotional on the last day saying it was the best week of his retirement.”

The Chen Family

Multi-generational (6 people, ages 7-68)

“I was nervous doing this as a solo parent, but the crew and other families made us feel completely supported. My daughters learned they are stronger than they thought - physically hauling lines, mentally solving navigation puzzles. Seeing them come out of their shells was worth every penny. We are already booked for next summer.”

Sarah L.

Single Mom + 2 daughters (ages 10 & 14)

Read all 228+ reviews on TripAdvisor

Upcoming Family Courses

View All Family Courses

classic

BVI Monohull Family Group Course

British Virgin Islands

Offers ASA 101 · 103 · 104

Next: Nov 15

From

BVI Catamaran Family Group Course

British Virgin Islands

Offers ASA 101 · 103 · 104 · 114

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No dates currently scheduled

Up to 5 sailors

From

$5,190per person

Join waitlist →

Family-Sailing-Preparation-Guide.pdf guide preview

Free Download

Download the Family Sailing Preparation Guide

Everything you need to know before sailing with kids - packing lists by age, how to prepare children for the trip, onboard entertainment ideas, and tips from families who've done it.

What's inside:

Age-appropriate activity ideas
Safety protocols for kids aboard
Family packing checklist
Keeping kids engaged while sailing

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Certification

Start sailing with ASA 101

Start your sailing journey with the ASA 101 Basic Keelboat course.

Frequently Asked Questions

We welcome children aged 6 and up on our family courses. Kids should be comfortable in the water and able to swim basic strokes.

For younger children (under 6), we can arrange private family charters with modified schedules. Contact us to discuss options for your specific situation.

There is no upper age limit - we love multi-generational trips with grandparents joining the adventure!

Safety is our top priority. Here is what we do:

- **Lifejackets**: Kid-sized PFDs worn at all times on deck until they prove comfortable

- **Netting**: Secure netting around the boat prevents falls

- **Supervision**: Instructor maintains constant awareness; parents share responsibility

- **Safety drills**: Fun, non-scary practice of what to do in emergencies

- **Shallow waters**: We sail in protected areas with calm conditions

Our catamarans are especially safe - the wide, stable platform means less risk of falling and easier movement for small legs.

The opposite problem is more common - kids never want to leave!

**Daily activities include:**

- Swimming and snorkeling in crystal-clear water

- Paddleboarding and dinghy adventures

- Treasure hunts on deserted beaches

- Knot-tying competitions and helm time

- Jumping off the boat into turquoise seas

- Trampoline time on the catamaran nets

- Searching for dolphins, turtles, and fish

The combination of physical activity, new experiences, and no screens makes for exhausted, happy kids by bedtime.

Our family courses use spacious catamarans with 4-6 private cabins. Typical arrangements:

- **Parents**: Private double cabin with ensuite bathroom

- **Kids**: Separate cabin (or shared with younger siblings)

- **Multi-gen**: Additional cabins for grandparents or other family

Cabins have storage, lighting, and ventilation. Kids love having their "own room" on the boat!

For larger families or specific needs, we can discuss cabin configurations when you book.

Yes! Many parents complete ASA 101 (and sometimes ASA 103) during family courses.

While kids participate in age-appropriate activities, adults can focus on certification requirements with our instructor. It requires some coordination, but most families manage it well.

If certification is a priority, consider booking a dedicated family charter where we can tailor the balance of adult learning and kid activities.

Children often handle motion better than adults! But we take precautions:

- **Catamarans**: Our boats are extremely stable with minimal rocking

- **Protected waters**: We sail in calm, sheltered areas

- **Fresh air**: Spending time on deck helps everyone

- **Medication**: Bring children's Dramamine or ginger chews just in case

- **Distraction**: Busy kids rarely notice any motion

Our instructors are experienced at spotting early signs and helping kids (and adults) feel comfortable.

Pack light - space is limited! Essentials for kids:

- Quick-dry swimwear (3-4 suits rotate)

- Rash guards for sun protection

- Reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 50+)

- Sun hat with chin strap (so it stays on!)

- Water shoes or boat sandals

- Light layers for cooler evenings

- One nice outfit for dinners ashore

- Favorite small toy or book

- Waterproof camera (disposable is fine)

We provide snorkeling gear, lifejackets, and paddleboards. Skip the bulky toys - the boat and ocean are the entertainment!

Ready to Sail as a Family?

Create memories that last a lifetime. No screens, no schedules, just adventure together. Your kids will thank you for this one.

Plan Your Family Adventure

100% Satisfaction GuaranteeFlexible Booking Options

Sail Together: Adventures Your Family Will Never Forget

Your Family Sailing Adventure

Is Family Right for You?

Perfect For

Prerequisites

What You'll Achieve

What You'll Learn

Experience

ASA 101

A Day in the Life

Meet Your Instructors

Captain Mitchell Selby

What Families Say

Upcoming Family Courses

BVI Monohull Family Group Course

BVI Catamaran Family Group Course

Download the Family Sailing Preparation Guide

Explore More Sailing Experiences

Certifications and destinations to pair with this

modern barefoot cruising

BVI or Croatia for your sailing course?

sailing vacations with kids

Start sailing with ASA 101

Frequently Asked Questions

What age can children start sailing with you?

How do you keep kids safe on the boat?

Will my kids get bored on a sailing vacation?

What are the sleeping arrangements for families?

Can adults still get certified if kids are aboard?

What happens if my child gets seasick?

What should we pack for kids?

Ready to Sail as a Family?

Your Family Sailing Adventure

Meet Your Instructors

Captain Mitchell Selby

What Families Say

Download the Family Sailing Preparation Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

What age can children start sailing with you?

How do you keep kids safe on the boat?

Will my kids get bored on a sailing vacation?

What are the sleeping arrangements for families?

Can adults still get certified if kids are aboard?

What happens if my child gets seasick?

What should we pack for kids?