Sailing with the family – unforgettable experiences on the water

There are holidays and there are sailing holidays with the family. For us, this was and still is a very special chapter of our lives. A chapter full of shared adventures, laughter, wind, the sea, and lasting memories. 

Our children grew up with sailing. I mean that literally. Both were born in winter and by the time they were six months old, they were lying in the Maxi Cosi under the bimini top or gently swaying in a hammock on the boom, while the boat lay quietly at anchor in the bay or sailed wildly. The annual photos from the sailing holiday show best how they have grown – real family moments that we captured and later gave as special memories to grandma and grandpa for birthdays or Christmas.

Sailing with Extended Family – Shared Holidays with Friends and Relatives

When the children were still young, we spent our sailing holidays on the boat together with my sister, her husband, and their children – a total of six children on board, so it was never boring. Swimming, snorkeling, playing Uno, and exploring the bays – experiencing shared adventures every day anew.

Later, two more families joined us, accompanying us on a second yacht. So, from originally two families on the water, there were finally four – almost like a small fleet.

And as the children grew older, a natural division sometimes emerged in the evenings: one children's or youth ship and one adult ship. We enjoyed a glass of wine and a bit of peace from the noisy offspring, who enthusiastically plunged into endless rounds of Uno, other card games, or charades every evening.

Back then, phones had no reception in the bays anyway, and even today, the rule is: community on board comes first. The phone stays in the bunk.

Unforgettable Experiences – Adventures for the Whole Family

These holidays were more than relaxation – they were experiences. The children bathed together, played, explored islands, sunbathed or lazed on deck, watched dolphins, and searched for shooting stars on the bow at night. Our children still remember all the stories they experienced with their friends while sailing. For us as parents, it was just as valuable – we could spend time together without hustle, without distraction. Just being together and enjoying nature. A dream holiday with a mix of secluded bays with cozy konobas or home-cooked meals on board, small charming harbor towns, or tourist activities in cities like Pula, Zadar, Trogir, Split, Korčula, and Vis.

Rainy day in Korčula – but fun knows no bad weather! Between the breakwaters, the water shoots up – a perfect game for the kids! With giggles and a run-up, they jump over it, always eager to see who will be caught by the water spray this time. Wet? Who cares! In warm weather, only the moment counts – because the laughter is louder than any raindrop. Such moments make sailing holidays unforgettable.

Discover Sailing Destinations – from Croatia to Turkey

Initially, we mostly sailed in Croatia – close, safe, and with dreamlike bays. Later, as the children grew older, we were also drawn to Greece and especially to Turkey. Each region has its own charm, but everywhere our catamaran or the spacious sailing yacht was our home.

The Perfect Family Catamaran – Safe, Stable, Spacious

Catamarans have proven to be particularly family-friendly: lots of space, smooth sailing, large living areas – perfect for several children on board. And also ideal for parents who want to sail with offspring for the first time: safe, stable, and comfortable like a floating holiday home.

For families who don't know each other well or have different habits, I recommend taking a larger catamaran. With its two hulls, it offers much more retreat options and privacy than a monohull boat.

Conclusion: Sailing with Children – A Holiday that Brings You Closer

Sailing with children is valuable time together – relaxed holiday moments full of adventures that create unforgettable memories. It is much more than a holiday! Nowhere do families come together as much as on board – that's what makes this time so special.

Today, I know many families who have similar experiences – often this joy accompanies us across generations. Because once you've felt the wind in your hair and heard your children's laughter at sea, you always come back. Even in my childhood, we always had a small sailboat with us when we went to the sea for summer holidays – often together with a family friend, for us children to play while our parents spent time with good friends.

Plan the Next Sailing Summer Now

If reading this made you think of your own sailing adventures, now is the right moment to plan the next sailing summer with your family – whether as an experienced sailing family or for the first time with children on board. The upcoming sailing summer awaits you.

Your Klaus Pitter, CEO Pitter Yacht Charter