As a father, grandfather and keen boater, I have always believed the best way to pass on our love for the water to the next generation is to encourage and inspire them to experience the thrill of boating in their youth. As we know, children learn faster when they’re having fun; the trick is to make boating exciting, safe and inclusive from the very first trip.
Start with water confidence
The first step is simple: before getting on the water, make sure the child/ren in question can swim confidently and feel comfortable within their abilities, in the water.
Many local sailing clubs and schools offer training sessions and holiday clubs where children can learn the basics of boat handling alongside friends their own age. These sessions often include capsize drills, rigging and on-the-water games, helping them respect the water without fearing it.
If they enjoy those first sessions, from there, it’s much easier to build their skills and enthusiasm.
Taking the helm: literally & figuratively
Involve them from the moment you step aboard. That means no sitting below deck until the boat is underway – let them help under supervision with pre-departure checks, starting the engines or talking through how you’ll exit the marina. Ask their opinion on how wind and tide will affect the boat. You might be surprised at the fresh ideas you hear; young minds often spot solutions adults overlook!
Treat them as part of the crew from the beginning such as letting them release mooring lines; I would regularly put an additional shoreline on a cleat that takes no load out just so they have a job. And once underway, let them steer. My youngest grandson took the wheel at just five-years-old – he wasn’t aware the autopilot was engaged, but that didn’t matter! The grin on his face said it all.
For older children, set challenges: who can hold the straightest course for five minutes? Chartplotters can track their progress, or you can simply check the wake.
Keeping it fun & engaging for kids
On sailing yachts, get them involved in every aspect – from raising sails to grinding winches (with supervision). Give them jobs that match their age and ability, gradually increasing responsibility as their confidence grows. Games, challenges and small responsibilities keep their minds engaged. And remember, the fun doesn’t stop at the boat; paddleboards, inflatable toys or an electric outboard dinghy can turn downtime at anchor into hours of entertainment.
Kit, comfort & safety
Safety is non-negotiable, but comfort matters too. Swap bulky buoyancy aids for automatic lifejackets as soon as they’re big enough and kit them out with proper sailing gear so they feel part of the crew. Go through lifejacket safety checks together, involving them in every element from identifying if they’re the correct weight and in-date, to a visual inspection for damage and checking the inflation mechanism, buckles and straps, before you go to sea.
Keep trips short to begin with, aim for fun destinations and avoid bad weather where possible to mitigate sea sickness and poor conditions. And if things go wrong, stay calm – children can quickly sense your emotions.
The next generation: Boatgen
If you’re looking for an introduction to on-water experiences aimed to inspire the younger generation, boatfolk’s Boatgen programme is a fantastic way to get young people hooked on the water. In partnership with The Andrew Simpson Foundation, Boatgen offers accessible activity days, providing on and off-water skills sessions, youth sailing team opportunities and an ambassador scheme – helping kids and teens gain skills, make friends and feel part of a community of passionate young boaters.
By Colin McLean, Haslar Marina Assistant Marina Manager
Find out more about boatfolk, by visiting: www.boatfolk.co.uk
