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wrote in message . ..
I am considering a charter in the Bahamas (Abacos) with The Moorings
in mid-April. My wife and I would be taking our 7yr old boy and 5yr
old girl. This would be our first sailing trip as an entire family,
so I want it to be a good experience that will hopefully lead to
future trips or a boat of our own someday (we are from N.C.). We are
considering about 4-5 days on the boat.

My question is whether it is advisable to take children of this age
with us. They are very good swimmers so they would no doubt enjoy the
water and beaches, plus giving us greater confidence in their safety.
I understand that the weather and water conditions are mild to
moderate so I am not overly concerned about their safety or comfort.

I just want them to have fun!! Seems like it be a real treat for kids
to be outdoors and around the water. My kids are active, non-TV
types, anyway.

Any thoughts? Take some games with us in case of rain? Is 4-5 days
too long? Any thoughts on anchorages or marinas in the Abacos that
kids would especially enjoy? Keep the sailing to short hops? Get off
the boat regularly? Will boat length make a difference (we are
getting a 41)?

Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks,
OEW

We took our 5&1/2 year old son with us for a week; had a mixed bag of
weather and even on the wet & windy days he enjoyed it as long as he
was involved with the 'running of the boat' (a bit of winching,
coiling rope, a bit of aided helming etc.) So I'd say go for it. If
they have never been to sea before then a week is probably good as a
week can be endured if they don't like it.
One thing we had to do was to get him a proper life vest as the
charter company did not have one in his size. Also a good jacket and a
harness as the ones supplied would not have fitted him at all! We kept
him 'clipped on' while under way but just had him in the life vest
while moored. (We were in cold waters and he could not swim at the
time). The other suggestion..... get some sea-sickness tablets!!!!

Peter