Kids & Family Trips
What kinds of families sail on our Windjammer? (multi-generational? single parent) The family make-ups vary from parents and kids to multi generational to single parents with their kids. It's great because our repeaters will bring back their own kids when they are old enough to sail and it becomes this great summer tradition. Whatever the make up of families, everyone has a wonderful time. It is like summer camp on the sea.
What makes this a family friendly vacation? There something for everyone-not to sound like a cliche. It works for the kids because they have space to just be themselves and do (for the most part) what they want to. They play games on deck, get involved with on deck activities, play below deck, and help galley, It works for parents because it gives them space as well without having to keep an eye on them 24/7 and they can rest assured they are safe, they have time to read, relax, do needlepoint, paint or other craft projects. And it works for both because it is time spent with kids without an agenda and there aren't many decisions to be made.
What kinds of activities are there for kids on a Tall Ship? All kinds. They can help with raising the anchor, raising or furling sails, or take a turn at the wheel. They can play board games, card games, we have homemade play dough on board which is always a big hit. They get to help in the daily routine of the boat and feel like they are being helpful while having an adventure they can tell their friends and family about. They can also fish, swim, go hiking, beach combing, rowing. We also have games at lobster bake such as knot toss and marshmallow tennis. If they come to us and say they are bored we often don't offer a solution right away-they typically discover a solution on their own in no time.
What distinguishes a family cruise from other cruises? The fact that is more about kids and families. We spend a bit more time with activities like hiking, swimming, fishing, rowing. We have contests like for knot tying. The menu is a bit more kid friendly. Captain Annie said she has a "no green garnish guarantee" on our family trips.
Do kids like Windjamming? I think the kids like Windjamming more then the parents (and the parents love it too!). There is activity, they relate it to being on a pirate ship a lot of times, they love the adventure of being out on the ocean. Especially the kids who don't live near it. We have kids every year that come sailing and want to come back to be an apprentice and learn more. Its fun learning basically.
What about the lack of electronics? It actually hasn't been an issue with us, the lack of electronics .There is always lots to do and they really hardly realize that they haven't used it or that its not there. Kids survived generations without them and its proven on a windjammer trip that they still can. Who knew!!
Why should a young family experience our Maine Windjammer? These trips are great for family time together without having to be sitting at a table or in the same room. Its great quality time with quantity wrapped in there too. It's a safe adventure for everyone, it's healthy, it's activity, it's outdoors. Most parents know that sometimes to get that bit of quality you need the quantity time to get there-these trips bring all of that together.
Come sail with your family on the Schooner J&E Riggin. Check our schedule for our Family Cruise dates !
