On June 1, 2025, BBDouro Nautical Experiences celebrated Children’s Day with a special event designed for the little ones: a free Open Day at the Douro Marina, full of activities linked to the nautical world.
A morning at the Douro Marina with nautical activities for children
During the morning, between 10am and 1.20pm, we welcomed 52 children, accompanied by their parents, for a unique experience. The aim? To awaken interest in sailing and the nautical environment, in a fun, educational and accessible way.
The children went through various themed stations, each focusing on a different aspect of boating:
- Wind season: they learned to identify where the wind blows from.
- Seamanship station: they discovered the three types of sailing seamanship – upwind, beam reach and downwind.
- Boat parts station: they learned the names and functions of components such as the mast, rudder, sail and boom.
- Ecology station: they talked about the importance of preserving the oceans and took part in a small beach clean-up near the Douro Marina.
- Simulator station: they practiced their first sailing maneuvers on dry land, such as tacking and tacking.
- Sailing baptism station: they boarded boats from the BBDouro Nautical Experiences Junior Academy and sailed for the first time, with the support of our students and instructors.
- Fun Zone: they unloaded the rest of their energy on an inflatable and with face painting.
A full day for the little sailors
Demand was so great that registrations sold out quickly. During the morning, the atmosphere was one of joy, enthusiasm and curiosity. According to the parents, “it was great fun” and “the kids didn’t want to leave” – the best compliment we could receive!
BBDouro's mission: to make sailing accessible to everyone
This Open Day was yet another initiative that reinforces BBDouro’s mission: to promote accessible, educational and memorable nautical experiences for all ages.
Through our Junior Academy, programs like the Summer Sailing Camp and special events like this one, we want to show that sailing can (and should) be for everyone, from the earliest years.
Next opportunities to experience sailing
If you took part in this Open Day and want to repeat the experience – or if you couldn’t make it this time – don’t miss out on our Summer Sailing Camp: a week full of the sea, new friendships and sailing lessons.
And mark your calendars: in 2026, Children’s Day will once again be celebrated at the Douro Marina with another Open Day full of adventure. We’re counting on you!
