We’ll help you create the ultimate checklist list for your dream sailing vacation.
Yacht charter packing is slightly different from packing for an airplane ride. Most of all, you need to consider the limited space on board as you don’t want to be tripping over clothes, shoes and bags. It begins with creating a list, packing your bags, and then hoping you haven’t forgotten anything ) If you’re new to boating, use our list below as a starting point, items you’ll wish to bring will vary based on the length of your trip and the current and forecasted weather conditions.
A sailing holiday is one of the most relaxing types of vacation you can have, with no checking in and out of hotels and no need to pack your bags every few days as you move from location to location. However, because you are aboard, you need to ensure that you have everything you need from the beginning of the journey, as purchasing items while sailing can be both expensive and problematic.
Passport & Boating Documents
Make sure your insurance papers, visas, registrations are all on board, as well as some form of photo ID. If you are sailing yourself, don’t forget to bring your Bareboat certification original with you. Read in advance about what type of boating licences are required.
Soft-sided Luggage
Try and get everything into soft-sided luggage in order to maximize storage space on board. Duffle bagsare a great option as they are big but can be stored under your bed. Don’t bring hard suitcases, as these are difficult to store in cabinets on board.
Day bag or backpack : Bring a dry/ZipLock bag for your camera, phone, keys, sunglasses and wallet
Beach bag: For your towels, sunscreen, snorkel and change of clothes
Security pouch: You may consider to bring a security pouch for documents
Sunglasses
The sun can be particularly blinding while boating as the rays reflect off the water. Sunglasses also shield a boat operator’s eyes from splashing water so they can stay focused on the task at hand. Polarized sunglasses with UV protection can further reduce the amount of glare coming into your eyes from reflected light. Also, bring a few neck straps for your sunglasses so you don’t sacrifice them to Neptune.
Skin Protection
Pack some more sunscreen and sunblock than you think you’ll need. Your forgetful teammates will appreciate that. Choose oil-free and reef-safe products in order to protect your yacht’s upholstery and wooden finishes as much as possible. Lip balm with SPF and insect repellent are also recommended - avoid the scratching!
Hats
Bring more than one cap or sunhat to protect you from the sun, cold, and rain. Consider a large-brimmed hat for sunny weather, and a breathable, microfibre material cap for nighttime to keep you warm. Head scarves can also be usefull while sailing.
Shoes
Boats are slippery and have metal items all over the deck put there specifically to break your toes. Bring a pair of soft (boat) shoes or crocs with non-marking soles and good grip that will protect your feet and keep you from slipping. Nevertheless, you will also need a pair of flip-flops and/or sandals to wear while out at a restaurant, and water shoes, to wear at the rocky beach. If you plan to bike or hike, a pair of tennis shoes is also handy.
Clothes
Put everything you think you need in a pile and then cut it by a third! ) Without overpacking to the extreme, we recommend bringing lightweight clothes, dresses, tank tops, shorts, spare pair of shoes and a backup bathing suit/ swimwear so you always have a dry one – this will certainly increase your comfort on board.
Beach clothing: Pack clothing that dries quickly and include t-shirts, shorts/beach dress.
Outer layer: Include a warm top for the evenings if sailing in low season. Wind protection is easily forgotten off your packing list because you are thinking about the sun. However, you may get caught in some cool weather.
Waterproof: Include a waterproof jacket. When it rains, you’ll want more than just a hat.
Check the weather forecast! For longer trips, bring a proper raincoat, bib-pants, thick socks, and boots geared to the conditions in which you’ll be cruising. Whether it’s warm or cold weather, go for modern microfiber synthetic layers, including thermal underwear for better comfort.
First Aid Kit
@Sailing Forever, we will make sure you have all needed equipment on board and that you know all about the safety gear you are required to have. However, consider taking your own first aid kit stocked with the usual suspects such as bandages, aspirin, antibiotic ointment, pain relief. Coordinate this with your boatmates if possible. You do not need to bring one each, but ask for medical information. The skipper must be informed of any passenger health problems and diseases they suffer in order to have a complete picture of the situation and be ready together with the crew for every eventuality. Make sure prescripted medication has all details on the package, including your name. If you’re prone to seasickness – and many people are no matter how often they go sailing – consider packing seasickness or anti-nausea medication.
Food
Unless you plan on catching your own food every day that you’re on board, make sure your galley is stocked with enough sustenance for the duration of your trip, or enough to get you to the nearest port. Don’t forget about having plenty of water and about your favorite herbs & spices. Coordinate this with your boatmates. There are supermarkets around marina (walking distance) so it is convenient to buy fresh food and refreshments before your trip
Headlamp
Speaking of flashlights, bring an additional light on board that is kept separate from the first aid kit. Even better, a headband light for hands-free chart navigation and engine space inspections is extremely handy. Don’t forget to bring extra batteries / charger.
Gloves
If you’ll be sailing, gloves are going to be handy to prevent blistered, rope-burned hands. Full-length sailing gloves cover everything except the tips of your fingers and provide the best protection when working sailing sheets, halyards, anchoring ropes and especially moorings.
Personal care
Pack in the basics in travel size: This is one area you can save a lot of room. Your sailing packing list must-haves are soap, shampoo, conditioner, toothbrush, toothpaste, skin moisturizer, and antiperspirant deodorant.
Make up: Keep it minimal
Earplugs and eyeshades: Good for light sleepers. Things can get noisy if you are docked at a busy marina overnight.
Towels are provided by Sailing Forever. However you might consider bringing microfiber towels (as they dry even faster) and a beach towel.
Miscellaneous
Flag: Represent your country!
Batteries, chargers.
Games, activities, entertainment: Those books you’ve meant to read (leave them behind when you are done) E-Reader, magazines and Favorite music. Additionally, if there are many you sailing for a week, what about packing a board game? Playing cards is also always a good idea. Bring your tablet - all yachts will have charging stations.
Fishing tackle. Read in advance about what type of licences are required.
Hammocks and inflatable floats are fun too if it’s not a windy day!
The usual water toys, snorkeling gear, underwater camera…
Clothes pegs. Things need to dry on deck, and when you pick up speed or the winds are a-blowing, you need pegs to tie your gear down. Don’t let your towels and swimmers flying off into the Adriatic!
Ziplock Bags or dry bags: these are great for more than just keeping money and electronics dry during day trips to the beach. You can also use Ziplock bags for dirty or wet clothes, and for sealing opened bags of snacks!
