Whether you’re heading to the chic Mediterranean, tropical Caribbean, a local lake or some other exciting destination, packing for a sailing trip can be a bit of a puzzle. You want to be prepared for all sorts of weather while keeping your luggage light and manageable.
I live aboard a 45 foot catamaran so have had the chance to learn what you want at sea. From must-have clothing to essential gear and personal items, let’s make sure you pack everything you need for a fantastic and stress free sailing adventure!
CONTENTS:
1. Clothing to pack for a sailing holiday
When thinking about what to pack for a sailing trip most of us jump straight to clothes. Think about what it is you want to do on your trip and let that guide your wardrobe choices.
Action and Adventure
If you're planning to do some sailing as well as active, shore based adventures, consider taking a few moisture wicking tops and exercise shorts or leggings that are easy to move around in. The best pair of quick dry adventure shorts I've found are the Under Armour Play Up, while my shirts are usually made of a ventilating mesh.
Holiday Chic
For dinner outings, tours, cultural experiences and shopping trips, I recommend bringing clothes that you like the look of and are comfortable wearing, such as dresses, shorts, flowing pants and your favourite tops. Wear your usual style or splurge on a few new pieces just for your holiday, perhaps even something a little nautical!
Sun, Swim and Sail
Since you'll be out on the water don't forget to pack a wide brimmed hat that protects your face and neck. You could go for a classic beachy straw hat like many yachties wear, or choose something a little more chic that still offers protection, like the UPF 50+ Kristy Fedora from Wallaroo Hat Company.
It's also important to take a pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes. Make sure they're polarized because the glare from the sun can be much harsher out on the sea, especially when to starts to reflect off the water or if the cabin windows don't have a UV rated tint. Personally we've found the Maui Jim range to be both stylish and long lasting, with a look that matches a boating holiday vibe.
Especially if you're in the tropics, you can bank on wearing your swimsuit with beachy coverups and light clothes more than anything else, so packing a few sets is a must! If you have fair skin like me, it's also worth considering a rash vest (I prefer ones with a full zip) or taking a swimsuit with one built in. Australian brand AXESEA make some beautiful designs. While you might not want to wear them all the time, they're a good idea if you're heading out to try some water sports or go snorkelling.
Speaking of that, if you like snorkelling or diving you might want to pack your favourite gear. This isn't always practical or necessary, but personally I enjoy myself more with a mask that fits so would throw in the TUSA Sport Serene set I bought a few years ago and love using.
When it comes to your feet it's tempting to take a whole lot of shoes but honestly, it's not necessary. On the boat, you'll generally be barefoot, so like the clothing it's about thinking about what you're planning to do. Here's what I'd take.
A pair of comfortable sandals that can be dressed up for evenings out
A pair of walking shoes or sneakers
A nice pair of flip flops or slides - REEF is a good brand for these
If you're headed somewhere tropical then a lightweight, waterproof jacket is a good idea. It doesn’t have to be bulky, just something that can protect you from wind and rain while still being easy to pack. Otherwise still bring a wrap or light jacket because the nights are cooler out on the water than on land.
2. Personal care items to bring along
Sailing can be a lot of fun, but it’s important to take care of yourself. You don't want to be wasting time on your holiday trying to hunt down hygiene products or worrying about sunburn, so take what you need with you.
Sunblock
A high SPF sunscreen is a must-have for prolonged sun exposure, and depending on your destination you may need to bring something marked reef safe.
Sunscreens that contain chemicals like oxybenzone can harm coral reefs when they wash off into the ocean, and as a result are banned in places like Hawaii and Palau. Reef safe sunscreens, such as Blue Lizard SPF 50+ and Sun Bum SPF 50 Lotion don't contain these chemicals.
Depending on your skin type it may also be worth packing some lip balm with SPF to protect your lips from getting chapped. I like the Sun Bum SPF 30, which also happens to be reef friendly.
First Aid and Medication
While the yacht should have a first aid kit aboard, packing a smaller, travel sized kit is still a good idea. Here are some of the key things we have in our "adventure" first aid pack, which comes in the tender and on shore adventures.
You will want to pack any personal medications you might need to manage allergies or illness. If your medication is prescription, be sure to check the legality of the prescription in your destination and take a copy of it with you.
Sea sickness remedies, like ginger tablets or gum, can also be a good idea, especially if you're prone to motion sickness or haven't spent much time on the ocean before. If you want to take sea sickness medication my advice is to try it at home first; some can make people extremely drowsy causing them to sleep the entire day.
Personal Hygiene
Don’t forget to think about your personal hygiene items like toothpaste, a toothbrush, deodorant, hair brush, hair ties, soap, shampoo, and conditioner. Some can be bought when you get there, but if you like a specific brand it's easier to just take it with you.
Since fresh water usage might be limited and sink and shower water drains out into the ocean, try to choose products that are eco friendly and low lather to minimize waste and pollution. Camping and boating brands like Stream2Sea can be a good place to find these types of products.
Stay Hydrated
A reusable water bottle is a great addition to your packing list, especially if you're planning some day excursions away from the main vessel.
We keep two types of water bottles on our boat.
Collapsible HydraPak bottles for when we want to travel light
Metal, vacuum insulated BruMate bottles for when it's hot and we want the water (or a cocktail) to stay cold
3. Gear for sailing
Many boats will provide the sailboat essentials like life jackets, navigation aids and binoculars, so for you it's more a case of thinking about what you might want.
One thing that I think it almost essential is a dry bag, which keeps your valuable safe from water. Look for one with a roll-top closure for a secure seal which is big enough to fit the items you want to take with you.
There are many different options on the market but personally I prefer to use dry bags from an established brand, like Sea to Summit, Earth Pak or Pelican. The other choice is to go for a water proof bag, with brands like Gill, YETI and again Earth Pak having some cool designs.
4. Electronic devices
Starting with the obvious, you'll want to take a phone. A waterproof phone case is a good idea if you’re worried about splashes or accidental drops as it will keep your phone safe and dry, no matter where you are on the boat. Trust me, it's easier to drop your phone overboard than you might think, so maybe back your data up before you set sail as well.
If you’re planning on reading or watching movies to relax on your down time, a tablet or e-reader can be a great addition. Make sure to load it up with books, movies, or games before you leave because you may not have internet out on the water. If you'd rather relax with music, bring the headphones or a waterproof speaker.
Don’t forget any chargers or adapters you might need. If you’re traveling internationally, bring the appropriate plug adapters (I recommend the Skross Pro) to ensure you can charge your devices wherever you are.
Bring a camera to capture the memories! If you want an action camera I'd whole heartedly recommend the DJI Osmo Action 4 - you can read my full review on it here.
Two other devices to consider are a headlamp and power bank.
5. Extra's for your sailing packing list
While you want to keep your packing light, a few extra comforts can make your trip more enjoyable. Here's a few things you might want to bring.
Cozy throw to snuggle up with during cooler nights
Travel journal or sketch book to document the adventures
Gourmet treats from home
Drone (check local laws)
Pool float to lounge about in; these are compact and surprisingly comfy
Quick drying Turkish towel that can double as a sarong
Water shoes
Security travel pouch
Portable safe bag
Insect repellent
Makeup (keeping in mind the heat, salt water and sun)
Ear plugs and eye shades
Insulated cup for your drinks
AUX cable in case the speaker system has no Bluetooth
Hammock
Kimono or cover up for over your swimwear
Small cross shoulder bag for daily wear
Country flags for the crew
Obviously if you're doing a bareboat yacht charter you'll also need get food and drinks once you arrive at the yacht. Check out our galley resources to learn more about provisioning a boat trip, but for a short term charter my advice is just aim to bring lots of what you love to eat and drink.
Things to AVOID bringing on a boat
The marine environment is harsh and you don't want to risk losing something precious, plus some items are just too cumbersome to bring. These are some things I suggest you avoid bringing on your sailing holiday.
Leather accessories or shoes
Clothing made of delicate fabrics
Expensive jewellery or electronics
Power hungry electronics like curling irons
High heels
Multiple hard suitcases (a duffel bag is much easier to store aboard)
Tanning oil (can stain the deck)
Boat shoes - you'll be barefoot most times on the boat
Conclusion
Packing for a sailing holiday doesn’t have to be stressful. By focusing on comfort, practicality, and a few personal touches, you’ll be well-prepared for your adventure on the water.
Got any favourite sailing essentials or packing tips? Share them in the comments below, and let’s make sure everyone’s ready for smooth sailing on their next holiday!
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