What to Pack (and What Not to Pack) for a Sailing Holidays
As your long-awaited sailing holidays on a rented yacht approaches, so does the often less exciting moment of packing. Space on a boat is limited, so when it comes to packing, the golden rule is: less is more.
Remember, a yacht charter promises a carefree and relaxing experience, and you truly don’t need much – just good vibes, a sense of adventure, and this ultimate guide to help you prepare for your sailing trip and enjoy every moment on board.
Sailing Vacation Packing List: Essentials to Bring on a Boat
1. First Aid Kit
Nothing is more important than your health. Top of the list is a basic first aid kit, including:
- Allergy medications
- Seasickness remedies
- Insect repellent
- Any prescription medications
- Painkillers and fever reducers
- Band-aids and bandages
2. Important Documents
Just like any other vacation, for your yacht charter you’ll need:
- A valid ID or passport
- Health insurance cards and policies
- Debit/credit cards
- Some local currency
Tip: Store all documents in a waterproof pouch or zip-lock bag to keep them safe from water damage.
3. Clothing
While it might seem that all you need is a swimsuit and sunglasses, a few extra items will come in handy:
- Underwear
- Casual sportswear (T-shirts, shorts, bermudas)
- Warm clothing for cooler weather or night sailing (tracksuits, long-sleeve shirts, hoodies, socks)
- Sneakers/boat shoes and flip-flops
- A cap or sun hat
- Light and heavy windbreakers
- Sailing gloves (optional)
4. Hygiene and Toiletries
A sailing trip is the perfect time to simplify your beauty routine. Pack only the essentials:
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Shampoo, soap, and personal hygiene products
- High-SPF sunscreen
- Lip balm with SPF
- Beach towel
- Large and small towels for showering
5. Technology and Entertainment
To keep connected and entertained:
- Phone charger
- Portable pocket charger
- Music playlists on your phone
- Camera or GoPro, plus all necessary cables
- Books, playing cards, board games
6. Food Essentials
One of the joys of a sailing vacation is buying fresh local food every day. To easily prepare delicious local meals on board, bring:
- Basic pantry staples like bread, flour, pasta, olive oil, spices, jam, sugar, and salt
- Practical canned foods for easy meal options
7. Nice-to-Haves
If you have extra space, consider packing:
- Inflatable mattress
- Earplugs
- Sleep mask
- Musical instrument
- Snorkeling mask and fins
- Sleeping bag
- Travel pillow
What NOT to Bring on a Yacht Charter
Packing smart means also knowing what to leave behind to avoid unnecessary stress or clutter.
1. Clothing and Shoes
- High heels: They can damage the deck and make boarding difficult.
- Formalwear: Fancy dresses or suits are unnecessary for life at sea.
2. Electrical Appliances
- Heat-generating devices: Such as kettles, irons, hairdryers, and electric blankets are a fire hazard and waste boat energy.
- Large home appliances: Not practical for a sailing environment.
- Unnecessary gadgets: Leave behind extra electronics like tablets or laptops unless needed.
Final Tips for a Stress-Free Sailing Vacation
- Valuables and expensive jewelry: They pose a risk of loss or theft.
- Paper waste in the toilet: Never dispose of paper products in the boat’s toilet system to avoid clogging.
- Heavy makeup kits: Stick to minimal skincare.
- Umbrellas and hard suitcases: Use soft duffle bags instead for easier storage.
- Heavy meal plans: Opt for simple, fresh meals that don’t require elaborate cooking.
These guidelines will help you pack more easily and enjoy your charter vacation without unnecessary stress.
