The Dummy's Guide to Packing for a Sailing Holiday

Sailing lookout SW

Relaxing times on shore © SW

Hint No. 1: This doesn't only apply to sailing holidays, but it applies IN SPADES to sailing holidays. Less is More. The less you take, the more you'll enjoy it. Firstly, unless you are masochistic and heading for one of the Poles, you'll be heading for the tropics – or at least for summer weather – so you'll be in shorts and swimmers most of the time. Secondly, the storage space on a yacht is strictly limited, so the less you take the better – AND take a sailing bag, don't even think about a hard sided suitcase. This has the added advantage of allowing you to take your sailing bag on-board the aeroplane, so the airlines don't get the opportunity to lose it.

Hint No. 2: Even if not crossing a border to get to your sailing destination, take your passport as proof of identy, and take a photocopy, to be kept in a separate place in your luggage. If yours is a package holiday, then, apart from your booking confirmation, that's all you will need, with correct visas of course. If you are bare boat chartering, take a crew list with the names, dates of birth, passport numbers of the crew pre-prepared for officials or for Customs and Immigration. If some people are getting off or on during the sail, take lists of each crew complement separately.

Hint No. 3: Sailing destinations are usually very relaxed places, with 'anything goes' the rule for most dressing. Females can use sarongs and pretty thongs for most evening occasions, and one pair of long trousers should do for the most occasions for the males. If you want to experiment with more formal restaurants, throw in one jacket and tie perhaps. Most of the time, however, even for dinner in most destinations, T-shirts and shorts are acceptable for both men and women.

Just cruising © SW

Hint No. 4: Apart from your swim suits, sarongs, shorts and T-shirts, remember the following clothes:

-Walking gear. Do take your favourite most comfortable walking gear, as sometimes there are great hikes to be done in remote places. In high summer weather, walking sandals are better and cooler than runners. Crocs are great for transiting between boat and shore.
-Light wind breaker for the occasional tropical shower
-Sun visor or Peaked cap for onboard, with attachment to prevent it blowing overboard (Skipper: 'We don't go back for hats')
-Sunhat with small brim for on-shore, or sunbaking while the boat is at anchor
-Bum bag for carrying your money etc while hiking or shopping (wear it in front for safety – never behind)
-Beach towel. (assuming you'll get a bath towel on board. It's best to have a separate bath and beach towel – salt in your bath towel is not a good feeling)

Bora Bora © SW

Hint No. 5: There are a few other items which you should remember to take to make your holiday happy – DO take them all in small sizes where there is a choice

-Suncream – get SPF 30, no less.
-Sunglasses, and make sure they have UV protection
-Any prescription medicine
-Reading glasses if you use them
-Seasick tablets – for yourself or to give to others
-Small personal supply of bandaids, antiseptic cream, headache tablets, anti diarrhoea tablets – just in case!
-Small can of Mosquito spray
-Small torch – good for both on-board and on-land use. If you can find a wind-up torch, which are great on a boat, you won't have to worry about batteries.
-Your camera – most boats (find out beforehand) will have a cigarette ligher charger on board. In this case, take a recharger and rechargeable batteries. - Make sure you have a waterproof case. Even if you don't drop it in the drink, it can be splashed while sailing or transiting in a dinghy.
-A pack of playing cards, your favourite CD's (check if the boat has a CD player beforehand) and some paperback books to while away your leisure time.
-Plastic or zip-lock bags for storing wet swimmers or towels in your luggage

Caribbean © SW

Hint No 6: Snorkelling and diving.
Take your's own comfortable personal gear. Trying to adhere to the 'Less is More' adage, maybe, for instance, you can get away with only taking your mask.
Take reef walking shoes – coral, oysters and rocks can be unpleasant on delicate inner city toes. Even if your toes are not 'inner-city' or delicate, rushing up an unknown bank to tie a line around the nearest tree when Med-mooring may involve you in unknown small dangers like ants or nettles.

Hint No. 7: For the best holiday ever: Leave your cell phone at home.


I can't do that... I can't do that...I can't do that...

Comment from Reader:

Sender: Trish Sargent

Message: Hi
My favourite tip for holiday sarongs is to fold your sarong in half and lay on your bed and just lay all your holiday clothes unfolded on top and then roll into a long sausage and place in your case. When you get on board and unroll your sausage you will find your clothes are ready to wear with no ironing required!!

Happy sailing Trish