What to Pack for a Sailing Holiday

If you've already booked and are getting ready for your yacht charter, then it's time to start thinking about what to take with you.

Fortunately, the kit you'll need doesn't really vary much wherever you decide to go sailing. We are all aware of the basics: floaty dresses, flip flops, light shirts, sun hats and sun cream, but there are a few other things worth knowing about that you should pack. Below we list just a few extra items to add to your list to ensure that you are ready for your trip of a lifetime.

Soft-sided Luggage

Avoid hard suitcases, as they can be difficult to pack into your cabin and luggage space.

Instead, opt for soft-sided luggage (such as a duffle bag) which is easy to fit into smaller spaces and can be folded up and stored away once you have unpacked.

Hard luggage can also cause damage to decks, so bringing a soft form of luggage will help to avoid this.

Deck shoes

Yacht surfaces can be slippery, especially when wet, so investing in a good pair of deck shoes is a great idea to avoid any slips or trips. Deck shoes are designed to wear on a boat; they are made from comfortable leather, and have special non-marking soles, as well as extra grip on the bottom, making them suitable to wear on wet decks. Deck shoes are highly durable and are perfect for both wearing both on and off the yacht - so get them in your bag! It's also worth packing a sturdy pair of shoes to wear ashore if you're planning on going on any afternoon walks to local sites, or hikes to find the perfect sunset view.

Light waterproof jacket

You may be planning for glorious weather (fingers crossed!), but there's no harm in packing a lightweight waterproof jacket, just in case. If it does happen to rain during your trip, you want to be prepared.

Taking a light jacket won’t take up too much space, and it will also keep you warm on misty or chilly evenings. It always pays to be prepared!

Essentials

Don’t forget to pack your passport and sailing licenses, as well as shampoos, shower gels and toothpaste. A power bank is a great idea to ensure that your phone is charged at all times. Don’t forget beach towels, dry bags, insect repellent and some evening wear, too.

Sea sickness medication is also handy to have on board, just in case.

Fun items

Now that all the serious stuff is out of the way, you can make some room for the fun items. Pack a deck of playing cards for some great evening entertainment.



Compile your favourite summer playlist to blast out on a sunny day at sea. A waterproof phone case can be a great idea to protect your phone and help you get the best pictures.

Don’t forget to bring a couple of books, and a travel journal - you’ll want to remember this trip forever, and there's nothing better than writing at anchor on a glistening sea.

It’s also a good idea to pack a bottle of gin or rum for those relaxing evenings under the stars.

What not to pack

You do not need to bring any bedding or cooking utensils, as these will be provided on board.

First aid kits, nautical charts, speakers and any yacht equipment will also be provided.

What to Pack for a Sailing Holiday

So, here's a complete checklist of everything you'll need to make the most out of your next yacht charter:

• Soft-sided bags

• Flip flops

• Light clothing - floaty dresses, light shirts

• Swimwear

• Sun protection - sunglasses, sun hats, high SPF sun cream

• Deck shoes

• Sturdy shoes for walking ashore

• Lightweight waterproof jacket

• Passport

• Sailing licence *

• Toiletries - shampoos, shower gels and toothpaste

• Beach towels

• Insect repellent

• Playing cards

• Power bank

• Waterproof phone case

• Books

• Travel journal

* A sailing licence is only required for bareboat charters.