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What to bring on a sailing boat: the luggage

Tips for packing the perfect suitcase for a boating vacation

Are you about to leave and need to decide what to bring on a sailing boat? Packing your luggage is one of the crucial moments and you get a thousand doubts and questions. Here you can find some advice that may come in handy.

Deciding what to bring on board is often a difficult choice, especially if you have never been on a boat before. First of all, one must be careful not to fall into the trap of "I'll bring this too, just in case." On a boat you need to bring the essentials, especially if you are leaving in the summer very few things are enough.

First of all, it is mandatory to use a soft duffle bag or backpack and avoid rigid trolleys. On a boat, spaces are not huge, so it is better to opt for a foldable bag that is easy to stow. It can be a useful choice to divide the contents of the bag into bags, even vacuum-sealed bags, so that you take up less space and have more order inside the cabin.

You will always find pillows and blankets on board; in some cases, on-board provisions also include pillowcases, sheets and towels (always inquire with the skipper about what is on board to avoid packing heavy and bulky duplicates).

If you haven't packed yet and are heading out, here is a checklist of things to bring for your summer sailing vacation

Swimsuits
as many as you want!
Beach towel
Best in microfiber or lightweight cotton...takes up less space!
Sunscreen
Avoid oily solutions and prefer eco-friendly ones with plant-based ingredients
Snorkeling gear
Not always available on board
Hat
For protection from the sun
Sunglasses
It's best to use a lanyard to avoid losing them
Sailing gloves
Optional but useful for trying your hand at maneuvering
Small bag or fanny pack
It is preferable for it to be waterproof, which is very useful for transfers with the dinghy and for shore and beach excursions.
T-shirts and shorts
For daytime
Sweatshirt and long pants
For the evening (one pair will be enough)
K-Way/light windproof jacket
Useful for both wind and sporadic thunderstorms or rain
Shoes
With clear rubber soles (for use only on boats) and shoes for going ashore
Flip-flops / Crocs
For getting ashore, going to the beach, or taking a shower in the port/marina bathrooms
Sheets, pillowcases and towels
If not provided by the skipper
Sleeping bag
As an alternative to sheets or for nights under the stars in the cockpit
Personal hygiene products
Always prefer biodegradable ones
Underwear and nightwear
If you spend most of the day in a swimming costume, you will not need to change often.
Personal medications
A first-aid kit is available on board, but if you have special needs, we recommend that you bring your own medicines, as you won't always be near towns with pharmacies.
Cables for charging
Bring cables and adapters on board to recharge your electronic devices; a powerbank is optional but useful and practical.
Headlamp
Optional, but useful for moving around when it is dark, even on land
Books and readings
Organise your books and magazines before you leave; you won't always find newsagents and bookshops nearby
Boardgames and/or cards
Perfect for afternoons or evenings in the cockpit
Bluetooth speaker
Ask the skipper if it is on board and if it is useful to take it with you.

What to take on a sailboat: the essentials are a lot of excitement

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If you decide to sail in winter or in destinations with cold temperatures, you need to leave prepared and choose technical clothing. Here is a checklist of must-have items:

Thermal underwear (top and bottom)
Sweater/Sweater/Fleece
Warm or lined pants
Warm socks
Waterproof jacket
Waterproof pants/boots (recommended)
Boat gloves
Wool cap/fleece
Waterproof boots or sturdy shoes with good non-slip grip
Sleeping bag

A few extra tricks that will come in handy during your sailing vacation

Shower outdoors or indoors but with the right products

The boats have bathrooms with showers, but the ideal, in summer, is to shower with fresh water at the stern and then dry off with the last of the setting sun. But how does it work?

The steps are very simple: dip to get wet, climb back on board and lather up, dip to get the bulk off, rinse with fresh water using the aft showerhead...and voila ready to dry off in the sun on the bow!

If you are sailing at other times of the year when it is not hot or in cold-weather destinations, you can clearly use the indoor showers with hot water, always being careful not to waste it!

It is important to choose the right products, so shampoo and marine soap. In fact, sea soaps prevent salt from sticking to the skin, and unlike common products, they respect the ecosystem and avoid polluting our beloved sea.

Electricity on board

On board, in the cabins, dinette, and often in the cockpit, there are sockets (including USB) powered by the on-board batteries that can be used while traveling or sailing. The phone and other accessories will be charged through a 12-volt outlet (cigarette lighter) or precisely through USB outlets just as in a car. A multi-port usb adapter can be useful for charging multiple devices with one outlet.

To know the exact number and type of sockets, it is always best to ask the skipper before booking; he will be able to give you all the necessary information.

Bringing along a powerbank will also make you freer and allow you to charge your phone wherever you like.

Electricity on board is limited, and more energy-intensive accessories such as hair dryers or straighteners will only be usable when the boat is in port connected to the power from the columns.

Sleeping on the boat

For people who are more sensitive to light and noise, we recommend carrying a mask in your luggage to cover your eyes and and possibly earplugs.

As for bed and bath linens, it depends on the arrangements made with the skipper. Sometimes they are included, sometimes they are provided at an extra charge or you need to bring them from home. If you bring them from home you will need sheets, pillowcases and bath towel. If you want to experience the thrill of sleeping in the cockpit or on the deck, don't forget your sleeping bag!

The best destinations for a sailing vacation