FIRST TIME SAILING

  1. Passport, personal documents, and travel insurance;
  2. A basic first aid kit, including: something for motion sickness, adhesive bandages, probiotics, cream or gel for insect bites, pain relief, insect repellent, panthenol or jekoderm cream, allergy medication, and any usual medications you take;
  3. Basic cosmetics, including sunscreen, and hydrating face and body creams. If you have long hair, bring a hairdryer (some marinas have hairdryers in the shower areas). It’s best to pack cosmetics in a compartmented, waterproof toiletry bag that can hang for easy access in marina showers and bathrooms. Choose plastic, medium-sized containers if possible;
  4. Mosquito spray (must be spray, as tablets and electric repellents aren’t practical on a sailboat);
  5. Towels for sunbathing and the beach, as well as a set of large and small towels, which might be provided on the sailboat but not always. It’s recommended to bring several;
  6. Comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely on the sailboat (sweatpants, shorts, t-shirts, skirts). It’s best if each item has a pocket that can close. Bring at least one warmer item (long sleeves and pants) and a wind and waterproof jacket. A long-sleeved hoodie is recommended, no matter the season. Clothing should match the sailing period. Bring evening wear for going out, but choose non-iron items if possible;
  7. Several swimsuits, if possible. Optionally, a cap, goggles, or diving gear;
  8. A cap, sunglasses, and gloves for handling ropes (gloves are very valuable);
  9. Non-slip shoes that leave no marks on the boat (white soles are best), sneakers, flip-flops, slippers, and evening shoes;
  10. Pajamas suitable for the season in which you’ll be sailing;
  11. Avoid overpacking, as space is limited on a sailboat. Pack in a soft travel bag rather than a suitcase, as hard luggage has no place on a sailboat;
  12. Mobile phone, camera with chargers, and batteries. Bring your drone if you have one.

Looking at this list might seem strange, so here is a brief explanation of each item from my perspective.

  1. There isn’t much to explain here – passport and personal documents are essential, and it’s recommended to have travel insurance, not only for sailing but for any trip abroad.
  2. A basic first aid kit is important for any trip, especially for sailing, since you won’t have easy access to the nearest pharmacy. If you’re new to sailing, make sure to bring tablets or patches for seasickness. Natural options with ginger are a good choice. Other items should also be brought, although sailboats usually have a basic medical kit onboard. Bring a cream for insect bites, as you’ll be spending time outdoors.
  3. Don’t overdo it with cosmetics. Shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, face and body cream, and other everyday essentials are enough. A compartmented toiletry bag with a hook is very helpful, keeping items organized and accessible in marina showers. Choose medium-sized, plastic containers, as sailboat shelves aren’t very tall, and things can slide if the boat rocks.
  4. An insect spray is essential! Electric repellents aren’t suitable on a boat. A simple spray will do; spray the cabin before sleeping to ensure a restful night at sea.
  5. As for towels, some boats come with a large and small towel for each person, but bring extras if possible – they’ll dry faster, and you’ll always have a spare. Bring a beach towel too.
  6. For clothing, avoid overpacking. You’ll need t-shirts, shorts, maybe a skirt, and tracksuit pants. Clothing with secure pockets is ideal, as you’ll be moving around on the boat, and you don’t want things to fall out. Bring a windproof jacket and comfortable layers; you won’t need much, but pack for any weather.
  7. Bring several swimsuits and any swimming or diving gear if you like snorkeling. A fresh swimsuit makes it easier to move around on board after swimming.
  8. Gloves are particularly useful for handling ropes, as they can be wet and slightly dirty from the sea. Cycling gloves can also work.
  9. Shoes should be comfortable, non-slip, and white-soled to avoid marking the deck. Bring evening shoes as well.
  10. Pajamas suitable for the weather – spring and autumn evenings can be colder.

All that’s left is to pack up and head off for the most beautiful holiday at sea. Enjoy every moment!
Bon voyage!