What To Pack For A Sailing Holiday

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Few things kill the day-one buzz faster than a missing phone lead, no flip-flops for the dinghy, or a beach towel overboard for want of pegs. This is the master packing list, with one list per category. Tick as you pack, then leave room to stow the bag.

Start with soft bags, quick-dry clothes and layers. The BVI, Greece and Croatia lists add what differs by place.

Before You Pack

These five decide what goes in the bag.

Climate Think about evening temperatures as well as sunny afternoons.
Type of boat An exposed motor yacht flybridge can feel chilly underway.
You If you feel the cold, pack a hoodie just in case.
Type of sailing Long, windy passages need different kit from short island hops.
Destination Casual tavernas and smart resorts call for different clothes.

Pack. Remove half. Remove half again. You'll be about right.

1. Clothing

Choose light clothes that rinse easily, dry quickly and let you move.

Quick-dry tops, 3 Rotate them between sailing days and washes.
Shorts Quick-drying fabric avoids sitting in wet clothes after a splash.
Light trousers or leggings, 1 pair Useful for cooler evenings and covering your legs.
Swimwear, 3 sets Rotate and rinse rather than packing more.
Fleece or hoodie, 1 A warm layer for evenings and sleeping.
Underwear and socks, 5 pairs each Wash smaller items to keep the bag manageable.
Clothes pegs Stop towels diving overboard when your back is turned.

Think about your modesty: a short skirt and a dinghy can be an awkward combination.

2. Toiletries

Travel-size shower gel and shampoo Hotel miniatures save space in your washbag.
Flannel and microfibre towel, 1 each Rinse clean and dry fast on the guardrail, without bulky bathroom towels.
Toothbrush, 1, and toothpaste Dentist's toothpaste testers save space in a cramped washbag.
Hairbrush, 1, and spare hair ties Keep long hair under control in the wind.
Universal basin plug Useful when the marina basin's plug has disappeared.
Deodorant and razor, 1 of each Hotel miniatures and small sizes keep the washbag light.
Washing powder, a little Rinse out smaller clothes and wear them again.

Once everyone has gone below, I take my saltwater soap and wash off the back of the boat. I'm enjoying my first cocktail before anyone comes back up.

Hairdryers and straighteners will not run without a powerful generator, so check the boat before bringing them.

0 of 60 Items Packed

3 Medical And Protection

Check your operator's equipment list for first aid provision, pack what works for you and keep medicines within reach.

Prescription medicines Pack enough for the trip plus a little extra for delays.
Personal first aid kit Plasters and bandages provide backup for minor injuries aboard.
Seasickness remedies Pack what suits you; a pharmacist can say which, and bands do not work for everyone.
Sunscreen, at least SPF 30 and 4 UVA stars Protect skin from sun that's more intense on the water.
Polarised sunglasses with a band, 1 pair Reduce glare and keep them attached.
Sun hats, 2 Keep a replacement for the one that blows away.
Insect repellent Helps prevent bites during evenings ashore.

4 Sleep

Sheet sleeping bag or liner, 1 Check your operator's equipment list; this covers you if linen is not supplied.
Pillowcase, 1 Stuff with clothing to make a spare pillow.
Pyjamas, 1 set Choose lightweight ones, with a fleece layer if the night turns cool.
Hammock Stows small and gives you a comfortable nap on deck.
Wind scoop Funnels a breeze below deck at anchor.

5 Underway

My rule of thumb is that you need one more layer at sea than ashore.

Neck buff, 1 Protects your neck from sun and wind.
Book or Kindle Fills time on long passages and at quiet anchorages.
Playing cards Something to do at anchor when it rains.
Your own lifejacket The boat's are likely to be the cheap foam type, which is hard to wear as a precaution.

Try the boat's lifejackets on day one; consider your own for easier precautionary wear if you're a weak or non-swimmer, sailing far from land or in wind. The RYA recommends wearing one unless you are certain you do not need to.

6 Foul Weather

Hooded raincoat, 1 A decent hood matters when you are helming in rain.
Waterproof trousers, 1 pair Protect your wettest half at the helm or in the dinghy during long wet spells; the RYA says warmer climates may not need them.
Wind or spray top or breathable dinghy smock, 1 Packs small for squalls and cold nights, without a full offshore set.

I always roll my old breathable dinghy smock into the bottom of my bag. It has saved me more than once, without the bulk of my offshore kit.

7 Shore

Evening outfit, 1 Saves wearing your sailing clothes to shore dinners or theme night.
Light cover-up, 1 Goes over swimwear for town walks, avoiding fines in Split and Dubrovnik.
Lanyard, 1 Keeps cash, cards and keys close.

I like cotton, but it clings when wet and dries slowly. Synthetics rinse out easily and can be ready to wear the same day.

Put clothes over swimwear before walking through Split or Dubrovnik. GOV.UK warns of on-the-spot fines for walking through these towns shirtless or in swimwear.

8 Documents

Check expiry dates before travelling and carry digital copies alongside your original documents.

Passport UK passports: under 10 years old on arrival and valid 3 months after leaving Schengen for Greece and Croatia; valid for your stay in the BVI.
ICC or sailing certificate, if you are skipper RYA: evidence of competence, not universally accepted; check it covers the boat and country.
VHF or SRC certificate Skippers: ask your operator whether you need an RYA Short Range Certificate for the boat's VHF.
Travel and medical insurance papers GOV.UK: GHIC or EHIC covers state healthcare only and is not travel insurance.
Cards and some cash Tell your bank before travelling; I find cash useful for fuel and small taverna bills.
Doctor's letter for your prescriptions GOV.UK advises a letter stating quantities, with medicines in original labelled containers, for Greece.
Copies of passport, insurance papers and certificates, as phone photos A backup if the paper ones get wet or lost.
Emergency contacts sheet, on paper and in the cloud The paper sheet still works with no signal.

9 Bags

Choose a soft bag without wheels that folds away after unpacking.

Soft-sided duffel without wheels, 1 Flexible sides make it easier to stow aboard.
Small drybag, 1 Protects belongings on trips off the boat.
Small medication pouch or bag, 1 Keeps medicines reachable, rather than at the bottom of your stowed bag.

I've seen guests forced to sleep beside their hard cases. Once you've unpacked, a bag that folds away gives you your cabin back.

10 Tech

12V USB lighter-socket charger, two ports Charges devices together from a compatible boat socket.
Power bank A reserve for your phone when the boat's sockets are busy or off.
Spare charging leads Bring spares: one for your phone, one for your Kindle, one for your camera.
Universal travel adapter Connects chargers to different sockets; check the boat's electrical specifications.
12V inverter Charges suitable laptops or cameras when mains power isn't available.
3.5 mm aux lead Plays your music through compatible older boat stereos.
Head torch Keeps your hands free when moving around at night.
Waterproof phone pouch Protects your phone from splashes during dinghy trips.
Offline charts app Download an offline nav app before you go for tracking your route and planning anchorages.

11 Footwear

Non-slip deck shoes, 1 pair Wet decks call for non-slip soles; options include ladies' deck shoes and men's deck shoes.
Sliders or flip-flops, 1 pair Useful for dinghy trips ashore and marina showers.
Water shoes, 1 pair Protect feet against sharp rocks and coral.
Deck boots, 1 pair Keep feet dry in cold, wet places such as Scotland or the Baltic.

12 Leave At Home

Stiletto heels They can damage the deck.
Hard-shell suitcase Rigid luggage is difficult to stow.
Precious items that are not waterproof Splashes aboard put valuables at risk.
Hairdryer and straighteners They need more power than a small inverter can supply.

Packing Questions

What Should I Pack For A Week-Long Sailing Holiday?

Pack clothes, toiletries, sun protection, medicines, documents and charging kit, using the full lists above. Check your operator's equipment list for towels and bedding.

What To Wear On A Yacht Cruise?

Wear light, quick-drying clothes and non-slip shoes, with layers ready for cooler conditions. Keep a cover-up for shore visits and an outfit suited to your evening plans.

What Toiletries Should I Take On A Yacht?

Bring travel-size washing products, toothpaste, a toothbrush, deodorant and a razor. A universal basin plug helps with missing marina plugs; washing powder lets you rinse and reuse clothes.

What Kit Does A Beginner Need For Sailing?

Start with comfortable layers, non-slip footwear, a hooded raincoat and sun protection. Check your operator's equipment list before buying specialist kit. With a permanent skipper on a skippered charter, they handle most of the responsibilities.

What Bag Should I Take On A Sailing Holiday?

Take a soft-sided duffel without wheels that folds away once empty. Hard cases are difficult to stow, and a small drybag is useful ashore.

Do I Need A Sailing Licence Or ICC?

If you are skippering, check which qualifications the operator and destination accept. An ICC is widely recognised, but acceptance is not universal and checking is the holder's responsibility.

What Can I Take For Seasickness?

Ask a pharmacist about tablets, patches (for adults and children over 10) or acupressure bands; the NHS says the bands do not work for everyone. Look towards the horizon from the middle of the boat and avoid screens. Our seasickness guide covers the options.