The Definitive Sailing Trip Packing List

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. With the versatility of a lightweight waterproof jacket, it is perfect for the varying weather conditions are sea. It always pays to be prepared!

Essentials

Don’t forget to pack your passport and sailing licenses if you are on a bareboat yacht charter.

Other essentials are:

• Swimwear (you will be in the water a lot!)
• SPF sun protection
• Shampoos, shower gels and toothpaste
• A power bank
• Beach towels
• Dry bags to keep your valuables safe and dry
• Insect repellent
• Evening wear for the lovely evening meals ashore or on deck
• Sea sickness medication (it's better to be safe than sorry!).

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.

Customised Clothing

Make your sailing holiday more memorable and fun with customised clothing and gear from our partner Decked Out.

Whatever the occasion is, from a 40th birthday to an annual family vacation, get your own customised gear to celebrate.

There is a special deal of 15% off your order, if you mention that Anchor referred you!

What Not to Pack

There are many things that you should not bring as they will already be on board for you.

These typically include:

• Bedding
• Cooking utensils
• First aid kits
• Nautical charts
• Speakers
• Any yacht equipment.

Your charter company will provide these essentials.