Hey there! So, you’re getting ready for a yacht trip, huh? Well, when it comes to packing for a yacht adventure, you’ve got to keep in mind that cabin space and storage areas are quite limited. So, here’s the first piece of advice for your luggage: no suitcases allowed! There’s simply nowhere to stow a hard suitcase on a yacht, and you definitely don’t want to end up cuddling with it while you sleep.
Instead, opt for soft backpacks and bags. Once you’ve distributed all your stuff, you can easily fold them up and make them compact. Practical and efficient!
Now, let’s talk about what to bring in terms of clothing. When choosing your yacht attire, prioritize practicality and safety.
Footwear:
Your yacht shoes should be comfortable, protect you from injuries, and not damage the deck. So, go for closed-toe shoes with non-slip white soles. Dark soles often leave stubborn marks. You can find specialized sailing shoes (topsiders) at sports stores, but sneakers or Crocs would also do the job. And dear ladies, leave those high heels at home. You probably won’t need them even on land!
Yacht Gloves:
As a general rule, everyone on board participates in mooring and handling the sails. To keep your hands safe, make sure to bring yacht gloves. They can be full-fingered or fingerless, but it’s essential to protect your palms and have at least two phalanges covered.
Sunglasses:
Ideally, opt for sport sunglasses with anti-glare polarized lenses and special straps to prevent them from flying off into the sea when the yacht rocks. Here’s a tip for beginner skippers: wear mirrored sunglasses, so your crew will never see the fear and excitement in your eyes! 😉
Headgear:
A sun hat or a baseball cap is a must to shield yourself from heatstroke and sunburn. Just like with sunglasses, make sure it doesn’t get blown away by the wind. You can find special attachments like elastic bands or clips at sports stores to secure your headgear to your collar.
Waterproof Jacket with a Hood and Waterproof Pants:
Even if you’re setting off on a sailing trip in the middle of summer with no rain in the forecast, these items will come in handy in case of a storm. You don’t have to splurge on expensive professional gear for your first yachting adventure; a windbreaker and pants with wind and moisture protection will suffice.
Warm Clothing:
This depends on the season and the waters you’ll be sailing in. Keep in mind that it’s easy to get cold when sailing against strong winds. Pack some thermal underwear, a fleece sweatshirt, and a beanie. They’re lightweight and won’t take up much space.
Sunscreen:
On a windy day, you can get sunburned pretty quickly. Protect your skin by packing sunscreen with a high SPF.
Personal Medications:
If it’s your first time yachting, consider bringing some seasickness medication, just in case.
Personal Hygiene Items:
While you can limit yourself to a toothbrush, you can buy gels, shampoos, toothpaste, and other essentials from the ship’s store for communal use.
Power Bank:
Many yachts have a limited number of power outlets, and some cabins may only have a 12V socket. So, it won’t hurt to have a car charger handy.
Swimwear:
There will most likely be opportunities to swim and sunbathe, so pack your swim trunks or bikini!
Passport, Tickets, Travel Insurance, Cash, Debit/Credit Card:
Documents are sacred! Plus, having some cash in the local currency is essential since not every place accepts cards.
And most importantly – a good mood! After all, an exciting and unforgettable maritime adventure awaits you.
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