Are you a fresh sailor? Then our sailing list and tips on what to pack for your sailing holidays will come in handy for you. And in case you are an experienced sailor, check it out for some fresh inspiration.
Documents and travel papers
Before you leave, don’t forget to check the following:
- Make sure you packed your passport, or other travel documents (ID card)
- Valid skipper license (if you are not sure, check with your agency to make sure you got it right)
- VHF license (also needed in Croatia if you didn’t pass your sailing license in Croatia)
- Crew list – no need to carry this one with you. Just make sure you had already filled it in, so there is no time waste during the boat check-in. If you are chartering the boat through an agency, they should take care of all this and ensure your crew list has been distributed to the proper authorities.
- Double-check your small insurance prints. Check out things that are not included. Is there any responsibility for possible damages from your side?
- Vaccination card (or negative PCR / AG test)
Boataround TIP
- Check your credit card limit because you might need to pay during the boat rental due to the security deposit.
- Cash. There is still a cash era in many places in Croatia, and withdrawing money on the spot can come costly. In case you have to withdraw cash from the ATM, check the conversion rate you will be paying (some ATMs want you to convert the currency on their conversion rate, which might be different from the market average)
- Make copies of your travel documents. If something goes wrong, it is much easier if you have duplicates.
- Get waterproof bags and keep your documents there during sailing.
Source: Unsplash
Clothing
Besides the classical summer clothes that you would pack for a standard vacation, don´t forget to pack:
- Full shoes (sneakers) with white non-slip sole
- Make sure you double-check a headcover and sunglasses. Glasses chain may be practical if you don´t want to lose your sunglasses in the sea
- The weather might change anytime, so a waterproof and windproof jacket may come in handy.
- Pack your gloves (working/cycling fingerless gloves for better manipulation) which will help you with the ropes and winches manipulation
Boataround TIP
- Don´t forget that boat storage are not spacious, so you should rather use travelling bags instead of a suitcase to fit them in a storage room comfortably
- We recommend a microfibre towel. It´s practical and dries fast. It´s good to have two towels – one to the sea (salt water) and another one to the shower (freshwater)
Source: Pexels
Foods & drinks
You don´t need to buy everything in advance; it is possible to buy what you need in marinas and towns where you will stay. But always have some backup in case your anchoring doesn´t go according to the plan. Try to create mainly long-life food supplies as fridges on the boats (especially 3-4-cabin sailing yacht) are smaller than usual.
- Pasta and cans are a golden standard
- Don´t forget seasonings and salt for cooking, but also some onion and oil
- Cooking is more manageable with processed sauces or convenience food – instant soups etc.
- Home-sterilized meat is also a good idea. Just heat it up on the boat.
- From the saltwater all around, you might get some sugar cravings
- Always think about freshwater supplies for more days
Boataround TIP
- Croatia and Italy are well-known for their small bakeries, and there is nothing better than having some fresh pastry for breakfast, so don´t buy too much of it in a supermarket.
- It is good to have water supplies (mainly freshwater) because, at the marina, you can use a pushcart to get your foods and drinks on the boat
- While buying freshwater always count with approx. 1,5l of water per person and day, which is approximately 9 packages (of 6 bottles) for an 8-person crew
Source: Pexels
Drugs
Boats have first-aid kits, but this is instead for injuries, so don´t forget to pack the following:
- Painkillers – e.g. Paralen
- Sunburn lotion or foam – e.g. Panthenol
- Digestive issues medication – e.g. Hylak, Espumisan, Activated charcoal, Endiex
- Motion sickness pills – e.g. Kinedril
- Bites or allergy relief cream/lotion – e.g. Fenistil
Small things you will appreciate
As there is not much space on the boat, think twice about what you pack. Here are some small things which you will appreciate:
- Clothes pegs so the wind won´t blow away your swimsuit and towels
- Diving goggles – you can explore the undersea world and use them to get rid of seaweeds from a screw-propeller, etc.
- Headlamp – two free hands are always good
- Repellent – mosquitoes can sometimes ruin your pleasant evening at the bay
- Toilet paper and dish detergent – you don´t need to take them from home but make sure you buy enough toilet paper and some dish detergent (in case it is not available on the boat)
Don´t forget your camera, swimsuit, good mood and let´s go! Thanks to our list and tips, we believe that you will enjoy a lovely cruise and won´t miss anything.
If you are a fresh sailor, we have other helpful tips for easing your sailing experience:
First night sailing: How to prepare? → Sailing at night – How to prepare?
What to be aware of during a charter check-in
Sailors' Nightmare – What Causes Storms?
Deposit insurance: 3 things to look out for
Top 5 things to check when chartering a boat
Sailing trip essentials - What to pack on your next boat trip?
Do you want your sailing trip to be more environmentally friendly? These tips may be useful for you as well:
Top 10 ways to be an eco-friendly sailor
Eco-friendly marinas: how to choose? These six tips will help you
