Sailing Must Haves

What to Pack When Going Sailing

[fa icon="calendar"] Feb 22, 2016 2:16:19 PM / by Daniel Flynn

what to pack when going sailing

Packing for a sail trip can be stressful.  Whether it is your first time or you are an avid sailor, know what to pack for different types of weather can be a challenge.  If you are sailing in the fall or spring it can be  almost zero degrees in the morning and hit the mid-fifties during the day.  Before your next sail trip make sure you check out our checklist of What to Pack When Going Sailing:

1.) The Basics:

The basics are items that you should carry on you at all times.  if your boat has a safe, that is where you would keep these items.  If not make sure they are placed somewhere safe in a "Dry-Lock Bag":

  • Cash
  • Debit/Credit Card
  • License/Passport - Especially if you are sailing near the boarder of Canada or down in the Caribbean, always carry your passport in case you drift into international waters.
    • Float Plan (See List: 5 Tips for Sailing in Bad Weather)

Things to Consider Before Transporting Your Yacht

 

2.) Clothing:

This can be the most difficult part to pack for.  Temperatures vary much more dramatically on the ocean than they do on land, especially if you are sailing in the fall or spring.  If you own your sailboat, we would recommend you keep an extra set of the following clothes on your boat:

  • Sweatshirt
  • Two pairs of jeans
  • Two bathing suits
  • Two pairs of shorts
  • At least three T-shirts
  • Waterproof jacket
  • Three more pairs of underwear than days you are sailing
  • Three more pairs of socks than days you are sailing
  • Waterproof gloves
  • Boat shoes with good grip: When on the top of the boat it will be slippery, make sure you pack a pair of shoes you are comfortable in and don't mind getting wet
  • Sandals

3.) Food:

Depending on what your schedule is, you may not be eating every meal on the boat but, it is always good to pack the following:

  • Ice: The more ice the better, it is imperative you keep your perishables cold.
  • Water: At least a gallon per person per day
  • protein: Power bars, peanuts, peanut butter, etc 
  • Bread
  • Deli meat (CaptainAce Tip: if left out for more than 12 hours, throw away)
  • Canned Tuna
  • alcohol - a good glass of red wine, makes the longest of nights easier

4.) Survival Gear:

  • Waterproof matches/Lighters
  • Flashlight
  • Knives and Scissors (industrial)
  • Solar chargers
  • Sunscreen
  • Sea Sickness medicine
  • ibuprofen
  • Batteries

There are a multitude of other items you may need but these are the basics.  Remember, how long you are sailing will dramatically impact what to pack when going sailing. 

Know that you know what to pack, check out our favorite spots to go sailing in Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Hampshire!

 

Topics: What to Pack When Going Sailing

Daniel Flynn

Written by Daniel Flynn