Thinking about going on an offshore sailing adventure might seem like a daunting prospect,...
Embarking on a sailing adventure is an exhilarating experience, and being well-prepared can make a real difference to your comfort and health on board. As a seasoned sailor with countless nautical miles under my belt, I have learned the importance of having the right gear and personal items on board.
In this blog post, I'll share with you my tried-and-tested list of essential items to pack for a sailing trip. Whether you're a novice sailor or a seasoned seafarer, these carefully selected items will ensure your comfort, safety, and enjoyment on the open seas.
So, before you set sail on your next adventure, take a moment to check off these essential items. For me, these items have proven their worth time and time again!
- Sea sickness tablets
Essential for combating seasickness and ensuring a more comfortable journey. (I use Kwells but Stugeron is also often recommended.) - Head torch with a red light setting
Useful for preserving night vision while maintaining visibility on deck. Hands-free lighting for nighttime sailing and working in dark spaces on the boat. - Sports water bottle
Staying hydrated is crucial, before and during your voyage, and having a durable and leak-proof water bottle is essential. I also pack hydration sachets and add them to my water bottle if I’m feeling particularly dehydrated. (Sea sickness tablets can make your mouth dry too, so this is a must-have!) - Warm waterproof or wetsuit socks
Keep your feet warm and dry with waterproof socks designed for sailing conditions. - Hand cream
Sailing can be tough on the hands, so moisturizing hand cream helps prevent dryness and chapping. - Sunscreen
Protect your skin from harmful UV rays, even on overcast days. - Sunglasses with cord
Polarized sunglasses with UV protection help reduce glare and protect your eyes from the sun and sea. - Lip balm
Keep your lips moisturized and protected from wind and saltwater exposure. - Dry bags
Waterproof bags to keep your personal belongings safe and dry during the voyage. - Sailing gloves
Protect your hands from blisters and provide a better grip on lines and winches. - Spare change for port facilities
Keep some loose change handy for laundry facilities or other amenities you may need during port stops. - Vacuum bag for dirty clothes
Pack a vacuum-sealed bag to store your used and dirty sailing gear and clothes, keeping them separate from your clean items and minimizing odors. - Ear plugs and eye mask
Getting quality sleep is crucial onboard, so pack ear plugs and an eye mask to block out noise and light, ensuring a restful night's sleep. - Warm waterproof hat
Protect your head and ears from the elements with a warm, waterproof hat. It will keep you comfortable during colder and wetter sailing conditions. - Sailing wellies
Invest in a good pair of sailing wellies to keep your feet dry and protected on deck. They are designed to withstand wet conditions and provide excellent grip. (Some sailing organizations provide these but not always.) - Spare deck shoes or non-marking trainers
It's always a good idea to have an extra pair of deck shoes or non-marking trainers on hand. They come in handy if your primary footwear gets wet or needs drying, ensuring you have suitable shoes for sailing and exploring ashore. - Power bank
Not all vessels have accessible power for charging phones or devices. I always take a fully charged power bank with me! - Thermal layers
Sailing in various weather conditions requires proper insulation, such as long-sleeve base layers or thermal tops, to keep you warm when the temperature drops. These layers help regulate body temperature and provide extra comfort while at sea. - Baseball cap with cord
Protecting yourself from the sun is crucial when spending long hours on deck. A baseball cap with a cord is a practical accessory. It shields your face and eyes from the sun's glare and stays securely in place, thanks to the attached cord that keeps it from blowing away in gusty winds. - Microfiber sports towel
Space on board can be very limited, a microfiber sports towel is lightweight, compact, and quick-drying, making them ideal for use on the boat. They efficiently absorb moisture and are easy to pack and store in your personal gear.
Expectations: Gear Provided on Youth or Charity Sailing Adventures
When embarking on a sailing trip with a youth or charity organization, it's important to note that certain essential gear will be provided to ensure your safety and comfort on board. Here are some key items that you can expect to be provided:
- Life jacket
Safety is paramount, and you will be provided with a properly fitted and Coast Guard-approved life jacket. This essential piece of equipment will keep you buoyant in the water and provide peace of mind throughout the voyage. - Harness and tether
To prevent falls overboard, you will be equipped with a harness and tether system. These connect you to the boat, allowing you to move around on deck while ensuring your security in rough seas or challenging conditions. - Foul weather gear
Offshore sailing often involves encounters with unpredictable weather. As such, you can expect to be loaned the use of foul weather gear, including an offshore jacket and salopettes (waterproof sailing trousers). These will protect you from wind, rain, and splashing waves, keeping you dry and comfortable during your journey.
By providing these essential items, youth and charity sailing organizations prioritize your safety and aim to create a positive and enjoyable experience for all participants. It's important to communicate with the organization beforehand to ensure you have a clear understanding of what gear will be provided, allowing you to pack accordingly and embark on your sailing adventure with confidence. They will likely send you a kit list or crew handbook too which will also help you decide what to pack for your adventure.
