Ultimate Sailing Packing List + Essentials for Your Next Trip

Whether you are joining a bigger boat with others or chartering your very own yacht and sailing it yourself, this sailing packing list includes all the sailing essentials you could possibly need for your trip.

I’ve been on many sailing trips over the years in different countries and different ways, and have learned the top items that are needed (and the top items that people forget)! I even spent years as a tour guide on sailing trips and worked on lots of different kinds of boats, so this list is from my experience and involves a little bit of everything.

From sunscreen to extra towels, from documents to “Just in Case” items that come in handy, this sailing trip packing list will make sure you cover all your bases, forget nothing, and have the most memorable sailing trip ever!

Sailing Essentials For Any Kind of Sailing Trip

There are some items that you need on the sea, no matter how you are sailing it. Here are some important essentials to take note of:

Valid Travel Documents

First and foremost, you will need to ensure you have the correct visa to enter whichever country or countries you will be sailing through. Your sailing company should let you know what documents you need and visas you need to apply for, if any, and your passport is paramount.

First-Aid Kit Essentials

Sailing will always involve risks. You can trip on the deck, get cut by broken glass, get dizzy due to motion sickness, be bitten by a mosquito, or get your skin roasted by the sun.

Since it’s unlikely that you’ll make regular trips with an onboard medic, bringing your own little first aid kit is a good idea (if your boat doesn’t already have one).

These kits have guides that can teach you how to treat minor wounds and deal with burns, injuries, dehydration, poison, heat overexposure, and more. Here are some sailing essentials to have in your first aid kit:

• Wound treatment
• Band-aids
• Antiseptic alcohol
• Cotton
• Spray
• Disposable gloves to treat wounds
• Gauze
• Hypoallergenic adhesive tape
• Scissors
• Tweezers to close a wound temporarily until you reach a proper medic.

Storage Space for First Aid Kit and More

Before you set sail, I recommend preparing a first-aid kit with the items above. If you don’t have any place to put them, get a boat storage box. There are plenty of decent tackle boxes that suit sailing trips, from standard coolers to heavy-duty lockers, but I personally recommend something that can be installed on the boat itself or simply tucked away. 

This way, you have easier access to its contents (like a first aid kit, or fishing tackle) and you don’t have to worry about it slipping loose and causing an injury – or worse, falling overboard!

Vitamins, Medications, and Motion Sickness Pills

Motion sickness is more common than people think. According to recent studies, at least one of three people will suffer from it. I’m one of the lucky ones and am not affected by it, but I’ve seen it happen many, many times!

If you’re part of that unfortunate population but still want to experience the sea, I recommend carrying some Antivert or Bonine. Here are some other pills, medications, and helpful supplements that it’s good to have with you on a boat.

• Acetaminophen/Tylenol/Panadol
• Aspirin or Naproxen
• Ibuprofen
• Anti-vomit pills like zofran
• Anti-diarrhea
• Tums/Gaviscon/Mylanta for stomach
• Flu medication
• Vitamins/Berocca to stay healthy
• Electrolytes or Liquid IV
• Any prescription you need

Make sure you are always prepared for any kind of insects and bugs in your destination. Mosquitos and more can be found on the sea! Bring some bug spray and after-bite ointment to be the most prepared.

Personal Toiletries

Each person is different and must be sure to bring their own toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, soap, face cream, lotions, deodorant, makeup, skincare, chapstick, and more.

Usually, boats don’t provide this or have shampoo and soap only. I love using a hanging toiletry bag to store it all, as I always have my whole skincare routine to store even while traveling. I have my face washes, serums, toners, masks, moisturizers, retinoids, peels, and even collagen supplements for anti-ageing while on the road. Gotta stay safe while spending time moving around and in the sun!

I also highly recommend a light-blocking face mask as rooms on boats can get quite bright, and earplugs if you end up in louder ports or party ports.

Sunscreen and Sun Protection

While sailing around foreign shores, the heat can come up on you quickly, especially in the middle of summer. Getting heat stroke or being unable to experience your sailing trip properly is something to avoid at all costs!

Sun protection comes in many shapes and sizes, but I recommend having all of the below:

• Water Resistant Sunscreen – 30 or 50+ for body. Ideally reef-safe.
• Face Sunscreen with Extra Protection
• Hats – sun hats, caps, etc
• Sunglasses – wear them always with UV/polarized protection
• Cover-ups and sarongs to wear before and after swimming
• Stay hydrated!

What Kind Of Clothes to Pack for Sailing Trips

A lot of people think of sailor suits or a swimsuit when it comes to sailing clothes. While these are obvious and quite funny (there’s nothing like sailing in an actual sailor suit… or hat), there’s a lot more to it.

You may be sharing a small space with another person, which is important to consider (check your boat or company). You will be sailing through the wind and open to the elements at all times, so it’s advised to bring loose-fitting and quick-drying clothing, and items that will not fly away in a strong wind.

You must ALWAYS CHECK THE WEATHER before your sailing trip and ensure you know the high and low temperatures in your destination. Many people assume it will always be warm and are sorely wrong! Here are tips to consider:

• Hats are important, but must not blow away. Try an adventure hat or one with a drawstring, and save the floppy hats for when you’re on land.
• UV protective clothing and shirts are aways good
• Or, cotton, lightweight, and loose-fitting clothing are perfect for sailing and let the breeze blow right through.
• Thin T-shirts are great for men and women
• Crop tops to keep cool for women
• Nicer clothes for dinners and nights out
• Shorts – comfy shorts for around the boat, and some nicer shorts for going out on land
• Swimwear for men and women – multiple pairs are advised
• Warm Clothing – the weather of your destination depends on whether you will need a thick or thin jacket, but you should always pack something warm on a sailing trip.
• Rain Shell/Windbreaker is a must even if that’s your only warm clothing. It can get very windy while sailing.
• Underwear – whatever youneed.
• Shoes – I recommend a pair of sandals that are easily put on that can handle a lot of walking, and a pair of more heavy-duty tennies or running shoes for hikes and bigger walks. All shoes should ideally be no-slip.
• A sarong as an after-swim wrap (for men AND women)!
• Quick-dry Towels are GREAT if your boat does not provide towels
• Any jewelry you may want
• Sleeping Clothes whether comfy shirts/shorts or actual pyjamas

Other tips for a sailing trip packing list essentials in terms of clothing:

You can never go wrong with flowy dresses or skirts as a female, especially with patterns (this is THE thing for a European or Caribbean trip – and really any sailing trip). Long skirts and dresses go for everything! For the guys, bring some fun button-up shirts and shorts; you can’t go wrong!

Waterproof Covers, Cases + Water Gear

To preserve the memory of the sailing trip or post it on social media, you will naturally bring your camera or smartphone. I always have my drone also, and drone shots while sailing are truly some of the best! (See what camera gear and more I use in my travel essentials post)

It depends on the size of the boat, but there’s usually at least somewhat of a threat of saltwater ruining any electronic device.

There are many waterproof smartphones on the market, but very few are prepared to deal with saltwater, so you should be careful when bringing your device on board or trying to take underwater photos. Or, grab a waterproof phone case for extra protection. Here are some recommended ideas:

• Waterproof phone case
• Waterproof camera case
• Waterproof Go Pro housing
• Waterproof phone bag you can put your phone into and take it out

Naturally, there’s more water gear you should consider. In terms of sailing packing list items to do with the water, here are some of the most important:

• Waterproof Shoes/Aqua Socks if you will be swimming up to or walking on rocks
• Goggles or snorkel gear (if your boat does not already have it) is SO much fun and highly recommended.
• Floaties and lilos to enjoy at swim stops are always a good idea
• Inflatable SUP boards
• Kayaks
• And More!

Electronic Essentials to Bring Sailing

Now that we have been over waterproofing gear and the risks of electronics onboard, here are some electronics not to leave behind.

• Portable charge box: Not all boats have power all the time, especially when stopped for swimming. It is good to have a charge box for times like this.
• Kindle if you prefer it to a regular book, or iPad
• Chargers for your phone, camera, computer, kindle, etc
• Correct adaptor for the country you are in
• Waterproof Speaker – SOOOO important if your boat doesn’t have speakers, but I hope it does.

A Book

The calmness of the water offers an excellent place to relax and depart the world for a little while. Whether you’re traveling alone or with others, it’s always nice to to sit and enjoy a good read in the breeze. Whatever kind of book you choose, from mystery to self improvement to travel, they are enjoyed especially from the sea.

Food, Drinks, and Smokes

Many if not most sailing trips will include food and drink, and may also prohibit guests from bringing their own food and drink onboard. But, some charters do not include it. Some allow water and snacks, but not alcohol and meals, so make sure to know beforehand what is allowed on your boat, and what isn’t.

Many people like to enjoy smoking on their sailing trip – especially in Europe! If this is you, don’t forget your cigarettes or vapes before getting onboard.

Water Bottle + Reusable Cups

A good refillable water bottle is always helpful while sailing! Even better is a self-filtering bottle like LARQ. If you need to bring cups, make sure they can be washed and reused. Big boats will do this for you.

Money

If you are sailing to smaller destinations, make sure to get cash on hand in the local currency before you go. Make sure to have a debit card with low fees and credit cards that are widely accepted.

A Good Bag To Carry Everything

After deciding what to pack, it’s time to do the packing. Many people choose to carry huge suitcases with lots of stuff, but that’s not always the best option for sailing trips (especially on smaller yachts without much room to place a suitcase).

You should definitely focus on bringing small bags with just the essentials for however long the trip lasts for. Usually, a collapsible duffel or a large sized backpack is ideal, or a rolling duffel if you will be traveling for longer. The main point is that a soft bag is better here.

It’s always good to bring a dry bag as a smaller day bag. They can keep your things dry AND serve well for day trips.

Sailing Packing List for Joining Bigger Boats

If you are joining a larger boat tour, such as doing Croatia sailing Tours or a Nile River Cruise in Egypt, you will need a lot less supplies than if you are sailing yourself around because there will be cooks, kitchens, staff, and more onboard.

But, on these kinds of trips, your sailing packing list will include more clothes for nights out and adventure days than actual sailing because you will not be doing any of the sailing yourself. Here are some sailing essentials for bigger boats or even cruises:

• Athletic clothes for tours and hikes
• Going-out clothes for nights out on the town, clubbing, formal night, and more
• Card and board games for downtime
• Money to sign up for optional activities

You do NOT need your own towel or any of your own cooking supplies or lights on larger boat sailing tours. These are basically like floating hotels, but the first half of this sailing trip packing list still holds very true.

Sailing Packing List for Smaller Yachts

If you will be doing a more classic sailing experience, there are a few more supplies you need to consider.

Sailing Packing List for a Skipper

If you are the skipper, you will need many of the items outlined in your manual. Here are some main ones to consider:

• Your License and Other Documents
• Sailing Gloves
• Radio

Sailing Essentials for Smaller Boat Sailing

Here are some ideas:

• Any food, kitchen, and water supplies you may need if the boat is not taking care of it for you
• Cash for smaller destinations
• Headlamp for times without power
• Duct Tape is always good to have
• A Multi-tool is also great to have

Unexpected Sailing Packing List Items You Just Might Need

Here are some sailing essentials you may not think of, but would definitely make your life easier in certain situations.

• Laundry pegs – many boats have laundry lines and pegs to dry swimwear etc, but not all of them (and they are so convenient)
• Fishing Gear – it’s always fun to catch your own dinner! This would make sense on smaller personal yachts and not larger sailing trips.
• Games to play while sailing or down-time -card games are the best for this!

That’s it for a complete sailing packing list! Let me know in the comments below which items you would add.