The Complete Sailing Trip Packing List - What to Pack for Your Voyage

Pack jackets for every crew member first. This move provides missing precision when winds shift and spray hits the deck. It keeps you warm on night watches and prevents scrambling through damp bags that are made to dry quickly.

Layering is built around fabrics that dry quickly and move moisture away. They have quick-dry properties, and cotton next to skin stays damp. For warmth, include two hooded pieces and a compact wind shell you can wear over a base layer. In florence-style conditions, think florence mornings when the marina is calm; a light shell and microfiber lining keep you comfy in gusts, and if you sweat, these fabrics wick it away fast.

Pack by category, then tailor to your voyage. Include personal items like sunscreen, medications, and a waterproof bag for damp gear. Keep swimsuits handy for quick dips, and plan for a few changes so you never run out of clean options. The crew can swap outfits between salt days and calm days, and theyre quick to adjust when the breeze shifts.

For limited cabin space, keep a compact kit with spare socks, a small towel, and a micro-dry towel. Label bags clearly so you never search in rough seas. Talk through the packing plan with your teammates; theyre likely to appreciate a fixed routine and faster checks during setup, which boosts confidence and focus on safety and navigation.

The Complete Sailing Trip Packing List

Start with a quick-dry base kit: pack a pair of moisture-wicking shirts, one warmer layer, a lightweight shell, and a compact rain jacket. These pieces stay comfortable as you move around the cockpit and below deck, and they reduce chafing on longer passages.

Protect your body and face from sun and salt: a wide-brim hat, sunglasses, reef-safe sunscreen cream SPF 50, lip balm, and a buff. Include a life jacket and a harness for safety when you move along the rails or step to the bow.

Documentation and credit: keep your passport, licenses, boat papers, and insurance in a waterproof pouch; carry two credit cards and some cash in a separate pocket for shore visits.

Accessories and gear: invest in compact, multi-use pieces: a headlamp, a small multitool, a spare carabiner, a dry bag, and packing cubes. A compact, waterproof camera housing helps capture the voyage without bulky gear.

Entertainment on deck: books, a waterproof speaker, playing cards, a tablet with downloaded movies; these entertainment options keep morale high during calmer evenings on a catamaran.

Groceries and provisioning: plan meals for the voyage, list groceries for the time you sail; stock coffee, tea, canned foods, pasta, rice, canned fish, oil, and spices. Shopping in advance saves time and reduces last-minute runs at ports while traveling.

Clothing for water activities: pack a pair of swim trunks, a rash guard, water shoes, and snorkel gear; fins for snorkeling or diving slip on easily and improve performance.

On-board laundry and drying: carry quick-dry towels, a compact clothesline, a damp-dry bag, and a small bottle of detergent. Do laundry when you reach a dock to keep humidity down and your kit fresh.

Living aboard on a catamaran: store items in watertight lockers and use labeled containers; when you live aboard, you learn to pack lighter and rotate gear to fit around the main salon and cabins.

Footwear and shipboard comfort: choose non-slip deck shoes, neoprene socks for cooler mornings, and a bigger dry bag for wet clothes when you go ashore.

Safety and health kit: include a first-aid kit, seasickness remedies, a whistle, a flashlight, anti-chafe cream, and spare batteries. Keep sun protection close to your sleeping area and a face covering for dusty ports.

What to do with route planning: stamp a concrete packing checklist around the equipment locker; verify documentation and fuel safety for each waypoint; keep maps and digital backups offline and accessible during travel.

Traveling with crew: divide tasks to optimize space, rotate cooking duties, and share provisioning lists; if you have lived on a sailboat before, you know how to pace packing and keep the cabin tidy.

Navigation and Communication Tools

Carry a portable VHF radio and a backup handheld GPS to stay connected when marina signals drop. For bareboat skippers, this combo keeps the whole crew safe during night passages and in remote anchorages. Your setup depends on these factors, depending on your boat size, power availability, and how remote your planning grounds are.

Mount units in the weatherproof cockpit locker, and keep a windbreaker nearby to shield them from spray. Have a back spare battery tucked in the cockpit, and ensure the devices are applicable to your vessel's power system and data-sharing setup. Having a quick-access backup charger helps keep you going if you lose shore power. dont rely on a single device in rough weather; test the backup under load before departure.

Prepare a carry-on kit with chargers, adapters, a compact solar panel, and spare cables. Store it in a dry bag so you can grab it in a pinch. posts from coast guard and meteorological updates before each leg help you spot changes in routing or weather.

In port, wear a windbreaker and pack sun protection for the crew; avoid cotton fabrics for active layers, which can stay damp and chill you. Dress the whole crew in lightweight, quick-dry clothing to prevent sunburn. In busy harbors, have a mask handy for crowded lines and checks. dont forget a small inventory of groceries so youre not chasing supplies at the marina store.

Prepare for off-grid days by storing a back-up plan and keeping the crew informed via a simple, shared log; this reduces confusion if comms shift to standby channels. Practice basic calls on deck, confirm channels for each leg, and assign a clear who-contacts-who on the move. dont hesitate to adjust gear as you gain experience across different seas and winds.

Weather-Ready Layering and Footwear

Start with a lightweight, moisture-wicking base layer around 150 g/m2 that sits close to your skin; this fabric moves sweat away from every inch and keeps you comfortable on every watch. For exposed skin, apply sunscreen to the face and chin, and stash deodorant for long watches on deck.

Add a mid-layer fleece (200–300 g/m2) to trap heat without bulk. This fleece should be breathable and quick-drying, so it doesnt soak through when spray hits you. These layers help you stay warm as conditions shift, and theyre easy to shed when the sun strengthens.

Finish with a waterproof, breathable outer shell that blocks wind and spray while venting excess heat. Look for a jacket with a secure hood, adjustable cuffs, and a reliable function that you can operate with gloves. Sunscreen stays put on the face and neck when you button up, and a light beanie adds further protection.

Footwear should deliver grip and water resistance. Choose deck shoes with non-marking, siped soles or lightweight waterproof boots with solid tread. Pair with moisture-wicking socks; avoid cotton because it holds water and irritates skin. For trousers you wear on deck, ensure cuffs clear the tops of boots to prevent snagging and keep spray out of your ankles. Back protection: tuck trousers into boots if spray is heavy.

Pack a compact weather kit: deodorant, sunscreen, lip balm with SPF, and a small amount of face cream. Have a favorite pair of lightweight gloves and a beanie; theyre helpful when spray chills your hands and chin. Maintain precision in packing: roll items, then list by activity, and keep this list handy so you know what you need every time. Recent forecasts guide adjustments; if rain threatens, pull up the hood and swap to a wetter shell.

Deck Gear: Lines, Fenders, and Safety Equipment

Keep a dedicated deck gear kit on board and review it before every trip. This simple check ensures youve got what you need to handle different berthing scenarios quickly and safely.

Lines: Lines stay organized in a labeled bag: two full sets of mooring lines, each 15-25 m long and 12-16 mm in diameter, braided nylon for strength and stretch. Include a pair of spring lines for fore and aft control, plus a stern line as backup. Store these in a sleeve or dedicated rack near the bow for fast access when you arrive at a dock.

Fenders: Carry at least four fenders, sized 6x9 inches or 8x12 inches, with a durable foam core. Place them at bow and stern and keep spare in a fender bag. Use fender sleeves to protect the hull and reduce chafe, and inflate to the manufacturer’s recommendation. Check for wear after each trip and replace any cracked or compressed units.

Safety equipment: Equip life jackets for everyone onboard, plus a throwable buoyant cushion within reach. Include a compact whistle and a loud air horn, a high-luminosity flashlight, and a fire extinguisher that’s in date. Maintain a first aid kit with basic supplies, an EPIRB or PLB, and spare batteries for signaling. Consider a MOB line and harness for crew working at the rail.

Medications and customs: Store medications, including seasickness tablets, in a dry, labeled sleeve within the medicine kit. When traveling internationally, declare required items at customs to avoid delays. Having these items ready helps traveling crews stay comfortable and on schedule.

Organization and quick access: Create a simple laminated guide for deck gear, listing item names and locations. This helps someone new find gear without rummaging through posts or bags. Post the guide near the cockpit or companionway so anyone onboard can pick the needed items quickly. This more streamlined approach works for boat, yacht, or different configurations.

Use this deck gear routine as a flexible checklist you can adapt. Doing so boosts safety and reduces delays while traveling aboard a boat or yacht. Keep items accessible, label sets, and inspect sleeves, lines, and fenders for wear on a regular basis.

Food, Water, and Portable Cooking Setup

here,same approach keeps meals simple and reliable after a watch: a light, windproof stove, nested cookware sets, and a folding kettle tucked into dry luggage for quick access. Limited luggage space means you select compact components and prioritize versatility. Whether you're docked or at anchor, keep the setup fast and simple.

Water plan is straightforward: target 3-4 liters per person per day, more in hot or humid conditions. Carry a 1-2 liter bottle in your daypack and a collapsible 2-liter reservoir in a dry bag. Use a compact water filter or purification tablets for refills at safe places. Label containers to avoid mix-ups, and keep documentation for port rules handy on your phone.

Cooking gear keeps you nimble: a two-pot set with lids, a small frying pan, and a folding kettle cover most meals. Add a windscreen and lightweight fuel canisters; bigger pots waste space and slow you down. Include a few utensil sets with grip handles to maintain control when hands are wet, plus a spare gasket and a small towel for cleanup. Store greasy residues in a dedicated bag to avoid cross-contamination with dry gear. For someone new to cooking at sea, this setup can be scaled with a single extra pot if you find yourself in longer passages. Remember to check posts from experienced skippers for port-specific tips. Keep spending in check by sticking to compact, multipurpose pieces rather than bigger items. And note what you would miss if you skip any item–double-check the list to avoid missing items.

• Stove and fuel: windproof camping stove, two lightweight canisters, compact windscreen
• Cookware sets: nesting pot sets with lids, frying pan, folding kettle
• Utensils and grip: utensil set with grip handles
• Storage and cleanup: dry bag, sealable containers, towel
• Water system: bottles and reservoir, purification tablets or compact filter
• Food options: dehydrated meals, oats, pasta, rice, quinoa, cans of fish/beans, nuts, dried fruit, tortillas
• Clothing compatibility: merino base layers, lightweight vest sets, windproof jacket
• Documentation and safety: copies of documentation, port rules, basic first aid info

First Aid, Medications, and Personal Hygiene

Always keep a compact, waterproof first-aid kit within arm's reach on deck. This simple list- of items saves time and nerves: sterile bandages, antiseptic wipes, adhesive tape, sterile gauze, small scissors, tweezers, a CPR barrier device, pain relievers, antihistamines, antiemetic tablets, and a digital thermometer. Refresh the kit after each voyage and replace used items before you depart, so someone can respond quickly if an accident happens. This quick preparation will provide peace of mind.

Medications: carry all prescription meds in their original containers with readable labels, plus a written list- of dosages and timing. Bring enough to cover the trip plus two extra days, and store them in a cooler or climate-controlled bag to prevent heat and moisture from degrading them. If you lived aboard before, you know the value of a spare supply so you can explore longer ports without worry. dont forget a basic over-the-counter supply: pain relievers, antiemetic meds, sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, and an antihistamine. Use an electric pill organizer and follow a step-by-step approach to sorting types and times so you never miss a dose.

Personal hygiene on a boat demands compact, lightweight gear. Pack biodegradable soap, toothpaste, a toothbrush, dental floss, and a small towel, plus hand sanitizer, wet wipes, and lip balm with SPF. Choose a case made for damp, salty air to keep items organized, and keep liquids in a cooler or dry bag away from heat. Bring a couple of lightweight vests for sun and wind protection while you wash up, and include rain gear for sudden showers. A stop in florence can be a great chance to resupply, so keep items together in a dry, splash-proof kit so you can stay clean without clutter on deck. Short trips or longer passages both benefit from a simple routine: rinse with fresh water when possible, getting clean between swims, and do your best to stay comfortable between towel-offs. If you do fishing along the coast, keep a small antiseptic wipe handy.