Packing for a sailing trip is different from packing for a hotel holiday. Space is limited, hard-sided luggage is a problem, and some things you'd normally bring are genuinely not needed. Here's everything you need — and a few things to leave at home.
Rule #1: Soft bags only (duffel bags, dry bags). Hard suitcases can't be stowed below deck and will live in your way for a week. Aim for one bag under 60L per person.
Clothing
- Swimwear (3–4 sets — you'll use them every day)
- Light shorts and t-shirts for warm days at sea
- 1–2 smart casual outfits for evening in port
- Light fleece or hoodie for cool evenings underway
- Waterproof jacket (even in summer, passages can be wet)
- Non-marking rubber-soled deck shoes (mandatory on most yachts)
- Flip-flops for ashore and below deck
- Sun hat with a brim and chin strap
- Sunglasses — polarised are best on the water
- Lightweight long trousers for one cool evening
- Underwear and socks (7 days' worth)
Sun, sea, and health
- Sunscreen SPF 50+ (use far more than you think — reapply every 2 hours)
- After-sun lotion
- Seasickness medication (Stugeron/Cinnarizine or scopolamine patches)
- Personal prescription medications (keep in hand luggage)
- Small personal first aid kit (plasters, antiseptic, ibuprofen)
- Insect repellent (for evenings in port)
- Lip balm with SPF
Practical essentials
- Passport or ID (required for every crew member)
- Travel insurance documents
- Cash in local currency (some marinas and markets are cash only)
- Power bank / portable charger
- Waterproof phone case or dry bag for electronics
- Headlamp or small torch (useful at night on deck)
- Small day bag for going ashore
- Reusable water bottle
What the yacht already has
Don't pack these — every charter yacht includes them:
- Bedding (sheets, pillows, duvet)
- Towels (bath and beach, usually)
- Full cooking equipment (pots, pans, crockery, cutlery)
- Life jackets and safety equipment
- Navigation charts and instruments
- Cleaning supplies
- Snorkelling equipment (on most modern charter yachts)
Leave ashore
- Hard-sided luggage — nowhere to stow it
- Hair dryer — marinas have shore power but space is tight; use a marina bathroom
- Too many books — bring a Kindle instead
- Excessive perfume/cologne — strong scents below deck can trigger seasickness in others
- Food from home — provision locally, it's part of the experience
✦ The seasickness note
Even in the calm Mediterranean, some passages can be choppy. Don't leave without seasickness medication — even if you've never been seasick before. Take it the night before your first offshore passage, not when you're already feeling unwell. Stugeron (cinnarizine) is available over-the-counter across Europe and is highly effective.