Sailing is an exciting adventure but sailing trip packing can be stressful and bringing the right essentials can make all the difference between a smooth voyage and an uncomfortable experience. Whether you are setting sail for a morning or evening day cruise or even a multi-day getaway, this guide will ensure you are well prepared with packing tips and at the end you will know what to pack for a sailing vacation.
Sailing Packing List: What Do You Really Need?
Before we start, it is important to understand that packing wisely for a sailing trip is crucial for comfort, safety and overall experience, since overpacking can create clutter and inconvenience. Unlike land-based travel, space on a sailing yacht is limited and access to stores or supplies may be challenging once you are at sea. Also, it is good to remember that soft duffel bags are preferable to hard suitcases (luggage) as they can be folded and stowed away easily.
What Types of Clothing are Best for Sailing?
Sailing conditions can change quickly, so layering is the key!
- Light, Breathable Clothing – Quick-dry fabrics are ideal for warm weather.
- Swimsuit – Perfect for refreshing dives into the sea.
- Windbreak/Waterproof Jacket – Essential for unexpected weather changes or breezy evenings. And remember, even in summer it can get chilly at sea, especially in early and late season (May, September and October).
- Hat & Sunglasses – Protect yourself from the sun with a hat and polarized sunglasses with a strap without worrying to blow them away.
- Comfortable Non-Slip Shoes – Deck or water shoes are a must, but most passengers are barefoot on the yacht. Any other type of shoes is not allowed on board.
- Specific dress-code – During your charter you might disembark on places such as archaeological sites, where a specific clothing guideline is needed to be followed. Contact your local operator for further clarifications in order to avoid missteps and overpacking.
Sun Protection: can it be that bad?
The sun’s reflection off the water can be intense, so staying protected is crucial.
- Sunscreen (Reef-Safe, SPF 50+) – Avoid harmful chemicals that can damage marine life and the yacht deck.
- Lip Balm with SPF – Often overlooked, but necessary.
- Lightweight Cover-Up or Long-Sleeve T-shirt – Provide extra sun protection, especially if you are planning to visit the archaeological site of Delos Island, where due to its morphology of white marble ruins, the sun light is intense and bright all day long.
Personal Items & Documents: What Essentials Should You Not Forget?
- Passport/ID & Travel Insurance –These personal documents will be needed in case of a control from the Port Authorities, so it is important to have them with you. Note that either hard or digital copy is acceptable. Regarding the insurance, if you are overseas, it is a must.
- Waterproof Phone Case – At sea protect your phone.
- Cash in Euro & Credit Card – In remote islands like Delos, poor data network makes sometimes payments by card be a challenge. So, having some cash with you will be easy.
- Small Dry Bag – Keep valuables safe from water. It is a practical way to keep electronics, documents and small personal belongings safe and compact.
Bring Your Photography Gear to Capture the Experience
- Camera/GoPro – Capture breathtaking views and keep the memories alive forever!
- Portable Charger – Power sources may be limited.
- Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker – Set the mood with your favorite tunes.
Medications and First Aid Supplies when Sailing Packing
- Sunfos Yachts are fully equipped with all the necessary safety measures and tools required by the Greek Law, such as life jackets, life raft & first aid kit however, by bringing your personal small first aid kit with basic medications can be useful and efficient.
- Remember that even the most experienced sailors can feel seasick, so carrying motion sickness tablets or wristbands is the right choice for you, especially if you are sensitive to motion.
What Types of Food are Best for a Single or Multi-Day Sailing Trip?
Depending on the itinerary and duration of your yachting adventure with Sunfos Alessia Yachting, you will be offered a selection of fixed meal options, always inspired by the local Mediterranean cuisine, however, you should always feel free to pack some cold snacks to eat till lunchtime that are light and easy to store. Since you are on vacation, opt for items that do not need a lot of preparation, are quick to consume and will not spoil during the day.
The Dos and Don’ts
In order to enjoy your day at sea to the fullest, you should keep your stomach happy and your body well-prepared, so always bear in mind to:
- Have a Conservative Breakfast consisting of light and dry Foods
- Have Small Food Portions – Do not overeat before the departure
- Drink Water – Hydration is the key combined with some dry food. Empty stomach must be avoided.
Foods to Avoid Before Sailing
- Heavy, Greasy or Spicy Meal Options
- Dairy Products
- Citrus or Acidic Juices - Orange or grapefruit juice can increase nausea
- Alcohol – Even a small consumption can lead to dehydration and negatively affects motion sickness
Don't forget to pack Quick & Easy Snacks
- Granola Bars or Energy Bars: These are compact and provide quick energy, making them ideal for snacking throughout the day.
- Nuts, Trail Mix or Dried Fruits: A great source of protein and healthy fats, trail mix can keep you fueled without taking up much space. Mix nuts, dried fruits and even some chocolate or seeds.
- Crackers or Rice Cakes: These are light and easy to carry, and you can pair them with spreads like peanut butter or cheese.
- Wraps: A whole grain wrap with a protein (like chicken, turkey or hummus) and some veggies (lettuce, cucumber, tomato) is compact and easy to eat on the go.
- Sandwiches: Stick with ingredients that travel well like cheese, deli meats or spreads like avocado and hummus. Avoid items like mayonnaise or anything that may spoil in the heat.
Packing Techniques to Help Maximize Storage Space
Maximizing space while packing, especially on a sailing experience with limited storage, is important. Here are some techniques to help you make the most of every inch:
Use Packing Cubes or Compression Bags
- Packing cubes help organize your clothes and compress them into a smaller, more compact form. You can sort your items by type (e.g., tops, bottoms, swimwear) for easy access.
- Compression bags are great for bulky items like jackets or sweaters. They remove excess air, shrinking the size of your clothes while keeping them organized.
Roll Your Clothes
- The goal is to pack efficiently! Rolling clothes instead of folding them helps reduce wrinkles and maximizes space. Tightly rolled clothes are easier to fit into tight corners or gaps in your bag.
- This method works best for casual items like t-shirts, pants, and swimsuits.
Utilize Every Nook and Cranny
- Make use of shoe space: Stuff socks, underwear, or small items inside shoes or boots to keep them organized and save room.
- Fill gaps: Use any unused space in your bag, such as the top of your suitcase or around larger items like jackets, to tuck in small accessories or toiletries.
Pack Multi-Purpose Items
- Opt for clothing items that can be worn in multiple settings (e.g., a swimsuit that doubles as a top or a lightweight waterproof jacket that can be layered).
- Multi-use accessories like a sarong (which can be used as a towel, blanket, or beach cover-up) can replace multiple items.
Layer Smartly
- When packing clothes, layer items to maximize space. For example, pack smaller clothing items like socks or underwear inside jackets or shoes, and layer heavier items like sweaters over lighter clothes to save room.
What is the Key Difference Between a Sailing Trip and Other Vacations?
Embarking on a sailing trip or choosing to stay in a hotel are two completely different and unique vacation options.
While a hotel vacation provides comfort and the convenience of a fixed location, a sailing trip offers the freedom of exploring multiple destinations, visiting untouched areas accessible only by boat, connecting with raw nature and experiencing the thrill of navigating in open waters. This means that your preparation in both cases varies significantly.
Opting a sailing trip, you should consider that living aboard a yacht with no access to hotels’ typical amenities, room service and plenty of space, you always rely on adapting to a simple way of life. Needless to say, you also have your own transportation with no further un/packing through your sailing vacation once you are aboard your floating accommodation. This is just a small part of what makes sailing such an out-of-ordinary type of holiday, worth experiencing at least once in your lifetime.
Following this packing guide, am I now ready for my sailing vacation?
By following this checklist, you are ready to experience a magical sailing adventure with Sunfos Alessia Yachting — discovering hidden gems in cosmopolitan Mykonos, swimming into the pristine waters of Rhenia, exploring the rich history of Delos, being captivated by the raw nature of Dragonisi islet and learning about the simple life of locals on the traditional island of Tinos.
Book Now and Blend in with the Aegean scenery: sparkling blue waters, rich Greek history and sounds of nature are calling you!
