If you're going sailing for the first time, you might be wondering: What should I actually pack for this adventure?
Of course, that depends a bit on where you're going, how long you'll be away, and what time of year it is. Although this packing list was written specifically for our Manatee cruise, you can also use it for your future charter adventures.
If you lead an active lifestyle, you'll probably find that you already own much of the equipment you need from other sports. In that case, you can start out by making do with what you have without having to buy much.
But if you're really ready to get started with sailing, now is the time to start thinking about making a few investments. Below, I'll introduce you to a few products that I use myself and can therefore recommend with confidence. If you're looking for sailing gear, I can recommend this major online retailer:SVBUnfortunately, we don't have any affiliate links yet… 😉
Since everyone travels differently, you can start by deciding how much extra stuff
you want to pack:
Also, there are a few things you need to keep in mind for the exam if you're taking one:
Please don't bring a hard-shell suitcase, because it's not easy to stow on a sailing yacht.
A duffel bag is waterproof; you can store it—full or empty—in a small cabinet, and the backpack straps make the trip to the yacht comfortable. A 50-liter bag is enough for a week, and it fits in your carry-on luggage. With a 70-liter bag, you’ll be well-equipped for two weeks.
Its dual function as a laundry bag on board and a backpack when you go ashore makes it a very practical piece of kit.
Sailing can get you pretty wet. To make sure you always have dry clothes on hand after rain or spray, pack a few dry bags in different sizes.
At first glance, water sports might sound like a refreshing way to cool off. However, the water also intensifies the sun's rays through reflection. So get ready for a sunny adventure!
They’re not just a good idea for sunny days—sunglasses are an absolute must-have on board. It’s important that your sunglasses block UV light. Polarized lenses often enhance contrast, but depending on the angle, they can make sailing instruments appear black. Rinse your sunglasses regularly with fresh water during the trip.
What sounds like one of your grandma's fashion accessories is actually a handy little gadget that keeps your glasses from falling into the water.
Under the Mediterranean sun, a little shade is a welcome relief and protects you from sunstroke when there's no breeze.
Hats and glasses are very similar in their tendency to go overboard. While this is always a good opportunity for a man-overboard maneuver, hats sink quickly.
When the sun is beating down especially hard, a shirt with SPF 50, long sleeves, and a high collar will help keep you cool.
When sailing, clothing works best when worn in layers. Multiple layers provide insulation, can be quickly adjusted, and help wick moisture away from your body while keeping rain and spray out. If possible, bring functional clothing with good technical features.
The waterproof top layer consists of a jacket and pants and is your most important piece of gear—but it’s also a significant investment. The longer you sail, the greater the chance that you’ll get wet from rain, wind, thunderstorms, or rough seas. Good waterproof clothing prevents you from getting chilled.
As the wind picks up, it quickly gets chilly on deck, especially in the evening or when there’s a headwind. A layer of insulation blocks the wind and retains heat.
Bring one T-shirt per day—whether it's cotton, merino, or a performance shirt. Any T-shirt will do.
Shorts for those warm, sunny days you're hoping for.
On cooler sailing days, lightweight, soft, and flexible pants—such as leggings—are better to wear on deck than jeans; ideally, they should be water-repellent, quick-drying, and UV-resistant.
Bring one set of underwear per day. Any type of underwear is fine, but merino wool is especially comfortable due to its thermal, breathable, and antibacterial properties.
Flip-flops are essential for docking the dinghy and for using the restrooms and showers at the marina, for both practical and hygienic reasons.
Gloves are very useful when working with ropes and mooring lines. They're relatively inexpensive and protect your hands.
If you don't want to sail barefoot, bring an extra pair of clean shoes for sailing, since street shoes can bring rocks and gravel on board. The shoes should be non-slip and non-marking. You should wear sturdy shoes for the exam.
Please do not wear trekking or hiking shoes on deck. They leave marks and can scuff the deck.
If you'd like to wear shoes on board, bring a few pairs of socks to change into. You'll probably be walking around barefoot a lot.
It's usually not necessary during the Mediterranean summer, but in the spring or fall—or if you get cold easily or have sensitive ears—a hat, a headband, or a Buff Comfortable for cold, windy, or rainy days.
If you spend hours on deck on rainy days, rubber boots come in handy. Flat soles usually provide better traction, and it's also important that they don't leave marks.
Something a little less practical—a summer dress or a linen shirt for a night out at a restaurant or a party on Friday night.
Sure, you want to jump right into the water from the deck. But make sure the swim ladder is set up first 😎
Exploring the underwater world is fun. Often, all you need is a snorkel, so we’ll decide at the trip meeting who will bring one.
The Kornati Islands are known for their rocky shores and sea urchins. Wearing the right footwear helps protect against both when swimming.
You don't need to bring any bedding; it's provided on board.
Bring a towel. Quick-drying microfiber towels are ideal:
Sunscreen is absolutely essential. UV rays are reflected from everywhere, even in the shade. Pack enough sunscreen for your skin type and for spending hours in the sun—usually SPF 50 for sailing.
After long, sunny days, she'll quickly become your best friend.
Also In the Adriatic Sea, there are mosquitoes and ticks We'd love to share Ankerbucht with you. Good repellents contain DEET.
Wind and salt water give you a great hairstyle—and sometimes even better tangles by evening. A leave-in treatment is your best bet.
Bring your usual toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, and anything else you need on a daily basis.
Since shower water flows directly into the ocean, please bring biodegradable shampoo.
Toiletries can be hard to come by at remote anchorages. Be sure to pack enough.
Don't forget your personal medications, as you may be hours away from the nearest pharmacy. A general first-aid kit containing pain relievers, allergy medication, antiseptic, and remedies for diarrhea and seasickness is available on board.
If you're prone to seasickness, ask at the pharmacy for over-the-counter remedies. They work as a preventive measure, but usually don't help once you're already feeling sick.
Bring your SMARTphone. A digital detox is a good idea, but we need it for both the training and for @manateeacademy.
To charge your cell phone, you'll need your regular charger (on land) or a USB-A charging cable (on the go).
Electricity is scarce at sea. In marinas and while motoring, a standard outlet works fine, but a power bank keeps your phone and camera charged while you’re out and about.
Make your Spotify playlist available offline, because the internet gets a little spotty out in the boonies.
Whether you're heading to the bathroom at night or standing watch on deck, a headlamp keeps your hands free. Make sure it also has a red light so you don't blind your crew.
Bring your camera, along with the appropriate charger and enough memory, if you want to capture the adventure.
An action camera is a great gadget to have on a sailing trip.
Feel free to bring your drone, but keep in mind when planning your flight that the return-to-home failsafe isn't particularly safe when operating from a sailboat.
Bring a valid ID card or passport, as well as any other travel documents you may need. Croatia is part of the Schengen Area, but you must still carry this document with you. You'll also need it for check-in and for your exam.
You can now conveniently pay by credit card at supermarkets, national parks, marinas, and the Manatee Academy. Croatia's currency is the Euro.
Be sure to bring your EU health insurance card.
Your first sailing trip is the perfect time to start your own logbook. Get yourself a nice book to record your voyages and collect signatures and notes from your fellow sailors.
