Bag/Casings

If you don’t pick the right housing for your stuff, you may end up with sodden clothes, broken gadgets and a pretty foul crash in morale. Take note of the following:

• A travel backpack or holdall (not a hard suitcase)

Specifically designed for sailing or watersports. They’re soft-sided, extremely waterproof and laden with inner compartments.

• Waterproof casings or wallets

To enclose your electronic devices in and outside your bag, opt for transparent containers for your mobile, iPod, camera, earphones and the like.

Clothing/Footwear/Accessories

The key criteria for choosing what clothes and shoes to take is the following:

• Lightweight: Allowing freedom of movement and can dry quickly
• Breathable: Allowing moisture to escape
• Windproof & Warm: Locking in heat
• Waterproof: Keeping water out
• UV/UPF rated clothing

If you’re venturing to sunny climes, make sure your clothing in low UV light exposure has up to 20 UPF, in medium UV light exposure has 25-35 UPF, and high UV light exposure has a 40-50+ rating.

• Gore-Tex fabric is the common hi-tech fibre of choice when it comes to sailing clothes.
• Insider tip: Veer away from cotton and wool clothing as they lock in perspiration and take a long time to dry. In addition, avoid taking hard suitcases and hard-shelled bags.
• Depending on climate, pick and choose from a range of these core sailing pieces: Tight-fitting thermal base layer or a thin, fast-drying sailing T-shirt or polo.
• Mid-layer fleece jacket (light and thermal) or soft shell jacket (insulating and water-repellent).

The aim here is lightweight warmth, so that it allows freedom of movement while locking heat in and letting perspiration escape.

• Outer shell jacket.

For occasional/recreational/fine weather sailing: Clothing with a lower waterproof rating.

For expert-level, race, endurance or foul weather sailing: A jacket equipped with waterproof, warm, breathable and adjustable features.

• Breathable and waterproof salopettes or quick-dry and breathable sailing or sun shorts.
• Sun hat, fast dry cap and/or water-repellent beanie hat.
• In colder climes, up to 50% of your body heat can be lost through you head, so a good quality hat is crucial.
• In all climes, make sure your hat has either a drawstring adjuster or a cord clip to keep your hat secure in strong winds. Additionally, choose hats with a peak or wide brim that covers your face, as sun rays (even if it’s not warm); reflect off the water’s surface, doubling the potential UV damage.
• Sailing gloves.
• Closed non-slip deck shoes, thin sealskin socks is a good option.
• Waterproof & breathable sea boots with thicker thermal socks.

Gadgets & Extras

• Portable phone/iPod battery charger.
• International adapter.
• 12V charger for your devices.
• Solar powered torch & battery powered torch.
• First aid kit.
• Toiletries.
• Medications, kept in a waterproof airtight bag/wallet.
• UV-protective sunglasses and protective lip salve.
• To avoid your sunglasses flying away, make sure you attach them to a cord or inflatable lanyard around your neck.
• A good sunscreen to wear in addition to your UPF clothing.
• A microfibre towel is an excellent way to dry off without using up lots of storage in your bag.
• The obvious personal extras: documents, certificates, off deck clothing etc.

Tailor your packing list with three things in mind: The length of time you’re going away for, the climate[s] you’ll be sailing in, and the type of sailing that’s on the cards… Packing for a G&T-sipping sail cruise or a high-wind adrenaline packed sailing trip is as different as a beach holiday is to a skiing one… but either way, sails up!

For more information on inshore and offshore gear and how they differ, see our article: Offshore and Inshore gear.