What Should I Take?

What do you really need for a couple of days on board a yacht? Become a minimalist for the weekend. You'll be less stressed and have more space.

Too much Luggage

Less is more

The saying "half your packing and double your money" definitely holds true for a weekends sailing and many new sailors are secretly horrified to find that the small cupboard type thing being referred to as a locker in the cabin they've been allocated, not only has to act as they're wardrobe and chest of drawers for the weekend but may have to be shared with one of of their new found sailing friends as well!.

The path to happiness lies in becoming a minimalist. Take exactly what you need and no more. Use a soft holdall type bag with a couple of zip pockets rather than a rigid suitcase with wheels. Most schools will provide you with quality oilskins which are are warm, dry and provide the external layer you will need whilst sailing. Use the extra space for a couple of fleecy type layer garments that can be added or subtracted as the weather and conditions dictate.

Try not to pack the ego

Staying, dry and comfortable are the order of the day and making a bold fashion statement of an evening may well backfire if your designer outfit has spent all day screwed up on the floor of a small locker. Remember also, the trek to the local pub often involves a wet dinghy, a grimy pier end or a muddy country lane.Remember also to ask the school or your skipper what (if anything) will be supplied and what they would recommend you bring.

Always a good idea

  • Lightweight mutiple layers of clothing
    Materials such as fleece, acrylic and wool are warm to wear and dry out quickly if they do get wet. Avoid heavy cotton or linen which once wet on a boat, stays wet.
  • A pocket torch and spare batteries
    When you emerge from a brightly lit pub and try to find your way through the darkness to the boat, you will be very pleased that you packed one.
  • A hat and gloves
    Even in the height of summer the early evening air at sea in the southern UK can become cold and unwelcoming. A ski type beannie hat and a pair of lightweight fleecy gloves take up little room in a bag and greatly add to comfort.
  • Sunglasses and sun cream
    The weather can be extremely changeable during a day at sea in the UK and when the sun does shine hard, the added
    reflection from the water's surface make sunglasses and protection cream essential pieces of kit.
  • A small washbag with the bare essentials
    You may well have to navigate a good few pontoons and ramps on your way to the marina shower block. Try to have
    everything except perhaps your towel in one small strong bag with a carrying handle.
  • A quick drying microfibre travel towel
    These things are just brilliant. Highly absorbent, quick drying and able to fold up to something the size
    of a pair of football socks.
  • Pencils and a note pad
    Making a few notes of the things you're learning as soon you get the chance can help you remember what
    was involved and the sequence in which each part was carried out.
    • What Should I take with Me? Where Should I Go? When's the Best Time? What's the Best Course to Take? What's Sailing Like?

    

"At sea, I learned how little a person needs, not how much."
 


    -Robin Lee Graham

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