What should I take on holiday?
Ready to Set Sail – with Our Packing Checklist for Your Sailing Vacation!
Whether you're an experienced skipper or a sailing novice: When embarking on a voyage, you need more than just wind in your sails; the right equipment on board is essential. Our checklist simplifies packing your duffel bag, making it easy and organized – even the most reluctant packers will be on course.
From weatherproof clothing to a headlamp – we show you what must not be missing on board. The checklist is available for download – simply print it out, check it off, and set sail with ease!
Sailing Vacation Travel Checklist (PDF) DownloadTo ensure you're also well-prepared health-wise, we've compiled helpful recommendations for your onboard pharmacy in a separate blog article. This way, you're ready for any eventuality at sea.
Documents
- Valid passport or ID card
- Vehicle documents and driver's license
- Highway vignette(s)
- Flight ticket, train ticket
- Charter contract and boarding pass
- Crew list, filled out online
- Logbook, nautical charts
- Radio license (important in Croatia)
- Green insurance card
- E-Card
- Vaccination card
- Possibly foreign health insurance
- Credit card
- Cash (for deposit, permit, tourist tax, parking, extra equipment)
Sailing Equipment
- Oilskins, waterproof jacket
- Sailing gloves
- Deck shoes or sneakers (with light soles)
- Sailing boots
- Sunglasses
- Safety cord for glasses
- Sou'wester or headgear
- Sailor's knife, tools
Clothing
- Underwear
- Socks
- T-shirts
- Shirts
- Sweaters
- Jacket
- Jeans
- Shorts
- Sleepwear or tracksuit
- Dress shoes
- Cap, gloves
- Scarf
Toiletries
- Toiletries
- Shaving kit
- Towels
- Shower sandals
- Toothbrush and paste
- Hairdryer
- Toilet paper
- Tissues
- Tweezers
- Insect repellent
Swimwear
- Swimwear
- Sun hat or cap
- Diving mask, snorkel, fins
- Beach towels
- Sunscreen (Please avoid spray bottles: In the wind, the contents spread across the entire yacht)
Kitchen Utensils
- Dish soap (eco-friendly!)
- Sponge, cloth
- Dish towels
- Paper towels
- Garbage bags
- Storage bags, shopping bag(s)
- Coffee filters & coffee
- Salt, pepper, and spices for the onboard kitchen
- Food, provisions
Other Useful Items
- Duffel bag, sports bag (no suitcases)
- Personal medication
- Lip balm
- Waterproof wallet
- Water bottle for shore excursions
- Dirty laundry bag
- Clothespins
- Writing materials and paper
- Entertainment/games/books
- Travel guide/books/dictionary
- Insect repellent, citronella candle
- Flashlight with spare batteries
- Mobile phone and charger, 12V plug
- Bluetooth speaker, power bank
- Gas lighter or matches, lighter
Off to Vacation
Please adjust your clothing according to the season and the weather forecast. In summer, don't forget an insulated water bottle for shore excursions. It's better to pack 2 more swim shorts or bikinis/beach towels rather than too much clothing. Remember, most of the time in summer is spent on the boat relaxing or swimming in the sea.
Once you start packing, you're on your way to a well-deserved vacation. We wish you lots of fun and a wonderful time on the water!
For a sailing trip, soft, flexible luggage like foldable travel bags, soft bags, or backpacks are best. These can be stowed compactly on board. Hard-shell suitcases should be avoided as they take up a lot of space in the cabin and salon. Luggage with wheels is practical for travel but should be compact and easy to store overall.
Besides your smartphone - ideally equipped with offline maps and music apps - there are some practical helpers that are very useful on board:
A power bank or solar charger to charge your devices independently of shore power
A flashlight or headlamp for nighttime maneuvers or navigating in the dark
A waterproof phone case to protect against splashes and rain
An e-reader for space-saving reading pleasure on board
Please note: Outlets on many yachts are only usable when connected to shore power - plan your power supply accordingly.
For skipper training, you should bring weatherproof and functional clothing. Oilskins or a waterproof jacket, sailing gloves, and deck shoes or sneakers with light, non-slip soles are recommended. Sailing boots are also useful for wet conditions. Also, remember sunglasses with a safety cord, a head covering, or a sou'wester for protection from sun and rain.
For onboard catering, a good basic set of kitchen utensils is important. Pay attention to practical and eco-friendly products. The following items should not be missing:
Eco-friendly dish soap, sponge, and cloth
Dish towels and paper towels
Garbage bags as well as storage bags and reusable shopping bags
Coffee filters and coffee to start the day
Salt, pepper, and other spices for the onboard kitchen
Sufficient food and provisions - tailored to the duration of the trip and available cooling options
