Kit List

• Use a soft shell duffel bag or rucksack – one that can be folded up small. Don’t bring a suitcase.
• Dry bags / packing cubes (really good for organising your stuff!). You can also use large freezer bags which are less expensive.
• Small backpack / tote bag for when you’re in harbour or taking your stuff to showers.
• Bring a spare dry bag or plastic bag for dirty laundry!

Check what bedding the vessel provides or requires you to bring – each ship will be different and will let you know in advance. You might need to bring:

• Sleeping bag (make sure your sleeping bag can be packed away in its own bag as your bunk may be used as seating in the daytime)
• Sleeping bag liner (can be useful for another layer to keep you warm when sleeping)
• Pillow
• Pillow case

• Pyjamas
• Eye mask (can be useful when sleeping during the day on your off watch)
• Earplugs (can be useful when sharing a cabin!)

• Underwear
• Socks
• Swimming costume (swimming is not guaranteed on every trip)

Tops:

• Thermal / warm long sleeve x 2
• T-shirts (cotton and/or technical fabric) x 4
• Fleeces / jumpers (warm) x 2/3

Trousers:

Bring quick-drying trousers to sail in.

• It may be nice to bring a pair of jeans or linen trousers for exploring when in ports

Jackets:

• Waterproof jacket and trousers/salopettes (some ships will provide these – check with them as they can be expensive to buy)
• A puffer coat may be needed depending on the weather, where and when you are sailing

It is recommended that you take a maximum of 3 pairs of non-slip shoes. Make sure you have at least 2 pairs, just in case one of them gets wet. Don’t bring open-toe shoes!

• Boots or waterproof shoes
• Deck shoes (make sure you wear them in first!)
• Trainers
• Crocs / comfy shoes for the evenings or off watches
• Crocs / flip flops for showers (not essential)

Avoid big bottles – buy smaller travel-sized bottles, or you can get refillable travel bottles.

• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Shower gel
• Face wash
• Moisturiser / aftersun
• Sun cream
• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Wet wipes (really useful if access to showers is limited)
• Sanitary products
• Hair brush and bobbles
• Nail scissors / file

Towels:

• Microfibre or quick-drying towel
• It can be useful to bring one big one and one hand towel if you have space

First Aid:

Ships will have a really big first aid kit or even a doctor on board, but you may wish to bring with you:

• Sea sickness/motion sickness medicine
• Personal medication (you might need to show a doctor’s statement or prescription. Check with your vessel)

• Warm hat
• Sailing gloves (good for rope pulling, but not essential)
• Warm gloves
• Buff
• Sun hat / cap
• Sunglasses
• Lens cleaner and spare cloth (to clean off the salty sea spray!)

What you need will depend on your voyage type and whether you are going abroad or to different countries. You may need to bring:

• European Identity card or valid passport for European citizens travelling within Europe (check your ID card for countries in which it’s valid).
• Valid passport for Non-European citizens or EU citizens travelling outside of Europe (valid for at least six months after you get home).
• Insurance card and copy of policy (liability, health and travel insurance).

No matter where your voyage is going, it can be useful to bring:

• Copies of sailing qualifications e.g. RYA Day Skipper
• Sailing logbook
• Any travel plans printed, e.g. boarding passes or train tickets

• Portable charger and lead to recharge
• Phone charger – lead and plug
• Headphones
• Plug adaptor (check what plug type is on board your vessel)

It is recommended that you bring these items:

• Water bottle
• Thermos flask (great for night watches to have a hot drink!)
• Pencil and paper/journal
• Playing cards/Uno/other small games
• Book
• Headtorch (with red light)
• Watch

The items below are nice extras to have, but not essential:

• Photo camera and/or film equipment
• Pocket money for on-board extras and harbour stops (in the currency of the countries you are visiting!)
• Snacks
• Musical instruments (if you are sailing on a large vessel!)
• Addresses of friends and family for postcards
• Special food from home that you can share
• Dressing up kit for parties or crew parades (e.g. during the Tall Ships Races)