What to Pack for a Sailing Trip

Bring a soft holdall or duffel bag that can be squashed into a locker once it is empty. Rigid suitcases are hard to store on a yacht, and some operators ask guests not to bring them. A small daypack is useful for trips ashore, and a dry bag (a roll-top waterproof bag) keeps phones, wallets and a towel dry in the tender or on a wet deck.

Days on the water are warm, but the wind and spray make the deck feel cooler than the air temperature suggests, especially in the evening or under way. Pack in layers:

• Two or three sets of swimwear, so one can dry while you wear another.
• A rash vest or light long-sleeved top for sun protection while swimming and sailing.
• Shorts, T-shirts and a light shirt with long sleeves.
• A fleece or warm jumper for evenings and breezy passages.
• A light windproof or waterproof jacket, especially in May, June, September and October.
• Something casual but smarter for dinners ashore.
• A sarong or cover-up. Several Croatian towns fine people for walking around the streets in swimwear.

Choose quick-drying fabrics where you can. Cotton takes a long time to dry on a yacht.

Most people go barefoot on board. If you wear shoes on deck, they need soft, non-marking soles that grip when wet, such as deck shoes or light trainers with white or pale soles. Dark rubber soles can leave marks and some soles are slippery on a wet deck.

Add sandals or flip-flops for harbours and towns, and consider water shoes for swimming from rocky beaches, where sea urchins are common.

The sun on the water is strong, with reflected light adding to the exposure. Pack:

• High-factor sun cream, ideally a mineral formula marketed as reef-friendly, plus a lip balm with sun protection.
• A wide-brimmed hat with a chin strap or clip, so it does not blow overboard.
• Polarised sunglasses with a strap or retainer.
• After-sun and a reusable water bottle.
• Biodegradable toiletries in small containers, as water and space are limited.
• Personal medication in its original packaging, with enough for the whole trip and a little extra.

If you are prone to motion sickness, ask a pharmacist or doctor which remedy suits you before travelling, and pack it in your hand luggage. Seasickness on a sailing trip has more advice. The sun and heat at sea guide explains how to avoid heat problems on board.

Croatia uses type F and C sockets at 230V, so visitors from the UK, Ireland, the US and many other countries need an adaptor. Check that devices from outside Europe accept 230V. On board, power is limited: phones and cameras usually charge from USB or 12V sockets, while higher-power devices such as hairdryers generally work only on shore power in a marina, if at all.

• A power bank, so you are not competing for charging points.
• A multi-port USB charger and spare cables.
• A waterproof phone pouch.
• A head torch for moving around the yacht and going ashore at night.
• Snorkel and mask if you have your own; check whether the yacht provides them.

Water, power and Wi-Fi on a yacht explains how electricity and connectivity work on board.

• Passport or national identity card, valid for your whole stay. See entry requirements for Croatia.
• Travel insurance details and emergency contacts. See travel insurance for sailing trips.
• Booking confirmation and the operator's contact details.
• A health insurance card if you have one valid in Croatia, such as an EHIC or GHIC.
• Sailing licence and VHF certificate, if you are skippering a bareboat charter.
• A bank card that works abroad, plus some cash in euros for the kitty, small cafés and mooring buoys. See money, cards and tipping in Croatia.

Keep digital copies of key documents on your phone and in an email to yourself.

For the rest of your preparation, return to planning a sailing trip.