So you have taken the first step and signed up for a sailing trip! However the decisions don’t stop there. You’re going to have to grapple with the age old problem of what to pack.
You can find a suggested kit list on every voyage description. We also have a handy packing list available to download for free, which includes some basic advice.
Download Our Free Packing ListHere we will look in a bit more detail at questions around appropriate clothing and footwear. As ever, if you want more advice or have a question we haven’t answered, get in touch!
Are Waterproofs Supplied?
You will need to check the specific kit list for the voyage you are interested in, as some ships have wet weather gear available for you to use and some don’t. We would recommend that if you have your own already, and space to take them, then do. Your own gear is always going to fit you best.
If you need to take your own and you don’t already have a set, don’t panic! You don’t need to go spending hundreds of pounds on fancy sailing gear. Hiking waterproofs are absolutely fine and often much cheaper. We’d also recommend looking for second hand oilskins online as there are often real bargains to be had.
Make sure that you have waterproof trousers, as well as a jacket. Ideally the trousers would be dungaree-style salopettes, but elasticated waterproof trousers are fine too (especially if you have a longer jacket to stop your midriff getting soggy when you’re hauling lines!).
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What Footwear Should I Take?
This is a question that we get asked about a lot.
At a minimum, you need two pairs. One set of waterproof boots and one pair of dry-weather shoes. Neither have to be specifically designed for sailing, but there are some points to bear in mind…
⚓ Waterproof boots need to grip well on a wet deck. Boots designed for sailing often look like they have smooth soles, but they actually have tiny grooves (called ‘siping’) which channel water and greatly improve grip. This design means maximum contact area between the shoe and the deck. While standard wellies or hiking boots would be absolutely fine for the majority of trips, if you’re off on a long ocean passage with the potential for extended periods of lumpy seas or foul weather, some sea-boots could be a good idea. Again, check for second hand options before splashing out.
⚓ If you’re off on a tall ship adventure and want to climb the rigging, trainers can be easier to climb in than boots. This is particularly true near the top of the mast where the shrouds narrow and foot-holds get smaller. You can also feel what’s going on better through trainers than boots with very solid soles. This can be handy on the descent.
⚓ Having two pairs of footwear means you can usually keep at least one of them dry!
⚓ If you’re sailing in hot weather, we would recommend closed toe walking sandals. They are quick to dry and have a good sole and can also be worn off the boat when you head off to explore.
⚓ Flip flops are NEVER suitable to wear while sailing. They present a major trip-hazard and give no toe protection. Feel free to pack a pair, but reserve them for shoreside exploration and dinghy beach-landings only.
What Clothes Should I Take?
It’s all about layers! Pack thin layers that can be used in various combinations. Whatever the weather, when you’re working on deck you warm up quickly, and when you’re helming or on lookout duty you cool down quickly too.
Here are a few tips:
⚓ Avoid jeans, or anything that is slow-drying.
⚓ Think about the sun! With a breeze you often don’t realise how strong the sun is, and keeping skin covered is the best way to prevent sunburn. Thin long-sleeved tops can be the best choice even in hot weather.
⚓ Remember that your waterproofs will keep you warm as well as dry, so you may not need big bulky jumpers unless you’re off to Antarctica. A couple of lighter weight fleeces can serve you better.
⚓ Whether you can do laundry on board will depend on the ship you’re sailing on and the length of the voyage. Always check before you pack.
⚓ Natural fibres hold up much better than synthetics when worn for a few days on the trot. Let’s just say it- they don’t get nearly so smelly!
⚓ While we’d advise packing a bit less than you think you need for most items, socks are the exception. Ensure you take enough that you can always keep a warm, dry pair in reserve.
Should I Take a Hat?
Yes! Sun hats are an absolute must for hot-weather sailing, woolly hats for cold-weather sailing, and if your trip is somewhere in between then take both.
What About Gloves?
There are two reasons to wear gloves- to keep warm, and to protect your hands. If you’re sailing in cooler climates it’s certainly worth taking a pair of gloves to use when helming or during night watches in order to stay warm, but be prepared to take these off whenever you’re handling lines, as they’ll quickly get wet and chafed.
Getting hands on and involved in pulling ropes will inevitably take its toll on your hands. While it’s rare to see any of the professional crew in gloves for protection, some guest crew do choose to wear them. It’s a matter of personal choice. You can either let the callouses build up, or protect your hands but accept that they will always be slightly soggy.
If you choose to wear gloves for protection, rather than warmth, choose ones with hard-wearing palms (leather or similar) and consider fingerless options to enable you to manage knot-tying, jacket fastening etc without constantly having to take them on and off.
Download Our Free Packing List
