WHAT SHOULD I BRING FOR A SAILING HOLIDAY?
Whether it is a trip of a few hours or a week-long vacation the basic rules of what to bring on a sailboat do not change.
Luggage should be reduced to the bare minimum, spaces are limited and it would be useless to bring things that you will not use later. On a boat, especially in summer, you wear almost exclusively swimsuits, T-shirts and shorts. → The 'clothing should be practical and sporty.
The bag should NOT be rigid, a backpack or a soft duffle bag, like a gym bag, are perfect!
Below we list a number of clothes/items to bring with you, obviously depending on your stay calculate the appropriate amount: if you are going on a day trip the T-shirt you arrive in is sufficient, if you are staying a week it is advisable to have 2 extra changes.
Apply the X3 rule to all your personal items and you will have the perfect backpack for a week-long sailing vacation!
- Costume and a spare (also recommended for day tour)
- Beach towel: preferably microfiber, it dries quickly and takes up little space.
- Sunscreen: on a boat the sun's radiation is greater, because it is amplified by the glare from the sea; therefore, we recommend protection with at least SPF 30, for younger children or if you have fair complexions an SPF 50.
The cream should be environmentally sustainable and biodegradable, buy those with Ocean Friendly stamp, they are usually water resistant, non-oily and have a longer shelf life and effectiveness than traditional creams.
- Sunglasses, one pair with polarized lenses is all you need!
- Hat or bandana: at sea the sun is stronger, and it is necessary to protect your head. Also it is almost always windy, flat calm is very rare! Wide-brimmed straw hats are nice, trendy and beautiful for photos, but impractical and not suitable for sailing. In addition, they fly easily at sea and are inconvenient to store.
- For Her: sarongs/dresses/skirts and T-shirts. Prefer soft fabrics that dry easily and do not crease; over a week 3-4 changes are more than enough.
- For him: T-shirts and shorts, 3-4 changes for the week are perfect.
- Flats and comfortable shoes for going ashore and hiking; you will be barefoot on the boat, but if you still want to wear footwear it will have to be rubber, light-soled and you will have to use them ONLY on board
- A sweater and a light waterproof jacket: evenings at sea are always cooler than on land, even in the middle of summer you ALWAYS need to have something to cover yourself.
- A long pants and a pair of socks: if you are staying three/four days to a week bring a pair of leggings or light sweatpants (no Jeans) for both Her and Him, there might be a colder day or it might rain.
- Personal Hygiene Products: at Alice in Waterland we provide in convenient dispensers shampoo, bubble bath and hand soap, all hypoallergenic, biodegradable and Cruelty Free. When you arrive we will also provide bamboo toothbrushes and Q-tips, all compostable and environmentally friendly. If you decide to bring creams, conditioner, etc. choose them preferably biodegradable, eco-friendly and non-oily.
- Personal Medicines: There is a first-aid kit on board and we have a fairly well-stocked medicine kit, but we recommend that you add your usual medicines and any everyday medicines to your suitcase.
- Sickness tablets or anti-nausea bracelets.
- Reusable Plastic Envelope with Zip: to protect phone, camera and money from possible salt water splashes
- Reusable beeswax mask and earplugs: If you are used to sleeping in complete darkness and silence bring these two accessories.
- Moment to relax: a good book is the ideal companion for a boating vacation...
- Mask and fins: essential if you love to swim or snorkel
For the adventurous: certainly sleeping under the stars cradled by the waves of the sea is a unique experience, if you want to fall asleep getting lost counting the stars bring a light sleeping bag and you will avoid waking up at dawn wet with dew.