Packing for a sailing holiday is different from packing for any other trip. Space is limited, the boat's motion puts unpredictable demands on what you wear, and the things you forget — a proper waterproof, non-slip shoes, seasickness medication — are not easily replaced at a Greek island chandlery. This guide covers everything you need and what to leave at home.
The First Rule: Soft Bags Only
Rigid suitcases do not fit in sailboat lockers. Storage on a charter yacht is all odd-shaped spaces under berths and behind bulkheads — designed for soft bags that can be compressed and folded to fit. Pack in a large soft holdall or duffel, not a wheeled case. Most charter companies state this in their booking information; most first-time charterers ignore it and regret it immediately.
A 60–80 litre duffel per person is the right size for a one-week charter. Experienced sailors often manage on less.
Clothing
The most common packing mistake is bringing too many heavy items and not enough thin layers. The sea is colder than the forecast suggests, wind chill is real even in the Mediterranean, and you need clothes that work when wet.
Base layers: Lightweight merino or synthetic thermal underlayers are worth their weight on night passages and cool mornings, even in July. Two thin layers beat one heavy jumper.
Mid layer: A fleece or softshell jacket. This is your default layer when the sun goes down or the wind picks up. Bring one good one rather than several mediocre ones.
Offshore jacket: A proper waterproof and windproof sailing jacket — not a beach cagoule, not a ski jacket. In the UK or Scotland, this is essential. In the Mediterranean, you will need it at least once during the week. If you do not own one, most chandleries near charter bases stock them for hire.
Trousers: Two pairs of quick-drying casual trousers or shorts plus one pair of sailing trousers. Jeans are heavy, take forever to dry, and chafe when wet — leave them at home.
Going ashore: One smart-casual evening outfit per person is enough. Mediterranean charterers consistently underestimate how little time they spend in anything other than the same three items of sailing kit.
Footwear
Non-slip deck shoes are non-negotiable. No black rubber soles — they mark teak decks and most charter companies explicitly prohibit them. Sebago Docksides, Dubarry deck shoes, or any equivalent with a white or tan non-marking sole are the standard. Wear them in before the trip if they are new.
Flip-flops for going ashore and moving around in harbour. Bare feet on deck underway is a personal choice but a poor one — a dropped winch handle or an unexpected wave makes a strong case for shoes whenever the boat is moving.
Safety and Medical
Seasickness medication. If you have never sailed before — or if you have been seasick before — bring medication regardless of the forecast. Scopamine patches (Kwells) are effective and long-lasting; Stugeron tablets are the standard oral option. Both work best taken prophylactically, before symptoms start. If there is any doubt, take something.
Sun protection. Factor 50 sunscreen and UV-blocking sunglasses. Reflected UV off water is significantly more intense than on land. Lip balm with SPF is overlooked and genuinely useful on long passages.
Personal first aid: Antiseptic wipes, blister plasters (plenty of them), ibuprofen, antihistamine. The charter boat carries a first aid kit, but it is basic. Blisters from ropes and winches are the most common minor injury on charter yachts.
Prescription medication: Bring more than you need, carry a GP letter, and keep it in your hand luggage when flying. Pharmacies on small islands may not stock your brand.
Documentation
Bring your RYA certificates — original or laminated copy, not just a phone photo. The charter company will ask for them at check-in. Bring your VHF SRC licence card too. A valid passport is required for all international destinations.
Travel insurance with medical evacuation cover is essential. Most standard travel policies exclude sailing — read the watersports exclusions carefully and ensure yours specifically includes it. Medical evacuation from a remote island is expensive without cover.
Practical Gear
A headtorch is one of the most useful items on any boat. Night watches, anchor checks, reading charts at the nav station without waking the off-watch crew — bring one even if you are not planning night passages.
Polarised sunglasses are significantly better than standard on the water — the polarisation cuts glare and lets you see the bottom in shallow anchorages when manoeuvring to anchor.
A small dry bag for your phone and documents when taking the dinghy ashore. Dinghies get wet.
Earplugs. Boats make noise at anchor — halyards rattle, fenders squeak, water slaps the hull. A crew that sleeps badly makes poor decisions on passage.
What to Leave at Home
Hard-sided luggage. Hairdryers (power is limited and they trip the inverter). Excessive toiletries (decant into travel sizes). Heavy books (download them). And anything you would be genuinely upset to lose to seawater — boats have a way of getting things wet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do charter yachts provide towels and bedding?
Most do — linen and towels are typically included in the charter price. Confirm with your operator. A lightweight sleeping bag liner packs very small and adds comfort in variable overnight temperatures.
Do I need to bring my own harness and lifejacket?
The charter boat carries harnesses and lifejackets as part of its standard safety inventory. If you have your own and prefer to use them, bring them — personal fit matters for harnesses in particular. For flotilla and skippered charter, the operator's equipment is usually sufficient.
How much cash should I carry?
Small Greek and Croatian island harbours often charge cash-only mooring fees. Carry €100–€200 in cash for a week's Mediterranean cruising for harbour fees and market shopping. ATMs exist in most town harbours but are not universal on smaller islands.
Can I bring an inflatable paddleboard?
Most inflatable paddleboards stow reasonably well on charter yachts — confirm with your operator before booking. Rigid boards do not fit. Some charter companies offer watersports equipment as a paid add-on, which avoids the packing problem entirely.