4 min read · Charter Planning Tips
Packing for a sailing charter is its own art form. You need less than you think — and the things you do bring should earn their place in the duffel. Here's the list we wish every guest had before they boarded.
Use a soft-sided bag
Hard suitcases don't fit well in cabin storage. A duffel or large soft-sided bag compresses and tucks away. Carry-on size is usually plenty for a week.
Reef-safe sunscreen — and lots of it
Oxybenzone and octinoxate are banned in many marine areas. Bring a mineral sunscreen (zinc-based) and bring more than you think you need. UV through reflected water is no joke.
Clothing
Swimwear (two or three), light cover-ups, a couple of t-shirts, one or two nicer dinner outfits, a hat with a strap, polarized sunglasses, and a light layer for the sail back at sunset. That's most of it.
Footwear
Flip-flops or sport sandals for the boat, water shoes if you have weak ankles for rocky landings, and one pair of comfortable shoes for dinghy-up restaurants. No hard-soled shoes onboard, please — they mark the deck.
Personal items
Prescriptions, motion-sickness remedy if you're prone (we recommend bringing it even if you think you don't need it), a refillable water bottle, a Kindle or book, and a portable charger.
What not to bring
Hair dryers, heavy electronics, full-size toiletries, more than one large bag per person, expensive jewelry. The boat is informal; the vibe is barefoot.