What to Pack for Your Sailing Adventure?

Great, we are going sailing!  what to bring?  Rio has limited storage for our guests.  In other words, don’t overpack. 

But it could also get miserable if you don’t have the right gear.

First, get yourself in the right frame of mind. Think, light gear, wind, and water. Tip: We’ve included some links below to get your search started.

The Super Important Travel Stuff

Cash & ATM Card –

A lot of the places we visit don’t take credit cards, so abought $200 or $300 cash per person per week is ok. In the Bahamas, your currency is par with the US dollar,

Passport –

You won’t get far without this one. (Take a photo and send us the image by text +1 850-4081460 to prepare our sailing manifest or email to jose@wellnessonthesea.com)

Medications –

If there’s anything you take regularly, please bring it with you. If you even think you might get seasick come prepared with whatever your preferred method is (or you might want to consider eating meals one week before your journey with us with lots of ginger in the meals,

we have found if you make a regular smoothie every day for a week and add lots of ginger in it, it will help stabilize you and keep you in balance, other alternatives are Sea-Band, Bonine) get it in your system early. This is for your happiness and the overall spirit of the crew. When one person is horribly sick it adds a damper to the entire day because everyone is now worried about that person.

Travelers Insurance –

Although we do have insurance on board, it’s a good idea to have some sort of insurance…because we are going on an adventure and any adventure has risk. Make sure it covers boating abroad, and not just land-based adventures.

Hats –

Packable, with strings for windy days. Warm Polar Fleece Skull Cap for Men and Women Company: https://www.amazon.com/OZERO-Winter-Beanie-Stocking-Thermal/dp/B07H33BQYY/ref=sr_1_11?dchild=1&keywords=Winter+Head+hats&qid=1579205571&sr=8-11

Rain Gear –

Although we provide some of these clothing, we cannot guarantee the sizes for everybody, so we suggest you bring your own waterproof jacket and pants.  If it’s just a week you’ll be fine with just about anything, if it’s long term sailing something better quality like Helly Hansen http://amzn.to/2nPthB5 cost a premium but lasts longer.

Gloves for sailing –

In the winter, polar fleece gloves work well to keep you warm while sailing at night.

Clothing –

Always think breathable, light, dries fast and multi-functional. Wool the winter (yes wool), linen, bamboo, and organic cotton are excellent choices too.

Bathing Suits – Practically a uniform on a boat and you’ll want at least a couple. Shorts – You will live in shorts and bathing suits most of the time. Board Shorts are great multi-functional pieces. Shirts – tee shirts, comfy lightweight button-ups (good for keeping the sun off your skin), long selves for cooler days and sun protection, hoodies or light jackets for night time.Dress Clothes – The chance of us going anywhere with a strict dress code is slim to none. A decent button-down shirt or casual sundresses are fantastic for days/nights on the town. Scarf + Sarong – These are versatile pieces that keep you warm, provide a little sun protection and they look cool.  Here’s a link: Sarongs and Scarves

Shoes –

If you want to wear shoes on the boat, make sure they are non-marking non-skid. You’ll need to clean the soles each time you board the boat in order to keep the deck clean or bring a pair for boat use and one for street use. Otherwise, a sturdy pair of sandals and a pair of all-purpose hiking shoes (like these: http://amzn.to/2nzLT5Q) will do the trick.

Polarized Sunglasses –

You will probably want more than one pair. Maui Jim and Ray Ban both make high-quality glasses.

Suitcases –

Soft-sided bags only. No roll-bags or hard-sided suitcases… “Space is at a premium” Duffel bags, back-packs, or tote bags that can fold or roll up are best.  We like these Compression Packs: http://amzn.to/2nDXFh7 or a full-on dry bag duffel: http://amzn.to/2nk1XHe

Camera –

(extra batteries, cards, etc…)  I like a compact, pro-level snappy cam like this: http://amzn.to/2nPNW7Z

Sunscreen –

All-natural, ocean-friendly, and nothing with bronzer or self-tanners in it (It stains everything). I highly recommend looking over this sunscreen guide and recommended products: http://www.ewg.org/sunscreen/

Backpack –

We suggest a pack that’s at minimum water-resistant but preferably waterproof like this one: http://amzn.to/2ofkklv.

Snorkeling/Freediving –

Although we supply all of these items if you have your favorite one that you liked using at home bring it with you. (tell us what you have, we’ll tell you what to bring.) We have some of these masks http://amzn.to/2nrZLhW and snorkel http://amzn.to/2nPA9OQ for free-diving and snorkeling about.

Lycra or Wetsuit –

Lycra pants and top/rash guards or a wetsuit for diving & snorkeling. Also, this helps protects your skin from coral and sun exposure. Here’s a Link: Rash Guards and Wet Suits

Entertainment –

Favorite Game (cards or a board game), e-reader/podcasts/music/movies (an iPad, Kindle, etc) Download everything while on land, don’t count on the internet while we’re sailing.

Please Don’t Bring –

Hard-sided suitcases or bags with wheels. Flat irons and curling irons are preferably left at home (they draw a lot of power) plus humidity will work against you. Natural hairstyles are the best. Fancy High Heel Shoes – one pair is fine for hitting the town but you most likely won’t wear them. Hard Metal Watches/Jewelry – they damage the boat easily and can attract unwanted attention in some countries.Fancy Clothes – sports coats, anything that needs dry-cleaning or special care.

Did We Miss Anything?

Here is my sample packing list for a week-long in the summer.

• Shorts x 2
• T-shirts x 3
• Casual dresses x 1
• Going out outfits 1
• Bikinis and beachwear
• Flip flop 1
• Running shoes 1
• Shell jacket or waterproof windbreaker 1
• Polar fleece 1
• Wool Skull Cap 1
• Pair of leggings
• Camera
• Makeup bag (with simplified items, no more than 10, don’t forget waterproof mascara and eyeliner)
• Toiletries (do not bring full-sized bottles, they will not be convenient, think travel size)
• Earplugs. Even if you are not a light sleeper it may be busy and noisy at the marina. Some people also not used to the sound of the waves, so earplugs will come in handy
• Medical kit. Just take what you usually pack like painkillers, plasters, etc., and add some anti-nausea pills. Even if you do not normally get seasick, the first day may be a good idea to take them if the sea is a little choppy
• Protective waterproof case for my camera or phone to take pics in the water
• Cables/adaptors needed depending on the country
• Favorite playlist updated and ready!

All of this I pack into a soft bag and love the freedom of traveling light!

We’re still newbies and learning as we go. So, we definitely don’t have it all figured out and are always happy to hear suggestions. If you think of something we should add to the list, please let us know!

Want to know what to expect when coming aboard? Jose@wellnessonthesea.com