Sailing for the First Time: Must-have Essentials in a Week-Long Trip
Ah, sailing. A lot of preparation and effort goes into sailing. It’s more than just cruising on the smooth, blue waters, but it’s a definite perk. Sailing makes you feel connected with nature and disconnected from the noise of the world. With that said, if it’s your first time sailing then you’re in for a good time.
However, you might not know what you’re supposed to bring with you on a sailing trip. If that’s the case for you, then there’s no need to worry because below you’ll find a list of things that you’ll be needing when you go sailing for the first time. If you’re going to be sailing for a week, then you would need several items with you to help you survive the trip. Check them out below:
Documents and currency
If you’re going to be traveling to other countries, then you should make sure that you have all the important documents with you. You wouldn’t want to punctuate your sailing trip with a consultation from the Port Police of the country you’re visiting, would you? Plus, if you’re planning on docking, then you will need the documents and some foreign currency depending on the country you’re docking into. Make sure that you have copies of these important travel documents with you. Aside from that, keep the hard copies in a safe place to ensure that you wouldn’t lose them. Also, it may be a good idea to keep a soft copy of it on your phone so you can access it anywhere, even if you don’t have the hardcopy with you.
Motion sickness products
Some people don’t deal well with the rocking back and forth of the ocean. Even if you don’t think you’ll get too sick on the sailing trip, or you don’t have a track record of seasickness, it’s still good to be prepared so bring some products against seasickness to help you. There are some acupressure wristbands that you can try to help alleviate your seasickness. You can buy some of these in pharmacies, although they are available in some online retailers if you want to buy from there. Acupressure wristbands are said to help with nausea by putting pressure on your wrists. You can also bring antiemetic drugs with you that you can take to avoid seasickness. If you’re taking other medications, then it’s best that you consult with a doctor first to find out which antiemetic drugs are best for you. If you don’t want to take anything with you, then you can try getting some fresh air to help alleviate the nauseous feeling that you’re having.
Clothing
Of course, clothing is important to bring with you, but it is also important to pack light. What are types of luggage that help you pack light, you ask? Well, as long as they aren’t hard-case suitcases, then a backpack or luggage made out of lightweight material should be good enough. For clothes, you should bring swimming apparel with you, of course. In case it rains during the trip, then you should bring a raincoat with you as well. Going barefoot is the way to go when you’re on the boat, but if you plan on wearing shoes, then make sure they have some grip to them. Don’t forget your towels, and by towels, we mean the plural form. Also, a pair of sunglasses will do you good or a secure hat for those, especially sunny days. It’s best to pack light clothing that is breathable if you’re going sailing on a summer season.
Hygiene Products
After clothing, you should also make sure you stock up on any important hygiene products and other toiletries. Sunscreen is an important item to bring with you. You wouldn’t want to look like a bright red lobster after the sailing trip or get any sunburns. Deodorant is also important. Even if you think all that swimming is making you clean, soap and shampoo should always be with you. Of course, don’t forget to bring your toothbrush and toothpaste with you as well. For the ladies, do pack some sanitary pads or tampons with you just in case. Hairbands and hair ties are also handy for keeping your hair out of your face. You don’t have to bring these toiletries with you by the bottle because it can make your pack heavier than it needs to be. You can transfer some of its contents in travel-sized items so it’s lighter on you and your pack.
Convenience Items
These items are less of a necessity than some of the items in this list, but they are nonetheless useful and can provide you with several conveniences on-board the boat. You can bring a power bank with you so that your phone doesn’t lose power and you are lost without any means of charging them. Multi-purpose tools are also good to have when you’re sailing. If you plan on snorkeling, then you should also bring snorkeling equipment with you. Snacks are also important to bring along with you in case there aren’t any on the boat.
As mentioned before, a sailing trip requires a lot of preparation. Preparing yourself for the trip is another matter. So by creating a list of all the things you need before the trip, you are sure to spend your sailing trip enjoying the blue seas and the lovely sound of the waves and nothing else.
About the Author
Andrea Guerriero Hi, I'm Andrea, a travel blogger, web programmer, seo apprentice and amateur photographer based in Milan. I love reading, I love music. I love to travel but only if I leave on a mission! I've been traveling through most of Europe and I love writing about it. I love photography, especially as a way to document experiences, places, events. My Nikon D300 camera is always with me, and it helps me in sharing my life with the rest of the world. Getting in touch with new people, different life styles and foreign traditions, and write about it, is all I can ask for.
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