What to Pack for a Sailing Trip (And What I’ve Learned on the Water)

Scupper didn’t need much—and neither did I.

However, on a small boat, everything needs it’s place!

“The more you own, the more it owns you.”

— Chuck Palahniuk

As a child, living aboard a wooden boat in the islands, everything I owned had to fit into a single drawer. I mean everything—and if it didn’t, it didn’t come. No extras, no “just in case,” no second bag. As a child, it was always enough. I didn’t have the language for it back then, and I certainly wasn’t deciding what to bring. That was handled for me. I just wanted to do everything else that life on a boat offers a kid.

  A little sidebar… my roots were gypsies who moved around protecting apple orchards in Belarus—or so I’m told. Apparently not “public” news. 😊 I remember hearing that after spending a few years cooking on private yachts and thinking… that explains a lot why I couldn’t wait to travel and hop on a boat to work.  When I came off that job to work in my father’s car business, I moved into a house with closets, drawers, and space to fill. It took a lot of getting used to, but like most people, it wasn’t hard to fill that home. Nothing minimalist about it. Now, years later, I find myself going in the opposite direction—clearing things out, trying to get back to simple, remembering what actually matters.

  And here’s the honest part… even after a lifetime on boats—and packing for them every couple of months—I still catch myself overpacking. We all do. Packing isn’t really about what you need—it’s about what you think you might need.

   What I’ve learned on the water is this: you don’t need much—but what you bring should work.

  When you pack for a sailing trip, space matters. Soft-sided, collapsible duffel bags are essential. They can be tucked away once you unpack, unlike hard suitcases, which don’t work well onboard. You’ll wear less than you think, and quick-dry, lightweight clothing becomes your best friend. A few swimsuits, simple layers, something comfortable for walking ashore, and a light jacket or windbreaker is usually more than enough. Dressy clothes aren’t necessary. A lightweight sundress—or for men, breathable shorts or pants—is perfect. SPF clothing is absolutely appropriate. Most of your time is spent in a swimsuit, barefoot, moving between the water and the deck.

  Sun protection is one of the biggest things people underestimate. The reflection off the water hits you all day long, even when it doesn’t feel hot. Sunglasses—with a strap—are key, along with a wide-brimmed hat, reef-safe sunscreen, and lightweight long sleeves.

  There are also the small, practical items people don’t think about until they need them. A dry bag for your phone and valuables, a reusable water bottle (so the cook isn’t constantly washing glasses), bug spray depending on where you’re going, hand sanitizer, and a headlamp or small flashlight all come in handy. Clothespins are surprisingly useful for drying clothes on deck, and a small amount of travel laundry soap lets you rinse things out if needed. A thin or quick-dry towel is helpful too, since boat towels are usually meant to stay onboard.

  Footwear stays simple. I discourage flip flops—they offer no support, and when they get wet… watch out. Sandals with a back strap are much better for both comfort and safety, and comfortable walking shoes are important for exploring. If you can find a hybrid shoe/sandal, even better.        If you want to be more involved while sailing, non-slip or boat shoes and even sailing gloves can be useful. Water or dinghy shoes are great in certain locations as well.

  Health and comfort are personal, but worth planning for. Bring enough of any medications you need, clearly labeled, and consider seasickness prevention even if you’re not sure you’ll need it. Electrolytes, basic toiletries, and a few essentials in your carry-on—like a swimsuit and change of clothes—can make a big difference if your luggage doesn’t arrive when you do.

  In the end, packing for a sailing trip always brings me back to that small drawer and back to a powerful metaphor - knowing that everything you need fits into a simpler version of life.

  We may not be living that way every day anymore—but every time we step on a boat, we have the opportunity to return to it. You don’t need much. Pack simply, bring what matters, and leave the rest behind.

Because once you’re out on the water, it’s not about what you packed—it’s about how it feels to live with less again.

If you’d like a simple guide, I’ve put together the packing list I send to clients that you can download here- 

https://www.joyridecharters.com/_files/ugd/3038b9_1d3638a06ecf496d940d10ff37926a5e.pdf

Here’s to packing light and traveling far,

Joy 💙