A sailing vacation in the Caribbean is a thrilling adventure that combines the thrill of sailing with the beauty of tropical destinations. This comprehensive packing list is designed for crew members heading to warm, tropical destinations like the Caribbean. It covers various types of crewed sailing trips, from small boats to larger yachts, and includes separate tips to avoid overpacking and ensure a great sailing vacation.
Luggage is essential for any Caribbean sailing trip, as storage on a boat is usually limited. Yacht charters are the go-to choice for those who wish to experience sailing without owning a yacht. Essential toiletries such as toothpaste, deodorant, and shaving cream should be brought in travel-sized portions so they can fit. Swim attire with an appropriate cover-up is acceptable when going ashore.
When booking your sailboat, bring a carry-on bag containing 2 black pens, any medication needed, a toothbrush, a bathing suit, and enough clothing for 2-3 days. Personal sailing packing list items include swimwear, sunblock, sunglasses, a hat, light, breathable summer clothing, and a swimsuit (or two). When sailing, wear quick-dry UV top swimwear, deck shoes, anti-slip shoes or sandals, sailing jackets, clothes for handling ropes and equipment, sailing gloves, caps or hats for sun protection, and sunglasses with UV protection.
Outer layers include a warm sweatshirt, sweater, or jacket for the evening, especially if sailing in Europe in low season. A casual dinner outfit is also recommended. Packing non-slip, closed-toe shoes with good grip is essential to prevent accidents and keep you steady while moving around the boat.
📹 Nine Packing Tips For A Caribbean Sailing Vacation
Thanks for taking a look at our tips video about packing for a Caribbean sailing vacation. Packing for a sailing vacation in the …
How many outfits do I need for 1 week trip?
I have a simple equation for a week of packing – three tops and three pants that all must match each other. This way I get nine outfits from six articles of clothing! Throw in a little black dress, and you’re ready to take on any destination.
Bonus Tip for Those that Sweat: This tip is for anyone who read this section and thought, “Yeah, ok. If I wear a top out while sightseeing, it will be far too sweaty and smelly to even think of wearing again.” Consider doing a little sink washing! You can use soap from your hotel or pack a few detergent sheets. Pack items made from quick dry material like linen, nylon, or polyester. Some lighter cotton shirts may dry quickly too. Usually you can do a quick sink wash the night before and they’ll at least be dry same time the next day if not earlier.
You do not, I repeat, do NOT need more than three pairs of shoes.. …And this includes one pair that’ll be on your feet! I know shoe lovers are gasping in horror, but remember this is a week’s long trip in a carry-on. There is simply no reason you’d ever need to bring more than three for a week.
What do you need to charter a sailboat in the Caribbean?
In the Caribbean, the Bahamas and North America, a license is not specifically required. You simply need to fill out a sailing resume and only charter a vessel that your experience permits. If you have never sailed a catamaran before, we recommend chartering a monohull to avoid complications. Unlike the Mediterranean, the Caribbean is tidal with stronger currents and more complicated sailing grounds, as such, if you do wish to charter in the Caribbean, please ensure you have the relevant tidal experience.
If you have a burning desire to spend your next vacation on the water but lack the sailing experience, there is the option of chartering a bareboat and adding a skipper. This option allows you to have an incredible time on the water in the capable hands of a trained professional. You will also learn the ropes of sailing this way. Each of our vessels is available with a skipper option. Please note: the skipper will be your port of call for sailing, navigation, top tips and liability.The additional benefit is that they know the hotspots and the sailing conditions like the back of their hand.
Ihave sailed before but don’t feel confident to charter. What are my options?.
Do I need bug spray in BVI?
MEDICATIONS & VACCINATIONS FOR THE BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS. We suggest you visit your doctor ahead of your trip to the British Virgin Islands to be prescribed any necessary medications to take with you on your holiday. You may also want to discuss with them any booster shots you are due, though no particular vaccines are called for when visiting the islands. There is a moderate risk of Zika virus transmission here, via mosquito bites; an illness which if contracted poses serious problems in pregnancy, so this should also be discussed with your health practitioner if you are pregnant and intend to travel to the British Virgin Islands. All individuals should practice mosquito avoidance in any event, so bring with you a good DEET insect repellent, request a mosquito net over your bed where possible, and avoid skin exposure when mosquitoes are out. Further health advice can be found on the NHS’s website Fit for Travel or through the Medical Advisory Service for Travellers Abroad (MASTA).
TIPPING IN THE BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS. Tipping in the British Virgin Islands is standard practice and welcomed. In most cases, be it a taxi or restaurant bill, 15-20% is customary. It is also the norm to give your porter or maid a gratuity.
GET CONNECTED. ELECTRICAL SUPPLYThe British Virgin Islands run on 115 volts. The type of plug used on the islands is the standard American flat two-pin.
What to pack sailing BVI?
What To Pack For A BVI Sailing Trip.Sunblock (oil-free), not tanning oil (oil-based products stain wood, fabrics, and other decking)Lip balm.Travel sized shampoo, soap, toothpaste, and toothbrush.Tweezers.Insect repellent (with high deet) and antihistamine or after-bite to soothe bites.
Deciding What to Pack for a Sailing Trip in the BVI Doesn’t Have to Be a Challenge.
You have booked a yacht charter to the BVI, you have all your flights and detailed arranged and it’s coming close to your departure time, so it’s time to start packing, but what to pack for a BVI sailing trip?
Choosing and identifying what to pack for a BVI sailing tripcan be challenging especially when you have no idea where to start or what to leave at home. The cabin in yachts are smaller than regular hotel rooms and storage space is limited everything you bring with you is required to stay within the yacht and taken everywhere with you.
Do you need a helmet for sailing?
Crucially, a helmet may greatly reduce the risk of blunt trauma head injury such as a fractured skull, but it is not going to prevent concussion caused by your brain coming to a sudden stop against the inside of your skull and so far, no-one has invented a helmet that will prevent concussion. Furthermore, if you use a helmet that is inappropriate for sailing (see what to avoid further down) you may expose yourself to injury in other unintended ways which negate the perceived benefits of wearing it in the first place.
If you think about it, the speed you are sailing at is not the real issue, it’s the forces caused by deceleration when you suddenly stop such as simply falling in – it happens! Water acts as an outstanding brake and if you do go over the side, the drag forces on a helmet may considerably increase the chances of damaging your neck. The weight of the wrong helmet may cause whiplash injury if you come to a sudden stop against a part of the boat that has capsized.
In case of inversion, there is a possibility that a helmet could increase the risk of entrapment or disorientation experienced by a sailor. Dinghy sailors mostly wear buoyancy aids that do not support the neck and head when unconscious in the water. An unconscious sailor may be more prone to floating face down and the added weight of a sailing helmet will not help.
Do I need a license to sail in the Caribbean?
Caribbean:No sailing license or certification is required in the Caribbean, BUT you must have an adequate sailing resume.
Pacific:No sailing license or certification is required in the Pacific regions such as French Polynesia, Australia, New Zealand or Tonga, BUT you must have an adequate sailing resume.
Belize:A rubber stamp license is required in Belize; this is organized by the charter company. In addition, you must have an adequate sailing resume.
How do you pack light for a week in the Caribbean?
Next, consider the climate and activities you’ll be participating in during your cruise. Lightweight and breathable clothing, such as shorts, t-shirts, and sundresses, are ideal for the warm Caribbean weather. Don’t forget to pack a couple of swimsuits, as you’ll have plenty of opportunities to soak up the sun and enjoy the onboard pools and beaches at each destination.
For evening wear, pack a few dressier outfits for formal nights or special occasions. A nice dress or a pair of slacks with a dress shirt will suffice. Remember, it’s better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed for these events. Additionally, pack a light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings or air-conditioned areas on the ship. Wraps like the one featured below are extremely flexible for just about any kind of travel.
When it comes to footwear, opt for comfortable walking shoes, sandals, and flip-flops. These versatile options will cover all your needs, from exploring the ports of call to lounging by the pool. Don’t forget to pack a pair of water shoes if you plan on participating in water sports or snorkeling excursions.
What is the dress code for the BVI?
Dress codeDress code on the islands is casual (shorts & t-shirts) and only the most exclusive restaurants require elegant clothing. The wearing of swimsuits is considered offensive if worn around town or in residential areas. Please cover up.
DrivingA valid driving license is required by all those seeking to drive in the British Virgin Islands. Driving is on the left-hand side of the road throughout the islands. Minimum age for hiring a rental car is 25 years.
DrugsThe possession, sale, use or distribution of illegal drugs constitutes a criminal offence punishable by law resulting in fines and jail sentences.
How many outfits should I pack for a 7 day cruise?
Here’s what to pack for a 7-day cruise to the Caribbean. No matter where you sail to, clothing is going to take up the bulk of your suitcase. You should average two outfits per day, as you’ll wear one during the day and one at night for dinner.
I find that I like to re-wear at least two or three outfits at night to save space. Plus, I just don’t like having to plan seven different outfits for each night. This, however, is a personal preference.
In the Caribbean, daytime wear is equivalent to what you’d wear to the beach or when partaking in an active activity at home. On some days, a bathing suit and cover-up might be sufficient, especially if you’re going on an excursion and spending all day on the beach or by the ship’s pool while at sea.
On other days, you might opt for an excursion with a specific dress code. You cannot, for instance, go zip-lining through Jamaica wearing flip-flops and swim trunks.
How many pairs of clothes should I pack for 2 weeks?
Pack in threes. Plan to bring three pairs of socks, underwear, and shirts. This way you’ll have just enough of each item to wash one, dry one, and wear one. Pants can usually be worn more than once, so two pairs should suffice. This rule only applies to the staples that you’ll be wearing everyday.
Packing for a two-week long trip can be daunting. It’s important to remember essentials without wasting space in your luggage for items that aren’t necessities. This article will help you learn methods of packing clothing and other items in order to save valuable space in your bag, while also making you realize what you may be able to live without on your next vacation or trip.
It’s a good idea to store any travel documents, visas and passports in a special pouch or bag where you won’t misplace them. Be sure to bring refills of any medicines that you won’t be able to replace while you’re traveling, along with toiletries that are must-haves and will be hard to find when you get there. A journal and camera are important so you can keep memories from your trip for years to come. If you’re bringing a tablet, this can double as a journal, and potentially a camera. Otherwise consider a small, point-and-shoot camera. Don’t forget that extra memory card and battery.
- We all have our trusty chap stick that we absolutely can’t live without. So if you’re worried you could run out and not be able to find an essential item on your trip, pack an extra to be safe.
- Back up credit or debit cards and a photocopy of your passport and visa could come in handy if you happen to misplace these items or they are stolen.
- If your allergies occasionally flair up or you tend to get migraines, make sure you’re better safe than sorry and pack appropriate medications.
How many outfits to pack for 15 days?
How many outfits should I pack for a 2-week trip?. How many outfits you should pack for a 2-week trip depends on personal preference and the types of events you have planned. However, you should have an outfit for every day, plus extras for the weather. Therefore, you should include at least 14-16 outfits in your packing list. However, that doesn’t mean you must wear completely different clothing each day. For example, if you want to reduce baggage weight and the amount of stuff you have to bring, you can mix and match tops and bottoms to create more outfits with fewer pieces.
A carry-on can be large enough to fit all your essentials for a 2-week trip as long as you pack efficiently. Every airline has different carry-on size and weight requirements, so check their guidelines to help you make the right packing decisions.
Of course, there are also different types of carry-ons. If you don’t have luggage, you might wonder, “Can I use my duffel bag as a carry-on?” You can use any bag as a carry-on if you meet the airline’s requirements. However, some are better than others, so you should look for something that allows you to organize your items and pack as much as possible.
How to pack for 2 weeks in Caribbean?
Clothing Items to pack2 or 3 tank tops or crop tops.1 t-shirt (just in case)3 pairs of shorts (1 denim and 2 any color you like) – for women.2 pairs of shorts (1 denim and 1 khaki) – for men.2 beach dresses (1 short and 1 midi or maxi)1 pair of jeans (in case it rains)
The Caribbean is the best place to go on a vacation. It doesn’t matter if we’re talking about spring, summer, fall, or winter, these beautiful islands have a great way to win our hearts during any season! And since I love traveling to these places (and I’m a local in the Dominican Republic) I decided to let you know the essentials for your Caribbean packing list.
These islands are very known for their beautiful beaches and amazing views. Plus, they’re pretty affordable to travel to! I mean, have you checked the prices of the flights to these islands? If it’s not peak season, you easily find one for less than $500.
I adore staying at Airbnb since it’s a bit more affordable and you can experience the lifestyle of these countries. You can go to the supermarkets, parks, discos, and restaurants even walking if you pick a nice located apartment!!
📹 12 Essential Items from 4 Years of Liveaboard Cruising | Sailing Gear E001
In this video, 12 Essential Items from 4 Years of Liveaboard Cruising, I introduce you to my brand new channel SAILING GEAR, …
I have been making a list. Feel free to add to it. * Spare depth sounder * Plenty of head torches / LED lights (rechargeable) RED LIGHT for night vision * Lots of Face Cloths * Multi meter (2 of them just in case) * Spare Buckets * Vacuum sealer for food * Pump Pressure Water Sprayer (for cleaning and showering) * canned food remove the labels – identify the contents – isolate the cans in some kind of a container * Containers with a good seal for dry rice, beans, seeds, nuts, etc… * Pressure cooker * hanging Food nets to keep food aired * Hand Held Water Pump (clean out the dingy / recycle the water) * Trolly-cart to transport fuel, water etc. * Walkie-talkie (or a head set) * Turkey Baster to get the last water out of the bilge. And the to clean out the sea strainer before I take out the filter. * WD-40 to prevent rusting of ALL metal. * A water-maker is super nice to have. Tainted water is a big problem for long term cruising. Fresh water just makes everything about cruising better, no going to a dodgy dock, safe drinking water, clean clothes, wash salt off of everything. * instal the biggest anchor (Ultra) you can fit. * Weight-belt – Get one with pockets that you fit pouches filled with lead shot into – easier to adjust the weight on the belt, and the shot pouches don’t chip the gelcoat when you put them down. * a washing plunger * a wind-scoop for the hatch * A Hooka diving set up with a full size tank is nice thing have for below waterline problems, changing zincs, bottom cleaning etc.
It’s interesting that you say a Garmin Inreach is “just as useful” as an Iridium Go when in fact the Inreach only provides tracking, basic text messaging, and completely useless weather at $1 a request I believe. But then you mention that it’s just as useful when you pair your Inreach with your pre-existing SSB radio and a subscription to Chris Parker (unless you are just listening for free with no contribution). I think a more feasible comparison would be starting from a blank slate: Purchase a Garmin Inreach and SSB Radio plus the cost of installing the SSB without your boat looking like a hodge podge of hanging wires, OR, purchase an Iridium Go. You can see why most cruisers are opting for the Iridium Go when presented from a blank slate perspective. With that said, I like the Garmin Inreach a lot, especially for it’s price point. I wouldn’t compare it to an Iridium Go however. Thanks for the list. The Motorola Walkie Talkies are a great recommendation that I’ve been meaning to add onboard. I will go with your pick for model.
Good new website. I use a headlamp so much (this morning) on dry land I always have it handy. I’ve had it for 20 years AAA batteries, contacts slathered with OxyGard dielectric grease against corrosion). I also wrap the bottom inch of my pocket Fenix flashlight(torch) with that stretchy silicone tape so I can hold it in my teeth. It also helps when I trap it under my shirt collar to hold while while reading. I’ve been doing this for many years. I have a couple of small digital thermometers, but what I notice is they either make the humidity the larger number or on one device it’s on top, on another on the bottom. So is it 45% and 63 F? or 45f and 63% ??? (Celsius is probably better, but I also live in the desert, so 15 and 20 would not be uncommon). I put a single layer of Scotch tape to obscure the less useful humidity number. (And dial thermometers all seem to go from – 10 to 110 f so the actual range of numbers you need are too close together so you have to get close and squint to read it. Dumb.) It’s really easy to refill the one pound propane containers from the big tanks you have. There’s an adapter valve you can find on Amazon. amazon.com/gp/product/B00B0HUING/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Watch a article or two. (You don’t have to super chill the smaller cans in the freezer. ) Easy to use, works well, very reliable. The flippers. Have you tried 303 spray? Might make a good topic in the future. I came up with a way to help pry off my kayak’s rubber hatches.
Strange – there is no information about the amount of Amp’s the small inverter gives and what is the idle amp. drawn from it, is it sinus or square wave? this is not very serious – get into the deep of stuff, is there alternatives to Motorola walkies? Everybody know what they want on the boat, but did i choose the right thing? I sounds like u have started a commercial website sponsored by the thing u are given. Liked the sailing website u had before! Will look at some episodes before i judge. Happy summer