What to Pack For a Luxury Nautical Adventure?

It can be difficult to know exactly what to pack before embarking on the voyage of a lifetime. There are multiple factors to consider. Apart from practical, everyday items needed onboard, each destination will require specific apparel and accessories according to local culture, the activities you have planned, and, of course, the weather. For example, when visiting religious sites, there may be clothing regulations relating to modesty. If you are planning to go golfing or playing polo, you will need to pack your spikes or riding boots. The weather may be changeable, so you must be prepared for sudden squalls. What follows here is a comprehensive guide to packing for your adventure.

WHAT DOCUMENTS SHOULD I BRING?

As with any trip, having the correct travel documents is vital. You may be crossing numerous borders during your odyssey. In order to sail on serenely, all your documents must be in order. This will avoid unnecessary delays and expense. Ensure that you keep these important documents safely stowed in a zipped pocket that you can access easily. It is also highly advisable to bring photocopies of your documents, as these are often requested and kept by border officials. In addition, digital backups of all passports, visas, tickets and charter documents will ensure your smooth passage. 

WHAT KIND OF LUGGAGE SHOULD I USE?

The main thing to remember when choosing your luggage is that you are on a yacht, not in a hotel suite. Whilst luxury yachts are spacious and well-designed, it is still necessary to maximise the use of all stowage areas. The smaller the space your luggage can stow into, the more of your must-have items and accessories you can enjoy onboard. For this reason, soft, foldable or collapsible luggage cases are recommended. As well as taking up minimal space, soft-sided bags are also much less likely to scratch any of the wooden surfaces on your yacht. Packing smart and light will help you to avoid bringing unnecessary items and thus avoid clutter in your cabin. Vacuum bagging clothes is an excellent way to get the most out of the space in whichever type of luggage you choose, and leaves room for an extra swimsuit or three!

HOW DO I DECIDE WHICH CLOTHES TO BRING?

When choosing your wardrobe for the voyage, there are 3 main considerations. What clothes are needed on board? What clothes do I need when on the water or exploring beaches or the coastline? What clothes do I need when on land?

On board, the weather can be as unpredictable as on land, more so even. For those gorgeous, sunny days, swimwear worn underneath light, casual wear such as linen or light, loose-fitting, natural fabrics is the best choice. This will keep you cool and comfortable, ready at any moment to remove the outer garments and dive into the sea or ocean to cool off and explore the coastline or reefs around the yacht. 

Remember to bring a selection of hats and sunglasses. As well as giving you a range of looks and protection from the elements, many a hat and pair of sunglasses have gone overboard on a yachting holiday. The strength of the sunlight being reflected from the water should not be underestimated and sunscreen is an absolute must. Avoid tanning oils, however, as they can stain wooden surfaces and the flooring of the yacht.

When the weather is not so hot, you will need specialist, light waterproofs if you wish to spend time on deck. Yachting is not only enjoyable in fair weather, so if you want the full experience on the rolling sea, deck yourself out with some stylish, lightweight, designer yachting gear prior to embarkation. 

Each adventure on land will have its different requirements. For example, sporting activities require specialised equipment, so check before sailing if this is provided or if you need to bring your own. For visits to towns or places of interest, comfort should be the primary consideration, although clothing should also give some protection from the sun and rain, according to the tropical weather.

You will be dining in stunning settings during your adventure, some more formal than others, so consider this when packing. For those evenings in sailing club restaurants and 5-star dining venues, you may need a range of formal wear. Whereas, for most ports of call, a variety of smart casual wear will suffice.

WHAT ABOUT FOOTWEAR?

Onboard, the choice of footwear is simple. Appropriate deck shoes (flat, white, rubber-soled) or barefoot (or slippers) for the interior parts of the yacht. Hard-soled shoes can easily slip on the deck and are therefore dangerous. The same applies to heels, which can damage or mark the deck. 

Practical, comfortable footwear is recommended for excursions and activities onshore, just be sure to change back to deck shoes when you return to the yacht! For the adventurous, who want to explore reefs and coastlines around the yacht and see some magnificent marine life, rubber water shoes are also an excellent choice. 

CAN I USE MY ELECTRONIC DEVICES?

What could be better than relaxing on deck with a cocktail and watching your favourite show? All yachts are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, and this includes WIFI and USB charging points. However, you are at sea, and download speeds tend to be limited compared to at home. Any unmissable films or shows will need to be downloaded before you travel or when in port. Also, it’s wise to invest in a glare protector for your screen, or you may not be able to see anything (apart from the sun-kissed views!). While the yacht will provide amenities like chargers and travel adaptors, there may be a limited number, so any technophiles may want to bring a few extras.

CAN I BRING MY MEDICATION?

Needing certain medications should not preclude anyone from having a nautical adventure. However, there are a few points to remember before packing. Firstly, ensure you have all your necessary medication, as they may not be readily available in the places you visit. Secondly, bring all medication in its original packaging, along with a doctor’s authorisation where possible. Finally, remember you will be on a yacht and not everyone gets their sea legs immediately. If you don’t bring seasickness remedies that work for you, you may find yourself having an unpleasant time on choppy seas.

WHAT ELSE SHOULD I BE MINDFUL OF?

Getting in the right mindset for the adventure is another essential part of preparing for your voyage. If you are a seasoned sailor, you know what to expect, and your sea legs will come naturally. For a first-timer, a whole panoply of new sights, smells, and feelings awaits. An open mind, coupled with a willingness to learn about new cultures, visit new places and try new activities, will ensure you enjoy your yachting to the maximum. Your crew will be available at all times to cater to your needs, but be sure to inform them before embarkation, of any specific requirements that will make your voyage the unforgettable experience you deserve. 

ALL ABOARD!

This packing advice is not exhaustive. Don’t hesitate to contact us at Simpson Yacht Charter for detailed advice relating to our extensive yacht services. All voyages are different. Different crews, guests, weather and itineraries. One aspect, however, doesn’t change, the importance of packing appropriately. Packing smart and light, using easily stowed luggage and ensuring you have your favourite devices and accessories will guarantee that the nautical adventure you have always dreamed of becomes a beautiful reality. Please get in touch with the team at [email protected] if you have any questions or comments.