Download Printable PDF Version of the Sailing Crew Packing List
In Praise of Soft Luggage on a Sailboat
See this waterproof soft duffel bag? Get one. Or, at least get one like it. The OverBoard Classic 60-liter waterproof duffel bag looks nice but, from our experience living aboard a sailboat for more than a decade, we can safely say that no waterproof bag will last forever. Eventually, a clip will break and they will develop holes no matter how much you spend.
That said, enjoy your carry-on waterproof duffel bag. As crew, your skipper will thank their lucky stars that you did not bring a hard shell suitcase. A hardshell suitcase would need to be stored, and space tends to be limited on a sailboat.
This sailing crew packing list identifies what my husband used, packed, and purchased while on 5 weeks’ sailing training with Ondeck Sailing. Again, it was all packed into carry-on.
Table of Contents
Accurate & Tested Sailing Crew Packing List
The list is accurate because I revised it after the trip. He had no checked bags, and had carry-on luggage only.
The sailing crew packing list is not intended for a sailing vacation where you might consider packing a snorkel, goggles and maybe something a little fancy to wear for dinner on shore.
Even then, unless you are on a superyacht, leave your hairdryer at home. Electricity and water are often tightly managed on a sailboat.
How We Packed 5 Weeks of Sailing Gear Into Carry-On
Here is what his gear looked like once it was all assembled.
Using a Compression Sack
Our goal was to fit all of the gear into the yellow water bag that is in the middle of the picture. To do this, we packed all of the soft items into a yellow compression sack, which resulted in his gear looking like this…
To abide by carry-on dimensions, a few items had to be left out of the soft yellow waterproof bag. Still, most of the items packed down to look like this…
He carried the stray items that you see in the picture above in a cloth shopping bag, along with his iPhone, iPad and chargers.
And, finally, here is what my husband wore on the plane. It’s still very cold here in Ottawa, and to keep his carry-on small, he will be wearing the bulky items from his luggage.
Sailing Crew Packing List for 5 Weeks
The quantity of items is one, except where indicated in brackets.
Clothing for Sailing in the Caribbean
- light-weight convertible pants
- long sleeve button shirt
- short sleeve button shirt
- polo shirt
- quick dry t-shirts (2)
- swimsuit shorts (2)
- wicking socks — to wear on the plane only
- underwear (1 or 2)
- light toque
- light hooded waterproof jacket (should be tight-fitting so not to snag on things)
- fleece
- boat shoes — got blisters on his toes and heels
- flip-flops — to live through the blister phase, if need be
Eyewear
- prescription glasses
- cheap reading glasses (4) — broke 3 pairs
- cord to hold glasses (2)
- contact lenses
- contact lens solution
- dark sunglasses
- swim goggles — didn’t use but might bring if he were to go again, for swimming
Toiletries and Personal Items
- small can of shaving lotion (1 small can/week)
- razors (3)
- razor (1 x AAA batteries)
- bars of soap (3) — but didn’t shower every day
- medication (including seasickness medication)
- dental floss
- electric toothbrush
- toothbrush charger
- toothbrush head
- regular toothbrush — to buy in Antigua
- small tubes toothpaste (3)
- small bottles shampoo (2)
- quick dry towel (1)
- deodorant
- nail clippers
- Q-tips
- package of baby wipes — in case showers are not available, and to use in public bathrooms
- toilet paper — needed for public toilets
Phones, Electronics and Chargers
- iPhone
- iPad
- iPad and iPhone charger — 12 V cigarette lighters on boat
- USB charger
- GPS app like Navionics — brought hand-held Garmin, but it was useless by comparison
Navigation Gear for Sailing Training
- RYA Day Skipper papers — maps, books, etc.
- RYA personal log book
- mechanical pencil — personal preference
- black lead
- plastic chart plotter — they had them aboard; again, personal preference
- notebook or paper for passage planning
- parallel ruler
- Sharpie pen — used it to write name on pillow
Safety Gear: What We Did—and Didn’t—Need
- handheld VHF — no need
- life jacket/PFD — no need, one was supplied. If bringing an inflatable PFD, check current airline rules for CO₂ cartridges before flying.
Money and ID
- passport
- driver’s license
- credit card
- debit card
- cash
Miscellaneous Sailing Gear That Actually Got Used
- whistle
- fanny pack
- sun hat
- deckhand gloves with fingers
- deckhand gloves without fingers
- sunscreen
- lip balm — didn’t use, but I might
- flashlight (3 x AAA batteries) or headlamp
- AA lithium batteries (8)
- AAA lithium batteries (12)
- clothes pins (10)
- small zip lock bags — used 1 or 2
- large zip lock bags — used 1 or 2
- water bag — as carry-on bag
- small compression sack — to store unused clothes; eventually broke under strain
- small mesh bags (2)
- cloth shopping bag — the man purse; really useful to carry odds and ends on shore, including pen and paper, chargers, iPad, baby wipes, and toilet paper
What Was Bought in Antigua
- pillow
- beach towel
A Funny Little Story About The Pillow
My husband left the pillow in Antigua for me to use when I did my sail training. To identify it, he wrote our last name across the entire pillow in thick black Sharpie pen. I mean fully across it: E-S-C-H-E-R.
I accidentally left the pillow behind where I was staying at the Pineapple House Cottages & Crew House in English Harbour, Antigua. I wonder if the people who cleaned the room after me thought that I had written my last name on one of their pillows?
Yes, We Packed a Toque for the Caribbean
A toque in the Caribbean you say? We never go anywhere without a toque because we’re Canadians. Take it from us — a bare head has lots of exposed surface area. A toque is a lightweight solution to staying warm anywhere.
Seasickness Medication for Sailing
Here is a picture of my husband’s 6-box supply of Scopolamine patches. They are applied behind the ear and help to prevent motion sickness. I figured he’d be on a boat for about 4 weeks before he heads to the Miami International Boat Show. Did I buy too many boxes?
Answer: No. He ended up bringing 3 boxes of Scopolamine patches. Each box contains 2 patches. My husband used 2 patches himself, and gave 3 patches away to other sailors. I’ll bring the rest of the patches with me when I go to Antigua for sailing training in April though I hope not to use them.
Enjoy your trip!
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