What to Bring
(Experienced sailors please ignore)
General Guidelines
- Bags must be soft and foldable since there is not space to store a rigid or wheeled case.
- Shoes with non-slip and non-marking soles must be worn on board. Sailing boots are also recommended, particularly early or late in the season when there may be cold or wet days.
- Bring normal walking shoes or boots for trips ashore.
- Expect cool weather. With a breeze it can be chilly at sea even when it's warm on land.
- Several thin layers are warmer and give more flexibility to handle differences in temperature.
- Fleece is more practical than wool which is difficult to dry.
- Jeans are not practical – they hold water, stiffen when wet and give little warmth.
- Trousers and long sleeve shirts give better midge protection ashore and sun protection in the day.
- Waterproofs (jacket and trousers or salopettes) are essential.
- A water and wind proof top is useful for chilly weather or showers when waterproofs would be overkill.
- Sunburn can be a problem. A hat is useful and (non-greasy) sun cream.
- Midges – seldom a problem whilst on the boat but can be when ashore. Midge repellent helps.
- Sea sickness – unless you are really sure that you don't suffer it's better to bring and use sea sickness tablets. Stugeron seems to work. Some people find that ginger helps (and tastes good).
- Food and drink - is provided on board but if you like anything in particular, please bring it with you.
- We plan to eat ashore (at our own expense) one night each week – or more often in Ireland.
- Bedding (sheets, duvets and pillows) and towels are provided.
- Safety gear is provided – you won't need a lifejacket, harness or safety line.
People often over-pack and find that they don't actually need quite as many changes of clothes.
Packing List
With the above in mind, a typical packing list for a week might include:
- Shirts/tops including with long sleeves
- Socks - thick and thin
- Trousers two pairs – not jeans and avoid studs or zips which scratch the joinery.
- Shorts if you prefer them to trousers on warm days.
- Fleece top - one thin and one thick if you have them.
- Jacket - warm and wind/waterproof.
- Hats for warmth and for sun protection. Also non-greasy sun cream.
- Gloves - some people like to wear gloves when working on deck.
- Shoes - deck shoes, sailing boots,"land" shoes or light walking boots/trainers.
- Waterproofs preferably breathable – or use ours (please pre-book).
- Wash bag - we provide towel and liquid soap.
- Medicines - assume no access to a pharmacy. Seasickness tablets if in doubt. We carry paracetamol etc
- Camera and chargers
- Sun glasses even if you don't normally need them - there is a lot of glare from the sea.
- Insurance docs - EHIC if from another E.U. or EAA country plus your holiday insurance documents.
- RYA log book to record your miles and passages. We may have a spare on board.
- Passport Photo if taking an RYA Day Skipper or Coastal Skipper course.
- Bag or Rucsac NOT a rigid bag. Keep it light. Separate strap-on wheels work well.
Note:
The electricity supply on the boat is 12volt using car cigar lighter sockets. 230volt, using British 3-pin plugs, is available at low power via an inverter whilst sailing and at normal power when in a marina on shore power.
Items such as mobile phones, cameras and shavers can be re-charged using either 12v or 3-pin plugs.
Normal hairdryers will only work if we are on shore power (unlikely) but 12v hairdryers are available from chandlers and we keep both a 230v and a 12v on board.
Mobile phone coverage can be patchy - expect to be out of range for half of the time.