Your Sailing Holiday Packing List
What to pack when you're going on a flotilla sailing holiday? Hmmm...good question!
Read on for top tips on what to bring, what not to bring and what to bring along if you have little sailors on board!
THE BORING (BUT IMPORTANT) BITS
• Your Passport (check it hasn't expired!)
• Flight tickets and itinerary (check your names are spelt correctly!)
• Holiday Insurance Certificate
• European Health Insurance Card
• Driving Licence for 'Shore to Sail' hiring a bike or car (minimum age is 21 for car hire)
• Euros, debit/credit card, travellers' cheques
SUMMER HOLIDAY ESSENTIALS
• Hat
• Sunglasses (with string/ sunglasses strap available to buy in Greece)
• Swimwear (at least a couple of changes)
• Casual summer wear
• Flip flops/deck shoes (non-marking soles)
• Sweatshirt (especially in May & October)
• Beach towel (one bath size towel is provided per person)
• Mask and flippers (can be bought in Greece)
• Books (and toys for children)
• Your favourite tea bags & biscuits etc.
BOATY BITS
• RYA Log book (if you're recording sea miles)
• Yacht Manual & Harbour Guide (that we post out to you)
• Waterproof sailing jacket (just in case!)
TECH (phones, cameras, chargers)
• Important: 12 volt (car charger) for charging devices on board
• Camera or Waterproof Camera (+ memory card & charger)
• Waterproof case (iPhone cases available to buy in Greece)
• iPod or iPhone & jack to jack lead (to play music on board)
• Mobile phone & charger (solar chargers are great in the sun)
• 2 pin adaptor to charge batteries in port in the evening
TOILETARIES/PHARMACEUTICALS
• Wash bag (unless you are embracing the 'old sea dog' look, of course)
• Sun cream & After sun
• Sea/travel sickness pills (not often necessary)
• Insect repellent (we recommend Avon 'Skin So Soft' available to buy in Greece)
• Anti-histamine (in case of insect bites/stings)
• Any regular medication (keep in hand luggage)
• We recommend natural shampoos, conditioners and shower gels that won't hurt the marine life but this is by no means compulsory
THINGS NOT TO BRING
No question is a silly question, but in case you were wondering but were too afraid to ask these are a few things we don't recommend bringing on a sailing holiday.
• A hairdryer or straighteners - there is no plug socket on the boat suitable (yep... even travel hairdryers don't work). We advocate the natural blow dry we like to call the sea breeze!
• Heeled shoes - they damage the deck and also make getting on and off the boat considerably more difficult! (Best left at home...)
• Dark soled shoes - these mark the deck of the boat
• Anything of huge value – we tend to leave the boats open in the evening as it is very safe but 'just in case' anything happenes, we don't recommend bringing any irreplaceable family heirlooms!
• Too many clothes...you will be in swim gear/ simple clothes whilst out sailing and most people say they wear much less than they bring.
LITTLE SAILORS' PACKING LIST
We asked all our sailors who have sailed with small children and in particular infants (0-2 years old), what they recommended packing for a flotilla sailing trip with a little sailor on board...
CHILDREN
• Strong sun cream with a high SPF
• A good hat & sunglasses
• Clothing that covers skin from the sun
• Something warm for the evenings
• Entertainment in the evenings i.e. colouring book
• Snorkel & Mask (can be bought locally)
INFANTS
• A sun suit/ suitable swimwear
• Spray water bottle to keep cool
• Harness
• Changing mat & Scented nappy bags
• Cot sheets
• Folding buggy
• Nappies
• Milk / Baby food is available in Greece
• You should bring any specific nutritional milk etc.
WHAT WE CAN PROVIDE (free of charge)
• Child netting around the boat
• Car seat to strap to the cockpit (infants only)
• Childrens Harness
• Childrens Life Jacket
• John Lewis travel cot (you bring your own linen)
