Bring what you need and nothing you’d cry over if it fell overboard.
There will be wind, salt, and moments of, “Why did I pack this?”
The list below is based on experience, poor decisions, and at least one lost shoe.

The Sailing Survival Packing List

Essentials

• Passport (check 3x, then once more)
• Travel insurance info (if you need one)
• Credit/debit card + small cash (euros + charm)
• Sunglasses (your best pair will get scratched)
• Sunscreen (reef-safe, over-applied, yet still not enough)
• Hat (preferably one that won’t fly off mid-tack)
• Water bottle (bonus points for carabiner attachment)
• Sea-sickness pills (bring even if “you’re fine on ferries”)

Clothing

• 2–3 swimsuits (rotation is your friend)
• Light cover-up / sarong / loose dress
• 3–4 quick-dry tops (bonus: double as sleepwear)
• 2 pairs shorts + 1 long, breathable pair or pants (for churches or chills)
• Something vaguely nice for port dinners (yet, still boat-friendly)
• Windbreaker or light rain jacket (for dramatic Adriatic gusts)
• Underwear, socks (you’ll forget how many days you’ve worn each)
• Sleepwear (or just hope everyone’s chill)

Footwear

• Boat shoes or sandals with grip (style is optional, traction is not)
• Flip flops (for showers or spontaneous ice cream runs)
• Lightweight sneakers (for “let’s hike” moments you didn’t agree to)

Boat-Specific

• Dry bag (for phones, snacks, and misplaced dignity)
• USB charging cable (the one cord everyone forgets and then fights over)
• Quick-dry towel (ideally not the size of a napkin)
• Headlamp, cliplight or flashlight (nighttime anchor drama happens)
• Reef shoes or water shoes (sea urchins have opinions)
• Earplugs (someone might snore)
• Sailing gloves (if you like helping)
• Sleep mask if you need one (sunrise does not care about your hangover)
• Soft bag or duffel (hard suitcases will be judged)

Toiletries & Health

• Toothbrush, toothpaste (brush like someone might share a cabin with you.)
• Wet wipes + hand sanitizer (not always optional)
• Personal meds (plus bonus painkillers and bandage)
• Prescription glasses/contacts (and that tiny bottle of solution you always forget)
• Lip balm with SPF (sunburned lips = chaos)
• Small shower bag with toiletries (for real showers on land at marinas - when plumbing and water pressure return)

Nice-to-Haves

• Book or e-reader (for when the Wi-Fi disappears… again)
• Playing cards or a travel game (competitive? warn the crew)
• Snacks you can’t live without (hide them well)
• Aux cord or Bluetooth speaker (the boat’s system is probably cursed)
• Your own snorkel gear (if you care about quality)