Going on a sailing excursion, whether it’s for a day trip or an extended cruise, involves more planning and preparation than going on a land-based holiday. This is true regardless of the length of the trip. Because of the unpredictability of the ocean’s environment, it is imperative that you provide yourself with all of the essential gear, supplies, and safety equipment, regardless of the size of your boat or your level of sailing experience. All of the items that you will require for a secure and pleasurable experience are included on this exhaustive packing list for sailing with PDF Checklist.
Packing List for Sailing: PDF Checklist
Contents
Safety Equipment
- ☐ Life vests
- ☐ Safety harnesses
- ☐ EPIRB/PLB
- ☐ Visual distress signals
- ☐ Throwable flotation device
- ☐ First aid supplies
Sailing Gear
- ☐ Tools
- ☐ Docklines/fenders
- ☐ Charts
- ☐ Sailing gloves
- ☐ Headlamps/flashlights
- ☐ Binoculars
- ☐ Handheld VHF radio
- ☐ Paper charts and writing instruments
Food/Water
- ☐ Main meals and snacks
- ☐ Reusable water bottles
- ☐ Emergency water rations
Clothing/Footwear
- ☐ Base layers
- ☐ Mid layers
- ☐ Outer layers
- ☐ Footwear
- ☐ Sailing gloves
- ☐ Hats/visors
Personal Items
- ☐ Medications
- ☐ Toiletries
- ☐ Chargers
- ☐ Entertainment
- ☐ Comfort items
| Category | Item | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Safety Equipment | Life vests | ☐ |
| Safety harnesses | ☐ | |
| EPIRB/PLB | ☐ | |
| Visual distress signals | ☐ | |
| Throwable flotation device | ☐ | |
| First aid supplies | ☐ | |
| Sailing Gear | Tools | ☐ |
| Docklines/fenders | ☐ | |
| Charts | ☐ | |
| Sailing gloves | ☐ | |
| Headlamps/flashlights | ☐ | |
| Binoculars | ☐ | |
| Handheld VHF radio | ☐ | |
| Paper charts and writing instruments | ☐ | |
| Food/Water | Main meals and snacks | ☐ |
| Reusable water bottles | ☐ | |
| Emergency water rations | ☐ | |
| Clothing/Footwear | Base layers | ☐ |
| Mid layers | ☐ | |
| Outer layers | ☐ | |
| Footwear | ☐ | |
| Sailing gloves | ☐ | |
| Hats/visors | ☐ | |
| Personal Items | Medications | ☐ |
| Toiletries | ☐ | |
| Chargers | ☐ | |
| Entertainment | ☐ | |
| Comfort items | ☐ |
Download Packing List for Sailing: Free PDF Checklist from Here
Life Vests and Jackets
Every passenger should have a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket or vest in the correct size. Choose bright colors for high visibility in the water. Consider inflatable styles for comfort while allowing freedom of movement. Have at least one extra non-inflatable child’s vest onboard.
Table 1: Recommended extra life jackets by passenger count
| Number of Passengers | Extra Infant/Child Vests |
|---|---|
| 1-2 | 0 |
| 3-4 | 1 |
| 5-6 | 2 |
Safety Harness
A secure harness with a safety line allows you to clip onto the boat for preventing falls overboard. It also makes activities like changing sails safer by having both hands free.
EPIRB or PLB
An emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) or personal locator beacon (PLB) broadcasts your GPS position to search and rescue organizations if you’re in distress. It should include water activation to automatically turn on when submerged.
Visual Distress Signals
Carrying both day and night signals like flares, mirrors, flags, and strobe lights gives you multiple options for attracting attention from potential rescuers. They should be readily accessible, not stowed away out of reach.
Throwable Flotation Device
A life ring, throw bag, or horseshoe buoy capable of being thrown at least 15 yards enables you to assist someone who has fallen overboard and cannot swim back to the boat without entering the water yourself.
First Aid Supplies
A well-stocked first aid kit can treat minor scrapes and motion sickness. Also prepare for potential emergencies like lacerations or broken bones until you can reach medical care. Include any personal medications taken routinely or needed in an emergency like an inhaler or EpiPen.
Sailing Gear and Equipment
The right sailing equipment promotes seamanship, prevents damage to the boat, and makes your days aboard more pleasurable. Stock these sailing essentials for smooth operation and handling when underway.
Tools
Have both hand tools like wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers, and knives as well as power tools like drills for basic repairs and adjustments. Spare parts like extra line, shackles, cotter pins, and fuses enable you to fix problems at sea when you can’t run to the marine supply store.
Docklines/Fenders
Good docklines in the appropriate lengths and diameters make mooring easy and protect both your boat and neighboring boats from impacts and abrasion. Fenders or dock cushions guard against scuffing and provide padding between vessels.
Charts
Always cruise with official government charts showing precise, up-to-date depth markings, obstructions, and aids to navigation for your sailing grounds. Ensure you have both overview charts for navigation planning as well as detailed charts for close coastal piloting.
Sailing Gloves
Gloves protect your hands when handling lines and increase grip strength for confidence when raising and trimming sails. Full-finger sailing gloves also prevent rope burns from high-tension loads.
Headlamps/flashlights
Even if not planning an overnight passage, carry high-quality waterproof headlamps offering hands-free illumination. They’re useful for tasks after dark like scanning charts or double checking connections on electrical systems but also provide redundancy if navigation lights fail.
Binoculars
A good pair of marine binoculars serves many purposes like approaching unfamiliar harbors, identifying other vessels, spotting markers and aids to navigation, or observing sea conditions at a distance. They’re a key aid for decision-making and hazard avoidance. Choose binoculars with rangefinding reticles for estimating distances.
Handheld VHF
A fixed VHF radio offers longer range, but a handheld backup gives redundancy for summoning emergency assistance and enables communicating from different areas of the boat. Most also receive weather updates. Durable waterproof models float if dropped overboard.
Paper Charts and Pencils/Pens
Print paper backup charts to supplement electronic chartplotters and navigation systems which could lose power. Always have multiple pencils and pens protected in floating/waterproof case. Keep blank paper for noting position fixes via visual landmarks.
Food/Water
Provisioning appropriately ensures you remain nourished and hydrated for actively working on deck and making sound decisions while sailing.
Tools
Have both hand tools like wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers, and knives as well as power tools like drills for basic repairs and adjustments. Spare parts like extra line, shackles, cotter pins, and fuses enable you to fix problems at sea when you can’t run to the marine supply store.
Main Meals/Snacks
Stock easy to prepare shelf-stable foods that everyone enjoys. Include variety and snacks. Plan for at least 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, and 1 dinner per person per day of your planned voyage, plus several days of extra in case of delays from weather or other issues.
Reusable Water Bottles
Carry durable BPA-free water bottles for environmentally friendly hydration that keeps drinking water accessible without wasting plastic. Mark names clearly to prevent germ sharing and stow in mesh holders to contain spills.
Emergency Water Rations
Vacuum sealed pouches provide emergency backup water for short term in event water tanks are contaminated or low due to extended periods without the ability to collect rainwater or make landfall for fresh supplies.
Clothing/Footwear
Marine weather demands versatility in your sailing wardrobe with breathable layers for comfort across a range of conditions.
Base Layers
Wicking synthetic or merino wool long underwear pulls moisture from skin keeping you warm but not clammy. Choose light colors to reflect solar radiation and guard against overheating in intense sunlight.
Mid Layers
Fleece hoodies and jackets add warmth without restricting flexibility for handling lines and gear. Select darker colors to absorb light when the weather cools off. Pit or side zips allow venting body heat when active.
Outer Layers
Waterproof and breathable shell jackets, bibs, or one-piece sailing suits repel wind and water. Look for coated nylon Oxford or cordura fabrics with heat sealed or glued seams. Hoods or collars seal out spray around your neck.
Footwear
On most sailboats non-marking rubber sailing shoes or deck shoes have the best grip when wet without tracking dirt below deck. They’re also quick drying with adequate drainage when waves splash over the side. For offshore passagemaking, calf-high rubber boots handle bigger seas while keeping feet dry for hours on watch.
Gloves
Full finger sailing gloves provide protection from abrasive lines and give better grip strength for handling sheets and halyards. Neoprene rubber insulates from spray and keeps hands warmer.
Hats/Visors
Wide brim waterproof hats shield from extended sun, glare, and rain exposure. Visors keep the sun’s rays out of your eyes for better visibility to spot other boats and hazards without obstructing peripheral vision a hat brim can obscure.
Personal Items
A few small personal comforts make cramped quarters below deck more habitable after long days in the elements.
Medications
Bring prescribed meds plus OTC drugs for potential issues like headaches, congestion, allergies, upset stomach or motion sickness. Consult your doctor about extras to carry just in case of new symptoms or lost pills.
Toiletries
In addition to toothpaste/toothbrush and usual toiletries, include extras like backup eyeglasses/contacts, prescription sunscreen and lip balm. Store liquids in travel sized leak proof bottles. Bring multiple towels which dry faster than sponges in humid conditions.
Chargers
Don’t forget charging cables for electronics like phones as some boats still lack onboard power or sufficient outlets for multiple devices. Waterproof portable chargers provide backup.
Entertainment
Download favorite playlists beforehand since cellular signals disappear offshore. Pack old-fashioned non-electric diversions too like playing cards, crossword puzzles, sketch pads and reading material.
Comfort items
Photos of family remind you of awaiting reunions. Favorite snacks boost morale on rainy days. Small comforts ease the demands of longer voyages.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most important items for safety?
Proper lifejackets, a throwing assist device, visual distress signals, and an emergency radio beacon top the safety list. Also critical is having detailed up-to-date charts showing potential hazards in your sailing grounds.
What special gear is needed for sailing vs powerboats?
Sailors need clothing and gloves to protect from the elements when handling wet lines and sails in windier conditions powerboaters rarely experience at slower speeds. Tools like sailor’s palms and knives facilitate handling lines under load.
How should food be stored to stay fresh longer term?
Stow dry foods in vermin-proof containers to prevent mold growth in condensation-prone marine environments. Canned goods resist spoilage. Cool storage extends freshness of dairy, produce, eggs and meats or freeze if longer duration.
What should the first aid kit contain?
Start with adhesive bandages, gauze pads, roller bandages, sterile gloves, antiseptic ointment, tweezers, trauma shears, antibiotic cream and medications for potential issues like pain/fever, allergies, nausea and motion sickness.
How can electronics be protected from water damage?
Store devices in fully waterproof hard cases when not in use. For charging, secure cables neatly to minimize tripping and use weather deck boxes or housings if plugging into exterior AC outlets. Enable water lock modes when available.
Conclusion
Preparing for a sailing adventure differs greatly from packing for a resort vacation or overland road trip. Compiling this comprehensive yet transportable inventory of gear, safety equipment, supplies and spares equips you for self-sufficiency in an unforgiving saltwater environment until you choose to make landfall again. Paying close attention to details like durability, fuel capacity, redundancy in communications and provisions for emergencies allows focusing fully on enjoying ideal days under sail without worrying about what you might have forgotten. With the proper seabag inspected through this checklist, you can confidently depart the dock ready for adventure on the high seas under sail power alone. Fair winds and following seas!
Resources/Useful Links:
U.S. Coast Guard Boating Safety
American Sailing Association Sailing Equipment Recommendations