Well planned, relaxed sailing
A sailing vacation doesn’t just start in port – it starts with planning and packing. With a flexible travel bag, functional clothing and a well-coordinated first-aid kit, you can create the best conditions for a relaxing and safe trip.
What should you take with you on your sailing vacation?
One of the most common mistakes when preparing for a cruise: packing too much and impractically. What counts on board is not mass, but compactness and functionality – because storage space is limited.
Who is taking what? Coordinate with your Crew!
It makes sense to coordinate with the whole Crew team in advance. What can everyone use together, who can bring what? This also saves on luggage and lugging things around!

Packing for your sailing vacation: our tips
Luggage: no suitcases please!
Suitcases with hard shells or wheels are impractical on yachts and almost impossible to stow away. Instead, use foldable travel bags, sports bags or duffel bags! These can easily be stowed away in cupboards or under berths after unpacking – keeping the boat tidy and safe.
Clothing: light, functional and weatherproof
…adapted to the season and weather conditions, of course!
- T-shirts and tops – but also long-sleeved shirts (as sun protection)
- Fleece jacket, sweater or hoodie
- Shorts, long trousers – zip-off hiking pants have also proved their worth!
- Wind and rain jacket (waterproof and windproof)
- Swimwear, beachwear
- Non-slip deck shoes (with light-colored, non-marking soles!), sturdy shoes for shore excursions
- Sandals or bathing shoes for the sanitary facilities in the marinas
- Headgear (e.g. cap or sun hat), headband (for sensitive ears)
- Sunglasses (with strap)
On-board pharmacy and personal hygiene articles
- Personal medication and remedies for seasickness (e.g. tablets, chewing gum, acupressure bands), painkillers, medication for fever and diarrhea
- Microfiber towels (dry quickly and take up little space)
- Travel toiletry bag (environmentally friendly care products!), sunscreen with a high sun protection factor, after-sun lotion and insect repellent
- Toilet paper (yacht-suitable, fast-dissolving), wet wipes, disinfectant wipes
Useful items and technology
- Drybag (for documents and electronics)
- Cell phone with charger (incl. power bank), adapter for sockets (depending on destination country), small flashlight
- Passport or identity card
- Charter documents (boarding pass, charter contract, etc. – also digital), sailing license, copies of all important documents (stored in the cloud if necessary)
Entertainment
- Puzzle books and board games that take up little space
- Reading material such as magazines, books or other activities
- Toys (if you are sailing with children) –
Behavior on board
Consideration and safety
Life on a yacht requires team spirit and consideration. Confined spaces, changing conditions and responsibility towards Crew make clear rules and respectful cooperation indispensable.
Some of the rules of conduct apply not only on board, but also on the jetty – such as stowing lines correctly or behaving respectfully towards neighboring boats. Pitter Yachtcharter has compiled useful tips on how to behave on the jetty, which you can read in the blog article.

What you should bear in mind:
Respect quiet times: In bays and harbors, it is customary to be quiet in the evenings. Especially on the evening before departure – many have a long journey home ahead of them – everyone should be allowed to sleep in.
Courtesy and respect: Greet other sailors and harbor staff in a friendly manner. Respectful interaction is a matter of course, especially in marinas.
Cleanliness and order: Personal items should be stored safely and in a space-saving manner to avoid accidents.
Suitable footwear: Make sure you are sure-footed when walking on the deck! Only wear non-slip shoes with light-colored soles (hard or black soles are not permitted!)
Teamwork: Every helping hand is needed on a sailing trip. Whether mooring or in the galley – actively support your Crew!