How to pack:
The yacht has many small storage spaces (lockers, cubbies, pigeonholes and shelves). They provide a large, if fragmented, storage space – all small things will fit just fine, but neither a suitcase nor a large frame backpack will. You should pack your belongings in a soft-sided bag or a frameless backpack, either of which can be folded and stashed on the bottom of the locker.
What to bring:
Clothes:
⇒Oilskin (if you don’t have an oilskin, you can use a waterproof jacket, pants with glued seams and some warm clothes underneath)
⇒Warm sweatshirt/sweater/Polartex/Softshell, theral clothing
⇒Long pants — at least 2 pairs
⇒Shorts
⇒Underwear, socks, sleepwear
⇒Summer shirts
⇒Warm hat
⇒Sunhat with a rim
⇒Shoes — soft sole covered for walking on deck, flip-flops, sandals, wellingtons (indispensable on the Baltic Sea)
⇒Gloves — preferably warm, those can be work or sailing gloves
⇒Swimsuit
Cosmetics and medications:
⇒Sunscreen SPF ≥ 50
⇒Lip balm with sunblock
⇒Liquid soap (bar soap does not foam in salt water)
⇒Other personal toiletries
⇒Towel, preferably two
⇒Medication (the yacht is equipped with a first aid kit with basic first aid equipment, but if you suspect you will need anything else (from painkillers and antihistamines to insect repellent and anything else), please bring it along)
⇒Any other medication you take regularly. The captain needs to be informed of any special medical needs and medication before the trip.
⇒Sunglasses — an UV filter is a must-have!
Documents:
⇒Passport —before leaving, make sure it is in good condition and clearly allows the owner to be identified. Passport or ID should be valid for at least 6 months past the planned trip. National ID might be sufficient for cruises within EU, but you need to verify which laws apply to you.
⇒A photocopy of the picture page of the passport or ID
⇒Sailing credentials, if you have them
⇒Sailing Book (optional)
⇒Certificates of other credentials (e.g. SRC, VHF, diving) (optional)
⇒Discount cards, (e.g. EURO 26), student ID (optional)
⇒Individual health insurance valid abroad during the time of the cruise.
The yacht insurance covers the passengers from unforeseen accidents that occur onboard, but not ashore – thus, it is a good idea to carry your own insurance.
Money:
⇒You need to find out what currency is used in the destination country, as well as the currency you plan to bring from home, should you need to purchase additional currency while abroad (check with the captain).
⇒Money for the shared expenses
⇒Money to pay for tourist attractions, (possibly) meals in local restaurants, souvenirs, local transportation
⇒Backup money for unanticipated expenses
⇒Credit/debit card (it can be very useful, although it’s recommended to check before departure what fees you will be charged for currency exchanges, for foreign transactions, and for taking cash out of an ATM or a cash machine abroad.)
Sleeping gear:
⇒Sleeping bag is necessary (if you are joining a spring or fall cruise on the Baltic Sea, it should be a warm/winter sleeping bag, for summer trips a lighter sleeping bag should be enough)
⇒You may find linens and a small pillow useful as well.
Phone, camera and other electronics:
⇒Cell phone, preferably in a waterproof case (before leaving, verify with your phone company whether roaming is turned on, as well as check the fees for the incoming and outgoing calls and text messages)
⇒Camera (optional)
⇒Chargers for cellphone and camera
⇒Spare batteries, if needed.
Other:
⇒If you wear eyeglasses – croakies, retainers or other protective gear
⇒If you need eyeglasses, bring along a spare pair just in case (also if you usually use contact lenses)
Other optional, but useful gear:
⇒Diving/snorkeling gear (mask, flippers, water shoes, swimming googles) — useful if our destination is a warm sea — unlikely to be of use on the Baltic
⇒Guidebooks and books to read
⇒Sailing and/or tourist songbooks
⇒Guitar, recorder, or other musical instruments
⇒Flashlight (ideally a headlamp)
⇒Pocket knife
⇒Ziplock bags (in various sizes)
⇒Small backpack for day trips
Food and kitchen supplies:
The yacht has a fully equipped kitchen (plates, mugs, utensils, pots, a frying pan, teapot, etc.), so you don’t need to bring your own cooking equipment.TT
As a rule, we do not bring food products from Poland (unless it was decided otherwise after a discussion with the captain). We buy fresh produce as we travel.
Do notify the captain of any dietary preferences or issues (e.g. special diet, allergies or dislikes of some foods) before the trip.
The most important items:
⇒Good humor
⇒Positive outlook
Of course this whole list is meant only as an advice and suggestion. People have different needs and preferences and may choose to bring an alternative choice of belongings.