Are you among the 3.57 million Americans who enjoy sailing?
If so, you probably dream of sailing away from your local harbor and taking an extended sailing trip. Whether you take your own boat or sign up for a sailing trip in an exotic locale, there’s a lot of preparation that goes into a successful sailboat trip.
Before you (literally) set sail, read the article below to ensure you have everything you need for a safe and successful sailing trip.
Choose Your Sailing Destination
No doubt there are beautiful areas near your home port, but what if you yearn to sail farther abroad? Some of the best sailing destinations around the world include:
- The Mediterranean Sea
- The Caribbean islands
- The Galapagos islands
- Southeast Asia (Thailand, Indonesia)
- Australia & New Zealand
- The South Pacific
You may need to join a sailing trip or charter a boat for destinations far from home — unless you’re preparing for a very extended trip in your own sailboat!
What to Wear on a Sailing Trip: Packing Tips
Space is limited onboard, so pack as light as possible for the length of your trip. With that said, here are some items you won’t want to forget:
- Sturdy walking shoes
- Reef shoes
- Light windbreaker
- Sun visor, sun hat, or baseball cap
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen (lots of it)
- Beach towel
- Seasickness medication
- Mosquito spray
- Mini first-aid kit
What about your electronics? You’ll need to consider portable chargers and a portable WiFi hotspot if you plan to bring your laptop or other gadgets.
Since a sailing trip is all about disconnecting from the outside world, though, why not consider leaving as many electronics as possible at home? Instead, pack a deck of cards, a few paperback books, or some travel-sized board games to keep yourself entertained.
Stay Safe on the Water
Assuming you’ll be sailing in your own boat, there are some steps to take to ensure it’s safe and ready for the journey.
For example, you need to know how to run the critical systems on your boat, including running lights, radios, and navigation systems. Make sure you have the proper batteries, full propane tanks, and radios in good working order.
You’ll need enough food and water for the length of your trip, or at least enough until your next major port of call. Make sure you have gear for bad weather as well as a fully stocked first-aid kit and emergency supplies.
Speaking of emergencies, do you have a written emergency plan? Keep a “ditch kit” near your dinghy with essentials like flares, water, food rations, and a waterproof radio. And no matter how long or short your sailing trip, be sure someone onshore knows exactly where you’re headed and when to expect to hear from you again.
Where Will Your Sailing Trip Take You?
Whether you’ll be island hopping in the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, or Southeast Asia, it takes a lot of work to plan the perfect sailing trip.
Use the sailing tips and tricks listed above to ensure you have everything you need for a safe and enjoyable sailboat trip!
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