Going sailing is a great choice for a memorable vacation. You chose Dalmatia and a sailboat from our charter for this adventure and can't wait to get started? However, before the very beginning of sailing, it is important to know how to prepare for departure and what you should and should not bring to sailing.
In this article, we will give you some tips on how to prepare for a vacation on a sailboat and fully enjoy all the benefits of sailing.
Firstly, before packing, you should keep in mind that the sailboat, although it seems spacious, is a very cramped space, and you should carefully prepare and pack things - from clothes to food and water. Don't think of a vacation on a sailboat as a vacation in a hotel, but more like a vacation in a tent or camper. So, you will have everything you need for a comfortable vacation, but in a rather small space.
When packing clothes, it is important to remember not to overdo it. There are cabinets for storing clothes, but they are limited. Pack depending on the period of the year in which you have a holiday. So, if it is a spring or autumn vacation, consider bringing warmer, windproof and waterproof clothes. When choosing a suitcase or a bag in which to pack your clothes, it is better to choose a soft bag. This way you can empty it, and then fold it up and store it somewhere so that it doesn't get in the way and doesn't take up space like a suitcase would.
A short list of what to bring for 7 days of sailing:
When it comes to cosmetics, try to be minimalist because there is not enough space in the bathroom on a sailboat. The best advice is to take small refillable bottles and doses. You can transfer your cosmetics to these smaller doses and put them in your toiletry bag. What is mandatory from cosmetics are sunscreens! Also, don’t forget to bring insect repellant, but also creams for insect bites.
What many forget is to bring a laundry bag, the clothespins, which always come in handy when drying towels and swimwear are already on the boats.
Don't forget the medicines:
Although every ship has a first aid kit, it is not a bad idea to bring your own medicine. In your medicine bag, you should have paracetamol and ibuprofen, some medicine for seasickness and medicine for diarrhea. Pack some cream or gel for insect bites and allergy pills. It is also a good idea to bring disinfectant spray in case of cuts or wounds and plasters.
Along with clothes and basic cosmetics, don't forget to have fun. Bring cell phone chargers as well as portable extra batteries. Although our sailboats have Wi-Fi and radio, it would be a good idea to bring your favorite music on a USB, and a portable speaker.
A waterproof bag should also find a place in your bag because you will be able to put important documents, cards, mobile phones and other important things in it that you don't want to lose or get wet.
Finally, find places for your mask and snorkel, so you can enjoy the beautiful Adriatic Sea. As for other entertainment accessories, it would be a good idea to consult with the skipper, as he knows best how much can fit on the sailboat without interfering the sailing. If you go on a trip with kids, you should bring some board games, cards, paper for drawing, and other fun activities.
Being in the sun and the sea makes you thirsty, and there are limited amounts of water on board that can be put in the ship's tanks. Therefore, it is important to take note of how much water is consumed. Make sure you take a short shower at the stern of the boat to save as much water as possible for cooking. Be sure to buy bottled water in sufficient quantities so that everyone has enough. You can always top up your water supply at local store in one of the villages. But, most of our boat are quipped with water makers which for sure will be a big bonus for your organization.
Before the trip, it would be good to plan your meals and decide whether you want to eat on the boat and cook for yourself or treat yourself to top specialties in the numerous restaurants on the Adriatic. It is a good idea to agree on which groceries you will take and in what quantities, so that you have enough during the voyage. Expect that everyone on board will have a great appetite, and it's a good idea to bring a little more food than usual. However, plan wisely, as the ship's galley is limited in space and does not have a large refrigerator.
Since the sailing yacht is a small place where up to 12 people stay, it is very important to take care of your behavior so that everyone feels good. The saloon and kitchen can often get crowded, so make sure you keep those places clean and tidy. Agree on the division of tasks with your companions so that it does not happen that certain people are washing and cleaning the dishes or cooking all the time, while others do nothing. The same applies to drinks, food, and especially desserts. Be considerate of others and share.
Although it seems like an obvious fact, it is still important to emphasize it so that your sailing will remain in a good memory.
We recommend that you hire a skipper who will take care of everything. He is the captain of the yacht, he knows the yacht and the sea and knows what to do at all times. So, the captain, i.e. the skipper, is in charge of the yacht. Before sailing, our skippers will give you basic information about the yacht, what to do and where to be when mooring or untying the boat, how to move on the boat, etc.
When moving on the yacht, be sure to be careful how you walk and never run, so as not to slip. If you decide to turn off the engine and challenge the power of the sea and experience real sailing, be sure to pay attention to the boom (pole parallel to the deck of the sailboat), which moves from left to right with the sail. Experienced skippers will guide you on what to do, where to sit and which ropes to pull or relax. When sailing, the sailboat will tilt to one side and then to the other. You don't have to be afraid of this because it is normal when sailing and the boat will not capsize. Just listen to your skipper and close the lockers well, so things don't fall out.
What you don't need to take with you on a sailing trip are high-heeled shoes. Namely, you will have to take them off when entering the boat because it will be difficult to get on the sailboat in them. In addition, the heel could damage the deck. The same is with shoes with black soles. This kind of footwear should be avoided because it can leave traces that are difficult to wash off. You don't need to carry any valuables and a lot of jewelry on sailing as you will be constantly on the move, you will swim in the sea and the like, and some precious piece of jewelry could fall out and get lost.
All additional information and details on what to pay attention to can be obtained from our officers in the charter center or from your skipper. We believe that if you prepare this way, you will have a memorable vacation.
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