What to take on a cruise?
Masurian season
Yacht sailing in Masuria is a seasonal sport. The season usually starts at the end of April and lasts until the beginning of October..
Of course, the factor that directly affects the start and end of the season is the weather. Masurian weather can surprise us with both African heat and autumn-like cold. Therefore, when preparing for a cruise, it is worth getting ready for changeable weather conditions. So, what should we take on board?
Footwear
Yachting footwear should be characterized by good adhesion and water resistance. For summer, sneakers are sufficient, for example with a soft rubber sole that won’t slip on a wet surface. What is important, let’s also make sure that the sole will not leave any marks on the yacht’s laminate covering.
The shoe tread shouldn’t be too elaborate or deeply grooved so as not to pick up too much sand or dirt.
If you wear sandals on hot days, they should adhere to your leg well. As when driving a car, flip-flops are not the best solution. They can also turn out to be quite dangerous. Remember that while manoeuvring a yacht we move dynamically, and our footwear should provide stability.
Headgear
On a warm day, a baseball cap or a scarf will be great. A cap has an advantage over a scarf in that the visibility against the sun is better while wearing the former one. The most important thing, however, just like on land, is to protect your head from overheating.
Sunglasses with a UV filter are also a useful gadget. However, remember to wear them on a string. If you put your glasses aside or in your pocket during manoeuvres, they may fall into the water or get crushed.
For colder days an autumn hat will be just right.
Rainwear
The most popular outside wear on a yacht is a storm jacket, whose most important function is water resistance. Contemporary sailing clothing is based on modern technology. It provides excellent protection against wind and rain while allowing the body to breathe.
That does not mean, however, that we need expensive professional equipment for recreational sailing.
It is enough for our storm jacket to perform its basic task: be waterproof, protect from the wind, and provide ventilation. Pockets and a peak (extension) on the hood are always additional advantages, especially when the wind is blowing straight in your face.
For warm days
The most important thing is to be comfortable. Cotton clothing works well, and good sunscreen for hot weather. Without proper sun protection, the end of a sailing day might come as a nasty surprise. We do not recommend testing this on your own skin.
How to pack?
Certainly not in a suitcase. Pack your stuff in soft bags or travel bags which, when unpacked, can easily be folded in such a way that they take up as little space as possible.
Watertight bags are especially good, especially in open boats. In the case of cabin yachts, you can just as well use a typical travel bag.
What to take on a cruise?
When packing for a cruise it is worth remembering that the yacht serves both for sleeping and sailing, so the living space is quite limited. With a larger crew, the size of our luggage really matters.
Take only things which are strictly necessary, will not cause clutter and take up valuable space.
Below is a list of things that we recommend taking on a cruise. Of course, this is a basic list that each participant should modify/supplement according to their needs 😉
- Toiletries
- Underwear (panties, socks, etc.)
- T-shirts
- 2 pairs of long trousers
- 2 pairs of shorts
- 2 sweatshirt /a sweater
- Swimming costume / trunks
- Storm jacket
- Gloves (for ropes)
- Hat / headscarf
- Sunglasses with UV filter
- Sunscreen
- Flashlight (preferably waterproof)
- Waterproof case for phone / camera
- Footwear
- Flip-flops (for shower)
- Bath towel / towel
- Mosquito / fly repellent
- Medicines
- Sleeping bag
- Lanyard / neck strap (remember that if something falls in the water, it will probably quickly drown)
- Food provisions and water
- Good mood 😉