Packing list sailing vacation

I'm going on vacation and taking with me....

Just what should you pack if you are going to spend some time on a sailing yacht?
Although many items are already on board, a good packing list is very important for a sailing vacation in the sun.
To make sure you are optimally prepared and relaxed on your trip, we have compiled the following packing list of things you should definitely not forget.

The serious business

Not the most exciting, but essential things you take with you when you travel.

Passport/identity card.
Please note the validity (at least until the end of your stay).
Certificate of competency (Boating License 1+2, RYA Day Skipper or ICC) and basic marine phonics certificate.
The latter is not required for Greece (yet).
Insurance details: travel and cancellation insurance is recommended.
Money and cards.
The currency in Greece is the Euro, in Croatia the Kuna.
Airline tickets (or your car keys, if you are coming by car).
Travel bag or backpack.
Preferably not a suitcase due to limited storage space on board and possible damage.

Sun protection

Very nice that sun, but important to have enough protection if you are not used to it on a daily basis.
Therefore, we recommend packing the following items in your bag:

Cap or hat
Sunburn and After sun
Lip cream with SPF factor (Labello or similar)
Cool clothing that covers the skin in case you do get a sunburn.
Sunglasses (Polaroid lenses are very nice on the water!)

Sleeping gear

Actually, you don’t really need stuff for this, but just to be sure:

The beds are already there and so are the mattresses.
Blankets are on board (only possibly needed in early and late season).
Sheets, pillows and pillowcases are provided, as are shower towels.
Possibly earplugs (but really, those boat noises are just wonderful for falling asleep with).

Clothing

In the summer months, less is more certainly applies to this.

Summer clothes, bikini/swimming trunks
Warmer clothes for evenings in the early and late season
Thin rain or sailing jacket in the early and late season is handy for any stray rain shower
Shoes that do not leave black streaks on the deck
Slippers
Hand and tea towels for the kitchen
Possibly a bath towel – shower towels are already provided though
Water shoes: there are many sea urchins in some places.

Extras

Always nice to have with you on vacation!

Photo/video camera
Goggles with snorkel (there is usually one on board as well)
Reading books / magazines
Nice game
Inflatable attribute for floating around in the water
Music (via aux cable or Bluetooth on the boat speakers)

Fun apps on the go

Of course, on a sailing vacation, you’ll be on your phone as little as possible.
But when you do take it out… of course you want to have the best apps!

Navionics, for navigation on the water.
This is really just a portable chart plotter.
Tip: You can get a free trial for two weeks!
Windy, (the red icon) for detailed wind and weather forecasts on map view.
MarineTraffic, to see all ships with AIS transmitter.
Very useful in a shipping lane, for example, or if you need to catch a ferry.
Instagram, and of course especially tag @portokali.co.uk with your photos and in your story so we can share your post!