Whether toughing the waters while sailing or relaxing on a manned super yacht, it is important to be prepared for what you wear on your next sailing holiday. For both the more extreme sailors who must wear the correct gear in order to be safe, and the laid-back holiday-goers who want to enjoy their holiday while looking their best, we have created a list of the clothing essentials for your next sailing holiday.
Sunglasses
If there’s one thing you learn from this list, it’s that sunglasses are a must-have for any sort of boating holiday you may have. Don’t underestimate the brightness and UV rays from the sun, which can appear not only on your yacht charter to the sunny islands of the BVI but also in the icy waters of the North Atlantic Crossing. Wherever you choose to go, make sure you don’t begin your charter without a pair of these on hand.
Swimsuit
With the vast ocean at your fingertips during your charter, some may say a swimsuit is not a luxury at all but a necessity to get the full experience out of your trip. However, there are many different styles and types of swimsuits to choose from. To check out the latest styles, follow some of your favourite influencers and celebrities to see which style you most like. Check out the list of our favourite sailing influencers to inspire your nautical wardrobe!
Waterproof Coat
Surprisingly, when sailing, whether on a huge yacht or a small dinghy, you may get wet. It is important to ensure that you have the correct waterproof coat to not only protect you should this happen, but also keep you warm and insulated as the waters can be dangerous and can be cold no matter where you go, especially at night or early in the morning. Even if you are choosing to swim with pigs in the Bahamas and believe this may not be a problem, it is safe to always have one on hand.
Maxi dresses
When you are looking for some trendy, off-shore items of clothing to wear, it is important to take into account packing space, as well as the different temperatures there will be onboard versus on shore. For this reason, we recommend lightweight clothing such as maxi dresses which are easy to pack, but also help cover you up for the cooler evening temperatures on the coast. We also recommend that on top of that, you bring a small jacket to have on hand.
Trainers
The correct shoes can be a make or break between a good charter and a bad one. It is also important to bring more than one pair, should the first get wet which is more than likely. If you are planning on a beach holiday, you would be correct in assuming bringing sandals is the way to go. However, when wandering around your boat, it is also important to have some good, insulated shoes such as trainers on hand as well. Not only are they good for around the boat, but it also means you could explore some of the beautiful hikes and historic villages some of the coastal towns have to offer.
Sailing Gloves
If you are planning on a more hands-on sailing experience, particularly if you don’t have a skipper, sailing gloves are a good investment to protect your hands from burns and calluses. Not only do they help protect your hands, but they also help with your grip which can be important when the winds are stronger.
Fleeces/Jumpers
As mentioned above already, the evenings and mornings aboard your charter, even in the hottest of places, can be some of the coldest moments you will experience on your holidays. For this reason, it is important to plan ahead with jumpers or fleeces that can keep you warm should the temperatures drop during your trip, so that you can layer up on your existing clothing, especially during the night.
Coverup
If you plan on swimming or enjoying the beach on your trip, a coverup is one of the most vital clothing essentials for your charter. With many types to choose from, dresses to matching sets, a coverup is important to ensure you can easily travel from the boat to the beach to the nearby restaurants to fully enjoy what the place you are visiting has to offer.
Sun Hat
While most people repeatedly talk about safety in the sun, through protecting your eyes with sunglasses or your skin with sunscreen, many people forget how damaging the sun can be to your head. Wearing any sort of hat can protect your head from the UV rays and stop scalp sunburn, which can be some of the most painful types of sunburn, and can also cause effects such as irritation and effects similar to dandruff. We also recommend having at least one hat with a strap, as the winds can be unpredictable.
When it comes time for you to pack for your next trip, make sure you research the place you are planning to travel to before you go, to properly ensure you have packed the correct clothing for all the activities you plan on partaking in, to get the most out of your charter holiday.
