Packing for your Southern Cross Yachting sailing course shouldn’t feel like preparing for an Antarctic expedition. You’re not climbing Everest. But you’ll definitely want to be comfortable, safe, and prepared for all the adventures ahead. Our skippers recommend this ultimate packing guide to ensure your sailing experience is smooth, enjoyable, and worry-free.
The Ultimate Packing Guide:
Clothes to Keep You Comfy Onboard
Sailing conditions can change quickly, so it’s all about layers. Bring quick-drying, lightweight clothes, and a fleece or two for warmth during cooler months. Don’t forget your non-marking deck shoes (no black soles!) to keep the boat pristine and ensure you stay upright on deck. A pair of gloves and a hat—wide-brimmed or warm, depending on the season—are also essential.
- Waterproof jacket and trousers: Essential for staying dry in wet or windy conditions
- Non-marking sailing shoes or boots: Ensure good grip and avoid scuffing the deck; closed-toe shoes required
- Warm layers: Fleece recommended for cooler temperatures
- Quick-dry clothing: Lightweight and breathable clothing suitable for active wear
- Hat and gloves: Hat for sun protection; warm hat/beanie for colder months; sailing gloves are useful but not essential
- Swimwear: Optional, if conditions allow
- Long-sleeved shirt: For sun protection
- Ear plugs: Helpful if you’re sensitive to noise or snorers onboard
- Spare clothes: Useful for unexpected weather changes
Recommended (and essential) Personal Items
- Sunscreen: High SPF, reef-safe preferred
- Sunglasses: Polarized lenses with a retainer strap recommended
- Refillable water bottle: Hydration is essential
- Personal medications: Include seasickness remedies if prone to motion sickness
- Toiletries: Travel-size essentials
- Bedding: Pillow, sleeping bag or, if booked as a couple, a top & bottom sheet and blanket
- Bath/beach towel (preferably quick dry)
Additional Items for RYA Day Skipper, RYA Coastal Skipper & Yachtmaster
If you’re aiming for RYA certification, make sure to pack your logbook, theory course materials, plotter and dividers, and a hand-bearing compass. Don’t forget a notebook and pen/pencil for jotting down important sailing notes or passage plans.
- Passport photo: Required for certification
- Theory course materials
- Plotter and dividers
- Logbook: Essential for logging your sailing experience (if provided on previous course)
- Hand-bearing compass: Not essential, but useful
Safety Gear
We provide your lifejacket, but pack sea-sickness medication if you think you might need it.
- Lifejacket: Provided by SCY; you can bring your own if preferred
- Head torch: Useful for night navigation or moving around safely onboard after dark
- Seasickness medication: Medication is recommended if you’re susceptible to motion sickness
Miscellaneous
- Dry bag: To keep your valuables dry (think phone, wallet and camera)
- Phone charger or power bank (important to stay charged in case of emergency or for navigation app usage)
- Notebook and pen/pencil: Essential for notes and passage planning
- Reading material and/or board games: For downtime entertainment
- Camera or GoPro to capture your experience
- Alcohol: Permitted onboard with moderation and skipper approval
- Snacks: Provided onboard, but you’re welcome to bring your own
Acceptable Footwear
- Deck shoes, boat shoes, sailing boots, closed-toe sandals
Unacceptable Footwear
- Thongs, open-toed sandals, black-soled shoes, high heels, non-grip shoes
Happy packing, and we’ll see you on board soon!