What to pack
New visitors are often unsure of what they should bring with them on a trip out on the water. Hopefully the weather will be good, but the wind can still be chilly out on the water, even when the sun is out. Like any other activity, it's well worth being prepared.
The important safety gear needed is already on the boat, and if its likely to be needed people will be shown how to use it. Some skippers have strict rules about wearing life jackets when the boat is moving, I don't. Having said that, if anyone wants to wear a life jacket or safety harness at any point they are more than welcome to, no judgement or negativity.
The most dangerous times being on a boat are when you are getting in and out of the tender, the small boat that gets you from the shore to Isosceles. I have buoyancy aids for things like this, particularly for when more inexperienced friends have had a drink or two. Fun can soon turn to disaster when mixed with too much alcohol, just have a read of the Dinghy Intervention. Save it till you get back on the boat and everything is tied down and secured.
Rubber soled shoes. Heavy boots or shoes with big chunky soles are useless on wet decks, especially when the boat is leaning to one side. In fact if you turn up with these do not be surprised to find me throwing them over the side of the boat! Proper sailing shoes are expensive, with specialist 'razor cut' soles, so I'm not going to expect occasional or one off visitors to buy these. Soft rubber soled trainers, beach shoes or similar are good, preferably with white or light coloured soles. These are less likely to leave scuff marks for you to clean up before you leave.
Sun cream is hopefully a must. On the water when the sun shines you get a double dose of sunlight. Light reflects off the water and back up, so even wearing a hat you are still going to catch some sun ... hopefully.
Polarised sun glasses are a good thing. I have lanyards you can borrow, the kind your grandma used to wear to keep her glasses round her neck. Of course you don't have to use them, but don't be precious when your glasses get trodden on or lost over the side.
Use a soft bag. No hard cases. None. Don’t even think about it. On a boat space is always at a premium, and YOU are going to have to lift it up on to the boat, then keep the bag in your cabin. The cabin won't be much bigger than your bed, and the floor space will be enough to stand and dress. There will be nowhere to put a suitcase, except maybe tied to a piece of string off the back of that boat.
What you should bring
Windproof jackets, ideally rainproof too. Hopefully there will be nice weather while you are visiting, it always makes things more pleasant. But also we should be out sailing, and that involves being out on open water and the wind blowing a little at least.
Sun cream is hopefully a must. On the water when the sun shines you get a double dose of sunlight. Light reflects off the water and back up, so even wearing a hat you are still going to catch some sun ... hopefully.
Polarised sun glasses are a good thing. I have lanyards you can borrow, the kind your grandma used to wear to keep her glasses round her neck. Of course you don't have to use them, but don't be precious when your glasses get trodden on or lost over the side.
Swimming gear. While I'm around UK waters you may need a large degree of bravery when it comes to diving over the side and going for a swim when we anchor, but it is worth thinking about. I do have snorkeling gear on the boat if you are feeling up to it.
Laptops, tablets and phones. OK, you might want your phone to keep in touch with people, but try sticking to prearranged times and contacts. Facebook and Instagram won't notice you are not there, and you can put a complete story of your trip away once you go back home. The greatest thing about this life is reconnecting with yourself and the real world around you, give it a chance.
What not to bring
I'm not the sort to tell people what to wear, but remember that sailing is an activity break. I may not be asking a lot of you but when you are climbing in or out of the cabin, or on and off the boat you will be up and down ladders or getting your leg over the rails around the boat. It may not be just your modesty being challenged!
Finally ...
PACK LIGHT, PACK SOFT
Use a soft bag. No hard cases. None. Don’t even think about it. On a boat space is always at a premium, and YOU are going to have to lift it up on to the boat, then keep the bag in your cabin. The cabin won't be much bigger than your bed, and the floor space will be enough to stand and dress. There will be nowhere to put a suitcase, except maybe tied to a piece of string off the back of that boat.
