Bareboat charter packing list

If you’re reading this post about what to pack for a bareboat charter in Australia,  congratulations, you must have an exciting adventure booked!

In the Whitsundays, you are likely to enjoy fabulous weather, but it's always good to check the forecast close to your booking, just to ensure you have packed in a way that takes the weather into account. While it's unusual, sometimes we do get some unfavourable weather conditions.

In this post, our packing list suggestions are based on the weather we generally get in the Whitsundays

The golden rule of packing

No matter how long you planning to stay on a yacht, there is one golden rule to keep in mind when packing for a sailing holiday. Pack light.

Yeah, we know, everyone says pack light for pretty much every holiday. But the thing is, you’re on a boat, you’re not backpacking through Europe or wheeling a large suitcase through airports. You can’t just dump things you don’t want overboard. You need to pack light and you need to pack smart.

So, to help you, we’ve created a packing list for anyone going on a bareboat yacht charter. While we are based in the Whitsundays, this list would work for most sailing holiday destinations around the world or for anyone travelling to Australia and wondering what to pack.

For more specific tips on how to prepare for a sailing holiday with Whitsunday Rent a Yacht, please see this post on preparing for your bareboat charter.

5  packing tips for a bareboat charter

1. Don’t pack anything you would be worried about losing or getting wet
2. Pack casual, practical clothing which you find easy to move in
3. Pack something warm in case you get some cold nights
4. You probably won’t be washing any clothes, so take enough with that in mind
5. Pack lightly

Luggage

Storage space is tight aboard a yacht, so soft-sided luggage such as a duffel bag is ideal. Once you’ve unpacked, a duffel bag will easily stow under your bed. Don’t bring wheeled cases. 

Food

You will need to organise food and drinks for your bareboat charter. We can arrange catering and meals to be delivered to your yacht through provisioning companies who offer services to suit all needs and budgets.

It's great to do meal planning before your trip, especially if you're chartering as a group. If you want to really take the holiday vibes up a notch, check out these nautical cocktail recipes and add some of the drinto your shopping list.

Personal Items

• Swimwear will be de rigueur during your trip in the Whitsundays.
• Light long sleeve shirt
• PJs
• Shorts and t-shirts
• Casual outfit for dinner (just one)
• Sneakers/deck shoes: Although you’ll spend most of the time barefoot, soft-soled shoes are best for getting around a boat. They won’t leave scuff marks on vessel floors and you’ll have some grip on wet surfaces.
• Flip Flops
• Walking/hiking shoes
• A backpack for day trips
• Dry bag – useful for going ashore
• Sarong or large scarf - the perfect extra to cover up in the extreme sun, wrap around your neck if the night turns cool
• Water-resistant 50+ suncream: Choose an oil-free brand which won’t stain teak decks and cabin linen.
• Lip balm - Lips can get chapped in windy weather.
• A wide-brimmed hat will give extra protection to shoulders and the back of your neck. Try and get one with a string that ties under your chin in case it gets windy.

Extra Items

• Garbage bags
• Ziplock bags - Sealable zip-lock bags are a great way to waterproof your phone, spare SD card or camera while aboard.
• Wipes
• Clothes pegs – great for hanging towels on the railing
• Laundry detergents and dirty clothes bag
• Underwater camera or go-pro
• Board and card games
• Phones and chargers
• Laptops
• Portable chargers can be great to avoid draining the boat’s batteries
• List of emergency contacts
• Medications
• Books

What to pack if you will be sailing on your charter

If you know you will be doing a lot of sailing on your yacht charter, you might like to add the following items to your packing list:

• Swiss army knife or multi-tool
• Sailing gloves
• Headlamps
• Wind jackets and or raincoats
• Polarised sunglasses

What’s provided when you hire a yacht with Whitsunday Rent a Yacht

• Lifejackets
• Children’s life jackets are available free of charge
• Masks, snorkels and fins
• Towels
• Kitchen appliances/utensils

Find out exactly what's included on the boats with Whitsunday Rent a Yacht

Additional activity gear you might like to add to your yacht charter

Speak to our staff if you would like to order the following extras for your charter

• Fishing gear
• Kayak
• Stand up paddleboard
• Scuba diving gear
• Perscription snorkelling mask

No matter what you pack, you are sure to have an amazing sailing adventure. Enjoy!

Join us in the Whitsundays and enjoy the freedom to explore

Learn more and book or contact us today 1800 075 000 or sales@rentayacht.com.au