Bareboat charter packing list

If you’re reading a post about an Australian bareboat charter packing list in, congratulations, you must have an exciting adventure booked!

No matter how long your 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 golden rules to keep in mind when packing for a bareboat charter

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

packing list for bareboat charter

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

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