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Sailing trip packing list to tick off
A week's charter in Croatia, a summer cruise on your own boat or a day out on the lake: this packing list makes sure nothing important stays at home. Choose how you are travelling and the list only shows what that trip needs. Tick items off on screen and add your own at the bottom.
Your ticks and your own lines are saved in this browser, so they are still there next time. Print the list to take it with you. The papers each country requires are in our boat papers checklist, and fees on the water are in waterway vignettes and fees.
How are you travelling?
Papers and documents
These are the personal documents for any trip. What a country requires on board is not repeated here: choose your country below and the matching list opens in our boat papers checklist.
Clothing and foul weather gear
It is cooler, windier and wetter on the water than ashore. Pack in layers you can put on and take off one at a time.
Safety on board
A lifejacket that fits every person on board is the most important item on this list. Our lifejacket finder shows which one suits whom and which waters.
First aid kit
A first aid kit gets you through the first hours, it does not replace a doctor. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before the trip about which medicines you need and how to take them.
Electrics and tech
Power is limited on board and the next shop can be a long way off. A few spares and the right cable can save a whole day.
Galley and provisions
The galley is small and it moves. Basic supplies make the first evening easy, even if the marina shop has already closed.
Children on board
Children need a lifejacket of their own that fits, plenty of shade and something to do. Read more on planning a family trip on our page boating with children.
Dogs on board
Dogs need secure footing and shade on board too. Get yours used to the lifejacket and the boat before the trip, ideally with short outings from your home port.
Charter extras
On a charter, handover and return are what count. Record the boat's condition at handover in our handover report; there are more templates among our forms and templates.
Your own items
Anything only you need, such as reading glasses for the chart or a camera charger, goes here.
No items of your own yet.
Before you cast off
Pack two days before you leave so there is time to pick up anything missing. Soft bags stow far more easily on board than suitcases, and whatever can get wet goes on top.
On departure day, our severe weather checklists help you keep an eye on the weather. For a charter handover, print our handover report.
