One soft bag for three weeks

What to bring on board

Three weeks, one soft bag, no laundry. The boat provides linen, towels, the galley and safety equipment — everything else is yours. The list below is what you’ll be uncomfortable without; everything else is optional.

Whole list Clothing Safety Health Electronics Everyday Documents

The list 35

Tick what is already in your bag: ticks are saved in this browser, and the printout is a clean list with empty boxes.

Specific models are a guide: checked on 28.09.2026 against specs and European shops; prices change. Ask the skipper first what’s already on board.

Packed 0 of 35

Safety

0/5 items in this section

Photo: an example of the type, not this model Lifejacket with harness and tetherCheck with the skipper what the boat provides. At night on the ocean you’re always clipped on and never leave the cockpit alone.
Spinlock Deckvest LITE+ 170N + Performance Safety Line 3 clips elastic (opens in a new tab)

170 N auto lifejacket (ISO 12402-3) with built-in ISO 12401 harness and crotch strap; Spinlock 3-clip tether keeps you attached while re-clipping.

≈ €219.99 + €99.99 · Sep 2026

Cheaper: Crewsaver ErgoFit+ 190N with harness (opens in a new tab) · ≈ €180
- Ask the skipper what the boat provides
- CO₂ cylinder — airline approval needed
Photo: an example of the type, not this model Head torch with red lightRed light doesn’t ruin the watchkeeper’s night vision. Spare batteries.

Black Diamond Spot 400 (opens in a new tab)

IPX8 waterproof, red night-vision mode with brightness memory, lock mode so it does not switch on in the bag.

≈ €40.65 · Sep 2026

Alternative: Petzl Actik Core (opens in a new tab) · ≈ €60–70
Photo: an example of the type, not this model Knife or multitoolWith a marlinspike if you want to look the part. Always on you on deck.
Wichard Offshore Knife 10122 (opens in a new tab)

Serrated blade cuts Dyneema/aramid, one-hand opening with lock, stainless, marlinspike and shackle key.

≈ €48.28 · Sep 2026
- Buy on arrival (not in cabin baggage)
WhistleClipped to your lifejacket. Carries further than a shout.

Fox 40 Classic (opens in a new tab)

Pealess, works wet, 115 dB. Often already on the lifejacket — check first.

≈ €13.92 · Sep 2026
Photo: an example of the type, not this model Personal AIS beacon or PLBOptional: a small device that shows you on the boat’s screen if you fall overboard. A good investment if you plan to sail again.
Ocean Signal rescueME MOB2 (AIS Class M + DSC) (opens in a new tab)

MOB1 is replaced by MOB2 in the EU/UK (AIS Class M rule). Auto-activates with the lifejacket, shows the MOB on the boat's AIS plotter and sends a DSC alert.

≈ €409 · Sep 2026

Different class: Ocean Signal rescueME PLB1 · ≈ €323
- Ask the skipper what the boat provides
- Lithium battery — cabin, check with the airline
- Needs the boat’s MMSI

Health

0/5 items in this section

SPF 50, lots of itThe sun on the ocean and in the Canaries is harsh and reflects off the water. Feet and ears burn first. One tube per week.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 Invisible Fluid SPF50+ (opens in a new tab)

Very high UVA/UVB, water-resistant, 50 ml fits carry-on liquids; sold in any pharmacy in ES/PT.

≈ €28 · Sep 2026

Cheaper: ISDIN Fotoprotector Fusion Water Magic SPF50 (opens in a new tab) · ≈ €27
- Liquids ≤ 100 ml in cabin baggage
Photo: an example of the type, not this model SPF lip balm and after-sunLips get chapped from salt and wind faster than you think.
NIVEA (Labello) Sun Protect Lip SPF30 + any aloe after-sun (opens in a new tab)

Salt and wind chap lips fast; the water-resistant Labello SPF30 stick is cheap and sold in any pharmacy or supermarket.

≈ €4 + €8 · Sep 2026
- Liquids ≤ 100 ml in cabin baggage
Photo: an example of the type, not this model Seasickness tabletsFor the first day on the ocean. Biodramina (dimenhydrinate) — over the counter in any Spanish pharmacy, no prescription needed. Take as the leaflet says, in advance, not once you already feel ill.

Biodramina dimenhydrinate, over the counter (opens in a new tab)

OTC in any Spanish pharmacy; take per leaflet, may cause drowsiness. Cinnarizine (Stugeron) is prescription-only in Spain. Sea-Band wristbands are a drug-free add-on.

≈ €5–8 · Sep 2026

Alternative: Sea-Band Acupressure Wristband (opens in a new tab) · ≈ €6–10
Personal first-aid kitYour own medication for 3 weeks plus spare, plasters, painkillers, something for the stomach, electrolytes. There’s a shared first-aid kit on board.
Care Plus First Aid Kit Basic (opens in a new tab)

Personal mini kit (30 items, 150 g): plasters, bandage, wipes, tweezers, scissors. Adds to the boat kit; keep it in a dry bag; scissors under 6 cm are cabin-ok.

≈ €16.36 · Sep 2026

Alternative: Lifesystems Waterproof First Aid Kit (opens in a new tab) · ≈ €49.99
- Ask the skipper what the boat provides
- Liquids ≤ 100 ml in cabin baggage
- Scissors ≤ 6 cm — fine in cabin baggage
Photo: an example of the type, not this model Earplugs and sleep maskYou’ll have to sleep in the daytime with engines running and people talking. Without them the watches are unbearable.

Moldex + Manta SparkPlugs 7800 (foam) + Manta Sleep Mask Original (opens in a new tab)

SNR 35 dB foam plugs (EN 352) vs engine noise; cup-shaped mask blocks daylight without eye pressure.

≈ €9.54 + €47.77 · Sep 2026

Electronics

0/5 items in this section

Photo: an example of the type, not this model Big power bank + all your chargersThere’s 220 V on board, but few sockets and the inverter isn’t always on. USB-C for everything.
Anker 737 Power Bank (PowerCore 24K) (opens in a new tab)

Charges a laptop over 140 W USB-C; 86.4 Wh is under the 100 Wh airline limit, no approval needed.

≈ €157.79 · Sep 2026

Cheaper: Anker Zolo 24,000 mAh, 140 W, built-in cables (opens in a new tab) · ≈ €101.65
- Power bank ≤ 100 Wh — cabin baggage only
Photo: an example of the type, not this model Multi-port USB-C chargerThere are few sockets on board: one charger for your laptop, phone and power bank at once.

Anker Prime Charger 100W, 3 ports, GaN (A2688) (opens in a new tab)

One compact charger for laptop, phone and power bank: 100 W USB-C PD, three ports, EU plug; the boat has few sockets.

≈ €83.99 · Sep 2026

Cheaper: UGREEN Nexode 100W, 4 ports (opens in a new tab) · ≈ €40.65
Waterproof phone caseYour phone is also your camera and your navigation ashore. Salt kills the ports.

Aquapac Waterproof Phone Case Small (348) (opens in a new tab)

IPX8 to 10 m, floats, made in the UK; you can shoot and use the touchscreen through the window.

≈ €12.87 · Sep 2026
Headphones, downloaded films, books, podcastsStarlink is for work. Download entertainment in advance: we have a film list for the route.
Laptop — in a dry bagWe’ll work in the saloon. Between passages the laptop lives in its bag, not on the table.

Ortlieb Dry-Bag Light 22 L (formerly PS10) (opens in a new tab)

Lightweight nylon roll-top, IP64 (rain and spray). 22 L: 26 cm dia × 42 cm; rolled it is about 41 × 27 cm flat, so a 13–14 in laptop (about 31 × 22 cm) fits.

≈ €25–27 · Sep 2026

Everyday

0/6 items in this section

Photo: an example of the type, not this model Soft bag instead of a suitcaseThere’s nowhere to store a suitcase on a boat. A bag folds flat and goes into a locker under the bunk.
Patagonia Black Hole Duffel 40L (opens in a new tab)

Soft, squashes into a locker, backpack straps; at 50 × 32 × 22 cm it fits a 55 × 40 × 20 cabin allowance when slightly compressed.

≈ €150 · Sep 2026

Cheaper: Patagonia Black Hole Duffel 40L (opens in a new tab) · ≈ €105
- Cabin size 55×40×20
Photo: an example of the type, not this model Dry bag 10–20 LFor trips ashore in the dinghy: phone, documents, a jumper. And for wet clothes.

Ortlieb Dry-Bag 13 L (PD350) (opens in a new tab)

Heavy PD350 roll-top: survives deck and dinghy abrasion; IP64 against spray and waves. Phone and passport also go into an IPX8 pouch.

≈ €20–27 · Sep 2026
Photo: an example of the type, not this model Quick-dry towelTowels are provided, but your own microfibre one for the beach and the stern shower is handier.

Sea to Summit DryLite Towel L (opens in a new tab)

Microfibre, dries in an hour on the rail, packs fist-sized.

≈ €14.07 · Sep 2026
Water bottle and thermal mugWater from the watermaker is fine to drink. A mug with a lid is the only way to drink tea underway.

Contigo + Nalgene West Loop AUTOSEAL 470 ml + Wide Mouth 1 l (opens in a new tab)

Autoseal mug won't spill when heeled; Nalgene is leakproof and unbreakable.

≈ €32.47 + €17.60 · Sep 2026
Clothes pegs, wet wipes, your own snacksPegs hold towels on the guardrails. Snacks are the currency of the night watch.

Any brand AISI 316 stainless-steel clothes pegs

AISI 316 marine-grade steel won't rust and grips on windy rails; plastic cracks in UV.

≈ €10–15 · Sep 2026
Nespresso capsulesThere’s a machine on board. Whoever brings capsules is the hero of the morning.
Nespresso Original line capsules (or compatible L'OR) (opens in a new tab)

Vertuo and Original capsules are incompatible — check the machine first; can be bought in Ibiza.

≈ €0.49–0.65 / capsule · Sep 2026
- Ask the skipper what the boat provides

Documents

0/4 items in this section

Passport, residence permit/visaSpain and the Canaries are Schengen. Gibraltar is British territory: we berth on the Spanish side (Alcaidesa), but if you want to go up the Rock, check the entry rules for your passport in advance.
Travel insurance that covers sailingStandard travel insurance often excludes “sailing”. Check the wording.

Topsail Insurance Yachtsman's Travel Insurance (single trip) (opens in a new tab)

A single-trip policy for the passage: the wording explicitly covers sailing beyond 12 nm offshore and crewing a private yacht. Standard travel cover often stops at 12 nm. The broker is UK-based — confirm EU residency in the quote form.

quote on request, single trip · Sep 2026

Alternative: Pantaenius International Travel Health (Chubb) (opens in a new tab) · €1,718–2,616 a year, annual policy
Photo: an example of the type, not this model eSIM for GibraltarGibraltar is not in the EU: EU roaming doesn’t apply there. A local eSIM takes a couple of minutes to set up in advance.

Airalo eSIM Gibraltar (Gibtelecom) (opens in a new tab)

Gibraltar is outside the EU: Spanish and Portuguese SIMs pay full roaming there. A local-network eSIM installs in minutes before arrival.

≈ €10.50 for 3 days · Sep 2026

Alternative: Holafly eSIM Gibraltar (opens in a new tab) · ≈ €11
Bank card, some cash in eurosMarinas, fuel docks and markets take cards, but small bars in the Canaries don’t always.

Late October on the water

Not hot and not cold, but three different climates in three weeks. The main mistake is packing only summer clothes: a night watch on the ocean in a T-shirt is unbearable.

Mediterranean

17–25.10

18–25 °C by day, 14–18 at night; water 21–23 °C

Air, day
18–25 °C

Air, night
14–18 °C

Water
21–23 °C

Wind
7–16, peaks 25–35 kn

Moderate wind, rain and a thunderstorm are possible once or twice a week. The Levante can blow in the Strait — an easterly of 25–35 knots for a couple of days; we wait for a window to cross the Strait in La Línea, 23–25.10.
Atlantic

26–31.10

18–22 °C by day, 15–17 at night; water 21–22 °C

Air, day
18–22 °C

Air, night
15–17 °C

Water
21–22 °C

Wind
10–20 kn

North-easterly trade wind of 10–20 knots, long following swell of 1.5–2.5 m. Damp nights, everything gets covered in dew. Full moon.
Canaries

31.10–07.11

22–26 °C by day, 18–20 at night; water 22–23 °C

Air, day
22–26 °C

Air, night
18–20 °C

Water
22–23 °C

Wind
11–21, peaks 25–35 kn

Sunny and windy. Acceleration zones between the islands: 25–35 knots with a short, steep sea — that’s normal, we reef early. In the evening at the top of Teide it’s about 5 °C.

Scales follow late-October climate and the skipper’s outlook: temperatures on one 10–30 °C scale, wind 0–40 knots; the light band is the usual wind, the dark one the peaks (Levante, acceleration zones).

Five knots

Ten minutes a day with a curtain cord, starting two weeks before we sail. There are YouTube videos for each.

Bowline
A loop that doesn’t slip or tighten: mooring lines, safety lines.
Clove hitch
Fenders on the guardrail.
Round turn and two half hitches
A line to a ring or a cleat.
Figure-of-eight
A stopper knot at the end of a sheet.
Cleat hitch
Mooring lines in the marina.

Bowline. The rabbit comes out of the hole, goes round the tree and back down the hole.

What to bring on board

The list 35

Clothing

Safety

Health

Electronics

Everyday

Documents

Late October on the water

Mediterranean

Atlantic

Canaries

Before we sail

A month before

Two weeks before

A week before

On board, the first 24 hours

Five knots

Bowline

Clove hitch

Round turn and two half hitches

Figure-of-eight

Cleat hitch