Sailing on the Masurian Lakes is no joke. Every vacation brings the dilemma of what to pack, but sailing on a yacht is a more complicated affair. Firstly, we can't suddenly jump ashore to buy something we need, and secondly, don't expect a three-door sliding wardrobe on the boat we sail on, especially since we are usually not alone.
The most important thing is a practical approach, and along with that, choosing items based on their functions. Wind, water, sun, and chill should therefore be the main criteria guiding our packing approach.
The first sailing trip is a challenge that often ends with taking too many things we will never use, but the first experience is just the beginning and the next year we already know that sailing is not a cruise ship. What should be in our luggage? Let's state right away that it shouldn't be a hard suitcase on wheels, but simply a soft bag that we can squeeze in anywhere, and if we unpack everything from it, it won't take up any space under the deck at all. And what about inside? To start with, rubber non-slip shoes with enclosed toes for walking on the deck. Of course, take others too, as sometimes you go ashore during the trip. A cap with a visor or a wide-brimmed hat is mandatory, especially when paired with sunglasses. You need to protect your head when you are so exposed to the sun. A hat also protects the neck and ears. A warm hat and thermal underwear are also an important part of the gear for colder times.
Take more socks and underwear so you don't have to wash often on the yacht. A waterproof jacket with a hood and waterproof pants are mandatory, and a waterproof jumpsuit is even a good idea. It's always worth having warmer sweatshirts, preferably made from quick-drying material. T-shirts and shorts should also dry quickly because when sailing you are constantly dealing with moisture, but also drying sun and wind, which prevents wet clothes from piling up. The more the fabric is designed for this, the more efficiently they dry. Lastly, a swimsuit, which can be the dominant clothing on the yacht every day. What else should we pack when going on a sailing trip on the Masurian lakes?
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Packing is not limited to clothes, and the rest of the items should be packed starting with sunscreen with a strong filter. Take repellents and a well-equipped first aid kit (plasters, disinfectants, any medications you take, painkillers and fever reducers). Hygiene and bathing products should also be packed. It's worth bringing your own bedding because if you rent it, you'll have to pay. A blanket, sleeping bag, quick-drying towels, and phone charger will come in handy. Identity document, money, or card should preferably be taken in a waterproof case. If you want to learn how to handle the yacht, it's worth taking sailing gloves to protect your hands when tightening ropes.
A headlamp should be in our bag, as different situations can occur on the water regardless of the time of day, and with the light on your head, your hands remain free. A multifunctional pocket knife will also be useful. Even if you can't think of a use for it now, you will surely find out many times on board. Let's also think about free time, after all, we came on vacation and not for a skipper's course. A snorkel mask, fins, or a beach ball will always come in handy in a water environment. On board, we can enjoy various board games, maybe a guitar and a songbook. Surely there will be fishing enthusiasts, so a full fishing kit will be needed. Something to read will never fail you; if not in paper form, you can always take an e-book reader. If we like to listen to music, let's prepare our playlist on the phone or mp3 device in advance.
If in doubt, it's always worth contacting the owner of the yacht you'll be sailing on or the yacht rental to make sure what the vessel is equipped with and to ask experienced people about what else we should remember. This is especially important so that our first trip does not disappoint or stress us so much that we won't decide to go on another one.
