Everything You Need for a BVI Sailing Trip

You’ve booked a yacht charter to the British Virgin Islands, but do you have no idea what to pack? Choosing what to take on a BVI sailing trip can be a challenge, to say the least, as you want to ensure you have everything you need but you’ll be aware of the storage restrictions of this type of vacation.

Fortunately, the guide below will tell you everything you need to know about packing for a BVI sailing trip, including what to pack and what to leave at home.

What to pack for a BVI sailing trip?

1. Clothing that dries quickly

All the clothing you pack for your sailing trip should be lightweight and quick to dry, so it won’t stay wet for long if you do get splashed by the ocean. Here’s a list of the essentials that you’ll probably want to pack:

• • • • T-shirts (2–4)
      • Shorts or skirts (2–4)
      • Dresses (smart and casual)
      • Swimwear (3–4)
      • A windbreaker
      • A sweatshirt or cardigan for the evenings
      • Warmer layers if sailing in the cooler season
      • Wet weather gear if sailing in low season
      • Street and boat shoes
      • Flip flops or sandals

2. Bio-friendly toiletries

Any toiletries that you use on the boat and then flush down the toilet or the drain end up in the ocean, so you should only take bio-friendly products on your sailing trip. You can buy toiletries in marina shops, but these tend to be a lot more expensive, and you’ll only be able to find full-sized bottles.

Some of the toiletries you may want to take include:

• • • • Travel-sized shampoo, conditioner, and soap
      • Sunscreen
      • Toothbrush and toothpaste
      • Lip balm
      • Insect repellent
      • Seasickness tablets
      • Any required medications

3. Miscellaneous items

The key to packing when booking a British Virgin Islands yacht charter vacation is to pack as lightly as possible, so when it comes to miscellaneous items, try to keep these to a minimum. Although everyone has different needs, some of the miscellaneous items you may want to pack include:

• • • • A quickly-drying towel
      • Sailing gloves
      • Ziplock bags to keep electronics dry
      • Playing cards or another small travel game
      • A flashlight
      • A small bag for day trips
      • Clothing pegs
      • A 2-pin plug
      • A waterproof phone case
      • Hat with a string attachment
      • Sunglasses with a lanyard

4. Important documents

There are certain documents that you’ll need when on a sailing trip in the BVI including:

• • • • Your passport
      • Your driving license
      • Your travel insurance documents
      • Any documents needed for your charter
      • Sailing license or boating license
      • Cash and credit cards

Make sure you store these in a safe location, and ideally, in a waterproof or watertight container so there’s no risk of damage.

The Bottom Line

When it comes to packing for a sailing trip, you need to think of the practicalities above all else. While you may want to look stylish sitting on the deck, you need to remember that storage space is limited and you don’t want to be falling over bags and belongings every time you turn around.