What to bring

Please pack light!

Sailboat cabins are small. Use smaller and softer bags rather than suitcases, whenever possible. Carry on size luggage is best.

Clothing

Bring swim suits and a set of clothes for going out to local restaurants, bars, and clubs, but remember that a swimsuit is what you are going to wear 90% of the time, occasionally adding shorts and t-shirts.
Comfortable non-marking, non-slip boat shoes are great to have (flip-flops are not very good for sailing, and being barefoot does not always work either).
For extra credit, a cool fashion statement, and to really impress your boat mates, bring sailing gloves, and help your skipper. (Sailing gloves can be purchased online or at any marine stores for less than $20).

extras

Bring your favorite games, cards, toys (small, inflatable, waterproof and non ac powered types are preferred), and of course - your favorite music.
A first aid kit with any medications you might need is always a good idea.
Bring a warm jacket and a sleeping bag if you enjoy sleeping under the stars. It can get chilly at night on the water.
Eye masks and ear plugs are great for those who are light sleepers, as sailboats full of happy sailors can get noisy at various times throughout day or night.
Bring your cameras, but remember to be extra careful with anything fragile, not waterproof, or expensive.

What not to bring

Do not bring irons for ironing your clothes, blow driers, or any other heavy duty electrical devices. there will be very little electricity on board. Prepare to enjoy simple life without electricity.
Do not bring tons of dressy clothes that you'll never wear.
Most importantly - do not bring your work or your everyday worries. Leave those behind, pack light and bring plenty of sun protection.

Rules of the sea

Most Important

We are a very big and diverse group representing many different nationalities, ethnicities, religions, and world views, and we proudly hoist all the national flags. As we share our cozy living space on sailboats, there is not enough room for arguing political or religious issues. We ask you to leave those topics behind, to be tolerant and respectful of everyone around you and to celebrate the spirit of adventure and friendship.

Organization and timeliness

During our voyage, keeping track of the entire crew is not possible. Next departure time will be announced at every stop. In most cases we'll be departing in the morning, giving you all afternoon and evening for local explorations. Make sure to know our departure time and be on your boat by that time. Otherwise, you will risk being left behind.
Keep all your valuable and fragile items inside your own cabin. Items left in common areas will get lost, damaged, and wet.

safety

If at any point during our trip you have concerns or feel unsafe, let us know right away.

Know where life jackets are located. If you are not sure - please ask.
We will be going over some basic emergency procedures. Make sure you know what to do in the event of emergency such as Man Overboard.
Know how to start and stop the boat engine. This is something all crew members should know in case of emergency.
Know how to turn on and use VHF Marine radio.
Wear a life jacket any time you feel uncomfortable being without one.
If you are not a good swimmer, consider wearing a life jacket whenever on a dinghy.

water and electricity conservation

Fresh water supplies are going to be very limited. Make sure all water faucets are closed when not in use. Any time you need fresh water, use the absolute minimal amount necessary.
Make sure to conserve electricity as battery power is very limited. Turn off any unused lights or other electrical equipment.

Toilet ettiquette

We will be sharing boat toilets. Please keep them clean and dry at all times. Boat toilets accumulate smells and dirt very fast, making them impossible to use and life on board very difficult. There will be a toilet use training session and demonstration offered on day one. Make sure to attend it in person. This may be the most valuable training session you'll attend on our trip! Incorrect usage of marine toilets will lead to very unpleasant consequences, requiring clean up efforts to be performed by those found guilty.

Never put any toilet paper or anything you did not eat inside the toilet bowl.
Marine toilet supplies such as zip bags, garbage bags, air fresheners and toilet bowl cleaners will be provided. Use them!

common courtesy

Please keep all your personal belongings inside your cabin. Common areas are for storing food and common boat items only. Help keep your boat clean at all times.
Clean after yourself right away.
Remember than sailboats lean (heel) when under sail. Anything you put down may fall down and make a mess. Put away all food, drinks, and fragile items.
If you did not participate in cooking a meal, make sure to participate in post meal cleaning.
The last people to stay up at night are responsible for leaving the boat in a sparkling clean condition. Those who first wake up in the morning to sail the boat should not have to clean up the mess left the night before.
Do not go down inside the boat when wet. Make sure to towel off before you go inside.
Make sure to have enough local currency in cash. Dollars are not accepted anywhere outside of the US. Credit cards are often not accepted. Local even when accepting credit cards, local restaurants will refuse to split your bill onto 10 different cards.

Living on a sailboat

the space

As far as sailboats go, ours are quite accommodating - offering privacy and comfort, fresh water showers, and on board kitchens for cooking delicious meals. However, with this being a sailing trip, please do not expect 5 star hotel experience.

We will all be sharing assigned double cabins. Please remember that space is very limited, pack light snd plan accordingly.

showers, toilets, and water

There will be multiple toilets on each boat. For those not familiar, boat toilets are rather small and require special instructions to be used properly. Make sure to learn the proper technique BEFORE attempting to use them.

Fresh water is at a premium on a sailboat, but we should have enough water to allow for very quick daily fresh water rinses for everyone. Please remember to always conserve fresh water.

sea sickness

Strong winds and choppy waters are always possible (becoming especially common after nights of heavy drinking).

For those, concerned with sea sickness, we will be happy to share the best remedies known to us (some - secret, and mostly legal). We also find that even the most sea sickness susceptible crew members get acclimated to being on a boat within the first day and typically don't suffer lingering effects after the first day - quickly and forever becoming regular sea wolves, developing love for stormy seas, rum drinking, and pipe smoking.

electricity on board

Limited access to dc electricity from cigarette plug adapters (similar to those found in cars) will be available. Bring cigarette plug to usb connectors to charge your phones and cameras, and leave the rest of your electrical equipment home.