Sailing Tips for Beginners

Are you headed out for your first sailing class? Perhaps you are signed up for a week-long certification course. Hopefully, you chose a warm destination for your foray into sailing. The success of your trip no matter what the length of the excursion depends upon not only your attitude but also your ability to pack. Sailing schools will include with their materials a list of recommended items for the duration of the class and potential weather.

Some suggestions like toiletries and personal items are not elaborated upon. Add to the recommended list anything you think you cannot live without for the length of the trip. Lay out all the items grouped by categories. If you pack like I used to, some items will have to be removed before zipping up that bag. Most likely, there will be limited storage space for everyone's personal items on board. Packing properly means the Captain does not think you plan on permanently moving aboard even if that is your long-term goal.

CLOTHING
Shirts: 6 short sleeves and 2 long sleeves (1 light, 1 heavier)
Shorts/Pants: 2 shorts and 1 pair of pants that zips off into a third pair of shorts
Pajamas: 1 pair
Shoes: 1 pair (non-marking)
Waterproof: 1 pair pants and 1 jacket
Sun Protection: 1 hat with rim (A baseball style cap works better than a sun hat. Sun hats with wide brims tend to pick up wind easily and fall off. Secure your hat to your shirt with a strap.) 2 pairs sunglasses each with a strap
Socks: 1 pair of waterproof booties, 1 synthetic fiber
Underwear: Do not skimp here. Bring 1 pair for each day and perhaps an extra. There is nothing worse than soggy drawers.
Bathing suits: 2 (For women, bring 1 bikini and 1 full piece. Men, bring trunk or bikini.)
Towel: 1 quick dry ultra thin
Bra: women (1) men (0)

TOILETRIES
Morning Routine Bag: toothpaste, toothbrush, deodorant, shower gel, shampoo, brush/comb
Medicine Bag: prescription medications, anti-diarrhea tablets, constipation tablets, nausea bands/tablets, headache reliever, band-aids, antiseptic ointment
Miscellaneous Bag: tissues, floss, hair accessories, lip balm with SPF protection, sunscreen, plastic garbage bag for wet items at end of trip

ENTERTAINMENT
Sailing manuals
Book
Sudoku or Crossword
Cards
Pencil with sharpener and eraser
Pocket notebook
Camera (It is best to keep it in a mini-dry bag when not in use.)

MISCELLANEOUS (This is where you throw in the must haves.)
Pocketbook/wallet: Pack it small as can be with identification, credit card, tickets and some cash. Make sure you pack a passport if you are sailing out of U.S. waters! Unless, of course, you do not plan on coming back.
Hat/Gloves: If you get cold easily.
Security blanket: If you are a worrier and fear being cold.

TIPS
Pack in a soft waterproof duffel bag that zips at an angle so contents are easily accessible.
Roll clothing and rubber band so that each item can be extracted or returned to its spot without emptying the entire bag.
Group like toiletry items together in marked baggies based upon your daily personal routines.
Bring solo and group entertainment ideas. What you do will depend on your camaraderie with the other crew.
Check each item off the list once it is placed in the bag.
Many classes provide sheets, pillows, and bath towel. Check with them prior to zipping up your dry bag.
Sailing schools provision the boats. Let them know ahead of time about any allergies.

DO NOT
Bring from home anything you will miss so much if destroyed or lost that you will no longer be able to live.
No illegal items are necessary for this type of trip.
Uptightness has no place in confined quarters. For some people, the boat shrinks as they sail along with strangers and even loved ones. Forget about privacy. If you get desperate, make a countdown sheet in your pocket notebook and write yourself a note that sailing is not for you or perhaps only on a larger boat with fewer people.
Avoid discussions about politics, religion, or any other topic that will make crew want to throw you overboard.

DO
Enjoy the experience and people.
Relish the sunrises and sunsets. Even notice nasty weather, it can be fascinating.
Try sleeping outside under the stars listening to the peaceful lapping of the water.
Spot wildlife - birds, dolphins, turtles.
Take pictures.
Keep a journal.
Ask questions.
Remember why you decided to take the class.
Know your role on the boat and stick to it.
Laugh at mishaps.
Tip your Captain. (You may be a pleasant or even fun person to hang out with, but the Captain has his/her own friends.)

SAIL. SAIL. SAIL.