If possible with optional red light. At night, when there are several of us in the cockpit, the red light prevents blinding other people.

For example a Black Diamond Spot 325lm (Max CHF 40.-). No need for more.

During night sailing, it can get chilly, so it’s important to keep warm. A sweater can also do the trick. It is important to be able to wear it under your rain jacket in case of bad or heavy weather.

In bad weather, it is imperative to stay dry as long as possible. This is all the more relevant at night. As the Icelanders say; “There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes”.

Headgear can certainly give a certain style. On a boat, you are much less aware of the harshness of the sun because the wind makes you think that everything is actually okay. It’s in the evening that we realize that in fact everything is not right at all! Bandanas with UV protection also work. And they do give you a bit of a pirate look, I have to admit!

Protection from the sun! It’s so important. Protection index: 20 is a minimum, 30 recommended. 50 is fine too. The sun is harsh. All the more so on the water. Even better if the product you choose protects the marine environment.

We all have our cupboards full of them, those festival cups that we forgot to return or that we secretly collect. In order to avoid using glass cups AND getting everybody’s cups all mixed up, everyone shall have their own, for the duration of the trip. Between 0.25L and 0.5L max.

It’s almost the uniform on the sailboat. There will not be a single day we don’t go in the water. However, seasalt tends to stiffen everything and it is recommended to bring along two anyway. Or even three, so as to tan in different ways.

… or sheets! Depending on the temperature, one or the other is preferable. A sleeping bag sheet is also an option.

A small towel to dry yourself after a good shower, there is none on board.

Shower towels are provided, but a small super-absorbent towel (microfiber type) for after swimming in the sea allows you to keep your shower linen free of salt. Which is always nice.

If you are an avid energy user and your USB battery is empty after a few days, you will need to recharge it. Energy on board is used first and foremost for navigation and safety instruments. A small solar panel can recharge your battery in a few hours.

The stones on the seabed can be very sharp and sometimes it will be necessary to go and tie the boat to the shore. It is therefore important to protect your feet, not only from rocks but also from sea urchins. Flip flops or “crocs” are not adequate, as they don’t hold onto the foot and you can’t swim with them.

In the evening, we will be rocked by the waves and the swell will help us fall asleep. It is not always quiet, sometimes the wind or water can annoy the light sleeper. This is not the case for everyone but earplugs can be an option.

A small bag of 4 to 8 liters is enough to keep whatever should not get wet. Phone, camera, small towel, wallet, etc. It is not uncommon to see someone swimming with such a bag to the shore. Sea To Summit has some great models for under 20.-CHF

Energy on the boat is invaluable, and practically the only time there is 220v on board is when the boat is in port. Which happens very rarely. So you have to be careful not to bring aboard unnecessary appliances that need a lot of electricity.

2018 .. toilets off limits for 2 days because the unicorn was in there. At each departure, everyone tries to stash it somewhere to “avoid inflating it later”. The Unicorn suspended here, tied there, hindering port maneuvers, etc. A good unicorn is a blown-up unicorn.

The boat is well equipped, no problem. Just bring a pillowcase, it’s enough.

Very fashionable, often waterproof, they are great! Even so, the boat is equipped with them and there will be two or three speakers available if a party is organized in a cabin.

It’s handy when traveling to a hotel, it becomes hell on a sailboat. Space is sorely lacking, so it is important to be able to fold your travel bag and store it at the bottom of a trunk, cupboard or under a bed.