What to pack for a yacht: the checklist

Rule number one

A soft bag, not a suitcase. There's nowhere to store a hard case on a yacht; a soft bag folds into a locker. The most common first-timer mistake.

Clothes

• Swimwear (2-3 sets), light shorts and tees;
• a windbreaker — evenings on the water are fresh even in summer;
• hat and sunglasses (with a strap);
• one smart-casual outfit for dinners ashore.

Shoes

• Light-soled non-slip shoes for the deck (dark soles leave marks);
• sandals for shore;
• water shoes for rocky beaches — you'll thank me.

Kit and meds

• SPF 50 — the water doubles the sun;
• motion sickness remedy, your own meds;
• power bank, adapter, waterproof phone pouch.

What NOT to bring

Towels and linen are aboard. So is a hairdryer, usually masks and fins too — ask the captain. Don't bring food: we shop together on day one from the boat kitty.