What To Pack For A Weekend Coastal Sailing Trip

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One of the very best things about sailing around the coast is that it doesn’t have to involve weeks of planning and long periods away from home. A favourable forecast, a free weekend and a well-packed sailing bag are often all you need to explore a new stretch of coastline or anchor up for an evening before heading home the next day.

That said, packing for a weekend afloat is slightly different from preparing for a longer offshore passage. Much of this difference is positive, with less to pack and more predictable conditions to prepare for. At the same time, you might have to contend with limited space and the need for sailing clothing and equipment that is versatile from day to evening. Every item you pack needs to earn its place, whether that’s your waterproof sailing jacket or a warm layer you’ll appreciate once the sun has gone down.

If you’re wondering exactly what to wear on the water, head over to our What To Wear For Coastal Sailing guide. This article focuses on the practical side of preparing for a weekend away, building a sailing packing list that will keep you comfortable on board and ashore.

Start With The Right Layers

Before you think about anything else, build your packing list for a weekend coastal sailing trip around the right layers, also known as your sailing clothing system.

Across the course of any weekend on the coast, you should expect to experience several different conditions. For example, you might leave the marina wearing just a base layer, but then need a waterproof outer layer a few hours later when the wind picks up or the heavens open.

With this in mind, keep your packing centred around layers that work together as opposed to individual bits of clothing at random. You’ll want to start with a technical base layer for moisture regulation, then add a lightweight insulating mid layer that you can put on (or off) when temperatures change. A dependable waterproof layer, like our OS3 Coastal Sailing Jacket, should finish off your layering system by protecting you from the elements.

When it comes to these essential layers, it’s worth finding room for a couple of spares if you can. You’ll thank yourself when you have something dry to change into after a long day on the water or in the morning before you head home.

Pack For Two Forecasts, Not One

One of the most common mistakes made when packing for a coastal sailing trip is assuming that the conditions you leave in will be the same ones you return to. This rings even truer when you’re heading out over the course of the weekend.

The weather along the coast changes its mind quickly, so you’ll need to pack for a range of possibilities. This again emphasises the importance of taking the right layers rather than just packing for all eventualities and overloading your sailing bag. 

Don’t Forget Footwear

When it comes to packing footwear for a weekend coastal sailing trip, you’ll probably need to take two pairs. For time spent on deck, we’d suggest short sailing boots that provide solid grip and comfort throughout the day, like our Short Cruising Boots. That said, in hotter conditions, you might just prefer to go with a more lightweight option like neoprene water shoes. 

For when you’re ashore in the evening, a pair of dry and comfortable shoes is worth having. Think about what you’ve got planned, whether that’s a nice dinner out or just exploring the area, and go from there. Having the option to change your sailing footwear at the end of the day is one of those small luxuries that you’ll appreciate over the weekend.

Find The Right Sailing Bag

It should go without saying that you’ll need a good sailing bag to pack all of your layers before leaving home. However, the right sailing bag does more than just transport your kit to the marina and keep it safe on board.

Space on board is always at a premium, particularly if you’ve got a smaller coastal cruising boat and are sharing berths between people and equipment. For this reason, you’ll need a sailing bag that keeps things organised, both allowing you to quickly access what you need and protecting spare layers from spray and wet decks.

We’d suggest opting for our Voyager Duffel Dry Bag as your weekend companion, as it has been designed with exactly this type of trip in mind. Available in three sizes depending on the space available, it's constructed from puncture-resistant waterproof PVC tarpaulin with stitch-free welded seams, providing dependable protection for your coastal sailing clothing throughout the weekend. 

This waterproof duffel bag also has a wide-mouth opening, which makes packing and unpacking straightforward, while the integrated compression valve and external compression straps reduce bulk once everything is inside. For a typical weekend sailing trip, you’ll have ample space for all of the essentials, safe in the knowledge that everything stays dry from departure to home again.

Small Essentials That Make A Big Difference

With all of the bulkier essentials accounted for, it’s often the smaller items that you’ll turn to the most over the course of a weekend on the water. For example, sailing gloves will prove their worth quickly during repeated rope handling, while polarised sunglasses help reduce glare during long hours on the water.

One item that’s particularly overlooked but valuable on any sailing packing list is a quick-drying towel. Our Quick Dry Microfibre Towel will take up very little space in your sailing bag, drying rapidly between uses so that you’re not lugging around a damp and heavy towel or struggling to freshen up. 

Remember Clothes For Life Ashore

It’s unlikely that your coastal sail will end when you step off the boat. You’ll probably be exploring nearby harbours and relaxing before setting sail again the following morning, so you need to account for the clothing you’ll need at these points in the trip. 

Make sure that your packing includes one or two comfortable lifestyle pieces to stay ready for that part of the weekend. A classic Oxford Long Sleeve Shirt is a versatile option for evenings ashore, while a Knit Fleece Jacket provides lightweight warmth when temperatures start to drop.

Your Weekend Sailing Packing List

With all the above in mind, the following sailing packing list can be used as an initial starting point as you throw everything into your weekend sailing bag:

Sailing clothing

  • Technical base layers

  • Lightweight mid layers

  • Waterproof sailing jacket

  • Waterproof sailing trousers

  • Evening outfits

Footwear

  • Sailing boots or neoprene sailing shoes

  • Comfortable shoes for ashore

Accessories

  • Sailing gloves

  • Sailing cap

  • Polarised sunglasses

  • Beanie (depending on the forecast)

Other essentials

  • Microfibre towel

  • Phone charger

  • Suncream

  • Water bottle and/or flask

  • Personal items and toiletries

 

Remember, the best weekend coastal sailing trips rarely involve carrying the most equipment. Instead, it’s important to start with your coastal sailing clothing system, add a handful of dependable accessories, and a sailing bag that keeps everything organised. 

If you have any further questions about what to wear for coastal sailing or what to pack for your weekend away, please get in touch with our expert team. 

 

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