5 Essential Beginner Tips for an Enjoyable Sailing Experience

Need your own dose of vitamin sea, but don’t fancy going to the crowded beach? If you’re craving for the peace and solitude offered by the open sea or the gentle rush of a river, then sailing may be the perfect pastime for you. 

Whether you’re trying to get a break from the rush of daily activities, or just trying to spend some quality time with a loved one, sailing is an excellent way to kick back, relax your mind, and maybe throw on some life vests for a few adventure water sports activities. 

If you’ve never gone sailing before, then here are five pieces of advice to make sure that your first excursion to the sea is as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. 

Pack Light 

While you probably shouldn’t reduce your bag into the bare essentials, it’s also wise to keep your baggage as light as possible. Bring only the items that you will definitely need to use for the duration of the trip, and consider leaving behind any work-related electronics, such as your laptop or tablet. Not only will you be saving room for your other essentials, but it will also help you focus on sailing, instead of spending every other minute checking for new e-mails. 

Wear Appropriate Clothing 

While it is true that you will be spending the majority of your time basking in the sun while on a sailboat, you should know that it won’t be sunny all the time. Early mornings and evenings can be particularly cold, so make sure you pack some thick clothing for colder temperatures.

While the sun is high, however, then you should be wearing appropriate clothing as well. To protect yourself from the worst of the sun’s rays, it’s best to sport a hat with a wide brim to cover your face and a sturdy pair of sunglasses with ultraviolet protection. It’s also a good idea to pack extra dress shoes and some semi-formal attire in case you have to dine in a sophisticated restaurant on the boat or on the shore at the places that you may end up visiting!

Bring Your Own Medicine

Most boats with a responsible crew will have their own first aid kit, but it’s best to pack your own supply, especially if you have pre-existing medical conditions. In addition to any prescription medicine that you may have, do not forget to bring sunscreen, motion sickness medication, aspirin, and mosquito repellent lotion—it’s good to be prepared for anything, after all!

Pack Important Documents 

Packing some form of identification is always best, but this is especially important if you’re planning to visit other countries. Make sure that you bring physical copies of your passport, visa, and other essential documents, while also ensuring that you have digital copies backed up on your phone and e-mail in case the physical copies get damaged or lost. 

Don’t Forget Your Recreational Activities 

While we told you to pack light, notice that we didn’t tell you to leave everything behind either. Depending on the plans you have for the trip, now is the time to whip out those Okuma Musky Rods you’ve been wanting to fish with, or that Vivitar Reflector Telescope that you can finally use to watch the stars without the obscene light pollution that you get in the cities. Plan properly and pack accordingly, as sailing isn’t just about staying on the water—it’s about getting to fully relax on the waves of calmness.

Conclusion

Sailing is a good way to make a quick escape or gain some new perspective by traveling to places where you’ve never been to before. Just make sure to pack everything you need, especially for long trips where you may end up not being able to buy additional necessities. 

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