Thinking of setting sail on the ocean blue? Need to get packed for your first voyage and you’re not quite sure what to bring? The Bungee Store has got your back…

Sailing gear basics

There are four basic types of gear that should be in your sailing kit:

Clothes
Boat gear
Crew gear
Supplies

Exactly what you need to take on your trip depends on your destination, the journey, and how long you’ll be travelling for. To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of everything you need in your sailing kit to set sail on a successful voyage.

Sailing clothes

The weather conditions at sea are very different from those on land. If you’ve never travelled to the area before, get online and research or ask skippers/sailors who have regularly frequented the area. The more you get to know the conditions you can expect, the better prepared you’ll be.

Boat gear

Naturally the responsibility of the skipper, so if you’re joining as a crew member, this will be taken care of for you. However, it’s always worthwhile understanding that boat gear usually consists of safety gear, electronics, and navigation equipment.

Crew gear

This applies to personal items such as toiletries and paperwork, and are usually only required for internal trips or journeys over multiple days.

Supplies

One day trips don’t require too much in terms of additional supplies – except water – but for long trips you will need to take into account food and additional water, especially if a mechanical breakdown happens.

Essential sailing clothes

Base layers
Underwear (ideally made of wool or neoprene)
Boat shoes or deck shoes
Jumper
Sailing jacket
Hat/cap
Sunglasses
Sailing trousers
Gloves suitable for sailing
Sailing belt – canvas is ideal
Dry suit for cold weather
Salopettes or ocean trousers

Essential crew gear

Safety gear

Whistle
Lifejacket
Waterproof headlamp
Harness and tether for offshore sailing – our Superflex bungee cord works brilliantly here

Paperwork for each crew member

Passport (if travelling internationally)
Drivers licence
Driving certificate

Toiletries per person

Towels
Toothpaste and toothbrush
Required medications
Medications in case of sea sickness
Soap
Deodorant
Dry shampoo
Sanitary products

Additional gear (also useful for long trips

Dry bag
Snorkelling equipment
Fishing gear
Sleeping bag
Mobile phone and charger
Separate power banks
Additional electronics
Ear plugs
12V to DC adaptors
Spare batteries
Plug adaptors for your destinations

Essential boat gear

The basics

Compass (both boat and handheld)
Marine chart
Torch
Necessary safety equipment
First aid kit
Multitool
Working anchor and rode

Cockpit equipment

Wind metre (handheld of wind vane)
Barometer
Boat maintenance log

Navigation equipment

GPS
Chartplotter – updated charts required
Backup chartplotter – this can also be a laptop, tablet, or smartphone
Sextant & up-to-date navigation almanack
Marine charts

Communication equipment

Satellite phone
Marine VHF phone
Depth sounder (handheld)
Signalling flags for international waters
Required safety equipment
Air horn or whistle
Bosun’s chair for rig work
Radar reflector
Flares or LED signalling light
Emergency weather radio
First aid kit that contains at least:
Fire extinguisher
Life sling
Life raft for offshore sailing

Additional gear

One inshore anchor
Minimum of two offshore anchors
Two storm anchors
Tool kit suitable for minor repairs
Full tank of fuel
Spare parts, e.g. plugs, fuses, etc.
Heaving line
Multimeter for checking wiring

Supplies

Bottled water – always bring more than you anticipate needing
Fresh and canned foods – as above
Extra fuel

Whether you’re taking to the sea or plunging from the skies, we have everything you need for your next adventure. Get in touch with us today to find the best bungee cords for you.