What to Bring on a Sailing Trip

A sailing trip needs more than food and drinks. Space is limited, supplies must stay dry, and anything you bring should be easy to use on a moving boat. Plan drinks for the full time on board, pack food in sealed containers, and keep dietary meals separate. This checklist also covers cooking equipment, reusable tableware, lighting, navigation items and basic safety supplies so you are not trying to buy essentials at the last minute.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Transport

Sailboat

Safety

Life jacketsqty 14
First aid kit
Life ring
Fire extinguisher

Navigation

Water map
Compass
Waterproof phone caseqty 2

Furniture

Folding tableqty 2
Folding chairsqty 12

Tableware

Reusable platesqty 16
Reusable bowlsqty 16
Reusable cupsqty 40
Wine glassesqty 16
Cutlery setsqty 16
Serving plattersqty 6
Serving spoonsqty 4

Kitchen

Portable hot plate
Cooking potsqty 2
Cutting boardsqty 2
Chef's knifeqty 2
Coolersqty 3
Thermos flasksqty 2
Bottle openersqty 2
Aluminum foil

Equipment

Bluetooth speaker
Power bankqty 2

Lighting

LED lampsqty 4
Batteriesqty 12

Cleaning

Dishpanqty 2
Dish brushesqty 2
Microfiber clothsqty 8
Soap dispenser

Catering

Groceries
- Whole wheat baguettes - 4 pieces
- Wraps - 24 pieces
- Herb cream cheese - 3 tubs
- Hummus - 3 tubs
- Young cheese - 1,5 kilo
- Back ham - 1 kilo
- Smoked chicken breast - 1 kilo
- Smoked salmon - 600 grams
- Avocados - 8 pieces
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Tomatoes - 1 kilo
- Arugula - 4 bags
- Red onions - 4 pieces
- Lemons - 6 pieces
- Baby potatoes - 3 kilo
- Chicken breast - 2,5 kilo
- Zucchinis - 6 pieces
- Bell peppers - 8 pieces
- Mushrooms - 1 kilo
- Mixed Salad - 4 bags
- Feta cheese - 600 grams
- Olive oil - 1 bottle
- Pesto - 3 jars
- Garlic - 3 bulbs
- Italian herbs - 1 jar
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Salt - 1 pack
- Black pepper - 1 grinder
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Paprika chips - 3 bags
- Plain chips - 3 bags
- Mixed nuts - 1 kilo
- Olives - 3 jars
- Grapes - 2 kilos
- Apples - 12 pieces
- Brownies - 24 pieces
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 1 box
- Sugar - 1 pack
- Milk - 4 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Spa Blauw - 24 bottles
- Sparkling water - 12 bottles
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Iced tea - 4 bottles
- Beer - 48 cans
- Alcohol-free beer - 12 cans
- White wine - 4 bottles
- Rosé - 3 bottles
- Ice cubes - 10 kilos
- Napkins - 3 packs
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Toilet paper - 8 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Cleaning spray - 2 bottles
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Hand sanitizer gel - 2 bottles

Tips

Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then about one drink per person for each additional hour. Bring extra drinking water, especially if the route lasts most of the day.
Pack food in individual or small sealed containers rather than one large box. Keep special-diet meals clearly labelled and separate before loading the coolers.
Count reusable plates, bowls, cups and cutlery against the final guest list, then add two or three spare sets. On a boat, dropped or rinsed-away items are difficult to replace.
Charge phones and the Bluetooth speaker fully the night before, and bring at least one power bank. Store the waterproof phone case, route map and compass where the skipper can reach them quickly.
Buy batteries and check LED lamps at least one day before departure. Keep the first aid kit, life jackets and fire extinguisher accessible instead of burying them under food or luggage.

Frequently asked questions

How much food and drink do I need for a sailing trip?: For drinks, allow two to three per person during the first hour and one per person for every hour after that, plus drinking water. Prepare at least one main meal or substantial food portion per guest, with separate portions for dietary requirements.
What should I pack for a sailing trip in bad weather?: Bring food and electronics in waterproof bags or sealed containers, and keep the route map protected from spray. Check the forecast again 24 hours before departure and send guests an update if conditions affect clothing or the alternative programme.
How many spare plates and cups should I bring on a boat?: Pack one plate, bowl, cup and cutlery set per confirmed participant, plus two or three spare sets for the group. Count wine glasses separately if they will be used, and keep serving items in a stable container during loading.
When should I do the shopping for a sailing trip?: Buy non-perishable supplies, batteries and foil at least one day before departure. Purchase fresh food and chill the drinks on the day before or the morning of the trip, leaving enough time to pack coolers and diet meals separately.

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