What to bring on a sailing trip

A sailing trip needs more than food and drinks. You also need compact tableware, coolers, waterproof storage and safety equipment that stays accessible while the boat is moving. Pack items in clearly labelled bags or waterproof barrels, and keep anything needed during departure easy to reach. Use the final participant count to calculate food, drinks and life jackets, then check the forecast and route before buying fresh supplies.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Foldable tablesqty 2
Folding chairsqty 8
Seat cushionsqty 20

Tableware

Reusable platesqty 25
Reusable bowlsqty 25
Reusable cupsqty 50
Wine glassesqty 25
Cutlery setsqty 25
Serving spoonsqty 4

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 3
Chef's knifeqty 2
Serving plattersqty 6
Thermos flasksqty 3

Equipment

Coolersqty 4
Ice cube traysqty 4
Portable hot plate
Kettle
Rechargeable flashlightsqty 4

Sports equipment

Adult life jacketsqty 25
Throwing lineqty 2
Life ring
Waterproof barrelsqty 4
Waterproof phone casesqty 10
Binocularsqty 2
Compassqty 2
VHF radio
Navigation lightqty 2
Anchor
Mooring linesqty 4
Fendersqty 6

Lighting

LED lanternsqty 4

Cleaning

Washing-up tubsqty 2
Reusable cleaning clothsqty 8
Hand brush and dustpan
Mop
Bucketqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Chicken breast - 3 kilograms
- Pasta - 2 kilograms
- Pasta sauce - 6 jars
- Pesto - 3 jars
- Grated cheese - 750 grams
- Mixed salad - 1.5 kilograms
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilograms
- Bell peppers - 8 pieces
- Wholemeal bread - 6 loaves
- Baguettes - 6 pieces
- Butter - 500 grams
- Cream cheese - 6 tubs
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Young cheese - 1,5 kilogram
- Serrano ham - 1 kilogram
- Grapes - 2 kilogram
- Apples - 25 pieces
- Bananas - 20 pieces
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Salted peanuts - 4 bags
- Olives - 4 jars
- Snack mix - 4 bags
- Brownies - 40 pieces
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Iced tea - 6 bottles
- Ginger ale - 4 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 12 bottles
- Spa Rood - 6 bottles
- Fruit juice - 6 cartons
- Non-alcoholic beer - 24 bottles
- Beer - 48 bottles
- White wine - 6 bottles
- Red wine - 4 bottles
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Lemons - 8 pieces
- Ice cubes - 12 bags
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Parchment paper - 1 roll
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Cleaning spray - 2 bottles
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls
- Hand soap - 2 bottles

Tips

Plan around two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then about one drink per hour afterwards. Chill the first round before departure and keep extra bottles in the coolers.
Pack food in small, sealed portions rather than one large container. Bring separate snacks, dinner ingredients and dietary-requirement options so preparation stays manageable on board.
Take reusable plates, bowls, cups and cutlery for every participant, plus two to four extra sets. Add serving spoons, cutting boards and a chef’s knife, and store sharp items securely.
Use at least one cooler for drinks and another for food when space allows. Freeze ice in the ice cube trays the day before and keep spare supplies in waterproof barrels or bags.
Count adult life jackets before participants arrive: you need one suitable jacket per person, plus a throwing line, life ring and rechargeable flashlights. Keep the VHF radio, compass, navigation light and anchor immediately accessible, not buried in luggage.

Frequently asked questions

How much food should I bring for a sailing trip?: Allow one substantial dinner per person, plus two snack portions for each person during the trip. Add at least two extra servings if the sailing time or return time may change.
How many drinks do I need for a sailing trip?: Plan on two to three drinks per person during the first hour and about one per hour after that. Bring extra water so each participant has at least 1.5 litres for a full-day trip.
How many life jackets do I need on a sailing trip?: Take one correctly sized life jacket for every participant, with no exceptions. Count them before departure and keep the throwing line and life ring accessible throughout the trip.
When should I buy food and chill the drinks for a sailing trip?: Buy fresh food no more than 24 hours before departure when possible. Chill drinks and freeze ice the day before, then load coolers shortly before participants arrive.

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