Day Sail Packing List [Florida Keys]
What’s an inner battle that you struggle with before a vacation? If you answered ‘what to pack’... same. For the organized, creating a packing list is like riding a roller coaster at Six Flags. It’s exhilarating. For the rest of us, it’s daunting. Should you bring a pair of sneakers? Will you actually wear a nice shirt? And will the hotel have toothpaste? These are the questions we need answers to.
Now, we’re not packing gurus, but when it comes to packing for a sailing trip, we know the drill. And we’re not talking about a 7-day sailing trip along the Florida coast because that’s a different beast. We simply want to help you pack for a day trip on a sailing or power catamaran, because let’s face it, sometimes it’s more difficult to pack for a short excursion than an extended vacation.
When you book a bareboat or crewed day sail excursion with Bluesail, the catamaran or monohull will come with the essentials. Each boat is prepared with a first aid kit, life jackets, flashlight, navigation equipment/technology, radio, air conditioning, charging ports, and kitchen supplies. These are luxury vessels after all. So what should you bring?
Here are our best recommendations for what to pack for a day sail charter with Bluesail in the Florida Keys.
Sunglasses + Hat
Sunglasses, hat, and a breathable long sleeve shirt is a Florida boaters’ uniform. But you’d be surprised at how many folks forget to pack a hat or leave their sunglasses in the car. Let this be your reminder: pack a pair of polarized sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat before your day sail charter.
Moisture Wicking Long Sleeve Shirt + Light Rain Jacket
There’s no escaping the sun when you’re on the water. Pack a moisture wicking long sleeve shirt for added sun protection. Bonus points if the fabric offers UPF 50+ sun protection. Lightweight shirts like these are a game-changer for boaters and will provide added comfort to your charter. On the other hand, Florida’s weather can change with the snap of a finger. Bring a light rain jacket in case the storm clouds roll in.
Sunscreen + Aloe Vera
We’re kind of obsessed with sun protection. After many sunburns from the unforgiving Florida sun, we finally learned our lesson. Pack a big bottle of SPF 50+ sunscreen before you get on your catamaran or sailboat charter. And throw in a bottle of aloe vera while you’re at it. The aloe will be refreshing to lather on after watching the sunset during a half day or full day excursion.
Bathing Suit + Beach Towels
No matter which day sail destination you travel to, there’s always an opportunity to jump in the water. Pack a bathing suit during your catamaran charter in Key West. You might sail to Boca Chica sandbar and spend a few hours splashing in the shallow waters. Or you might cruise to Sand Key Lighthouse to snorkel with tropical fish. Don’t forget a beach towel to lay on the bow for drying off and sunning. Don't worry, if you forget the towel we've got you covered, literally.
Dramamine, Ginger, or Acupressure Wrist Bands
You never know how you’re going to react to the roll of a boat on the water. Everyone is different. While Dramamine, ginger, or acupressure sea bands can’t prevent seasickness, they can provide relief. Pack some form of nausea relief just in case you start to feel sick on the water. You don’t want your Key West yacht charter to be ruined because you’re green in the face.
Cooler + Drinks + Food
When you book a bareboat or crewed catamaran charter with Bluesail, you might spend a half day or a full day on the water. Bluesail will provide the cooler and you can pack with ice and throw in your favorite drinks, water, and food for the day. Prepare for your charter by pre-packing sandwiches, fruit, chips, or whatever else you crave. Each Bluesail vessel comes with a fully stocked kitchen with plates, bowls, utensils, refrigeration, and sink. Lunch under the covered cockpit of the catamaran or sailboat hits different when there’s nothing but an endless ocean in front of you.
Bonus: Extra Water Toys
Depending on where you plan to sail your catamaran charter, it might be a good idea to bring inflatables or other similar gear to enjoy the water. For instance, pool noodles would be nice to relax on after sailing from Key West to Woman Key. The great news is Bluesail provides the basics! At least 2 stand-up paddleboards and snorkel gear for all ages come standard with every charter, which will come in handy if you take the 44-foot Fountaine Pajot Helia (ROGUE ANGEL) to Pelican Shoal.
Before you set sail from Key West on a catamaran or sailboat charter, make sure you pack the essentials so that you enjoy a comfortable excursion. This list is by no means exhaustive as we assume you’ll remember to pack a phone, wallet, rental documents, smile, etc. Reference this day sail packing list before a half day or full day catamaran charter in the Florida Keys.
Bluesail offers private luxury yacht charters that depart from The Perry Hotel and Marina Key West, including a 43’ power catamaran, a 40’ sailing catamaran, a 44’ sailing catamaran, a 47’ sailing catamaran, and a 38’ sailing monohull. Each vessel is fully equipped for a private bareboat or crewed charter with world-class amenities such as air conditioning, a fully stocked kitchen, cabins, and showers. Select your yacht, choose your preferred sailing duration, and lock in your dates. Oh, and don’t forget the sunscreen.