Sailing the Northwest

We are preparing this week for a four-day charter next week in the San Juan Islands through Anacortes Yacht Charters.  This is the first time we’ll be cruising on a boat that is not our own, and so have to make sure that we pack everything we’ll be needing for the trip.  First Aid and Meal planning checklists will be separately posted.

Here’s the packing list we came up with for the charter cruise for a family of five (two adults, and three children):

Clothes

• Towels (10 full-size, 10 washcloths)
• Wool winter mittens/gloves
• Hats (wool & sun)
• Underwear (6 per person)
• T-shirts
• Long Pants
• Shorts
• Sweatshirts
• Sweaters
• Windbreaker / Jacket
• Swimsuits
• Socks
• Rain Gear
• Boat Shoes
• Tennis Shoes
• Boots (mid-calf or higher for beach-combing)

Toiletries

• Shampoo/Conditioner
• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Hairbrush
• Sunscreen (we’re hoping!)
• Razor
• Deodorant
• Mouthwash
• Dishsoap
• Dove Soap
• Chap Stick
• Nail clippers / Nail scissors

Entertainment

• Books
• Portable DVD-player
• Music CD’s
• Digital Camera
• Flip Video Camera
• AA batteries
• Card Games (2 card decks + SkipBo)

Sailing Equipment / Navigation Aids

• Rigging Knife
• Flashlight w/ batteries
• Binoculars
• Local NOAA Charts
• Compass
• Pencil / Pens / Eraser
• Tide & Current Tables
• GPS
• Whistle
• Life Jackets

Other Cruising Items

• Sunglasses
• Drivers License
• Washington State Boater Education Card (if required)
• Passport (if you plan on entering Canadian waters)
• Insect repellent
• Garbage Bags
• Zip-locks (handy for dinghy trips)
• Canvas Tote-bag, backpack and/or duffle bag
• Sleeping Bags & pillows
• Cell phone
• Power Converter/Inverter for shore power hook-up or battery hook-up
• Money

We’ll update this list as we continue packing, but please let us know if we’ve missed anything that you’ve found important as well!