We do not expect you to purchase sailing gear for your course, below are items we suggest packing.

If you wish to buy proper sailing clothing, ‘offshore’ level of protection is more than sufficient. You can purchase good quality sailing gear at any yacht chandlers, we recommend Pirates Cave:

https://www.piratescave.co.uk/

  • Wet Weather Clothing (“Oilskins”) Wet weather clothing hire is available for hire, sizes are limited you can hire on the day of your course or in advance through the office. The charge is £7 per set per day, capped at £25 per event. We advise waterproof walking clothes with a built-in hood sufficient but make sure you will be warm enough by wearing layers.
  • Sailing Shoes – Ordinary trainers (or waterproof trainers) are acceptable but ensure that soles are non-marking, bear in mind that water does splash overboard thus your feet may get wet. Ordinary Wellington boots may be OK for a weekend, but you would have to be careful when moving on deck because they tend to have slippery soles. Basic, decent quality boots cost about £50, top quality breathable Gore-Tex boots cost from £150 upwards and are worth the investment if you are going to do a lot of sailing.

Unfortunately, we do not have sailing boots / deck shoes for hire. 

  • Clothing – Warm, comfortable clothes or cool clothes – according to the weather. But it’s always colder on the water.  So even in summer bring a warm jacket.
  • Sleeping bag, single bed sheet and pillowcase – Note that berths have mattresses with a mattress protector fitted and a pillow is provided. The mattress protectors are not for use as sheets and are not laundered after every use.  You should use your own sleeping bag, pillow slip and a single bedsheet for comfort and hygiene.
  • Hat – a woolly hat in cold weather. Sun hat in sunny weather (very important)
  • Sailing gloves – These protect your hands, and the suede or Kevlar finish make it easier to grip ropes. There are also thermal versions for winter sailing.
  • Lanyard – to keep your glasses attached.
  • Seasickness pills – (if you think you might need them), we suggest the purchase the non-drowsy tablets.
  • Sun cream – even in winter
  • Head torch – (optional)
  • Bottled water – if you do not wish to drink water from the boat.
  • Toiletry bag and towel – The yachts have a toilet compartment with a washbasin and a shower. However, the water tank capacity is insufficient for all crew to have showers each day so normally we only shower when there are shore facilities available.  On courses of more than 2 or 3 days we will ensure at least one overnight stop is made somewhere with such facilities.
  • Snacks – you are welcome to bring any snacks, cakes, etc onboard.
  • Passport – if Milebuilder / Adventure Sailing trip is booked to cross the channel.
  • Phone chargers – to fit in a 12-volt car cigar lighter socket and 230v sockets. (See additional notes below).

Pack all this into a soft bag that can be folded flat for storage.  There is no separate space to store luggage so

you will have to share your berth with this bag.

ADDITIONAL NOTES

  • Safety Equipment: We provide all essential personal safety equipment– lifejacket and safety line.  If you prefer to bring your own life jacket, that is fine, as long as it has at least 150N buoyancy, auto inflation, crotch strap, integral harness and been professionally inspected in the last 12 months.
  • Charging: Mains (AC) electrical power is not available except in a marina.  Limited charging capacity is available from the ship’s 12volt batteries. Most cabins have twin 230v and twin 12v sockets. Due to the low voltage available on the boats batteries we suggest bringing a USB charging lead, car charger plug and maybe a backup battery. Those that have sleep apnoea machines are required to bring a backup battery.
  • Meals and Catering: Provisions for all meals and tea, coffee, etc are provided aboard the yacht. You will be expected to assist in preparing meals. Traditionally on our sailing trips we have provisioned with emphasis on good quality basic ingredients with fresh meat and vegetables and meals prepared from scratch (ie no ready meals, junk food or luxuries).  We have not taken a ‘menu driven’ approach.  Instead, we have provided a wide range of ingredients to allow considerable variety in recipes.  We intend to maintain the emphasis on quality and no ready meals or junk food – but we will adjust ingredients to support simpler meals that can be prepared by one person and served to all.

At times when docked at a Marina, the instructor and crew may wish to dine ashore, as meals are catered for,

there is no obligation to eat ashore if you choose not to.

If you have any dietary requirements, please ensure to advise the office prior to your course so that we can accommodate your request.

  • Domestic Duties: Learning to live harmoniously aboard the yacht is part of the course. You will be expected to contribute to domestic chores (eg cooking, washing up and routine cleaning) and at the end of the course to assist with cleaning the boat inside and out.
  • Money: You will need a little money for any personal expenditure ashore during port visits and to contribute to a ‘kitty’ if you want wine with dinner. You are welcome to bring your own drinks if you wish.
  • Accommodation: is provided onboard the boat throughout your course. If you require accommodation before or after your course, we recommend the nearest to the Marina:
  • Travelodge:

Western Avenue, Chatham Historic Dockyard, Chatham, ME4 4NT Sat nav postcode: ME4 4TY

https://www.travelodge.co.uk/hotels/598/Chatham-Maritime-hotel

Tel: 08715 591878

  • Ship & Trades:

Maritime Way Chatham Maritime Chatham ME4 3ER

https://www.shipandtradeschatham.co.uk/rooms

Tel: 020 7365 0519