You don’t need any special equipment to sail with us, just a few sensible bits and you’re good to go. Here’s what to bring:
The boat has life jackets and safety harnesses for everyone on board, so you don’t need to bring your own but you’re welcome to if you prefer.
The main thing to get right is layers. It’s almost always cooler on the water than on land, even on a sunny day, so bring one more warm layer than you think you’ll need. A windproof jacket is ideal and if you have waterproofs, bring those too in case it rains or there’s spray. You don’t need to buy dedicated sailing gear just yet; a decent waterproof coat and warm fleece will do the job.
In summer, don’t forget sun protection, including a hat and high-factor suncream. The reflection off the water means you can burn surprisingly quickly, even on overcast days.
It’s worth bringing a change of trousers, socks and shoes in a bag. Cockpit seats can be damp and there’s always a chance of getting splashed, so having something dry to change into for the drive home makes a big difference.
If you have sailing shoes or deck boots, great. If not, trainers with clean, non-marking soles work fine - the kind you’d wear on an indoor sports court. On cold or wet days, sea boots are a good option too. Please make sure the soles are free of mud and stones before you step aboard. Wellington boots aren’t suitable as they’re slippery on deck.
The boat will be supplied with tea, coffee and milk but please bring a packed lunch, plenty of water, and any snacks you’d like. Sometimes the skipper will suggest lunch ashore at a harbour or marina and they’ll let you know in advance so you can plan accordingl
Most people are absolutely fine, but if you’ve never been on a boat before it’s worth taking a precaution. Stugeron (cinnarizine) is widely regarded as the most effective over-the-counter option and is available from most pharmacies. Take it the night before or at least a couple of hours before sailing for best results.