Travel

How to Pack for The Yacht Week

June 21, 2021

If you’re like me, you’ve probably already read the vague packing list on The Yacht Week website, skimmed through dozens of other blogs, and harassed people in the Crew Finder group to get more info on what you REALLY need to bring for this trip. Unfortunately for my bank account, I’m a little more high maintenance (luxury yacht WITH A/C pretty please) so throwing 5 bikinis in a backpack and calling it a day is just a little unrealistic for me. Although the cabin space is on the limited size regardless of which boat you chose, I’m here to help make your packing checklist a little more thorough and realistic. Let’s get right to it.

The Yacht Week Packing Checklist:

  • Pack some stuff in a duffle bag, and then if you need more space you’ll only need a smaller suitcase! 10/10 recommend this duffle bc its high quality, waterproof, and has tons of compartments.
  • This is the only hardshell suitcase you’ll ever need. I have the color “sand”. Use my code for a gift with purchase! CODE: “KRISM”
  • Swimwear. Yes that might be obvious, but really. Pack a suit for each day!
  • Swim cover ups. Think sarongs, kimonos, crochet tanks.
  • Water shoes. I love my Tevas. So comfy, versatile, and come in so many cute color options!
  • Sandals and sneakers. I promise…you will never wear heels.
  • A hat. I live in my Lack of Color boater hats, but definitely bring a cute, cheap ones too.
  • Hair accessories. If you have curly hair like me, do yourself a favor and grab a headscarf or some clips for an easy and manageable hairstyle.
  • Wet brush. You are in water every day after all.
  • Comfy clothes to throw on and explore or just to party in. Deff recommend dresses!
  • A sweatshirt/sweater/hoodie. Nights on the water are chilly (even in July!).
  • Sleepwear/ lightweight loungewear (mainly to sleep in).
  • Themed event outfits. Our Croatia route had Dockside Disco. I wore this!
  • White party outfit.
  • Minimal jewelry. I exclusively wore my favorite pieces- and they never tarnish, so getting them wet every day was no biggie.
  • Sunglasses. It wouldn’t hurt to have a couple of cheap backup pairs.
  • Sunscreen/aloe vera. REEF SAFE options are better! Even if you don’t burn easily, you’ll regret not buying your own!!
  • Skincare routine/body lotion/body wash/chapstick/hand sanitizer. The essentials.
  • Hanging toiletries kit. For all of the aforementioned.
  • Hangover supplements. PartySmart, Blowfish. You know the drill.
  • Meds in general. Ibuprofen, Bonine or dramamine. A first aid kit is great (only one person need to pack this).
  • Anti-nausea/sea sickness prevention. If you’re prone to this-grab sea bands, peppermint lozenges, anti motion sickness or nausea patches
  • Liquid IV or any electrolyte drink mix is amazing. You need to stay hydrated! These also help prevent hangovers.
  • Yeti/insulated tumbler. Keep your drinks cold longer on the boat where ice is limited!
  • European outlet adapter. If you’re not from Europe.
  • AUX cord if you want to jam out on the boat.
  • USB cigarette lighter adapter. When you need to charge if the boat isn’t docked!
  • Mophie phone case or extra phone battery pack.
  • Face wipes to remove any makeup.
  • Waterproof mascara (and if you like to have some kind of makeup on, this is a GREAT option for a tinted sunscreen)
  • Pool float – so many cute fun options!
  • Pump for the pool float. I know you don’t want to do that yourself lol.
  • Your favorite beach towel. or grab a new one 🙂
  • Party games – cards or any of these fun drinking games
  • GoPro / camera water housing.
  • Cash for port fees, fuel etc. Also prepare to tip your skipper and host around $100. You’ll also be buying their food and drinks during the trip, so make sure to budget for that!

Fun extras we packed

  • Flag to fly on your boat. Represent your country or fly something creative and fun, but this is necessary to distinguish which boat is yours. We got this 3×5 one from Etsy.
  • Captain hats. We did a Nautical Day theme and got these hats for less than $6 per person. They also have sailor caps!
  • Matching bucket hats. These tie dye ones were fun for the whole group. We also got these 70s inspired matching sunglasses to wear as well!
  • Ragata theme costume. This isn’t an all day outfit so no need to go balls to the wall. Our theme was Mario Kart and we got these hilarious yet simple headpieces to throw on with a matching swimsuit!

Hopefully this was helpful and if you’ve been to The Yacht Week and have something you couldn’t live without when you got there, let me know! 🙂

kristen mackoul blog