Clothing to take on a small boat

[Daydream believer]

So here is the scenario. Been invited to go with 2 others on a boat max 30 feet( might be 25 feet depends on whose boat) for 4 weeks mid summer cruising channel, crossing over to channel islands, Britanny, possibly Brest. May be Scilly isles or just whole of south coast. A couple, or poss more, over nighters- do not know. Just an open invitation to go with skipper & one other male crew. Play it by ear as time goes.
What do I pack in the bags & how much?
Obviously sleeping bag & pillow, wash kit, towel. LJ & wet weather jacket & trousers, Mid layer, deck shoes,( non marking) That lot on its own is a bag full. But what else? What trousers underwear jumpers shirts T shirts, socks etc. How much & how many?
Do most boats get a chance to wash their gear much. How does one manage hygiene, or is it a case of all smell together.
What gear for going ashore. What if it is hot- or cold- How many bags are reasonable to take ? if one turns up with 3-4 bags would skipper be a bit upset? What would skipper say if one just turned up with one layer of clothes plus one spare & wanted to go to the launderette every day? Or do they just smell? How would skipper feel about wet pants hanging in the heads?
How do most crew handle these things & do crew have a list they stick to ? Must be awkward on, say a plane or if having a long trip to the boat & having to lug heavy bags 300 miles on the bus or train
What are others thoughts?

 

[[178529]]

4 weeks is quite a time. I think a lot depends on whether you plan to stay in marinas or anchorages. Marinas should have showers and you should be able to wash clothes, at least in a sink.

 

[Sandy]

Let's hope France and the Channel Islands open up by then. Ten days quarenteen every time you stop at a new port will eat into your time.

 

[awol]

3 socks, 2 pair knickers, trousers, tops to fill a small duffle bag. Wash 1 sock and 1 pair knickers every day in salt water, rinse in fresh. DO NOT SPRAY DEODERANT BELOW DECKS or, preferably, at all. Don't forget the duty free whisky 1/3 litre per day.

 

[Gwylan]

Folding, soft bag, with clothes can be a good pillow substitute.. Not a feckin wheelie bin.

One to wash, one to wear, one spare. Covers underwear and most other things.
Thick warm, Sealzskin gloves, socks, beanie.

Then mix and match
Practical, layering, one smart outfit for run ashore.
Sunscreen! Tube of wilderness wash - can rinse out your smalls if necessary.
Its not a Transat, so you will stop. There will be rubbish days when you can do laundry.
Don't need a pillow, pillow case stuffed with clothes works well.
Sailing trip, with chaps not a fashion outing.

 

[Gwylan]

Oh and if necessary do the wet wipe routine.

 

[wrr]

One bag only, as stowage will be limited. Avoid mid-layers and shirts that become smelly! I find that RAB mid-layer pull-ons maintain their social acceptability far longer than some other makes or than cotton rugby shirts. Trousers with zip-off legs usefully double up as shorts. A medium-sized towel should suffice for showers as it can be challenging trying to dry enormous bath sheets.
Crucially, bring some spring clips (e.g. Spring clamp, Set of 6 | DIY at B&Q ) as clothes pegs will allow your smalls pegged on the guard rails to scatter to the four winds! Attempting to recover such garments can be an interesting way to introduce yourself to the crews of neighbouring boats.

 

[capnsensible]

Think submariner. 3 socks. One on left foot, one on right foot, one in the wash.

 

[PhillM]

I would ask the skipper how much kit they plan to take. On a similar trip I carry about 10 days worth of clothes, which mean I go to the laundrette twice, usually on weather bound days.

 

[Minchsailor]

Folding, soft bag, with clothes can be a good pillow substitute.. Not a feckin wheelie bin.

+1. especially on a 25-30 foot boat there is NOWHERE to store a rigid case. Soft folding bag essential.

Check with the skipper about things like lifejackets and safety harnesses - i supply my crew with the. Ditto pillows and pillow cases.

Going ashore (assuming a 'Royal' club is not involved) is whatever you would wear going to the pub generally.

 

[capnsensible]

Get somewhere. Buy new tshirt. Throw old one in bin. Repeat.

 

[awol]

Philibeg is the answer - no underwear needed.

 

[fredrussell]

Merino wool t shirts and tops can be worn for weeks before it smells. The thinner stuff for summer obviously. It’s the most amazing stuff, but it is a little pricey.

 

[Daedelus]

Guy who'd done Fastnet told me wear your knickers as long as you can, then wear inside out, then throw at roof, if they stick it's time to change to another pair.

PS don't forget medication if you take any, and skipper will usually appreciate you bringing a bottle of something nice with you.

 

[boomerangben]

We've done week to 10 days camping trip in 20' boats with one marina stop. Maybe. Three changes of underwear, 2 sets of layered clothing for sailing in (wear one, keep the other dry) and lightweight trekking pants and shirt for runs ashore. Going home clothes stay in the car. I pack my stuff in a selection of small waterproof roll top bags which all fit in a duffle bag (which stays in the car) and use a fleece as a pillow. Less is definitely more and don't wave your arms around when not wearing your oilies.

 

[Babylon]

Whatever you wear on board, don't forget a smart rig for going ashore in!

As I never wish to look like a walking advert for any particular sailing or camping brand, for me that means street shoes, proper trousers and a fresh shirt. ?

 

[TernVI]

4 weeks in a 28ft boat with 2 other blokes is a long time if you don't have a common interest in a clear goal.
I would either say 2 weeks max for a channel bimble, or offer to do a long leg to Scilly and get the ferry home or something.
There's only one person I'm going to spend 4 weeks with on a small boat and she's not a bloke.

The point of 3 blokes going sailing is to crack on and get places. You can do anywhere in the channel, and back in a week. You can do most places in a 4 day weekend.

 

[PilotWolf]

Whatever you wear on board, don't forget a smart rig for going ashore in!

As I never wish to look like a walking advert for any particular sailing or camping brand, for me that means street shoes, proper trousers and a fresh shirt. ?

And no life jacket!

W.

 

[Boathook]

As per others have a chat with the skipper / owner about space. I find all my sailing kit plus sleeping bag is one kit bag and then another for clothing. Zip off trousers are good plus camping type towels that take little space.
In 2019 I was away with a friend on my 9m cat for 4 weeks and as usual took to much clothing. We were blessed with warm and dry weather so layers not required. Quite a few years ago we ended up in a marina to dry out and warm up using fan heaters in late July, so the weather makes a lot of difference.

 

[TC Tuckton]

Rubble sacks (tough plastic bags) so you don't have to worry about damp lockers.