top_menu

  • jette and tailr in northwind's tailr san juan island sailing charters
  1. 1

Packing for Your Northwind Charter

First and foremost, most sailing yachts simply do not have enough room to accommodate the storage of hard-shell suitcases. Therefore, you must use collapsible duffle bags only. Travel in the islands should be comfortable and casual.

Plan on bringing just one medium size collapsible type duffle bag per person. We would suggest a size of no more than 15” wide by 30” long. The duffle bag must easily fit through the teak door to your cabin which is about 18” wide. If we determine your bag is too wide then it will need to be unpacked outside your cabin before we can get underway. Also avoid bags with wheels if at all possible.

Packing List:

  • T-shirts or cotton shirts, polo etc.
  • A sweatshirt or fleece, as nights are sometimes cool
  • Shorts
  • Jeans or long slacks
  • Swim suit (for summer trips)
  • Sun block and a hat or visor
  • Sun glasses
  • Deck shoes or Crocs
  • Footwear for hiking/walking ashore
  • Sandals for private marina showers
  • Rain & wind gear or a warm lined jacket
  • Basic toiletries – toothpaste, shaving cream, etc.
  • Any medication you need. If you’re prone to seasickness, bring the medication that works for you (though not normally needed for most)
  • Music: CDs or iPod
  • Camera
  • Books /magazines, or eReader (bring a car charger)
  • Cell phones (bring a car charger)
  • Wine, beer, hard alcohol (can be purchased at stores in Bellingham)
  • Traveling with kids? Check with the crew to make sure the yacht carries the appropriate sizes in life jackets. Many families bring their own “comfortable” life jackets for young children

Note: For CPAP users: If you use a CPAP machine please contact us for information on how to make yours work properly on the boat. We have a PDF we can send to you that will answer all of your questions.
We provide: pillows, bedding (sheets, blanket, comforter), extra fleece blanket, bath towel, hand towel, washcloth, shampoo, soap, flashlight, binoculars (unless you prefer to bring your own) and a water bottle.

Do Not Pack

  • Any fancy clothes for wearing on the boat
  • Any kind of towels (unless you need to remove makeup)
  • Hairspray (can damage yacht finishes)
  • Perfume or cologne (can affect other passengers)
  • Expensive jewelry
  • Hairdryers/curling irons (could be used at marina facilities)

Shoes: Please do not wear street shoes while on board. Street and hard soled shoes can leave skid marks on white decks and teak and they offer little or no traction on wet surfaces. Bare feet are OK, but there are toe stubbing possibilities on a sailboat. Do not ever wear socks without shoes as you could slip and fall. We highly recommend that you wear deck or boat shoes aboard the boat for the best traction. Crocs also work well on the boat if the tread is new.

If you are having trouble finding boat shoes in your area, you can pick up a pair in Bellingham before the trip, or order from West Marine by phone: 1-800-262- 8464 or online: westmarine.com. Keep your deck shoes clean and put them on when you arrive at the boat. An extra pair of walking shoes is required for going ashore.