Can I bring a hard suitcase?

**No — use a soft bag or duffel.** Hard rolling cases do not fit yacht lockers and block companionways. If you fly with a hard case, transfer to a soft bag at the marina before boarding.

What shoes are allowed on deck?

**Non-marking soles** — dedicated boat shoes or clean trainers with white/non-marking soles. Street shoes that leave black marks stay ashore.

Do I need different kit for Offshore Skipper?

**Yes, a little.** Add a **headtorch with red night mode**, an extra warm layer for night passages, and any seasickness remedy you already use — tell the instructor. See **[Offshore Skipper — what to expect](/en/blog/offshore-skipper-what-to-expect/)**.

What about meals and what is included?

Details are in your **pre-course pack**: meeting point, what tuition covers (meals vary by course), and any theory or forms. Complete forms on time. See also **[FAQ](/en/faq/)** and **[schedule](/en/schedule/)**.

How private is life on board?

You share a small floating home with up to **three** other students and an instructor (max **four** participants). Pack light and leave hotel-privacy expectations ashore.

2026-06-29

Yacht course packing list — living aboard essentials

What to bring for a FairHelm week living aboard — soft bags, layers, documents and mindset — aligned with our Yacht Crew and Skipper course pages.

A sailing course where you live aboard means you sleep, eat and learn on the boat. Packing wrong slows the whole crew. This list applies to FairHelm Yacht Crew, Inshore Skipper and Offshore Skipper weeks in Sweden, Croatia and Turkey - details from our course pages and what to expect in a 6-day course.

Short answer: soft bag, non-marking shoes, layers and waterproofs, documents and meds declared early; leave hard cases and hotel expectations ashore.

In short

Bag: soft duffel - not a hard suitcase.
Feet: non-marking deck shoes only.
Climate: layers + full waterproofs (Baltic nights); hat and sun kit (Med summers).
Paper & health: ID, school copies, meds in original packaging; say dietary/medical needs before arrival.
Mindset: shared boat, max four - pack light, show up rested.

Bag and clothing

Soft bag or duffel - no hard rolling suitcases
Non-marking shoes - dedicated boat shoes or clean trainers with white/non-marking soles
Layers - fleece, base layers, warm hat and gloves (Baltic evenings are cold even in summer)
Waterproof jacket and trousers - you will be on deck in rain
Sailing gloves - optional but useful for sheets and mooring
Swimwear - for Mediterranean bases and calm-day swims where the instructor allows
Hat and sun protection - especially Croatia and Turkey summer courses
Reusable water bottle

Mindhelm angle, briefly: packing is a boundary decision - what you need versus what you drag aboard for comfort theatre. Light and dry beats impressive and soggy.

Offshore / skipper weeks

If you join Offshore Skipper, add:

Headtorch with red night mode - for watchkeeping without blinding the crew
Extra warm layer - night passages are cold
Seasickness remedy if you use one - consult your pharmacist; tell the instructor

More context: Offshore Skipper - what to expect.

Documents and health

Passport or ID - required for cross-border routes and some marinas
Copies of documents the school asked for in your pre-course pack
Medication in original packaging; tell the school about medical or dietary needs before arrival
Travel insurance - course pages recommend sport insurance during training

What not to bring

Hard luggage, street shoes that mark decks, excessive electronics you cannot keep dry
Expectations of hotel privacy - you share a small floating home with up to three other students and an instructor

Before you travel

You will receive a pre-course pack: meeting point, what is included (tuition, certificate; meals vary by course), and any theory or forms. Complete them on time. Check schedule for start dates and FAQ for logistics.

FairHelm groups are capped at four participants - pack light, show up rested, and be ready to rotate roles from day one.

New to sailing? Read What to expect in a 6-day yacht course first, then ISSA certification path for how courses connect. Questions about your dates? Contact us.

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