10 Essentials for RYA Competent Crew
Check List
If you are heading out into the Solent, ensuring you have the right kit for your time aboard is important. The Solent with its changeable microclimate and sometimes unpredictable sea state, can prove challenging for those new to boating.
Whether you are sailing from Southampton, Portsmouth, Gosport, Hamble or the Isle of Wight, having the correct equipment will ensure you have an enjoyable experience during your time on the water.
Top 10 Essentials
1. Soft Sided Duffel Bag or Holdall (No Hard Suitcases)
Space on a yacht is very limited. A collapsible, soft-sided bag (50-70 litre capacity) can be folded and stowed away in a locker or cupboard. Hard suitcases with wheels are 'not suitable' forms of luggage and can cause damage to a boats interior.2. Non -Marking Deck Shoes
You will need shoes with white or light-coloured rubber soles. "Non-marking" is the keyword; black marks or streaks on surfaces or decks, can be damaging to boat materials and have long term effects. Ordinary Wellington Boots are not suitable, due to the lack of grip. Non-marking Trainer type shoes are generally suitable.- Pro Tip: Bring a separate pair, for walking ashore or when not at sea.
3. Layered Clothing (The 3-Layer Rule)
Even in the middle of Summer, the Solent can create a noticeable wind chill effect.- Base-Layer: Moisture-wicking Long sleeve or T-Shirt (avoid Cotton)
- Mid-Layer: A warm insulating layer or number of layers (fleece or down)
- Outer-Layer: Waterproof and Windproof, known as "Oilskins or Foul Weather Gear" (these are provided by SBT)
4. Sleeping Bag and Pillow
Our Sailing Courses are Residential (once you leave our home base, we will not be returning daily), meaning you will sleep on the boat. Bring a mid-season sleeping bag (3-Season if you like to be snug) and a pillow with pillow case. If you prefer a quilt rather than a sleeping bag, a single sheet will also be required to cover the mattress.
5. Sun Protection (Double the Reflection)
Even when the Sun is not very bright, the risk of sunburn (along with windburn) is ever present. The sun also reflects off of both the water and the white deck of the boat, doubling your exposure.
- Essentials: SPF 50+ (reef-safe), Lip Balm with UV protection and UV protecting sunglasses, complete with lanyard.
6. Hat Insurance (The Lanyard)
You will need a peaked cap (wide brimmed hat if preferred) for the Sun or a Beanie for the Cold. Ensure you invest in a hat clip lanyard. There are many stories and tales of the Solent claiming another mariners favourite or expensive hat. Keep it as attached to you, as you are attached to it.
7. Personal Toiletries Quick-Dry Towels
Marina showers are always welcoming after a long day at sea, but traditional cotton towels never dry on a boat. Bring a microfibre quick-dry towel and travel-sized toiletries to save space. Most Marina Facilities have hairdryers for those that require them.
8. Sailing Gloves
As a "Competent Crew" you will be handling ropes and lines frequently. To avoid rope burn and blisters, bringing a pair of fingerless sailing gloves is highly recommended.
9. Power Bank & USB Cables
Yachts run on 12V battery power while sailing. While all of our boats do have charging facilities onboard, they are limited and comparatively slow, (compared to what you might be used to). Battery banks provide a useful means of charging whilst at sea and can then be recharged whilst ashore in the evenings.
10. Sea Sickness Remedies
The Solent is generally sheltered, but the well know "Solent Chop" can catch beginners out. Even if you don't usually suffer from travel sickness, we would recommend that you bring non-drowsy travel sickness tablets (such as Stugeron) and take them before you leave the dock, if you are prone to motion sickness.
