Before a Croatian sailing holiday, it's worth thinking through what you'll genuinely need on board. When sailing the Adriatic, packing practically and light is what matters most. Rather than a hard suitcase, a soft holdall is the better choice, as it's far easier to stow in your cabin. Space on board is limited and cleverly used: there's almost nowhere to put a rigid case, whereas a foldable canvas bag tucks neatly into the bottom of a cupboard or under the bed. Think of packing the way you would for a well-organised backpacking trip: less, but thoughtfully chosen.
Swimwear, sunglasses and sun cream are all but essential kit on the Adriatic. Evenings on board can turn cooler, so a thin jumper or windbreaker comes in handy too. Non-slip shoes make moving around the deck both more comfortable and safer — and choose a light-coloured sole, because black rubber streaks look terrible on a yacht's pristine white deck. Bring two swimsuits (a dry one always comes in useful), a hat for the midday sun, and a high-factor, ideally reef-safe sun cream, since you'll be spending plenty of time in the water.
On a skippered trip you spend a lot of time on the water, so it's worth bringing a waterproof phone case too. Since the wind blows, it pays to fit your sunglasses with a strap — that way your expensive shades won't fly into the sea at a sudden movement. We've lost a few that way… Thanks to the crystal-clear water of the Adriatic, many people bring snorkelling gear as well. Also useful are a portable power bank, a lightweight towel or quick-drying cloth, and a few tablets for seasickness in case a crossing turns choppy — though we go into that in more detail in our FAQ.
Don't forget the important little things either: a valid ID card or passport, your European health insurance card, and some cash for the smaller konobas and the markets, where card payment isn't always an option. For your electronics, a shared power bank and a few charging cables are enough — the yacht has a 12 V socket and usually a 220 V one too, and shore power is available in every marina. A head torch for moving about the deck at night, a rechargeable mosquito repeller for the evenings in harbour and your own water bottle for staying hydrated through the day round off the list.
What can you happily leave at home? Heavy shoes, surplus "just in case" clothes and the big toiletry kit. The standard equipment on our yachts takes care of the galley, the bed linen and the towels, so those are nothing to worry about. If you're planning to come with children, it's worth reading through our "Sailing with children" article too, where we give a separate list for the little ones' things. Ready to set sail? Take a look at our suggested routes, and request an offer — we'll take care of the rest.