What to pack for a superyacht vacation

For those embarking on their first superyacht vacation, it can pose a bit of a challenge knowing exactly what to pack. Do you need to bring your own toiletries, which electronic equipment will you need, what kinds of shoes are allowed on deck, and what type of luggage (and how much of it) should you bring? And apart from the logistics, there’s also the pressing matter of fashion: which designer items will allow you fit right into the superyacht crowd — whether you’re lying by the Jacuzzi on the sundeck or lunching under the waving palms in St. Barths?

Because we understand that private yachts are another world with their own fashion code and packing etiquette, we’ve put together a “what to pack” guide for your yachting holiday.

Soft-shell luggage

This is something that most first-time yacht guests don’t know, but hard-shell suitcases are a logistical nightmare on all but the very largest boats. After unpacking, the crew would normally fold up your soft suitcase and store it in the bilge, but hard-framed suitcases often end up hanging about in the corner of cabins, in the bottom of your cupboards, or even in corridors because they’re too bulky to fit anywhere else. Invest in a soft suitcase — wheels are fine, as long as the top is fabric and squashes down.

Fashion

Certain brands tend to be de rigueur on yachts, whether it’s Villebrequin swim trunks, La Perla lingerie, Ralph Lauren polo shirts, Juicy Couture sweatpants, or a flowing Hermes kaftan. Fill your luggage with lots of light fabrics, and pack several sets of designer swimwear (Sauvage and Zimmerman are popular choices) and sunglasses to complete your daytime superyacht look. Aim for bright colours for a summery beach feel, or linen whites and pale blues if you’re going for a fresh nautical look. 

For the evenings, pack at least one set of beautiful evening wear for cocktail parties on the sundeck or fancy dinners ashore — perhaps a smart collared shirt from Ermenegildo Zegna and slacks from Armani for the men, or a flowing evening dress from Chanel or Givenchy for the women.

And don’t worry if your budget doesn’t quite extend to a designer shopping splurge — you might be pleasantly surprised to know that even billionaires often have a few beautiful items from Zara and other affordable high street brands in their luggage! Clever shoppers really can create a superb yachting wardrobe without breaking the bank.

Above all, when you’re packing, try to pack items that are light and versatile. Space is always at a premium on all but the largest megayachts, so consider whether items can be used in multiple outfits, and remember that you’ll spend most of your time in your swimsuits! Last but not least, one of the joys of yacht charters for many guests will be the fantastic boutique shopping, so you may want to pack light and shop along the way.

Brand new, white-soled shoes

Street shoes and high heels are forbidden on yachts as these shoes will dirty or dent the expensive teak decking. Most yacht guests go barefoot on yachts, but if you’d prefer to keep shoes on during the day (walking on teak does dry your feet out over time), then buy a pair of new white soled shoes that you can just wear on the boat. Bring a pair of high heels, moccasins or loafers for when you head ashore, or just go casual with nice sandals.

A light sweater and comfy sweatpants

Many people don’t consider packing any warm clothes at all for their summer yachting adventure, but a set of comfy clothes are just the thing for snuggling up on the sofa and watching movies in the evenings. Also, the light sweater might come in handy in the evenings on deck, or when heading into a stiff breeze underway. A windcheater that rolls up small also may be a good addition to your suitcase — Henri Lloyd is a famous nautical brand if you’re keen on a designer image.

Hats

Sure, bring that stylish wide-brimmed hat for lazy days at anchor, but don’t forget to pack a cap as well so your favorite floppy hat doesn’t fly off when you’re speeding ashore in the tender.

Mobile devices

Bring electronics that you can read in the sunlight, as there’s nothing more frustrating than settling in on a deckchair on the sundeck to find that you can’t read a thing on your screen because the sun is bouncing right off it. For reading, Kindles have excellent glare-proof screens, while you can also purchase special stick-on protectors for laptops, phones and tablets. Tablets are obviously a great choice for yachting holidays as they’re very mobile — while the new waterproof mobile phones from Samsung and Sony are an obviously good choice. (If you want a waterproof iPhone, you’ll have to wait until iPhone 7 is released.)

Adaptors

When you’re picking up a charter in U.S. or Caribbean waters, you would be forgiven for assuming that all the boat’s sockets will fit all your electronic plugs. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case: your yacht may have crossed over from the Mediterranean, or have a British owner, or have been built in New Zealand. The yacht will almost certainly have a small stock of adaptors for guest use, but it’s a good idea to pack a couple of extra international adaptors if you have several electronic devices.

Cameras

Phone cameras just keep getting better and better, but if you really want to capture the magic of being at sea — the dramatic sunsets, the glassy early morning seas, the dolphins that jump through the wake — then we’d still recommend you bring a quality stand-alone camera. An underwater camera can be great fun too, providing some of the best shots of your holiday as you dive on coral reefs, play on the Seabob, or gather for group photos under the yacht’s shadowy hull.

Medications

The yacht will have a well-stocked first aid kit, but you should without question fill prescriptions before you come aboard so you don’t have to waste valuable holiday time at a doctor’s clinic. When it comes to seasickness medications, the yacht will certainly carry a couple of remedies (normally tablets and the grey fabric wristbands), but if you know what brand or method works for you, then bring your own stock.

Toiletries

The basic toiletries are optional, as the yacht will provide a selection of toiletries and sun products, normally from high-end brands such as Bulgari and Vichy. However, it’s worth bearing in mind that the yacht crew will normally add these items to your total charter bill under “consumables,” so if you’re trying to keep the little costs from adding up, then it’s good to bring your own toiletries, or if you just prefer your own brands of course.

Happy packing!

For more information on yacht charter vacations, contact Yacht Charter Broker Jackie Guenther:

For more information on chartering your yacht, contact Yacht Charter Manager Susan Harris:

Susan Harris
Yacht Charter Manager
+1 561.870.4142
Susan@denisonyachtsales.com