dcgc

We will be sailing from St. Thomas to the BVI and then back to St. John with a stay at the westin for a few more days. Any suggestions on packing for weather in late February? This will be my first time sailing on a boat for a week? I have been to the US virgin islands a few times, so I know beachwear essential, but when you are sailing the weather can change, hope someone has suggestions?

A_Traveller

Actually the weather should be typical for that area no matter if you are on land or on the boat. Daytime temps will be in the low to mid 80's and a few degrees cooler at night (go to www.weatherbase.com for all the temperature and precipitation charts you need to get a good "feel" for weather conditions.

If you are going to be on a boat pack light as there's not too much room to store clothes and luggage. Follow the old adage take less clothes bring more money. While on board you'll live in bathing suits & t-shirts. Bring one long sleeve pull-over per person in case you encounter a cool evening. Take a very lightweight nylon rainjacket (they have foldable ones that don't take up much room in your luggage). Wear a pair of boat shoes on the plane and pack a pair of Tevas (for walking on the beach) - women can bring a pair of "dress sandals" otherwise you won't need any other shoes. Ladies should bring one or two sundress and men should bring one pair of khakis or dockers and a couple of "collared" golf shirts for those nights you plan on dining at the Westin or other on-shore upscale restaurant. Don't worry, no one will notice that you wore the same outfit the night before. For that short of a trip you should be able to pack everything you need in one standard 21" carry-on. Better still, if you can pack using a soft-sided carry-on it will be easier to store on the boat. Take just a minimum of toiletries (sample sizes work well) and don't worry about make-up or perfume (the latter attracts the bugs so leave it at home). The best hint I can give you is about 3 days before your trip put out everything you think you'll need. The next day put half of it back in your closet (you won't need it) and pack the rest. Have a great trip.

Callaloo

Wow A Traveller! I always admire folks who can manage a week's vacation in a carry-on bag! I, alas, am not one of them -- and this is especially true when my husband and are a the skipper and mate on a bareboat charter. While we can fit our clothes into a carry-on(they are minimal -- plus, I've actually found a pair of Keene sandals that work as boat, beach, water, and travel shoes, so I can go with only the shoes on my feet), it's all the extra stuff that we bring that leaves us checking bags.

So, dcgc, if your sail is a bareboat and you are partially responsible for running the boat, you may want to think about this additional stuff:

- Cruising guide and charts
- Handheld VHF radio (most charter boats have them in the nav station only)
- Handheld GPS (not strictly necessary in the Virgin Islands, but fun to have)
- Rigging knife (necessitating checked bags)
- Clothespins
- Duct tape and WD40, for jury-rigged repairs
- Your favorite tunes (I bring my iPod and FM transmitter)
- Reading material
- Spices in small packets, Crystal Lite, breakfast/energy bars
- Camera(s) and film
- Sunscreen (surprisingly hard to come by, and costly, in the BVI)
- Basic first aid kit
- Hats
- Spare ziploc bags and trash bags (invaluable)

Also, if you are like me, the thought of a borrowed snorkel is slightly sick-making, so I bring my own snorkel and mask (but use the charter company's fins).

You probably don't need to bring your own foul weather gear, since most charter boats are equipped with them, but you're going to want some sort of light windbreaker, so it doesn't hurt to have it be a waterproof one.

Of course, if you're a guest on a crewed yacht, you don't need to worry about most of the extra stuff. But if you're crew, don't feel bad about having to check a bag. Just make sure it's a soft duffel, because hard-sided bags won't fit on a charter boat.

Have a great trip!

Viceroy

Dcgc: While is sounds like you're particularly interested in personal apparel & stuff for sailing in the tropics, the previous list sounds more appropriate for the skipper to consider. A VHF radio requires a licence but if communication is a priority when you wander ashore, I'd suggest a pair of FRS walkie talkies...under $50 and handy if you split up for shopping and exploring. A good flashlight (& fresh batteries) is a good personal item...it gets dark early! Your own binoculars would also be a good choice...never use the skipper's without his/her approval. Ear plugs...boats are small spaces and noise (snoring?) travels. Bug "stuff" and an antihistamine cream if you get bitten/stung. Leave any expensive jewelry at home. Attachment string "thingies" for reading glasses or sunglasses. Antibacterial soap and a nail brush to keep your hands and nails clean...boats are good breeding grounds for germs. And finally, some ginger candy, just in case...it supposed to help queezy stomachs settle down. Hope that helps. Cheers, Richard.

dcgc

Thanks to all for the great feedback! We are traveling with three other couples, one incidentally happens to own his own boat and he will be charting our course and sailing the boat. I have been to St. John a few times before and do remember how expensive sunscreen and toiletries are, so I will definetely pack those with me. I was really so concerned about how the weather may change when you are sailing during the day. At night we will be docking at different islands, and sleeping on the boat so I think I am prepared for what to bring for the evening. Thanks again for all of the info!