After 30 years of sailing in the Caribbean islands, it is still a thrilling moment to step aboard a BIG catamaran and shove off for another sailing adventure in Paradise!
The packing mantra for a Caribbean sailing adventure is, “Less is best!” For the first-time Caribbean sailing guest, they usually bring three times as is needed for this type of laid back vacation. So, layout on your bed all you want to bring for your voyage then immediately put half of it away. You should probably go through this process twice! You will then pack your small pile into a soft-duffel bag because it will need to be rolled up for ease of 
storage on the yacht. If your duffel bag is too big for carry-on you have packed WAY too much stuff!
During your voyage you will be wearing the least amount possible because the temperature is 85 degrees F, and the water is the same temperature;
- Bathing suits ( Tops are optional most of the time for both men and women. When you are going ashore on any of the British Crown Colony islands both men and women will need to wear a t-shirt.) When you are on your yacht you can wear as little as you want.
T-shirts, tank tops, shorts and boat shoes, or sandals/loafers are the remaining clothing required for this type of adventure. The women may want to have a light Summer dress for evening comfort, and men may want to bring a pair of light weight linen pants and a Tommy Bahama shirt, also for the evenings.- Polarized sun glasses and a wide brimmed hat are a must, plus a baseball cap.
- A light windbreaker will be all you need for a boat jacket. I also bring a pair of light pajama bottoms and a light sweatshirt in case the evenings on the yacht are a chilly 70 degrees F, which is not likely.
- Sun block - non-oily, will be used all the time, and so will moisturizing cream. There are no biting bugs when you are sailing, but Avon’s Skin So Soft seems to work very well when you are walking on the sand and the “no-see’ms” show up.
- Be sure to bring a camera. Everyday at dusk you will witness an unforgettable sunset. You will also need the camera to record moments each day that demonstrate what it means to be “limin’ in Paradise”. You can even buy the disposable cameras that work under water.
- I bring my own diving mask and snorkel, and/or regulators for SCUBA diving. I have found that guest’s personal mask are the best way to achieve the most comfortable snorkeling and diving experience. The yacht will have a variety of fins for your use. Also, there will be water skiing, windsurfing, kayaking, and “floaties” to be used by those that just want to relax in the water and still get some sun.
The reason I bring all of this packing information up for your review is because I am about to gather my gear for another Caribbean Sailing adventure next week with three other couples. We have booked a Lagoon 57 - “Double Feature” with Captain Jonny and 1st Mate / Chef Kelly. You will be getting daily postings of our adventure starting on February 16th. Stay tuned. On my last voyage some one snapped a photo of me dancing with a goat at Foxy’s. I am still looking for that photo and will pay top dollar for it.