After the jacket, what other essentials do I need for a holiday in the Adriatic?
For many sailors heading to the Adriatic for the first time—especially those doing RYA Competent Crew—there’s a moment about halfway through the week when someone says:
"I really wish I had brought one of those.
So I asked around and this what the experienced sailor said.
Here are 10 things Competent Crew students often realise they should have packed once they are already out sailing around the Croatian islands.
1. Sailing Gloves
Almost everyone underestimates how much rope handling there is on a yacht.
After a few days of:
hauling halyards
trimming sheets
handling mooring lines
hands can get quite sore.
Fingerless sailing gloves quickly become one of the most appreciated bits of kit.
2. A Small Head Torch
Cabins on yachts are surprisingly dark at night.
A head torch is useful for:
finding gear in your bag
night watches
moving around the boat without waking everyone up
Choose one with a red light mode to preserve night vision.
3. Polarised Sunglasses
Sunlight reflecting off the sea can be intense.
Polarised sunglasses:
reduce glare
help you see wind patterns on the water
make long hours on deck far more comfortable.
A retaining strap is wise—many sunglasses now live permanently at the bottom of the Adriatic.
4. Non-Slip Deck Shoes
Good deck shoes provide:
grip on wet surfaces
stability when the boat heels
protection for toes
They must have non-marking soles, otherwise skippers may not be impressed.
5. A Waterproof Dry Bag
Yachts are damp environments.
A small dry bag protects:
phones
wallets
passports
spare clothes
One wave over the bow can soak everything.
6. A Reusable Water Bottle
Sailing is surprisingly dehydrating.
Between:
wind
sun
salt air
you drink far more water than expected. A large reusable bottle is essential.
7. A Warm Mid-Layer
Even in the Adriatic, evenings can be chilly.
A fleece or lightweight insulated jacket works perfectly under your sailing jacket when the wind picks up.
8. Seasickness Tablets
Even experienced sailors occasionally get caught out by motion sickness.
The Adriatic is often calm—but when the Bora or Jugo winds arrive, things can get lively.
Better to have tablets and not need them.
9. A Soft Bag (Not a Suitcase)
Cabins on yachts are small.
Hard suitcases are awkward to store.
Most sailing schools recommend a soft duffel bag.
10. A Notebook
This surprises people—but many Competent Crew students like to record:
knots they learned
navigation notes
sailing terms
harbour names
It also makes a great logbook of the trip.
⚓ Final Thought
The funny thing about sailing holidays is that you quickly realise the essentials are actually quite simple:
stay dry
stay warm
protect your hands and eyes
keep your gear organised
Everything else is just part of the adventure.
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