Signed on as Crew, what should I pack?

[SailngInTX]

Good Morning (if it still is where you are).

Earlier this year I introduced myself and vowed to be more active on the forum. I'm here still absorbing all the information, but not really contributing back, yet. I have so much to learn.

I've signed on as crew for a delivery from the Bahama's to Annapolis early in March. I expect to see temperatures from the 80's to below freezing. As sailboats are always tight on space, I'm trying to keep my "foot print" as small as possible. After PFD, tether and good set of foulies, I'm looking for recommendations from the collective experienced here.

What's in your duffel for a fly in and sail back trip?

Thanks in advance..

[WSMFP]

Good deck boots, petzel style headlamp with a red bulb, a pocket knife with a serated blade, giant bag of beef jerky, gloves. I also bring an REI packable microfiber towel for showering. It folds up to the size of a large wallet and dries fast.

[nwdiver]

Layers of synthetic fleece to add as it gets colder and a good warm watch cap.

[AKA-None]

Layers and be prepared for things to never be actually dry

[Snore]

All good advice.

Add to that heavy sailing gloves, a bandanna to use as a scarf (heat loss around neck is significant), 2-3 pairs of hiking socks to wear under your boots, deck shoes (see below), polartec 200 or 300 jacket, heavy wool sweater, (2) thermal top, thermal bottom and a plastic garbage bag for my stuff to rancid to wear (isolates smell from clean stuff). I carry some pocket heaters with me. Applied to the carotid arteries they keep me warm and focused on cold night watches. +1 on the watch hat! My favorite one is a dense wool knit, looks like hell- but keeps me warm.

Note my street shoes, one clean pair of underwear and socks as well as the clothing I wore to the boat are always packed away so I have clean clothes to wear on the plane home.

If not mentioned previously sunblock. NOT the spray kind...

[Orion Jim]

You didn’t specify the boat or cockpit protection. If you are going to be in an exposed cockpit ski goggles. The spray in March may be very cold.

[Shrew]

materials that wick moisture and still insulate while wet. Wool insulates wet, but doesn't wick, is bulky and takes forever to dry. polypropylene is your friend. I'd dedicate a set of clothes to be dry, 'below deck' only. It gives you something warm and dry to change into. Wet cotton in cold weather leads to hypothermia. layer, layer, layer.

[ranger58sb]

You won't see temps here below freezing in March.

Hopefully.

Seriously, that'd be very rare.

-Chris

[SailngInTX]

Thanks to all who replied. Some things I wouldn't have though of myself. Doesn't sound like a whole bunch (guess it depends on the size of your beef jerkey) I'll put the stuff together this week and see if it fits in the bags I intended to use this weekend.

Thanks again!

[Slam]

All good advice. I would add a couple of small dry bags to keep small stuff that you need during the day to hand and easy to find in the dark. Also keep the amount of stuff you take to one waterproof sea bag. Do not take a hard suitcase as the skipper won't thank you. Most importantly pack a sense of humour and you'll be fine. Have a great trip.

[Jaqun]

Sailing Boots and a couple good books (or kindle with a water protection bag)
ENJOY!

[meirriba]

Yor first post mentioned PFD & tether.
Check with the skipper as these items are probably available for you onboard (unless you are attached very much to your own equipment).

[Richard5]

Originally Posted by WSMFP

Good deck boots, petzel style headlamp with a red bulb, a pocket knife with a serated blade, giant bag of beef jerky, gloves. I also bring an REI packable microfiber towel for showering. It folds up to the size of a large wallet and dries fast.

Why the serrated blade?

[Richard5]

Also, I would add two pair quality sunglasses, sun and wind protection ointments, personal hygiene kit (beyond the typical soap/shampoo), and personal medical kit so you're not running to ship's medical for every cut or scrap. 'Personal' = customized.

And dental floss which can be used for all kinds of purposes other than intended.

Journal and camera.

Two towels and plenty of socks. A ball cap in addition to the beanie. Sometimes the beanie is too much and itches the scalp (from wear not allergic reaction).

[Richard5]

Originally Posted by Slam

All good advice. I would add a couple of small dry bags to keep small stuff that you need during the day to hand and easy to find in the dark. Also keep the amount of stuff you take to one waterproof sea bag. Do not take a hard suitcase as the skipper won't thank you. Most importantly pack a sense of humour and you'll be fine. Have a great trip.

Definitely this about the dry bags.