Advice for friends as to what to bring on a cruise

[Steadman Uhlich]

You have already gotten some very good answers, both serious and humorous.

As others have pointed out, what is suggested to take on an ocean crossing is not really needed for a day sail or an overnight stay at a marina across the bay. My list that follows is written with the assumption that the guest is coming for a long day of sailing and may spend the night on the boat.

Here are a few that came to my mind as I considered the need to keep it simple and to make it clear for the guest. While a few more humorous ones came to mind, I will save those for close friends.
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What Should You Bring Aboard?

Good Attitude YES
Bad Attitude NO

Willingness to Lend a Hand YES
Expectation to be Served NO

Swimsuit YES
Speedo NO

Prescription Drugs YES
Illegal Drugs NO

Boat Shoes YES
Hard Soled Shoes NO

Sunglasses YES
Glasses for Drinking NO

Beer in Cans YES
Beer in Bottles NO

Smoked Salmon YES
Cigarettes for Smoking NO

Inflatable PFD YES
Inflatable Water Wings NO

Raincoat or Rain Parka YES
Umbrella NO

Sweater YES
Fur Coat NO

Gloves YES
Mittens NO

Sleeping Bag YES
Down Pillows NO

Hard Sided Luggage NO
Soft Duffle or Gym Bag YES

Strawberries YES
Bananas NO (Bananas are considered "Bad Luck" on a boat.)

Deodorant YES
Heavy Perfume or Cologne NO

Rum YES
Gun NO

Crosby, Stills, Nash "Southern Cross" YES http://youtu.be/Bw9gLjEGJrw
Christopher Cross "Sailing" NO http://youtu.be/7khQNR7s1Ho

[Jim Cate]

Physically bring less clothes, more money.

Mentally bring the expectation of being cold, wet, scared, miserable and uncomfortable. Then you will be pleasantly surprised!

Jim

[Jeraden]

Right on Steady Hand!!!

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[Steadman Uhlich]

Originally Posted by Jim Cate

Mentally bring the expectation of being cold, wet, scared, miserable and uncomfortable. Then you will be pleasantly surprised!

Jim

Jim,

When I read that short statement, I thought "so true!"

It made me remember sailing on SF Bay, when the people on land were experiencing a nice sunny day, skating or biking or walking along the waterfront in shorts, while the crews on the boats on the bay may be bundled up in parkas, wet from spray, and hanging on in 30 knots of wind. A different kind of fun, for sure!

[JPA Cate]

Yes, SteadyHand, the SF summer sailors tan: backs of the hands and nose and face cheeks. Real white where the sunglasses protect.

[JPA Cate]

Actually, for people who wear corrective lenses, if they're going somewhere they plan to swim, having corrected dive mask improves their enjoyment; and they should bring their own fins.