So I hate packing. Which is an awful shame because I am a champion packer. Don’t believe me? Check out my packing tutorial here (Oh hay shameless plug). Anyway, I am a person who likes many things just so and I always feel like I pack to much. Must unfortunate of all: I’m a horrible procrastinator, making packing a stressful pain in the butt. Packing for Yacht Week was no different, except that I planned for almost a year. Much more time to freak out over what to pack. Don’t be like me. Don’t stress out over what to pack. I’m sharing with you how I packed for Yacht Week so that you will be prepared and less anxious. Ok? Let’s go.
Choose the Right Bag
Yacht Week is not the place to pack heavily. Yachts can be small and there really is not a lot of room, expecially if you have a full crew plus a skipper and hostess. We had a smaller boat that could house 12 people total. We only had 10 and it was still tight. Your best option is to being some kind of soft duffle bag, travel backpack, or a similar style bag. I used a small men’s duffle back that I purchased from Aldo. I also brought this backpack and kept my cross-body purse in it.
Pack Light
Clothes: Granted, you do need quite a few theme related items for the Yacht Week but largely the dress is really laid back. Think frat party at a PWI (Predominantly White Institution). Everything has a very casual, beach vacation vibe. I packed about six swimsuits, a few tops and bottoms that could be mixed and matched. You can also wash your bathing suits and hang them to dry on the side of the yacht. You may or may not need that many swimsuits, but be mindful that you spend a lot of time lounging around and near your boat. You want to bring casual shorts/shirts/dresses for exploring around the islands when you are docked.
Shoes: This is not a trip that you want to bring heels on. I repeat LEAVE THE HEELS AT HOME. Comfort is key here. Sandals, flats, and comfy sneakers are the way to go.
Make up/ Hair: Croatia is pretty warm. You also spend a lot of time on the water. Other blogs mention leaving hair dryers and flat/curling irons at home. I agree with this for a couple of reasons: These items take up space in your bag and on the yacht. You also really don’t need to be fancy with your air maintenance with the regular exposure to sunlight and sea water. Go for the beachy look, wear a protective style. Do whatever is lowest maintenance. The same goes for make up. Do not bother beating your face. Bring a couple of cute lippies, moisturize, maybe highlight, but keep it simple. Trust me, you will thank me.
Here is what I packed for the week:
- 2 pair of shorts
- 6 swimsuits
- 4 t-shirts/tank tops
- 2 rompers
- 3 dresses (party and casual maxi)
- 1 pair of walking sneakers
- 2 pair of sandals (casual and shower)
- 1 skirt
- 7 days underwear garments
- 1 kimono
- 1 denim shirt
Have a Toiletry Kit
When the yacht is docked at a port on one of the islands you are encouraged to use the facilities in the marina. Think college hall bathroom. There are shower stalls and general sinks and bathrooms. It is not too bad, and at least one of them had a genuine hot shower. Outside of that you use the extremely small bathrooms on board your boat. I would recommend having a hanging toiletry kit to take with you when you shower so that you can keep everything organized and uncluttered.
Props and Such
I mentioned earlier that you will need props and whatnot. We had two raft parties where the yachts were anchored together and people yacht hopped and swam for hours. You are encouraged to bring floaties. The more outrageous the better. We had a large parrot, angel wings, and an eggplant on our boat. There was also an epic bull. You can buy floaties when you get to Split and at the marinas but they can be pricey. You can also pack one but they can take up a lot of space and be a bit heavy.
We also had glow sticks for the glow party and out skipper brought glow in the dark paint for us. You may want other things like water guns and glitter. Just don’t get it all over the boat, you want that boat deposit back.
There are two other themed parties during Yacht Week: Tropical Retro and the French Riveria or White Party. There are plenty of Pinterest boards for inspiration.
The other large event of Yacht Week is the Regatta. It is a costumed race back to the beginning marina. Your whole boat will want to choose and theme and dress up. The fastest yacht and the most creative Regatta themes win prizes at the final party. Don’t forget to bring costumes for your skipper and hostess.
Other Helpful Things to Have
Auxilary cord– Most of the newer yachts have speaker system for you to hook phones up to. If you have an older boat, you will need CDs.
Bluetooth speaker– This was nice to have when you are docked at night or if you are below deck and want a different soundtrack then what is on the boat speakers.
Games and Activities– You spend quite a bit of time on your yacht. It is nice to have cards, or coloring books and crayons to pass the time with your crew.
Sunblock– This can be purchased when you get to the marina so you can save the space in your bag
Shower bag– As I mentioned, when your boat is docked you take showers in the marina. I wish I would have had a mesh bag to carry my clothing, towel, and toiletries in. I simply used a plastic shopping bag. You could also purchase one like this.
Happy Packing!
~S
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