With all the gear you SHOULD bring, it’s important to also think about the things that are better left behind. Storage space is tight, conditions can be unpredictable, and there’s a solid chance literally everything you bring will get wet at some point. Some things just aren’t worth you worrying about them while on your vacation.

Expensive Jewlry

Accessorizing for a nice dinner is important, but consider leaving the true family jewels home, and bringing along something more casual, and less precious, just on the off chance that it flies off your finger or you break a clasp while climbing into the dinghy. Even the most fancy of restaurants are generally pretty casual by expensive restaurant standards, so you can easily get away with more casual, and cheaper, jewelry options.

Paper Anything

Books, maps, almost anything made of paper has a really good chance of getting wet from spray, rain, spilled drinks, and more, so just prepare youself with backups, or more water resistant options. That said, a cheap paperback that you don’t mind tossing if it gets ruined can be the best book to enjoy on the beach or hammock!

Fancy, slick-bottom shoes

This goes for men and women’s fancy shoe styles- anything with a slick bottom can be a nightmare on plastic boat decks, wet dinghy floors, and on the sand that is pretty much everywhere. Pick something with a more substantial bottom, and again, even the fanciest places tend to be pretty casual.

Cotton Clothes

Cotton clothing, and especially cotton clothes dipped in salt water, take forever to dry! The more quick-drying fabrics you bring, the better. Synthetic clothing is cool, drys quickly, and is forgiving if you take them for an accidental swim. Cotton takes forever to dry, is heavy when wet, and is very uncomfortable to wear damp. Make things easier on yourself, and avoid cotton when possible.

Hard-side Luggage

This was covered in another article, but leave the hard-side luggage home. Instead, bring soft, collapsible bags or duffles that will smooth into the tight storage spaces on your boat.