FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
What to wear on a sailboat: comfort, safety, and practicality
When planning a sailing holiday, it is essential to know what to wear on a sailboat. The secret is to choose functional, comfortable clothing suitable for sea conditions. During the day, it is best to opt for light and breathable garments: technical T-shirts, swimsuits, a cap with a visor, and polarized sunglasses are indispensable. For the evening, a light sweatshirt or fleece, and a windproof or waterproof jacket are useful to protect against possible splashes or cooler wind. Shoes must have a light, non-slip sole: preferably boat shoes, to avoid leaving marks on the deck and ensure stability.
What to pack for a sailing trip: complete list
Packing for a holiday at sea requires attention: here is what to pack for a sailing trip to ensure you don't forget anything useful:
- Soft, foldable bag (no rigid suitcases)
- Swimsuits (at least 2-3)
- Microfiber beach towels (they dry quickly and take up little space)
- High-protection sunscreen, after-sun lotion, lip balm with UV filter
- Hat, sunglasses, mask, and snorkel
- Sweatshirt, windbreaker jacket, light long pants
- Boat shoes or sandals with non-slip soles
- Personal medications, plasters, insect repellent
- Powerbank, headlamp/torch, book or e-reader
What food to bring on a boat: useful tips
The galley (provisions) should be simple, light, and easy to store and prepare. Here are some ideas:
- Fresh fruit (bananas, apples, grapes, apricots)
- Salty and sweet snacks (dried fruit, energy bars, crackers)
- Pasta, rice, couscous: easy to cook and versatile
- Sliced bread, flatbreads, breadsticks
- Vegetables to be eaten raw (cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots)
- Aged cheeses, vacuum-packed cold cuts
- Plenty of water, juices, isotonic drinks
- Avoid foods that require long cooking times or spoil easily
Are there natural remedies for seasickness?
Seasickness can ruin even the best holiday. Fortunately, there are effective and easy-to-use natural remedies:
- Ginger: in the form of tea, capsules, or candies. It has digestive and anti-nausea properties.
- Anti-nausea wristbands: they use acupressure on the P6 point of the wrist.
- Essential oils: peppermint or lavender, to inhale or apply to the temples.
- Homeopathy: remedies such as Cocculus indicus or Tabacum, to be taken preventatively.
In case of persistent symptoms, you can always resort to transdermal patches or over-the-counter medications, to be taken after medical advice.
What type of energy does a sailboat use?
A sailboat primarily uses wind energy (eolica), which is the force of the wind captured by the sails and converted into movement. However, modern sailboats are also equipped with auxiliary engines that use fossil fuels (diesel or petrol) for maneuvering in ports or when there is no wind. Some more innovative boats use solar panels, wind generators, and batteries to power onboard services (refrigerator, lights, electronic instruments).
How to anchor a boat correctly
One of the fundamental skills at sea is knowing how to anchor a boat. Follow these steps:
- Choose a sandy or muddy seabed with good holding.
- Slow the boat against the wind and lower the anchor until it touches the bottom.
- Let the chain run out for at least 4-5 times the depth of the water.
- Put the engine in reverse to allow the anchor to ""dig in"" and ensure it holds well.
- Check that the boat is not dragging using visual references or GPS.
A good anchor and sufficient chain are essential for safety at anchor.