What to Bring on a Sailing Trip in Barcelona: Complete Guide

Hands on a sailboat steering wheel — preparing for a sailing trip in Barcelona

Sun protection: your best ally

The Mediterranean sun is deceptively powerful, even on overcast days. Once you're out on the water, the reflected UV rays from the sea surface effectively double your sun exposure compared to being on land. Our captains strongly recommend applying SPF 50+ sunscreen at least 20 minutes before boarding, and reapplying every 90 minutes while on deck. Wrap-around sunglasses with UV400 protection will save you from squinting all afternoon, and a wide-brimmed hat or cap is essential for anyone spending time at the bow or stern. Don't underestimate this — sunburn at sea is far more common than people expect, especially among first-time sailors who are too busy enjoying the view to notice.

Clothing: comfort is king

The golden rule on a sailboat is comfort over style — though with the right choices you can easily have both. Opt for light, breathable layers that you can add or remove as the sea breeze changes. Even in summer, the wind on the water can feel noticeably cooler than on shore, so a lightweight windproof jacket or cotton overshirt in your bag is always a good idea. The most important item of all, however, is footwear: flat, non-slip shoes or sandals are mandatory on deck. High heels or hard soles can damage the deck surface and, more importantly, significantly increase your risk of slipping on a wet surface. If you plan to swim at a stop — which is one of the great pleasures of our longer tours — bring your swimwear and a small towel.

What to eat and drink beforehand

You don't need to be worried about seasickness if you take a few simple precautions. The most important one is to eat a light meal 1.5 to 2 hours before departure — nothing too heavy, greasy or rich. A light breakfast or lunch gives your body stable energy without overloading your digestive system on the water. Stay well hydrated throughout the day; we provide water on board, but arriving already well-hydrated makes a real difference. If you are prone to motion sickness, a piece of crystallised ginger or an over-the-counter anti-nausea remedy taken 30 minutes before boarding can be very effective. Avoid alcohol before the trip — save it for the Mojito Sunset!

Documents you need

Great news: there are no special permits, sailing certificates or technical knowledge required to join any of our tours. All you need is your smartphone (to show your booking confirmation) and a valid photo ID — your passport or national identity card. Our Merchant Navy captains take care of absolutely everything on the navigation side. Children are welcome on our tours with a parent or guardian, and we are happy to accommodate guests with reduced mobility — just let us know in advance so we can prepare accordingly.

What to leave at home

As important as knowing what to bring is knowing what not to bring. Bulky suitcases or large backpacks are impractical on a sailboat where storage space is limited and shared. Leave your expensive jewellery, designer handbags and other irreplaceable valuables ashore — saltwater, sun and the movement of a sailboat are not friends to delicate items. High heels are a firm no on deck. Glass bottles are also prohibited for safety reasons — the boat provides drinks in appropriate containers. A small, soft-sided bag or beach bag with just the essentials will serve you far better than an overstuffed tote.