OK, raise your hand if you are excited for our sailing exploration of the Balearic Isles?
Yep, me too. I know some of you have already packed, let’s see how you did …
Are your papers in order? Your passport should be good for 3 months after your intended departure of Europe. Bring your driver’s license and a paper copy both. More info on the Travel page. All Sail Balearics pages … Click Here.
What to Bring …
- It is a fall Med climate, think upper 50’s through upper 70’s, normally. Comfortable clothes for yachting. Swimming temps will be around 70.
- Something nice/casual for evening dining ashore. Light collared shirt, pants/khakis/jeans. For the ladies … whatever women wear always seems to be perfect :). Evenings can have a chill.
- A jacket or pullover for light rain or cool evenings. Long sleeves and leggings for layering?
- Swimwear if you are going in. It is good to bring a few clothes pins for drying on the rails (often supplied). A sarong or pareu wrap if you like.
- Shoes, I’ll probably bring flip flops. And boat shoes for planes, boat and in nicer restaurants. Your deck shoes should be non-marking (no black soles).
- A daypack, a small backpack or waistpack for exploring.
- Bring a drinking cup with lid for onboard our yachts, airports/planes, exploring ashore etc. We provision the yachts with larger water bottles for pouring.
- Sunblock, sunglasses, hat with strap – shades head and neck a plus.
- Camera. The ones on our phones are amazing today. Music player, there is usually a 3.5 jack or Bluetooth. A book (or reader).
- Electronics. As in most of Europe, Spain is 240 volt with plugs being the two round prongs (Type F). Almost all of our chargers these days run on 120v US or 240v global (read the side of the plug). For the boats, best to bring your 12v chargers/adapters.
- Money. For cabs to and from airport, meals ashore, tipping, food bought to bring aboard, trinkets. The Euro is best. US dollars are often accepted and can be exchanged in most towns. If you only have a credit card, ask if it is ok when you sit down to eat. Tell your credit card bank that you will be traveling to Spain (Europe).
- Medications. Customs often prefers you have them in their original container with your name on a pharmacy sticker.
- Your bathroom kit. Bring your normal kit. Sheets, towels, tp, are provided.
- Snorkel, mask and fins are normally available at the base. Some prefer to bring their own well fitting mask.
- Bug repellent for evenings out, the wipes travel better than spray but spray is fine and available in bigger stores.
- N95 Mask, they pack small and good to have just in case.
- Soft luggage is easier to stow though these yachts have some bow space. Wheels are convenient. TSA likes 22″x14″x9″ for carryons. See our travel page.
- Tip for skipper. We don’t do 15% like real charters. $50 of you thought she/he did OK, $100 if they were amazing (and your budget allows).
It is good to carry items to keep you for a day in your carry on. We have seen luggage take an extra day to arrive. It has always arrived.
Sea you soon ;),
Captain Woody
You can put your hand down ;).
A conversation about how provisioning works …
We mention it in the original webpage but I don’t explain it well there :). “Provisioning aboard for most meals”. Tania and I provision the boats to cover most of your onboard meals (and drinking water). Items for breakfasts and lunches. Items for a couple of dinners. We put aboard a starter kit of some local beer and wine. You are responsible for the rest of your booze. Sometimes duty free on your last flight in is a good way to go. The assumption in a destination like this, where restaurants are widely available, is that most people will eat most dinners ashore for the cultural experience etc. And some of their other meals. Onboard we all pitch in. Mostly for dinners, if you cook, others should be offering to set the table and to clean up. For breakfasts and lunches, someone may pull items out and make their own then ask the group if they would like items left out. The last person puts stuff away. Early risers may hop ashore and bring aboard fresh bakery items. Others may find an island specialty and bring it aboard. Neither is required of course. Our people are wonderful and it all works out. At the end of the voyage, the boats try to get together for a potluck. An attempt is made to use up the rest of the food. We always end up with a little extra for cleaning crews.
We will be doing a Final Info email a week or so prior. Details on where your boat is (we have 4 on two docks across from each other), etc.