Chartering Checklist

Some handy things to take with you:

• Foul weather jacket and trousers. Do not assume these are supplied. Some companies may hire these to you.
  
• Deck shoes or non-slip, non-marking trainers. If you are sailing in cooler/wetter climates then yachting wellies will make a huge difference to your happiness and safety.
  
• Handheld GPS if you have one. Virtually all charter yachts will have a fixed GPS, but a backup is handy if the electrics go down and can be used in the cockpit if there is no repeater. Spare batteries.
  
• Personal logbook so you have a record of your cruise.
  
• Mobile phone. This is useful to check about berth availability, book a restaurant table or for a quick chat with the charter company if there is something you don't understand.
  
• High-factor sun cream. A hat is also highly recommended for the folically challenged.
  
• A waterproof bag for taking stuff ashore in the dinghy can be useful.
  
• Kitchen roll or newspaper for all sorts of mopping up operations.
  
• Clothes pegs and a tea towel (there is usually one on board, but you never know).