What to pack

Packing   Soft sided luggage is preferred…hard sided bags can be difficult to stow.

Here is a very basic packing list.

Documents: Passport, medical insurance info, including contact phone #’s & your medications, US currency is used in the BVI, cash/credit card/ATM or debit cards are useful for replenishing cash. Credit cards are usually accepted.  Outside of RoadTown, ATM's are nonexistent.

Linens: Bed & bath are provided.  Beach towels provided by charter co. & they also will have a boat phone - you can give that number to friends & family for emergency use.  We'll get that info. at the boat briefing on the morning of departure.

Galley:  If there are foods you are especially fond of, you might consider bringing them.  Especially spices that you like to cook with, they can be hard to find. There is usually 2 or 3 burner stove and an oven in the galley.  If you have ANY food issues or preferences, please let me know as soon as possible. If everyone could bring 2 kitchen size trash bags, that will help.  No need for us to buy a whole box.

Clothing: Boat shoes/non-marking non-skid shoes, flip flops for the beach, swimsuit, long pants (1), shorts (2), long sleeve shirt (1), short sleeve shirts or tanks(4), light weight rain jacket. Clothing with UV screen is a good idea.  

Accessories: Sunscreen (30 SPF min), sunglasses (polarized & 100%UV) with lanyard, hat with hat clip, headlamp, small flashlight, pen, pencil.  Nice to use biodegradable shampoo so that when you bath in the sea, you leave no trace. Snorkel & mask - optional.  The charter company will provide good quality gear.  Here's a list of sunscreens that have been tested for efficacy and offer good protections (all are SPF 50): Coppertone Water Babies, Equate Ultra Protection, No-Ad Sport.

Drugs & Health:  If you are taking any prescription drugs, bring enough to get you through the week.  As skipper, it is a big help to me if you disclose any health issues to me before you arrive.  Its so important that I run the boat in a way that is safe and knowing about health issues helps me do that.  

Electronics: If you bring devices...there will be a 12v plug, like a car.  You might bring a battery pack with you too - gives you one more option for charging.  I will have my 'incase' battery pack with me for that reason.  You will be roaming, if you use your phone.  Beware.  You can generally get AT&T reception if you get anywhere near St. Thomas where AT&T has a tower but once you are on Tortola or out of range of St. Thomas, you'll be roaming.  I have T-Mobile and will be connected by phone & 3G nearly 100% of the time.

Optional: Whatever you need to entertain yourself...books, kindle, strap for climbing coconut trees.