

Start with off-season items like cold weather gear or swimsuits and beach towels, then move to storage areas (closets, attic/basement and back bedrooms). One of the best ways to tackle packing is to divide it into manageable tasks. Guidelines for unpacking in your new home.Instructions for packing individual items.And while it can be tempting to rush the process, think of how great it’s going to feel when you unpack, and everything is organized, undamaged and ready to put away. You just need to make a plan, follow some best practices and take it one step at a time. Which makes sense - sorting through everything you own is no small task! The good news is there are some simple ways to make packing for a move a pleasant experience. If you ask someone which parts of moving they’re most concerned about, packing is probably pretty high on the list. While this packing list may be more minimal than that of the average pro-am racer, it’s a good place to start.Packing Tips for Moving Like a Pro Step-By-Step Guide to Packing for a Move *Pro tip: Buy an inexpensive but sharp knife with a serrated edge that you can give away before you fly home. Razor-you might get a bucket shower and a shave half way there Small water-tight box for personal electronics and chargers Inflatable PFD with tether and leg straps But if you can live without it, leave it at home.ġ-2 pairs thick, breathable socks or seal socksġ long sleeve technical t-shirt (white) (tech hoodie is a great option) You’ll race better if you’re comfortable and feeling good. If there’s something you need, like a second set of underwear, bring it. Know your course-a North Atlantic crossing will require more cold-weather gear than racing the Transpac or Pacific Cup to Hawaii, while the Chicago-Mackinac Race normally requires a little bit of each. You need to be able to hear what’s happening on deck, if someone is calling for help or if there’s an all-hands call, you don’t want to be the last one up,” says Paxton. “An iPod is okay, because normally after you fall asleep your playlist will usually run out. Other things like toothpaste, sunscreen, spare AAA headlamp batteries, and charging cables for your mobile devices, may also be shared and provided.Īn eye mask can be helpful for sleeping, especially during the day, but earplugs are a no-no. A small, lightweight quick drying pack-towel or chamois is great to mop up yourself, your bunk, or wear as a neck towel in a squall to keep water out of your foulies. Check in with your boat as to whether you should pack a sleeping bag. On most boats, you’ll be hot bunking, and often, but not always, the boat will provide the sleeping gear. Always toss one of each into your offshore bag. Fleece neck gaiters help protect against wind and waves in colder conditions and are especially nice when trying to fall asleep.

Sun buffs are excellent for long hot days in the sun and they’re lightweight, breathable, and pack down easily. Sun buffs and fleece neck gaiters can be a game changer. “If you only bring one and you lose it, you’re handicapped the rest of the race.” You should also bring two pairs of sunglasses, especially if you wear prescription. Be sure to choose a headlamp with a red light setting so you don’t blind your crewmates at night. Night tends to creep up quickly and you don’t want to start your shift unprepared. This is an easy item to keep on you at all times, whether you stick it in your pocket, wear it around your neck, or on your hat.

A headlamp is also crucial for any type of overnight sailing. Keeping your feet in your shoes, that’s tradecraft,” says Paxton.Ī digital watch with a light is also a must-“What time is it?” is a popular question when life revolves around a three-hour shift schedule. “If it gets light and warm, you can go barefoot, but I’ve seen a lot of foot injuries over the years. You get two pairs of footwear: boots and deck shoes. You’ll spend most of your time either sitting on a hard surface or standing and you’ve got to protect your feet. Dry socks can make or break your ability to sleep when it gets cold at night, so bring an extra pair. Paxton says a good pair of padded shorts is the most important thing to bring, and make sure you invest in a fancy pair of thick, breathable socks. “I brought a book with me the first couple times to Hawaii, and I never opened it once.” You’ll find out pretty quickly there’s not much time for anything else,” he says. And, Paxton says it can all fit into one carry-on bag. With some 20 Pacific crossings under his belt, Quantum Pacific’s Will Paxton knows a little something about what to take-and what not to take-when packing your bag for an ocean race. And it all fits inside that 50L Helly Hansen bag. What to pack - This picture contains just about everything you need to race to Hawaii. When it comes to sailing across an ocean, Quantum Pacific’s Will Paxton says less is more.
