Vacation on a boat, the essential equipment for leisure activities

© Chloé Torterat

When you go on a boating vacation, it's a good idea to take some equipment on board to have fun. Some of them can even have a double use and be used to take care of the boat. And you, what are your essentials for a cruise vacation?

The mask, fin and snorkel

What could be better than admiring the ocean floor when you are at anchor? Equipped with a mask, flippers and a snorkel, you can swim on the surface to watch the fish, but also dive to fish for shellfish for example.

Having a mask on board will also allow you to dive under the boat to check the hull or remove a piece caught in the propeller.

The hammock

The hammock at sea is a dream! If it is more appreciated at anchor, for a little digestive nap or the children's rest during the day, it is just as pleasant when sailing, although it is also more agitating! Easy to install - with strings or a carabiner - the hammock folds up just as easily into its small carrying bag.

On land, it can also be taken on board to serve as a ground cloth for a picnic on the sand for example.

The combination

For some, the suit may seem too much, but it all depends on where you are sailing! If the Mediterranean is 28°C, the Atlantic or the English Channel are rather 19°C. The more chilly ones and the children will be happy to be able to swim, in all waters.

For diving, the wetsuit will be well appreciated and can be completed with a lead belt to weigh yourself down.

Water shoes

If in the summer we tend to sail barefoot or in crocs, water shoes can be very useful to land in the wild. Some anchorages are uninhabited and wild and climbing rocks in flip-flops is not the most practical thing to do.

For sensitive feet - especially children's - some bottoms are rocky or filled with sharp shells and will be well protected in adapted shoes.

The paddle

As we saw in a previous article, the paddle is the trendy leisure activity! Easy to transport, easy to navigate and easy to buy (the price is very affordable), it is the essential nautical device to have on board for walking, landing, playing or even doing sports.

The books

Indispensable on a cruise, books can be packed in the suitcases to relax and relive the sun, with the nose bent in its reading, or on the contrary to occupy itself during the rainy days. Crossword puzzles, board games, coloring books and other activities can be put in the same basket, even if some are less transportable than others.

The fishing rod or the trolling line

When sailing, it's always fun to troll with a fishing rod or a trolling line. Likewise, when anchored, why not try to support yourself by fishing for food? For that, you should not forget to bring fishing rods, line, sinkers, hooks and bait or a trolling line.

A portable Bluetooth speaker

If your boat is not equipped with hi-fi equipment, consider bringing a Bluetooth speaker that will allow you to listen to music on board. Lightweight, they are easily transportable and there are even waterproof ones.

The barbecue

The basis of a boating vacation is to spend a relaxing time with family and friends. So why not invest in a portable barbecue for convivial meals? Especially since there are stainless steel supports to install its aluminium tray. After all, eating well is also a leisure activity!

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