Limited space for washing
In most boats, the bathroom is reduced to the bare minimum. Often, there is only a toilet, that's all, and even then it's not a bucket that does the trick. For the shower, you have to make do with a sea bath or a showerhead in the cockpit. But in some sailboats, there is a shower in the toilet and a sink. The luckiest sailors or motor yachtswomen will have separate toilets, the luxury!
Water in limited quantities
On land, it is estimated that a shower uses about 70 liters of water. On a boat, fresh water is precious. The amount dedicated to washing is often restricted to the minimum, not to mention hot water which is even rarer! Under these conditions, it is difficult to hang out in the shower.
Promiscuity on board
Moreover, when sailing with a crew, the number of people on board does not necessarily allow you to monopolize the bathroom for a long time and the lack of soundproofing inside does not leave much privacy for everyone.
Under these conditions, how do you take care of yourself on board, especially when you are a woman?
Hair removal on board
The first question to ask is whether to use an epilator or a razor For the epilator, you will need to know where to plug it in on board, which is not always easy, or you may need a battery operated one. Another solution is to go for a permanent epilation before getting on the boat if you are going away for a long time, or to the beautician if you are planning a short vacation.
You can also throw your modesty overboard and take advantage of the saloon to do your legs while chatting quietly with your shipmates. When the weather is good, the skirt of the boat can also be a more discreet and comfortable place to shave all that. But beware of cuts, sea water stings!
Otherwise, you can take advantage of a moment when you're alone, when everyone else is swimming or at the beach, to remove the hair that bothers you. If you're desperate, you can also go au naturale, which is one less thing to do!
The toilet on a sailboat
Don't dream, a daily shower with fresh water on a sailboat does not exist (to my knowledge). If you sail in sufficiently warm waters, a good sea bath followed by a fresh water rinse is possible. For the latter, a garden sprayer left in the sun works perfectly while saving water. A solar shower hanging in the cockpit also works well.
If the weather is not so good, Grandma's method of using a washbasin and washcloth works very well, as long as you don't overuse soap that is difficult to rinse with little water. Shampooing with sea water over the sink and rinsing with clear water gives good results. You can also try "low-poo", which is very fashionable, or a little dry shampoo during your vacations.
But after a while, a good lathering shampoo is a delight! For this, a stopover in a marina from time to time will allow you to satisfy your desires. However, you should know that in many of them, the shower is timed with expensive tokens
Menstruation on board
Unless you are a "free-flowing instinctive" person, you will need to use sanitary pads on board. Of course, you should never throw them in the boat's toilet! It is therefore better to provide a small toilet wastebasket, which is not always the case.
As the subject of garbage on board is often a problem (where to unload it? Where to store it when sailing? Etc.), a zero waste policy is often in order. You can use a menstrual cup for your period. Nevertheless, this requires that the toilets of the sailboat are equipped with a sink, or that you take a small bottle of water with you.
Avoid period panties that are very difficult to clean and dry, it's a shame!
The sun, the wind and the sea spray
Finally, the sun, the wind and the sea spray dry out the skin. If you want to take care of your skin, a good sun cream is a must for the day. In the evening, a good make-up remover will clean the salt and a dry oil or a moisturizing cream will repair your skin.
Last little advice, the first care to think about on board is to drink a lot (water) and regularly during the day, we dehydrate quickly on board and it shows on the skin!
