What do you bring when sailing Oversea or Caribbean Islands

rockDAWG · #1 (**permalink**) 07-30-2010

I have a sailing bag which has everything I even need to set sail, so I am always ready at the moment of notice. But now I have to hop on the plane, not sure what to bring.

Do you bring your usual sailing gears with you?

1. Auto-Inflatable PFD
2. Safety harness and jack lines
3. Dive knife
4. Fouled weather gear
4. Personal GPS locator (thinking to get one before the trip)
5. etc.

I am not sure if these items can pass the airport security. I hate to over-prepare especially for the tropic. I like travel light

Feedback and comments. TIA

SVAuspicious · #2 (**permalink**) 07-30-2010

Leave the jack lines, dive knife, and etc. at home. Take a tether for your PFD/harness. Focus on flying carry-on.

If the boat doesn't have adequate radios and GPS (including back-up) you probably don't want to be on it.

Stuff you need: iPod (if so inclined), books to read, and cash. Baby wipes. You probably want your cell phone to help with contacts at both ends of travel. A waterproof bag (like SealLine) for electronics and as a watch bag is advisable.

It's easy to add to the list. The challenge is to take things off.

On a recent delivery the captain and crew were comparing what we brought. We had 7 handheld VHF radios and 5 GPS receivers. I brought a stick blender and an insertion thermometer (for cooking). Guess what got used?

rockDAWG · #3 (**permalink**) 07-30-2010

Ok, let forget about the GPS and VHF ............................

so are you suggesting that I should bring a blender and rectal insertion thermometer

, j/k

Is auto inflatable PFD allowed to bring on board in a plane. I know that they can only be shipped via ground. Anyone know?

oceanscapt · #4 (**permalink**) 07-30-2010

A lot of what I'd like to bring won't make it past the TSA check even with my MMD and a letter, so I don't even try. The following have never been a problem:

Passport
GPS w charts of area, charger, holder
VHF w charger
Harness w tether
Foul weather gear
microfiber underwear
sunglasses (2)
ipod w earbuds and AC/DC charger
waterproof watch
couple of books
Tilley Hat

sailordave · #5 (**permalink**) 07-30-2010

Inflatable lifejacket/harness is allowed by TSA... but the airline can refuse to carry it. Jet Blue won't allow compressed gases. Southwest and most of the others do. I always take my lifejacket carryon and I TELL them it's in the bag. They will inspect it (which is why I want to see them do so in case it gets damaged) IF you get some knucklehead that says it's not allowed, politely ask to speak to the supervisor. Don't give up but don't be a jerk. I actually printed out a copy of the CFR that covers HAZMAT and showed that to one guy.
Leave the radio/Gps. Take clothes you can layer (my personal rule is 20 degrees colder than forecast) If you're going someplace colder or leaving someplace cold, layer on the clothes so you don't have to pack them but can put them in your carryon (if you've checked the rest)
Don't forget sunscreen/lip balm, bathroom stuff, cash.

puddinlegs · #6 (**permalink**) 07-30-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by rockDAWG

I have a sailing bag which has everything I even need to set sail, so I am always ready at the moment of notice. But now I have to hop on the plane, not sure what to bring.

Do you bring your usual sailing gears with you?

1. Auto-Inflatable PFD
2. Safety harness and jack lines
3. Dive knife
4. Fouled weather gear
4. Personal GPS locator (thinking to get one before the trip)
5. etc.

I am not sure if these items can pass the airport security. I hate to over-prepare especially for the tropic. I like travel light

Feedback and comments. TIA

PDF... sure. I've heard stories of both go and no go with inflatables... probably check the TSA sight for the latest. Harness... sure, with your own strobe and a whistle. Dive knife? Whatever you usually keep in your pocket while your sailing, but you'll have to check it through. Foulies? Sure. Personal GPS locator? Are you talking GPS or personal EPIRB? GPS, no. Personal EPIRB, your discretion. On the etc side, an ipod or the like to listen to music/sleep time off watch. Spare underlayers and something for butt rash. Sunglasses, good hat. Reading material, either analogue or Ipad/Kindle and double check what it draws when re-charging.