Thinking about your first sailing trip but not sure what to expect? Will it be comfortable? Will it be easy? Captain Giedrius shares his tips to help you prepare and truly enjoy your very first voyage.
1. It All Starts With the Right Mindset
“The most important thing is to embrace the adventure. On a boat there are no strict schedules – everything is dictated by the wind and the weather. If you allow yourself to relax, each day becomes a discovery. I often hear people say that it was on the water, for the very first time, that they truly learned how to breathe again,” says Captain Giedrius.
2. You’re Part of the Crew
“This is not a cruise ship where everything is done for you. Here, everyone contributes. Even something simple – helping to drop the anchor or keeping things tidy – creates a sense of belonging. If one person doesn’t help, someone else has to do twice as much. And even if you know nothing yet, the only thing that matters is your willingness to learn.”
3. Fewer Comforts, More Experiences
“Yes, the cabins are small. No, the bathroom isn’t luxurious. But in exchange you get the sea, the stars, and conversations that stretch until sunrise. Comfort on a boat is measured differently – what matters most is warmth, dryness, and safety. Everything else becomes ballast – both things and thoughts.”
4. What to Pack
Remember this simple list:
- A hat and sunglasses (even on cloudy days)
- A wind- and rainproof jacket
- A few comfortable clothes
- A warm sweater for evenings
- A swimsuit
- One good book
And your phone? It usually stays in the backpack. A sailing trip is a place to disconnect from the world – and reconnect with yourself.
5. Travel Light
“A boat is not a hotel. The fewer things you bring, the easier life becomes. Everything you truly need will fit into a single bag.”
6. Trust Your Captain
“The captain takes care of everything – weather, route, safety. The best thing a guest can do is trust. If plans change, there’s a reason. An experienced skipper always sees more than it seems.”
7. And If You’re Afraid?
“Fear usually disappears the moment we set sail. Not a single guest has ever returned saying it was worse than expected. What I hear most often is: why didn’t I try this sooner?”
“Because sailing isn’t just a holiday,” concludes Captain Giedrius. “It’s a return to simplicity, to nature, to real conversations without phones. It’s a time when you laugh louder, talk deeper, and simply allow yourself to be.”
Dreaming of your first sailing adventure? Travel Boat will plan it from start to finish – the route, the skipper, and all the details – so you can simply enjoy the journey. Write to us and we’ll let you know when Captain Giedrius is setting sail with a group. Or, if you already have your own crew of friends, we can arrange a private trip with yacht and skipper just for you.