Your tropical packing list for TYW BVI
By The Yacht Week
Posted on 18th July 2020
If you’re lucky enough to be joining us for The Yacht Week BVI - either for an epic NYE or a banging first week of 2021 - then here’s the tropical packing list you need to ensure you’re all prepared for your Caribbean adventure. From party outfits to power adaptors and polarised sunglasses, we’ve got you covered.
Clothes
- Swimwear: you're on the sea for seven days so pack multiple swimsuits. Thankfully, they don't take up much space.
- Shorts: bring at least two pairs, especially if one is denim as they can take ages to dry once wet.
- T-shirts: tank tops, T-shirts, crop tops, halters, you name it. Gotta have a few tees.
- Cover-ups: something easy you can throw on with your swimwear. Think loose shirts, sarongs, kimonos and lightweight dresses.
- Lightweight sweater and/or jacket: the evenings can be cool, so pack something warm.
- Casual eveningwear: easy, breezy dresses or shirts and shorts for restaurants.
- Sleepwear: keep it lightweight.
- Shoes: bring two pairs of flip-flops, sandals or slides plus one pair of closed-toe shoes, like trainers or boat/deck shoes.
Parties to pack for
- Disco Glam: think studio 54, Bowie self expression, Grace Jones glam, sparkles, sequins and disco pants.
- Beach Chic: just like our Riviera Chic parties but with a boho beachy twist.
- Caribbean Tropical Retro: be bold with lush prints and match the vibrant colours of your tropical location.
Activities to pack for
- Stretchy clothes: if you want to take part in our yoga sessions.
- Trainers: if you want to go hiking or running.
Key gear
- Duffel bag (or similar): leave your hard suitcase at home and pack everything in a soft bag like this to maximise space on in your cabin.
- Day bag: a small backpack or crossbody bag for trips on land.
- Beach towel: we provide a bathroom towel but you don't want to get saltwater on it.
- Sunglasses: you'll be wearing these all day every day, so make sure you have at least one back-up pair. Leave your expensive shades at home and opt for some cheap polarised sunglasses, which will help avoid glare from the ocean.
- Hat: make sure you bring at least one, ideally two. It's hard to look sexy with sunburnt nose.
Tech
- Power adaptor: BVI has US powerpoints but our yachts are mostly European-made (yep, we're fancy) so they have EU powerpoints. Top tip: bring along a power adaptor that can adapt any plug to any powerpoint.
- Phone charger: always an easy one to forget.
- Portable battery pack: keeps your devices juiced, wherever you are.
Toiletries
- Hanging toiletries kit: pack everything in one of these. They're ideal for sailing, where bathroom space is always minimal.
- SPF for days: bring a high factor sunscreen that is also reef safe, like SurfDurt.
- Aftersun: nourishes your sunkissed skin.
- Cleansing wipes: not just for make-up. They're also great for wiping off the salt after a swim.
- Waterproof mascara: make it a panda eyes-free adventure.
- Lip balm with SPF: protect your smackers.
- Deodorant: your crewmates will thank you.
- Don't forget your toothbrush!
Medical kit
- Anti-nausea medication: for seasickness.
- Painkillers: your hangover will thank you.
- Band-aids, gauze and tape: just in case.
Essentials
- Travel insurance: make sure it covers travel to BVI and all TYW activities you plan to take part in.
- Valid visa: the BVI is a British Overseas Territory. Check if you need a visa or have any entry requirements.
- Passport: make sure it's valid for the entire length of TYW.
- Spending money: $USD is the local currency.
Optional
- Pump: after you've inflated your floaties once you'll never want to do it yourself again.
- Flag: fly your national flag with pride - and you'll always know which yacht is yours.
- Disposable underwater camera / GoPro: so you don't drop your phone in the sea.
- Reusable water bottle: to keep our oceans plastic-free.
- A book (real or Kindle): for downtime.
- Earplugs and eye mask: if you're a light sleeper.
- Cards, chess or your favourite board game: go for old school entertainment options.
- Fairy/LED lights: to decorate your yacht.
- Wet brush: for detangling unruly wet hair.
Leave at home
- Hard suitcases: maximise space on the yacht by packing everything into a soft duffel bag (or similar).
- High heels: boats and heels don’t mix well.
- Heavy clothing: wool and denim takes a long time to dry.
- Expensive jewellery: leave your diamonds at home.
- Single-use plastics, water balloons and non-biodegradable glitter: bits of plastic in the ocean is a big no-no.
- Bed linen and pillows: we've got you covered.
- Bathroom towels: we provide these as well but we do suggest bringing your own beach towel.