Packing for a day sail

[edselby]

My first step into sailing starts in 2 weeks as I spend my 2015 "staycation" on Lake Lanier in Georgia learning how to sail.

Because this is just how I do things, I am converting a retired shooting range bag into a day sail gear bag, and I'm looking for input from you grizzled veterans about what should be included in the bag. The plan is to be able to grab that bag and have everything I may need during a day of sailing - minus the food and drink.

So far I've come up with:

• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• First aid kit
• Multitool
• Knife
• Chart/map of area
• ASA log

Additions? Subtractions?

[a64pilot]

Where is the Beer?
Good hat, maybe with a lanyard, oh and Beer, don't forget the Beer

[MarkSF]

Warm waterproof jacket, and an extra layer or two? Maybe not needed where you are. For SF Bay, definitely!

Yes, good hat, with a means of securing it to your head. I've two hats at the bottom of the bay.

[Pete7]

Thermos flask of tomato soup

Woolly hat

Wellies

Mars bar

[MarkSF]

Originally Posted by Pete7

Thermos flask of tomato soup

Woolly hat

Wellies

Mars bar

He's sailing on a lake in Georgia in summer. Do you think the wellies are strictly necessary?

[edselby]

I have a good hat - it won't be in the bag because my fat bald head doesn't go outside without it already

[bailsout]

A change of dry clothes in a plastic bag.

[redhead]

the eXtra clothes in a bag is right. Have lots of fun!

[Cheechako]

Hat! with lanyard!

[drpaoletta]

Depending on the type of boat & conditions, fingerless sailing gloves are a must. I also keep a pair of dedicated boat shoes (that are only worn on board) in there too. Chap stick, eye drops, Tylenol. I keep "emergency" energy bars in my go bag too - you never know!
- Don't over think it, just get out there!
Have a great summer-

[Jack Robinson]

I'm quessing a cell phone and charger is agiven. Hand held VHF as a back up. Place wallet, cell and car keys in bag after arival in case you go swimming. Regerstration and insurance contact information. Boat keys if nessary.

[rgscpat]

Nonmarking grippy shoes.
It does matter what sort of boat you will be on. Dinghy or large keel boat?
Will your instructor/host provide water?
Do you want to bring a favorite chilled beverage?
Maybe a bandana or sweatband if it's muggy? Or, lip balm if it's dry or chilly. Are you going to need to bring lunch or snacks?
If you don't want to wear an uncomfortable Walmart-sort of orange life jacket (don't know your host's policy on wearing), you might consider splurging on a ski type vest or even more on an inflatable.
Maybe a retainer clip/leash/croakie for eyeglasses or your sunglasses.

[Juho]

I'm already repeating some of the proposals, but at least these I would take with me
- gloves (for handling the ropes)
- hat that provides some shade
- rain gear (jacket, trousers, boots)
- warm clothes
- your personal life jacket

I don't know how cold/warm it can get in Georgia at night at open sea, but having some extra clothes is a smaller problem than not having enough warm and dry clothes.

Possible additions: binoculars, camera.

P.S. I support also the nonmarking grippy shoes (for safety and to protect your toes)

[rgscpat]

Lake Sidney Lanier is a 59 square mile lake in northeastern Georgia, USA, which is presently about six inches below summer full pool elevation. It is n.e. of Atlanta, near Alpharetta and Gainesville, and is an impoundment of the Chattahoochee River. No ocean. Probably the OP won't be night sailing. Probably not anything near frostbite sailing for the next several months. Sun, humidity, critters, and bugs are probably the main annoyances.
It's all fun... Until the banjoes begin to play.
(Deliverance)

[kdarling]

I have always left most of what your list consist of, along with a couple of hats with lanyards and a change of clothes on the boat. The carry bag holds things like GPS, and handheld VHF. Oh and barley pop.