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Everyone's been asking, "What should I bring?" Well, the most important thing to bring is a sense of humor. With that (and a towel), most things are bearable. If you don't get the reference read "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy". Now. And don't panic!

Depending on if you're going on the Chesapeake Bay or the ocean passage, there are different things to bring. Remember — EVERYTHING WILL GET WET and some things will GO OVER THE SIDE! Don't bring any irreplaceable items. 

Gear for the Chesapeake Bay

Required

  • Safety harness. See note below
  • Hat - the sun can be brutal
  • Warm clothes - it can get cold at night

Recommended

  • Foul weather gear — tops, bottoms, boots optional. If it rains the whole way you'll be sorry hanging out below!
  • Personal flashlight
  • Books (there will be books onboard Voyager and Willow, but maybe not your favorites)
  • CDs 
  • Camera
  • Seasickness medicine. If you need help with this, talk to Jack or Scott. Also see the note below.
  • A personal journal

 If you don't own some of this gear, please check with Scott or Jack to see if you can borrow it. 

Gear for the Ocean Passages

Required

  • A current passport, and a xerox of the first page (the one with your picture)
  • If you're on any medicines let Jack or Scott know at least a week before departure. Send us the PDR sheet so we're prepared to deal with reactions/allergies/stuff.
  • Real seasickness medicine. See note below.
  • Safety harness. See note below.
  • Foul weather gear — tops, bottoms (boots optional). You may be living in these for days on end.
  • Personal flashlight
  • Suntan lotion
  • A good, wide-brimmed hat
  • Warm clothes - it can get cold at night

Recommended

  • Books (there will be books onboard Voyager and Willow, but maybe not your favorites)
  • Entertainment stuff (games, etc).
  • CDs
  • Camera
  • A personal journal
  • Snorkeling gear

Seasickness medicines

We don't turn back for seasickness. Period.

Dramamine is effective with some folks, though seems more aimed at mild motion like carsickness. It has been effective with some of the children even at sea, though puts them to sleep for 14 hours. Heh, heh.

After decades of experimenting, Jack and Scott use and recommend a potent mix of Ephedrine and Phenergan, 25 mg of each every 4 to 8 hours. For us it's totally effective. We typically wean ourselves after a day or two, but keep some at hand for rough weather.

Phenergan is a prescription drug so if you want it, get a prescription early! Ephedrine is not, but is rarely stocked so usually must be ordered. Again, don't wait till the last minute to deal with these issues.

Since (sigh) we're all getting older, be aware that this mix is quite powerful and may interact with other meds you may be taking. Look into these issues early, while there's still time to find alternatives.

Safety Harnesses

Probably the biggest danger offshore is falling overboard. We're real sticklers for wearing the harness all of the time. Get one that's comfortable, one you can sleep in. You will be wearing this 24 hours a day... or we'll throw you overboard!

The old Jim Buoy harness (all white with crappy shackle) is not acceptable. It failed in Practical Sailor's tests. West Marine's "Basic" harness (info here) is $45 and is acceptable; their "Ultimate" (info here) costs $60 and scored very well in the tests, so is recommended. You'll also need a tether ($28 to $90).

Any questions? Please contact Jack or Scott.