Trip Preparation
Get ready for your voyage with practical guidance on what to pack and how to prepare.
Packing List | Day Sail Preparation | Adult Voyage Preparation | Physical & Mental Fitness Policy
Packing List
What to bring (and what not to bring) on your multi-day SALTS trip. (Day Sail preparation details here.)
Essentials
Bring the following items, clearly labelled in a soft-sided bag:
1 sleeping bag (pillow optional)
2 or 3 pairs of pants or jeans
2-4 pairs of shorts (late spring, summer, early fall trips)
Shirts or tops, long and short-sleeves
10-day trips: 4-5
4 or 5-day trips: 2-3
Bottom base layer (long underwear)
2 or 3 warm sweaters or sweatshirts
1 pair of socks and underwear for each day
Sleepwear
1 swimsuit (essential for summer trips, optional for spring/fall)
1 toque or hat
Gloves (for cool weather)
1 warm jacket
Rain gear (jacket and pants)
For Volunteers
All of the above plus:
1 pair sturdy dry shoes/runners for on deck and shore excursions where there's uneven terrain (NOT slides or flip-flops)
1 pair of shoes that can get wet (water shoes, waterproof sport sandals, old runners)
1 pair of rubber boots (or deck boots)
Water bottle
Towel
Bio-degradable (aka "camping") soap
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Sunscreen (ocean friendly)
Wristwatch
Flashlight or headlamp (and spare batteries)
Plastic bag for wet gear (important)
1 pen, 1 pencil and eraser
Writing paper and binder with a copy of your ship-specific Sailor's Handbook
Your SALTS Log Book if you've sailed before
Volunteer Crew Uniform
1 SALTS crew shirt (supplied by SALTS and to be returned at the end of the trip)
1 navy blue sweater (Guernsey or crewneck or turtleneck)
1 pair khaki pants
1 pair brown/tan deck shoes
1 pair khaki shorts (late spring, summer, early fall trips)
1 pair white socks
MEDICATIONS must be in the original packaging with the dosage and administration instructions. Due to the risk of spillage or loss, please bring double the necessary quantity of your prescription medications (in two separate zip closure storage bags labelled with your full name): one to keep and one to turn over to our Primary First Aid Officer or, for group trips, to the designated leader, as back up.
Optional
Swimsuit (optional for spring/fall, essential for summer)
Cash to buy SALTS merch
Camera
Sunglasses (strongly recommended)
Sketch pad/journal
Small day pack for shore excursions
Musical instrument (check with the SALTS office before bringing a large instrument, i.e. guitar)
Reading material (not electronic)
Special Notes
CELL PHONES may only be used prior to boarding and after disembarking. While on board it must be powered off or, in airplane mode to use as a camera if you don't have a dedicated camera. For group trips, please confirm with your trip organizer for any additional cell phone polices.
It will be much cooler on the water than you think! Everyone will stand watch at night, so don't skimp on the warm clothes. Layering is key.
Your gear has to be stowed on your bunk so keep it to a minimum and don't bring hard-sided luggage.
What Not to Bring (Also see Prohibited Items)
Electronic devices, computers, tablets, iPods, mp3 players, video games, e-readers or headphones. See note about cell phones above.
Any type of smoking or vaping implements, including tobacco, cannabis and electronic cigarettes. Smoking of any substance is strictly prohibited, both on the ship and on shore for the duration of the trip. Infractions of this policy may result in immediate expulsion from the program.
Alcohol, recreational cannabis, illicit drugs and any mind-altering substances
Chewing gum
Valuable jewellery
Lost and Found
Any unclaimed or unmarked items left behind will be held at the SALTS office until the end of the season (approximately October 30) and will then be donated to a worthy cause. Please label clothing and footwear.
Day Sail Preparation
Once you have received your day sail assignment, here's what you need to know for an enjoyable voyage.
What should I bring?
Several layers of clothing, including an outer waterproof layer. Be prepared for wind and much cooler temperatures out on the water
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
A bag lunch and water/beverages
Camera!
Non-marking sturdy footwear
Please note: Smoking/vaping, consumption of alcohol, and gum are not permitted on the dock or on board SALTS vessels. Cell phones and other electronic devices should be turned off for the duration of the sailing or only be used to take photos.
Preparation Checklist
Complete the online day sail registration profile form and waiver using the link provided in your day sail assignment confirmation email.
Submit your day sail fee payment using the link emailed to you.
Plan your route to the boarding location (see map). If you will arrive by car, check out City of Victoria and Robbins Parking options. Downtown Victoria can be very busy, so please allow ample time to find parking and walk to the dock.
Before heading to the dock, assess yourself and anyone sailing with you for symptoms of a communicable disease. Health status will be verified at the dock and anyone who is unwell will not be permitted to board. Contact us if any of your party will not be able to participate.
Arrive at the dock to check in 15 minutes prior to your sailing.
Adult Voyage Preparation
Sailor’s Handbooks
