Skip to primary navigation Skip to content Skip to footer
Back to Bits & Bobs - News From Superior Charters

What to Pack for Your Apostle Islands Sailing Charter (Essential Checklist & Tips)

enjoying coffee on Apostle Islands Sailing Charter

Planning what to pack for your Apostle Islands sailing charter can be overwhelming — but with the right checklist, you’ll be comfortable, prepared, and ready to enjoy every moment. In this guide, we break down exactly what to bring — from clothing layers and footwear to provisioning tips and extras that make life aboard easier.

Here’s your go-to packing guide for a smooth and enjoyable first sailing charter on Lake Superior.

What to Pack — Essential Gear Checklist

1. Luggage: Why a Soft Duffel Beats a Suitcase

  • Soft-sided duffel bags are best because boat storage is limited and soft luggage is easier to stow. Soft sided luggage won’t bang up the boat and cause damage to the boat.
  • Include a small daypack for excursions ashore.

2. Clothing — Dress in Layers for Lake Superior Weather

Weather on Lake Superior can be unpredictable, even in summer, so layering is key.

  • Quick-dry base layers (no cotton)
  • Fleece or insulated jacket
  • Windbreaker or waterproof shell
  • Comfortable pants or leggings
  • Swimsuit (you might want to take a dip!)
  • Beanie or cap (yes, even in July)
  • Sunglasses with a strap

Why no cotton? Cotton holds moisture and cools quickly when wet – not ideal on a sailboat.

3. Footwear – Prioritize Grip and Comfort

  • Non-slip boat shoes or sandals with back straps
  • Lightweight hiking shoes for land explorations

Bonus: Bring a plastic bag to store your hiking shoes inside so you don’t bring sand or dirt onto the boat!

4. Sun, Bug and Weather Protection

Lake Superior’s sunlight reflects off the water, and insects can be common on the islands.

  • Sunscreen & Lip balm with SPF
  • Polarized sunglasses
  • Wide-brimmed hat or cap
  • Bug spray – the islands are remote and wild; you will be dealing with bugs

5. Toiletries, Personal Items & Bedding

Since you’ll be living aboard for at least one night, pack thoughtfully:

  • Toothbrush, travel-size toothpaste, hairbrush, deodorant
  • Sea-sickness meds & motion sickness bands
  • Sleeping bag or bedding and a pillow
  • Towel (for beach and for showers)

 6. Extras Worth Packing

Provisioning Tips – What to Bring for Meals

You are responsible for your own food provisioning; Superior Charters provides basic cookware and galley essentials, but not food. Here’s how to plan smart:

Know What’s Onboard:

Before you shop, make sure you familiarize yourself with what’s included. At Superior Charters, all boats include the following.

  • Small refrigerator or icebox
  • A propane stove and oven
  • A propane grill
  • Limited counter space
  • Basic pots, pans, utensils, plates, bowls and cups
  • Corkscrew/Bottle opener
  • Cutting board
  • Percolator (with filters) or French Press
  • Complimentary consumables which include
    • Trash Bags
    • Dish Soap
    • Sponge
    • Paper Towels
    • Cleaning Spray
    • Aluminum Foil
    • Lighters/Matches
    • Hand Soap
    • Marine Toilet Paper

Easy Meal Ideas for a Sailing Charter

Here are some tried-and-true meal ideas that are boat-friendly, low-mess, and delicious.

Breakfast:

  • Yogurt, granola, fresh berries
  • Breakfast burritos (make-ahead and wrap in foil to reheat)
  • Instant oatmeal with dried fruit
  • Hard-boiled eggs and toast
  • Coffee & tea
  • Muffins or breakfast bars

Lunch:

  • Wraps or sandwiches (think turkey, cheese, hummus, veggies)
  • Pasta salad or quinoa salad (make-ahead and store in a container)
  • Charcuterie board with crackers, cheese, salami, olives, fruit
  • Peanut butter and apples (great snack, too)

Dinner:

  • Grilled kabobs (pre-marinated meat + veggies)
  • Walking Tacos (pre-seasoned + cooked meat, pre-cut veggies etc.)
  • One-pot pasta dishes (pasta + jarred sauce + add ins)
  • Stir-fry with pre-chopped veggies and rice
  • Foil-pack meals (great on a grill – fish, potatoes, zucchini, herbs)

Boat Galley Tip: Choose meals that use minimal water for cleanup, your water tank has a limited amount of water available for your trip!

Storage Tips

  • Use soft coolers or collapsible crates
  • Pack in stages—cold items together, dry items separate
  • Pre-chop and portion ingredients in reusable containers or zip bags
  • Avoid anything that melts easily (looking at you, chocolate bars)

Drinks & Extras

  • Bring plenty of water, you will want to stay hydrated (bring more than you think you will need!)
  • Pack some sparkling water, and your favorite beverages
  • Wine in a box or canned cocktails are great for saving space

Final Tip: Keep It Simple

You’re here to sail, relax, and enjoy the islands—not to be stuck cooking elaborate meals. Stick to tried-and-true recipes, do as much prep ahead of time as possible, and you’ll be eating well with minimal fuss.

-Superior Charters Crew

  • Posted in:
Previous Post Next Post