The Hard-Sided Luggage Fallacy & Optimal Packing
The fastest way to identify an inexperienced charter crew is watching them drag hard-sided Samsonite rollers down the dock.
The Geometry of a Hull
Catamarans, even a massive Lagoon Sixty 5, are defined by curved interior volumes and limited dead space. A hard-sided suitcase cannot be compressed. Once emptied, it must be stored, and there are precisely zero storage lockers on a standard 45-foot catamaran designed to hold four rigid 100-liter boxes.
Furthermore, the rigid wheels and hard plastic corners of airport luggage inflict catastrophic damage on teak decks, holly cabin soles, and gelcoat. Most fleet operators will explicitly ban them from being brought below deck, forcing you to unpack on the dock.
The Required Solution: Soft Duffels
You must use collapsible, soft-sided duffel bags. Once emptied, they roll into the size of a shoebox and disappear into a bilge or under a mattress.
- Recommended: The Patagonia Black Hole Duffel (55L or 70L). It is water-resistant, lacks rigid structure, and is practically indestructible.
- Alternative: North Face Base Camp Duffel.
The 50% Rule of Provisioning Clothes
Clients universally overpack clothing by a factor of two. The maritime environment dictates a specific wardrobe:
| Item | Quantity | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| Swimwear | 3-4 sets | This is your primary uniform. Rotate to allow drying. |
| UV Tech Shirts (Rashguards) | 2 long-sleeve | Sunscreen is insufficient on the water. UPF 50+ clothing is mandatory. |
| Footwear | 1 boat shoe, 1 shore shoe | Non-marking soles only. Heels are strictly prohibited on deck. |
| Foul Weather Gear | 1 light windbreaker | Even in the Med, night watches or dinghy rides get cold. |
A Note on Sunscreen
Spray sunscreens are banned on all Catamaray charters. The aerosol mist drifts and permanently stains teak decks, gelcoat, and bimini clears. Bring reef-safe, zinc-based lotions only.
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