The week, as it actually runs. Read once, and you are set.

One duffel and one backpack per person is plenty. Think minimal: two swimsuits, three light shirts, two pairs of shorts, one pair of long trousers for evenings ashore, one light sweater — it cools quickly at sea after sundown — and soft-soled deck shoes or sandals. Nothing with black soles.

Sun is the real enemy on the water. A hat that stays on in 15 knots, polarised sunglasses on a cord, and more sunscreen than you would take to a beach.

On a bareboat the licenced skipper drives, navigates and is legally responsible for the boat and everyone on her. Everyone else helps: watches, anchoring, lines, sails. Decide before you leave the marina who is the second helm, who runs the galley each day, and who owns provisioning.

On a crewed charter the captain runs the boat and you are on holiday. The host handles meals and cabins. You keep your own cabin tidy, clear up after yourself, and tell the captain what you would like from the day — they will tell you honestly what the wind allows.

On a skippered boat you are somewhere in between: the skipper is responsible for the boat and will happily teach, but cooking, cleaning and provisioning are yours.

A workable rhythm: breakfast and lunch on board, dinner ashore three or four nights and on board the other two or three. Do the big shop at a hypermarket on day one — most bases have one within 5 km, a €15 taxi — and top up at island grocers through the week.

Buy water in 5-litre bottles, not 500 ml. Freeze meat before you leave the shop and it keeps in the boat fridge for days. Ice is gold; buy it whenever you see it.

Most operators offer a pre-provisioning service: send them a list and it is aboard when you arrive, at a 10–15% mark-up. Worth it for the first two days if you are landing late.

Jacklines on for any night sailing. Tell the skipper about any medical condition on day one, privately if you prefer — they need to know before it matters.