Deck kit that earns its place in your cabin

Cabin space is measured in centimetres. This is what consistently earns its place. WORTH BUYING PROPERLY • A good headtorch. You will use it more than you expect. • Sunglasses with a retainer, and a spare pair. Polarised, so you can actually see the water. • Reef-safe high-factor sun cream in volume. Your face is your job. • A decent multitool and a rigging knife. • Real deck shoes, plus a second pair so one can dry. • A slim waterproof notebook. Handover notes, sizes, chemical dilutions. WORTH BUYING CHEAP Sunglasses cords, gloves, cable ties, a phone case. All of it goes overboard eventually. DON'T BOTHER A full set of your own polishing gear — the boat has it and prefers you use theirs. Big hard cases. Anything white you care about. THE UNDERRATED ONE A soft duffel that packs flat. Hard suitcases are hated on every boat because there is nowhere to put them. ON UNIFORM Don't buy boat uniform before you're hired. Bring smart plain navy and white basics for the first days and let the boat kit you out. What's the one thing in your kit you'd replace first if it went over the side?