Smooth Sailing: The Perfect Period Solution for Boat Life

Dianne from Siren and Seafer shares her tips for managing periods aboard her 40ft sailboat. It’s not all sunsets and sea breezes....

Living on a sailboat might sound like endless sunsets and freedom (and yes, sometimes it is), but it also means facing some interesting challenges—like what to do when Aunt Flo arrives, and you’re miles away from the nearest pharmacy. Enter Fanzy Pantz Period Undies, the unsung heroes of my boat life.

The Reality of Periods on a Boat

Picture this: You’re in a tiny bathroom (or “head,” as it’s referred to on a boat), with waves rocking your world in the least romantic way. The fresh water supply is limited and the only shower available is a saltwater shower on the back deck. The small rubbish bag we are carrying with us for the next month until we get to a port with rubbish disposal. Dealing with tampons and pads in this setting? Let’s just say, it’s not smooth sailing. 

Why do Fanzy Pantz Works for Sailors

Period Undies change the game by being reusable, discreet, and—best of all—low maintenance.

1. No Bin? No Problem!

Dealing with rubbish on a boat for long passages is a delicate art. Carrying your rubbish with you for often a month at a time means everything has to be sorted in ways to minimise the space and cut out any bin odours. Fanzy Pantz keeps things simple and eco-friendly—just rinse, wash, and reuse.

2. Leaks? Not on My Watch

Whether I’m climbing the mast or sitting in the cockpit, I can trust these undies to have my back (and front). They’re designed to handle everything from light spotting to heavy flows, so I don’t have to worry about leaks. Occasionally I use menstrual cups if I’m going to be swimming a lot throughout the day. But the cups are only really good to use when I have a good supply of water to wash them out. I also struggle to get it to seal properly so I wear the cup with my Fanzy Pantz when out of the water as a second line of protection. 

While sailing, we will need to stock up the boat with 3months of supplies when we go anywhere. We don’t know the next time we will be in a main port to get food and other supplies delivered. This happened to me at Lizard Island where we thought we were going to be there for one month and I was stuck there for three! In many remote places there’s no way to get an order of more pads and tampons sent to you. Thankfully period undies can be reused over and over again with no need for stocking up. 

4. The Washing Routine: Not as Scary as It Sounds

Yes, boat life means limited water, but rinsing my Fanzy Pantz after use is no big deal. A quick rinse in salt water, followed by a proper wash when we hit port, and they’re good as new. Plus, they dry quickly in the tropical sun—bonus!

Fanzy Pantz has been a lifesaver. They’re comfortable, reliable, and they’ve given me peace of mind knowing I’m reducing waste while living my best sea life.

Whether you’re living on a sailboat or just looking for a more sustainable period solution, I can’t recommend Fanzy Pantz enough. They’ve made navigating my cycle at sea so much easier—and let’s be real, anything that makes periods less annoying is worth its weight in gold.

Follow Dianne's adventures on https://www.instagram.com/sirenandseafarer/