Saw a post a week or two ago regarding what to bring to the beach to lay on that won't trap all the sand that regular terry towels would but can't seem to locate it. I think is was buried in a lengthy thread. Anyway, any suggestions to keep our linens useable and not bringing sand back on board would be super helpful.
Thanks

we use micro fiber towels, fold into the size of a wash cloth and dry super fast

At my villa we provide individual grass mats. They are very cheap and work well. Just bought another 10. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" />

I got a parasheet for christmas....from amazon

Neat sheet. They stock them at the Rite Aid near us. Actually made from Tyvek and are quite durable. Good travel blanket too.

Cheers, RickG

Unless the entire crew is thoughtful and disciplined even when they are into their cups... anything like beach towels will lead to someone cleaning up sand on the boat. When we head to the beach I do my best to get the crew to leave the towels on the boat or stay someplace where there is laundry service.

I find the problem of sand to be fairly non existent on our charters. We are all adults and know how to shake a towel out after laying on the sand. We leave them in the dingy or on the swim step if they are damp and usually someone will stay in the dinghy to reshake them. They get hung on the lee side of the boat to dry. We have a boat clean up when needed, usually half way thru the charter.

Second vote for the Neat Sheet. We've had ours since our Windjammer BVI trip in 2005 - the trip that hooked us for life....

Neat sheet for the bed or the sand. I'm confused. Please explain.

Neat sheets are ground covers. It's a Kimberly-Clark product.

Cheers, RickG

Adding my recommendation for the Neat Sheet. Great product! The fabric repels water and sand, making it very easy to keep clean. The only thing that sticks to mine is sticker-type plant material (think sand-burrs).

One additional comment, the original Neat Sheet product is discontinued, so I believe. They are still available on after-market, such as e-bay, or Amazon, but the marked-up price is tremendous. I paid perhaps $7 at Walgreen's for my original Neat Sheet in 2003 or so.
http://www.amazon.com/The-Neat-Sheet-Ground-Family/dp/B000089SAY

A comparable product is available at Toys R Us or Babies R Us. I have one in my bag now to test later this month on the beach and will let you know how it compares. The price varies by size of sheet. See link.
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=18511436&cp=&parentPage=search

Good travels,
Shari

Also meant to say - while the Neat Sheet repels water and sand and such, it is a very skin-friendly fabric. Your skin doesn't stick, and it doesn't make you feel sweaty.

As a side point... whenever I'd go sailing or land based in the islands, I'd bring a couple clean, fluffy, but slightly old towels. At the end of the trip, when they are heavier, dirtier (even if washed), I would leave them behind - thus, having some spare space and weight allowance in my bag for the return trip.

I figure a bottle of rum or two might be a better use of my baggage space. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

Just brought down some of the Toys are us Olefin mats. Sure looking good. Nice color, feel good, tight weave , soft Paid $4 each for several of them. Good deal. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/circle.gif" alt="" />

The best for the beach are the waffle pattern 100% cotton towels made of the same material as the robes given to you at 5 star resorts.
From Williams Sonoma

Just wanted to offer my review of the Babies-R-Us version of the Neat Sheet. I tested this version on my recent trip and am pleased to say it performed admirably! I'm pleased. It repelled sand and water (water from the cooler or cold drinks beaded right up and shook right off). The fabric feels as skin-friendly as the original version. My original Neat Sheet lasted 7+ years before I retired it. This new version appears to have the same qualities and I expect the same longevity. My new ground cover cost lest than $5 - a very good investment indeed! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

Shari