It may be that the most important item of safety equipment on a boat is located between the skipper's ears.  However, the skipper's bunk runs it a close second.  

As I'm aiming to spend several months aboard this summer, I've been thinking about my creature comforts.

I've bought a QUALITY MERINO PURE WOOL UNDER BLANKET , size 70cm x 200cm, to soften the berth cushions. It's very thick and luxurious, and I would recommend it for anyone who has PVC, Naugahyde, faux leather or similar cushion covers. It's so good that I've bought a larger one for my bed at home, too. The same company also markets merino wool duvets, and I've heard good reports of these when used aboard round-the-world race boats, as they get less smelly than man-made fibres. I won't be getting one, as I already have a natural fibre duvet, filled with some form of bamboo fibre. I'm tempted by the merino wool pillows, though.