For a personal strobe , I recommend the Forespar Model 202102 shown in the Boat US 2000 catalog as item 230037 powered by one C-battery. For a personal flashlight , smaller is better. This you'll use to make your way throughout the boat in the dark of night when shipmates are trying to sleep or save their night vision. So it needs to be small and you'll need to develop the habit of covering most of the light while getting about. Some people bring personal lights so bright that when covered by their hand they exhibit a bright red hand from 20 feet away.
Towels are another issue.
You don't need a huge beach towel. I'd rather bring two of these and have a fresh one half way through the trip, rather than one big one that smells like a garbage scow half way through. These hand towels plus a couple of face sized wash cloths will serve you well. If you want to bring a laptop computer, contact the school in advance for discussion as we may be able to hook you into the SSB to download weather faxes. In summary, we have limited stowage space on board for personal gear so it needs to be used judiciously.