Clothing essential to sailing is of utmost importance, particularly as the weather can change quickly – bikini weather one minute can quickly transform to freezing cold in an instant!
Selecting appropriate sailing apparel is essential for both experienced sailors and beginners to the sport alike. There are various choices available, but certain basics should always be kept in mind.
Foul Weather Gear
Foul weather gear refers to raincoats and trousers designed to keep sailors dry when sailing, fishing or racing in inclement conditions. Your exact requirements depend on your sail frequency, duration, location and amount of rainfall, wind or spray you experience when sailing.
Basic foul weather gear typically comprises nylon covered in PVC, polyurethane or neoprene coatings such as PVC or polyurethane for rain protection, but may create an uncomfortable clammy feeling when sweat builds up inside. Most sailors seek more breathable fabrics like Gore-Tex as an option.
Grundens, Henri Lloyd and Zhik all produce excellent foul weather gear; each brand uses cutting-edge materials designed with sailing in mind and has full cut trousers with longer sleeves to accommodate layering up as well as composite zippers that resist corrosion in saltwater environments.
Technical Shirts
In hot weather, sailors typically choose either a rash guard or technical shirt to wear on the water. Rashes guards (also known as spandex tops) provide ideal UV ray protection while remaining lightweight, durable, quick drying and having snug fits that provide comfort on board.
Technical shirts like the Slam Tee can make an excellent addition to your cooler day wardrobe as they wick moisture and insulate effectively, ideal for leisure activities such as climbing and hiking. Plus, they pair beautifully with any of our men’s jackets, hoodies, trousers, or bags from this brand!
Many of the top sailing brands combine functional design with a coastal lifestyle aesthetic, as well as keeping up with consumer preferences and demands. North Sails provides a comfortable sailing shirt made of lightweight polyester/nylon blend fabric for sun protection that dries quickly after ocean spray exposure; also featuring stretch, breathability, UV protection, and stretch capabilities for optimal comfort.
Warm Bottoms
When it comes to keeping warm on a sailing voyage, wool or neoprene socks and rubber dinghy boots will be necessary for maximum warmth and dryness of feet during wetter conditions. Make sure they fit comfortably while still permitting mobility when working aboard your ship.
Look for pants with adjustable waistbands, belts or Velcro to ensure a custom fit, yet leave room for layering when necessary. Additionally, they should provide ample range of motion and articulated knees.
Consider investing in Helly Hansen Dubliner rain pants; they are great for wet dinghy rides and casual sailing outings in the rain. Crafted from lightweight material with high clo values to protect you against hypothermia, these breathable pants also prevent overheating with ventilation features and boast UPF 40 sun protection ratings to safeguard against UV damage to skin.
Must Have Accessories
No sailing adventure should be interrupted by foot injuries, so make sure you pack suitable footwear. Lightweight but nonslip shoes provide excellent traction on deck and should also include a sun hat to shield you from sunburn and insects at night.
Foul weather gear is essential, particularly during fall and winter months. To stay dry and comfortable while remaining durable and waterproof, consider purchasing a three-layer Gore-Tex laminate, while wetsuits or drysuits offer greater functionality at greater expense.
Other essential accessories you should bring when sailing include a watertight bag to protect your belongings from moisture damage, whistle, waterproof watch and hat and sunglasses to protect your eyes from UV rays as well as a buff to keep neck and head warm while protecting from the sun.
