Wearing the right clothes is important when sailing any kind of boat. And NO I'm not talking about fashion or latest styles. First and foremost sailing is a sport and its has its own sportswear which is all about practicality; keeping you warm, protected from the elements and able to focus on having fun. However dinghy sailing and yacht sailors have different needs. Basically dinghy sailors are closer to, or in, the water and they need to be kitted out appropriately.
To choose your sailing outfit (dinghy or catamaran), you should take the weather conditions into account.
Each piece of your kit plays a specific role :
- A neoprene wetsuit is mainly used to preserve body heat and keep you warm. The thicker the suit, the better the insulation. The suits designed
Read more: The right outfit for dinghy sailing
Dinghy Sailing Gear
Dinghy sailing clothing has improved considerably over the last 20 years making it feasible to remain warm and dry in most conditions. Improvements include new 'breathable' fabrics allowing perspiration to evaporate and escape without allowing seawater in. The choice of dinghy sailing clothing or sailing waterproofs is between drysuits for sailing verses sailing dinghy wetsuits. A lightweight 'shortie' sailing wetsuit for summer sailing, leaves the arms and lower legs uncovered is the most suitable, while cold weather conditions call for a full wetsuit and in winter use, a suit with seals at the neck, ankle and wrist. Improvements in materials have transformed the sailing drysuit that is easy and quick to put on and offering total protection.
Read more: More on wetsuits, Drysuits & other Gear for sailing
You must have enough lifejackets onboard any boat when setting out and, in our Club, they MUST be worn by all your crew and properly fitted. Lifejackets do not work if they are not worn and its a breach of Club rules to set aboard any craft without wearing one. And remember, it is important to use crotch straps to prevent the lifejacket riding up upon entry into the water, ensuring your head is kept clear above the surface.
Choosing a Lifejacket
There are various types of lifejackets on the market with specific features aimed at different sports. Lifejackets can come with or without harness attachments or with different types of firing mechanisms and buckle fastenings. There are also different lifejackets for children with specific functions aimed at younger boaters.
Read more: Lifejackets