When it comes to what to dress when sailing or Sail Racing UK, there is no one correct answer. A number of variables, including wind speed, temperature, and sail length, might influence your sailing attire. However, wearing the right clothes and shoes for the sea might make the difference between a pleasant and comfortable sailing excursion and a very dreadful one.
We’ve put up the best sailing equipment guide after sailing more than 15,000 nautical miles in a variety of weather situations worldwide, so you can concentrate on having fun on your sailing vacation or competition rather than worrying about making a mistake. Our favorite sailing attire will be covered in this post, including everything from swimwear to bad weather gear to the appropriate sailing shoes and clothing for sailing excursions.
The Fundamentals of Sailing OutFit
What should I wear when sailing?
While some sailors may ask, “Who wears clothes offshore?” while we have undoubtedly seen nude sailors on our sailing excursions, the majority of us dress for sailing. The decision to dress in nautical attire is mostly motivated by safety considerations rather than shyness. Most significantly, marine apparel protects your fingers and toes from harm. It also keeps you from becoming wet, sunburned, or chilled.
They can, however, have a fashion component, just like anything else we wear these days. particularly if you want to have a sailing vacation rather than compete in a sailing contest. Sailing competitions may rapidly become fashion runways, even if we are being really honest. Personal style does not have to be sacrificed for sailing attire these days.
Let’s first discuss the fundamental specifications that sailing gear must fulfill before delving more into offshore marine and sailing competition outfit.
Five essential guidelines for sailing.
Comfort: You must be able to move freely on a boat, so your best option for clothing is flexible; stay away from tight pants or anything that will make it difficult to sit for extended periods of time.
Practicality: if possible, wear clothes with pockets to free up your hands for sailing.
Easy to clean: Since it’s likely that the boat you’re living on doesn’t have laundry, choose clothing that you can hand wash if necessary.
No-iron, crease-resistant materials: don’t wear your old suit shirts. Steam irons have no place at sea.
Quick-dry or water-repellent: Being near water is lovely, but it also makes you more prone to getting wet. Select light, quick-drying materials or ones that repel water.
Protection from the sun, cold, and rain: your sailing attire should keep you warm, dry, and UV-resistant, depending on where you sail.
What should not be worn whilst sailing?
Even if there isn’t a formal dress code at sea, you should nevertheless stay away from the following:
Precious Clothes: It’s advisable to leave any clothing you’d like to keep dry and pristine at home because it might become wet or destroyed while sailing.
Street or improper footwear: the captain’s attitude, your comfort, and your level of protection will all be greatly impacted by your marine footwear. There is an unwritten law that says you can’t wear city shoes on a boat. To prevent scratching the deck, wear clean shoes with a light-colored sole. For example, your gym shoes may be an alternative; stay away from any shoes with heels!
Jewelry: Give careful thought to whether and what kind of jewelry you wish to wear whilst sailing. Snagged or twisted in lines, looser jewelry like bracelets and necklaces can be harmful, and losing rings or earrings can quickly transform a happy moment into heartache. Generally speaking, when sailing, we recommend leaving everything valuable or irreplaceable at home.
robust huge baggage: huge, robust luggage is difficult to fit on most sailboats. Select a soft bag that can be folded when it is filled.
Four tips to packing the ideal baggage for sailing
Forecast the weather
Plan your sailing gear based on the weather prediction and where you will be sailing. While some locations are renowned for their humidity, others are noted for their powerful winds. When organizing your sailing clothing, keep that in mind. But be ready if the weather turns out to be hotter, wetter, or colder than expected. Layers should be packed or worn appropriately.
Accept layering.
A multi-layered approach is the best way to be ready for any sailing situation. Don’t carry a single large coat. Instead, pack a lot of intermediate layers so you can stack them up or down according on the weather. A basic base layer (t-shirt), an insulating mid-layer (comfy hoodie), and a waterproof outer shell might make up a smart layering approach. (Foul weather gear or a soft-shell jacket).
Prioritize functionality before fashion.
People who are unhappy don’t look good. Opt for practical attire rather than fashion shows. Yes, even when you’re on vacation. While you should have comfy clothes for your sailing adventures, bring a couple “fancy” outfits for your land excursions.
Remove half of the items from your suitcase once again.
They packed too many clothing, according to everyone who came to see us on board! You don’t need eight T-shirts. You’ll probably wear the same outfit all week long. Instead than hosting a fashion display, a sailboat is a place to unwind and feel comfortable.