Boater's LIFE
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Dinghy & One Design Sailing In many ways dinghy sailing is one of the hardest topics to cover. It is very much a sport for all seasons. The water temperature can also make a big difference and can vary considerably.  On top of that there is a huge variation in boats from the traditional to the latest sports boat with twin wires and asymmetric rigs; single hander Lasers, to Tornado Catamarans capable of 25 knots. So let’s begin with keeping afloat. If you are a member of a sailing club and racing, whether you like the idea or not, you are almost certainly going to have to wear a buoyancy aid. However good a swimmer you are, you never know when you might get a bump on the head from the boom and at best be stunned and at worst unconscious. Today buoyancy aids and life jackets are covered by strict standards.  They have to have specified amounts of buoyancy, fit well, be tough and most definitely stay on when you fall in.  Most dinghy sailors want as much freedom of movement and as little bulk as possible. There are two main buoyancy types used for dinghy sailing. A conventional zipped vest and a pull-over–the-head type. The zipped vest is easier to put on but is slightly longer than the pull-over which seems to be the most popular among the racing fraternity. It fits snugly above where a trapeze hook would go. Freedom of movement is improved by using as many pieces of closed cell foam as possible so that it bends around the contours of the body.  The better ones will have strategic panels designed to give as much freedom of movement as possible. Wet & Drysuits Drysuits are available in front and back zip versions. The back zip version  is less bulky across the middle, and it is lighter and easier to move around in. The main argument against them is that help is sometimes needed to do the zip correctly.  Doing the last half inch up on either a front or back zip is essential. Because the zip is so stiff it is easy to leave just a tiny bit open. A drysuit is literally sealed at every opening and risk of condensation could not be greater. Over the one-piece base layer it is advisable to wear a fleece bottom and top, depending on the temperature. Some people will prefer to wear wetsuits. These are available in a variety of weights and styles. Just as with all marine clothing there have been huge advances in design and material technology. Look for suits using different thicknesses of neoprene in different areas, depending on whether it is warmth or flexibility that is the main criteria. There are copper linings, titanium finishes, some of which are a bit gimmicky but do have some benefit. Also look for blind stitching that is waterproof and flat seaming that will not press against the body. There are also non-slip materials, and reinforcing for seats and knees. The big difference between a wetsuit and drysuit is that with a drysuit the warmth and protection comes by staying totally dry, whether in the water or out. A wetsuit works on the principal that even though wet, body heat will not escape through neoprene. Any water in the suit will warm up. Overall, a wetsuit on its own may be lighter and more flexible, if you don’t mind the initial cold feeling when falling in. It will also need some protection on top to prevent damage and snagging. A lot will also depend on the water temperature. Base Layer It doesn’t get much more energetic than dinghy sailing in a fresh breeze and, as mentioned in the section on breathable fabrics, in a hour of moderate exercise our bodies give off half a liter of moisture vapor. This is the body’s natural cooling system, and the moisture needs to go somewhere to avoid you getting damp from the inside rather than from outside in. In a two hour race our clothing system has a lot to cope with. The options are a crew or zip neck top and leggings or, particularly effective for underneath drysuits is a thermal one-piece. They are made in a thermal stretch fabric woven in a two yarn "bi-polar" system to enhance moisture vapor management. You'll find that the fabric moves moisture away from the skin and traps air in the weave to keep you warm. It is also very quick drying. As wetsuits are not breathable, a normal base layer will not help. However a Rash Vest can make the wetsuit more comfortable. It is tight fitting and quick drying. Mid Layer Unlike a wetsuit, if you are wearing a drysuit, you are relying on the mid-layer as the insulating layer. It is of course dependent on the temperature, and the best options are the toast top and pant, which is a micro fleece and gives good warmth without bulk, and is excellent for wearing under a drysuit. Waterproof layer We again come back to the question of selecting a wetsuit, drysuit, or traditional waterproof layer.  Much will depend on the wind strength and the time of the year, but a versatile option is a waterproof top and chest high trousers.