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What to Wear
Article Page 3: Offshore Sailing
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Offshore Sailing
The offshore cruising category implies sailing further afield than the inshore or coastal sailor. You are more likely to sail all the year round with frequent long distance cruises. The garments, therefore, need to be made out of more durable fabrics with higher collars, and there will be more adjustments on the hoods.
Type of boat
There is nothing to stop you going offshore in any size boat, but in reality it is likely to be in the 30ft plus region. You will have an open cockpit with little in the way of protection from the elements.
Duration
Because you could be away for days on end, you need to prepare for all types of weather. You will also encounter much bigger seas. Once you are out into the Atlantic waves can be 20-30ft high and when they break over you, you certainly know about it.
Base Layer
The base layer is essential for this type of sailing. You are away from normal washing facilities, you are wearing waterproof clothing for long periods, and you want to keep as comfortable as possible. Cotton is an absolute no-no. It will soak up moisture and sweat and stay damp for the duration of the trip. The options are a crew or zip neck top and leggings. They are made in a thermal stretch fabric woven in a two yarn "bi-polar" system to enhance moisture vapor management. You’ll find the fabric moves moisture away from the skin and
traps air in the weave to keep you warm. It is also very quick drying.
Mid Layer
This is the insulating layer. Being away for long periods, including night sailing, there is no doubt you will need it at some point. Even in the middle of summer, it can get cold at night. The mid layer follows the ‘no cotton’ rule
and is fleece based. The options are a fleece jacket or smock and bottom, or the micro fleece top and pant. You might even want to consider both. In extremely cold conditions the micro fleece can be used as an additional layer or in milder conditions as the mid layer. More than one thermal top is always a good idea and the different weights give you added flexibility.
Waterproof layer
With Offshore sailing you could be on deck for long periods of time, and you'll need a high fleece lined collar that can give you good protection even when the hood is not up. Ideally the collar should just cover the tops of your ears. The hood should have ample adjustment. With all the flaps closed it will only be your eyes and nose exposed.
Offshore Racing
For the Offshore Racer one significant difference is that the hot shower will not be there at the end of the day. More all-around protection is needed when there could be frequent night passages, where it can be pretty cold at two AM sitting on the rail as you beat into a westerly gale, even in the middle of summer. While weight is important, the usage is likely to be more arduous than inshore sailing so durability becomes more of a factor.
Base Layer
A base layer is essential for this type of sailing when you are away from normal washing facilities, you are wearing waterproof clothing for long periods, and you want to keep as dry next to the skin as possible. As covered in the Offshore cruising section, the base layer garments are made in a thermal stretch fabric woven in a two yarn "bi-polar" system to enhance moisture vapor management.
Mid Layer
When it comes to mid layer garments, you are looking for extra warmth and also something that gives you flexibility. Most skippers put a limit on the gear you can take with you so a garment needs to do as many jobs as possible. Try a shelled fleece jacket that will double as both a waterproof layer and thermal layer.
Waterproof layer
When offshore racing you could be on deck or on the rail for long periods of time, and you will need a high fleece lined collar that can give you good protection even when the hood isn’t up. Ideally the collar should just cover the tops of your ears. And the hood should have ample adjustment. With all the
flaps closed it will only be your eyes and nose exposed. |
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Read More ... Additional Article Pages -
Inshore Gear | Dinghy & One Design Gear | Offshore Sailing
Ocean Sailing
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