Ocean Sailing
More and more people today are sailing further afield. It could be fulfilling a life long dream to sail your way round the world, or to take part in one of the many blue water rallies where you can cruise in company reasonably secure in the knowledge that help will not be too far away.
Type of boat
When you are sailing across oceans it will normally be in a boat of 35ft plus, although there is nothing to stop you sailing in any size boat. You may well have an open cockpit with little in the way of protection from the elements.
Duration
You could be away for weeks on end so you need to prepare for all weather. You cannot sail around storms; it is a case of batten down the hatches and make sure you have your foul weather gear at the ready. 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
A base layer is essential for this type of sailing when you are away from normal washing facilities and you are wearing waterproof clothing for long periods, and 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 and being away for long periods and night sailing, there is no doubt you will need it at some point. Even in the middle of summer it is cold at night. The mid layer follows the ’no cotton’ rule and is fleece based. A traditional fleece garment with a windproof and water resistant fabric on the outside is optimal. The bottoms give you complete leg and body protection and when worn with the jacket give double insulation around the middle.
Waterproof layer
With Ocean sailing you will be on deck for long periods of time, and you will 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. And the hood should have ample adjustment. With all the flaps closed, it will only be your eyes and nose that are exposed.
Ocean Racing
Ocean racing refers to those of you who race over a long period of time using your gear day in and day out. Weight will be critical, as will freedom of movement. The garments must be as light as possible while still being tough enough for the job, but you may only be allowed a limited number of products.
Protection against the elements needs to be at a maximum, as does durability and breathability. One day you could be in the Southern Ocean in near freezing conditions and a few weeks later in the tropical heat of the equatorial regions.
We understand this is as tough as it can get, and the gear needs to be the very best.
Type of boat
You could be racing in anything from a 21ft Mini Transatlantic boat to an Open 60 or larger. The one thing that they all have in common is they are wet, very wet, and they will be driven hard whichever direction the race takes you.
Duration
Ocean-going races usually last a minimum of one week or could, as in the case of the BT Global Challenge or the Volvo Ocean Race, take the best part of a year. You need to be fully prepared before you set off. You wont be allowed to take much so it needs to be the right gear.
Base Layer
Base layer is essential for this type of sailing, you are away from normal washing facilities, and you are wearing clothing for long periods and want to keep as dry next to the skin as possible. As covered in the Offshore cruising section base layer is 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. 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.
Mid Layer
For your mid layer you are looking for extra warmth in a garment that can also give 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.
Waterproof layer
Waterproof Layer
When you are surfing down 40ft waves at 25 knots in the Southern Ocean the performance of the waterproof layer is crucial, and just like the boats themselves that have got lighter and faster, so has the waterproof clothing improved. In the past Ocean Gear used to be about bells and whistles and heavy-duty fabrics. The more gizmos the garment had the more you felt you could justify the price. Now it's about a full body coverage with high trousers and a durable shell. Double seals will prevent water from getting in at the cuffs, zippers, or neck. |
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