Boater's LIFE
Published by
Boat Marketing Corporation

Update your Profile
Subscribe
Unsubscribe

What to Wear:
Inshore Gear, Dingy & One Design, Offshore to Ocean

In this article we cover what to wear for different types of sailing and discuss the best options possible as well as the bare essentials.  Obviously, personal choice comes into play, but we think we can help you find what works best by sharing some of our findings and clothing tips.  And don't forget to visit our New online store filled with great boat clothing, gear, fleece wear and boat accessories.  Great selection, field tested by our staff and great prices! When is comes to choosing clothing for "life on the water," it's important to keep four key rules in mind: Never wear cotton, particularly as the base layer. The base layer is for wicking away moisture.                              The mid layer is the insulating layer.                                                        The outer layer is the weatherproof layer. Inshore & Coastal Sailing Inshore and coastal sailing is by far the largest category of sailing. Marinas and moorings are full of boats ranging from 20ft upwards. These boats will cruise up and down the coast often on a day sail, occasionally port hopping, and when time permits, turning it into a weekend jaunt. Type of boat Your boat is likely to be 20ft upwards and kept on a mooring or Marina berth. You will most  likely have an open cockpit with little in the way of protection from the elements. Duration Typically, you will be a weekend sailor or grabbing the odd hour when time permits on a nice summer’s evening. You will probably cruise up and down the coast.  You will usually have access to shipping forecasts and local weather reports and can often pick your trips to take place in fairer weather. Inevitably though, you will get caught out at some point or face a deadline to get back to the office on Monday morning, resulting in your having to beat into a Westerly gale. Base Layer A base layer is important for this type of sailing, particularly if you want to get the best out of your breathable clothing. Cotton will soak up moisture and sweat and stay damp for the duration of the trip. Your options are to wear a crew or zip neck top and leggings. These 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 unless you are a mid-summer-only sailor, you will need it. Even then, 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 There is considerable choice for the inshore and coastal sailor when it comes to the waterproof layer. For around $150 you can buy a breathable, fully waterproof, lined jacket with a hood that folds into its own fleece lined collar, with soft adjustable inner cuffs and outer wrist tabs. There will also be fleece lined, hand warmer pockets, and a high visibility reflective strip. This will be perfectly adequate for most of your sailing.  For about $200 you will get similar features; a higher collar with more adjustments on the hood, and the fabric will be to a generally higher specification. You can also still buy traditional PVC coated fabric waterproofs that aren’t breathable but are very durable and made to a very high standard for around $120. This is exceptional value and makes a lot of sense if you’re providing spare sets on board for guests. If you are a warm weather sailor only or you want a second jacket that is also suitable should you charter a yacht in the Mediterranean or Caribbean, then a light waterproof jacket is perfect.  It is fully waterproof and breathable, but light enough for those warmer days, and can cross over for use onshore as well.

- Read More ... Additional Article Pages -