Ready to conquer the sail, but don’t know what to wear? Follow these simple tips. The main rule for a yachtsman when choosing clothes is to look at the weather forecast and dress a little warmer than on the shore.I f it is +25 outside, and you are wearing shorts and a T-shirt, take a sailing jumper on the yacht.

Gloves are necessary for all types of yachts! Yacht gloves are sold in special stores and they are not cheap, but now a large number of gloves of different quality and inexpensive have appeared on web-stores like yeti uk store.

On a centerboard boat

It is most convenient to use a wetsuit: firstly, you won’t drown in it, since there are air bubbles in the neoprene that help keep a person afloat, and secondly, it is warm when you are actively moving, even if you are wet, and you can get wet not only from turning over, but also from oncoming splashes.

Wetsuits come in different thicknesses, for a centerboard boat a 3/2 mm neoprene suit with knee pads is suitable. Separate or one-piece – it’s up to you. Such a set is also ergonomic and will allow you to ensure freedom of movement.

In the cold season (early spring or autumn), you can use a dry suit – “cracker”, with rubber cuffs, throat and boots, glued into the suit itself made of membrane, waterproof fabric, with glued seams.

You can put on thermal underwear and fleece, with a guarantee that you will not get wet and do not freeze.

Shoes. hydroboots one size larger than you usually wear, since you need to fit the rubber boots glued to the suit.

Hat. Better from fleece, but the most important thing is that it fits tightly on your head, otherwise you can lose it.

On a yacht:

In warm weather (from +20 * C)

• Shorts;
• Long-sleeved T-shirt (preferably lycra) to protect you from the sun;
• Windbreaker
• Shoes with light, non-slip soles;
• Sunglasses with a lace;
• Cap (preferably with a lace that fastens to the collar).

In cool weather (10-15*C):

• Thermal underwear
• Waterproof suit or just a jacket;
• Cap;
• Shoes with light, non-slip soles (Crocs sneakers with laces will be great sailing accessories. They don’t slip and, if they get wet, they dry quickly).

In cold weather or rain (less than 15*C):

• Thermal underwear – 1st layer;
• Fleece – 2nd layer;
• Waterproof suit – 3rd layer;
• Rubber boots or sneakers with light, non-slip soles;
• Waterproof socks are a great way to avoid wearing wellies, especially on smaller boats where they are not very practical;
• Hat.

Yacht clothing is distinguished by the fact that the hoods on the jackets are usually sewn in a contrasting color (a bright hood will make it easier to see a person who has fallen overboard).

And of course, such clothing is made from the best Gore-Tex membrane fabrics, which have all the qualities a sale racing sportsman needs. It is waterproof and breathable, that is, it is not hot in warm weather and cold in cold weather.

Safety first

It is imperative to wear a life jacket/safety vest, especially on small yachts or centerboard boats.

On large yachts, as a rule, life jackets are worn only at night, on watch and in bad weather, but this is due to the fact that they are safer for the crew.

On small yachts and, especially, on centerboard boats, wearing a safety vest is mandatory.