All sailors know that it is absolutely essential to be prepared for all situations, and most importantly the apparel sailors wear are going to depend on the weather. Weather dictates every day apparel decisions, but it is even more crucial when sailing. It might be sunny and warm on shore, but once out on the waters sailing, it could be breezy and chilly. Being equipped with many layers and especially the correct layers could also save a life if a sailor happens to go overboard and drift in frigid waters.
Even if it looks sunny out on the shore, the weather can change in an instant. Also the weather out on the water might be drastically different thus take a sailing jacket to protect from cool wind or even rain. Harken jackets in particular are a sailor’s jacket of choice. This is due to its light weight which increases mobility, premiere quality, and breathable fabric. Consider an alternative such as a Gill vest or jacket. Any sailing jacket which is purchased should have a neoprene waistband and sleeve so that the wearer remains dry and can still breathe.
Compliment the sailing jacket with sailing shorts and sailing rashguards. Options for boat shorts include Columbia Sportswear and Gill. These shorts will be padded to lessen the effect of hard decks aboard the sailboat. In sailing shorts there usually is a 35+ SPF built in UV protection. Sailing rashguards will protect against chafing as a result of wearing personal flotation devices, or harnesses. The sailing rashguards are made of spandex and usually also have built in UV protection ranging up to 50+ UVP. Both Harken and Ronstan are excellent choices for sailing rashguards. Sailors can choose between a short sleeve and long sleeve sailing rashguards. While sailors move about, a long sleeve rashguard is kept in place with a thumb hole which is designed into it.
Protect and insulate the whole body with a sailing wetsuit. A great selection of sailing wetsuits is available from Ronstant, all made with the latest neoprene technology. While providing thermal insulation and even buoyancy, neoprene allows the body to breathe. The wetsuit will stretch and contour to each sailor’s body. The knees of the wetsuits are reinforced for durability and protection. There is no decrease in mobility with these wetsuits as they are designed for sailors specifically. There is a choice between a full body sailing wetsuit or half-body sailing wetsuit depending on the situation and need.
A sailor will need the correct sailing apparel to protect the body when sailing on the water. Being prepared for the change of weather in an instant is usually half the battle. Help to make it easier by being wearing the right sailing apparel for all weather conditions and be ready to adapt to any variations encountered. As much as the spray will allow while sailing, sailors can stay as dry as possible with the best foul weather gear and sailing apparel.