Sailing Gear Essentials

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You and your crew members will need a buoyancy aid, like life jackets, to keep your heads above water if you go overboard. 

Find a good life jacket!

Proper Fit

Make sure your life jacket is United States Coast Guard approved, as indicated on its interior. Check for the correct sizing, whether it’s for a child, youth, or adult. The life jacket must fit snugly to ensure safety. Be aware of the new buoyancy levels (Level 50-150).

Two-Step Test

1. Lift your arms overhead
2. Ensure that the life jacket does NOT rise above your chin.

Helpful Aid

Consider attaching a whistle to your life jacket for added safety. Don’t forget to wear your sailing gloves and seasonal sailing apparel to enhance your sailing experience.

From wet to dry, your hands will encounter various weather and surface conditions while on board. To prevent injuries, it's essential to wear sailing gloves as part of your seasonal sailing apparel. 

Three Main Glove Types

1. Short-finger (Fingerless)
2. Three Finger (3/4 Finger)
3. Full (Long) Finger

Purpose

Sailing gloves provide skin and sun protection during activities like knot tying, sail adjusting, shackling, hand rail balancing (maintaining three points of contact), tiller steering, and trimming, etc. 

You'll want to be comfortable while sailing, especially since weather conditions are typically 25% more intense when you're out on the water. If it's windy on land, expect it to be even windier at sea. Conversely, if it’s hot on land, the sun's reflection off the water can significantly increase your exposure to heat and can intensify skin damage. 

To ensure comfort, dress in layers suitable for the season and choose seasonal sailing apparel that incorporates UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) 40+ sun protection fabric.

Apparel Suggestions

1. Moisture-wicking clothes
2. Neck gaiter
3. Hood
4. Long-sleeves
5. Rash guards
6. Windproof and waterproof jacket
7. Wide-brimmed hat with a chin strap and neck flap 
8. Fast-dry cap with a retainer clip, all featuring UPF 40+ sun protection fabric. 

Slippin' and slidin' are experiences you need to avoid, especially when you're out on the water. It's important to find shoes with good traction. 

Recommended Features

1. Non-marking rubber soles with siping
2. Quick drying uppers
3. Toe protection
4. No sandals

The sun will be at full blast on deck, and its constant reflection from the glimmering water surrounding your boat will magnify your exposure exponentially. You’ll likely be dashing about the boat at times, adjusting your sailing position. Be ready for quick movements!

Recommended Eye Protection

1. 100% UV Protection
2. Polarized Lenses
3. Retainer strap

Your skin is the largest organ on your body. Protect it!

There are many types of skin protection on the market. Use sunscreens that have at least SPF (Sun Protection Factor) 30+. Reapply as needed.

Recommended Skin Protection 

1. Chemical sunscreens  
2. Mineral/Physical Sunscreens  

Examples  

1. SPF 30+ Water-resistant, broad-spectrum skin sunscreen with zinc oxide.  
2. SPF 50+ Lip balm