23:17
Faizan
Weather conditions are a major factor when choosing what to wear on a boat sailing. Calm and warm weather don't require much more than regular summer sailing wear. While cold, rainy and dangerous conditions call for more protective and specialized gear. There is a large difference in the clothing required for a sailing sport event than for a casual trip around the lake. Either way, you want to be prepared.
Foul-Weather Gear
If the weather is bad and you are still going out on the boat, then chances are you're part of sporting event, sailing is your main form of transportation or this is an emergency. On rainy, cold and violent seas, you will want a heavy, hooded jacket and pants or bib. All your outerwear should be water resistant, if not waterproof, to protect you from the cold air and wave breaks across the deck. If the water is less hazardous, and the temperature not as cold, a wind breaker or smock, which is a lightweight jacket without a hood, may be enough. Look for jackets and pants that have cinches to close up their openings and block water from penetrating your clothing.
Heat Protection
Heat and especially ultraviolet rays are a major concern on a boat because of how little cover there is and how the surrounding water amplifies UV rays. According to the World Health Organization, heavily clouded days will decrease the exposure to UV rays, but the reduction from thin clouds is negligible and may even amplify UV levels. Either way, you should wear sunscreen and have enough clothing to cover your body. White, lightweight shirts and pants will help reflect the heat and radiation.
Footwear
Heeled shoes should not be worn on board as they raise your center of gravity and make it easier to trip or fall. Most smaller boats are not designed to support the amount of pressure exerted by a high-heeled shoe. Wear shoes with non-scuff, no-slip tread that you aren't afraid to get wet. Water-socks and sandals are good for warm weather, but sailing boots are best for dangerous conditions.
Accessories
Sunglasses will help protect your eyes from the sun's glare off the water. If you are helping to sail the boat, gloves will help you handle ropes and grip slippery surface. A hat is always a safe bet. Make sure to get one with a moderate-length brim. A straw hat will do nicely, but make sure whatever hat you choose has a cinch or strap to prevent the wind from taking it.
Foul-Weather Gear
If the weather is bad and you are still going out on the boat, then chances are you're part of sporting event, sailing is your main form of transportation or this is an emergency. On rainy, cold and violent seas, you will want a heavy, hooded jacket and pants or bib. All your outerwear should be water resistant, if not waterproof, to protect you from the cold air and wave breaks across the deck. If the water is less hazardous, and the temperature not as cold, a wind breaker or smock, which is a lightweight jacket without a hood, may be enough. Look for jackets and pants that have cinches to close up their openings and block water from penetrating your clothing.
Heat Protection
Heat and especially ultraviolet rays are a major concern on a boat because of how little cover there is and how the surrounding water amplifies UV rays. According to the World Health Organization, heavily clouded days will decrease the exposure to UV rays, but the reduction from thin clouds is negligible and may even amplify UV levels. Either way, you should wear sunscreen and have enough clothing to cover your body. White, lightweight shirts and pants will help reflect the heat and radiation.
Footwear
Heeled shoes should not be worn on board as they raise your center of gravity and make it easier to trip or fall. Most smaller boats are not designed to support the amount of pressure exerted by a high-heeled shoe. Wear shoes with non-scuff, no-slip tread that you aren't afraid to get wet. Water-socks and sandals are good for warm weather, but sailing boots are best for dangerous conditions.
Accessories
Sunglasses will help protect your eyes from the sun's glare off the water. If you are helping to sail the boat, gloves will help you handle ropes and grip slippery surface. A hat is always a safe bet. Make sure to get one with a moderate-length brim. A straw hat will do nicely, but make sure whatever hat you choose has a cinch or strap to prevent the wind from taking it.
Posted in: sailing
