Green Wakes: Recycling Old Sailing Gear

“I'm always looking for creative ways to reduce waste.

So when I found out that a couple of wet weather bibs no longer let me stay dry, I didn't even think they were no longer needed.

If sailing has taught me anything, it is about adapting to the conditions and working with what you have.

The jumpsuit looked good, but it didn't work.

This became apparent during the wet transition from Fiji to New Caledonia. Having defended my midnight watch, I got wet.

And when I woke up at 6 in the morning, I noticed spots of neon green all over my body.

Either I was slowly transforming into the Hulk, or I was covered in pieces of the waterproof bib lining.

I was very disappointed that my new equipment was out of order, but it was impossible to return it.

This ship sailed away.

Throwing heavy, sturdy cloth into the trash can seemed like a waste to me, so I put it in my sewing drawer under the bunk..

Of course, like most things stuffed under the bunk, this one was forgotten for several months.

Okay, maybe years, but when I rediscovered it, I already knew exactly what to do.

I wanted to replace my broken heavy duty tote bag that I am using for security.

I needed a bag that could be slung comfortably over my shoulder, that had a wide enough opening for large items like Napa kale, and that could be tied to keep nothing from falling out on the bouncing boat on the way home.

It was supposed to be light and foldable, but strong enough to support at least 20 pounds.

It's time to turn this old jumpsuit into my dream shopping bag.

The obvious choice was to use a bib and jumpsuit body.

After removing the elastic shoulder straps and saving them for a future project, I cut off the legs.

There was a good size bag with a small hole at the bottom, but that was something that could not be fixed with a few seams and details.

I stitched the bottom and doubled the seam reinforcement for more strength.

I then added shoulder straps and constructed a long tie in the center of the open bag, using it to both keep the top of the bag closed and to tie the bag when folded.

From the remaining fabric from the legs, I made a smaller bag.

I used the strap from an old camera bag as a shoulder strap, including a plastic hook so I could hang the boat key somewhere.

I also added a slim pocket on the outside, perfect for a phone or radio.

These two sturdy, lightweight and washable bags have become the staples I take when I go to the store.

I love that I avoid disposable plastic bags while doing this.

As the old adage goes, everything on a boat has two functions.

08.04.2021