What to wear? Guide to clothing for yachtsmen

Basic rules for choosing clothes for yachting

No other form of leisure or sport is exposed to such elements as yachting. The sun, wind and water accompany us throughout the entire cruise or regatta, so the yachtsman needs high-quality clothing for protection. What to look for when choosing things for yachting?

5 rules for choosing clothes for the sea and cruise

Here are the main rules for choosing clothes that will help you feel comfortable at sea:

• Convenience always comes first. You should feel comfortable and free. Avoid skinny jeans and fitted shirts. It is important to choose clothing that makes it comfortable for you to stay in one position for a long time and perform deck work.
• Practicality – the more pockets your clothes have, the better. This way you will free your hands during sailing.
• Easy to Clean – Chances are good that your boat doesn’t have a laundry facility. Therefore, it is best to choose clothes that do not require special care and can be washed by hand.
• Choose wrinkle-resistant fabrics - leave your office suits at home. Practicality is important on board, so try to avoid items that require ironing.
• Waterproof fabrics should be a priority. This is especially true in cases where the navigation region is quite cold.
• Weather protection – clothing should keep you warm and provide UV protection. 

Rely on these five points when choosing clothes for yachting. This checklist will not only help you maintain your health, but will also save your nerves.

What are the best things to avoid on a cruise?

There is no dress code at sea, but here are some guidelines on what to avoid while on a cruise:

• Expensive clothing – at sea there is a high risk of expensive clothing being damaged. If this item belongs to the premium segment or is simply dear to you, then it is better to leave it on land. Modern manufacturers of yacht clothing produce stylish and practical items that are suitable for conditions at sea.
• Inappropriate Shoes – The comfort of your shoes is extremely important. Do not wear outdoor shoes on the boat. Choose clean shoes with light-colored soles that won't leave marks on the deck.
• Jewelry – all valuables should be left at home. Bracelets and necklaces can even be life-threatening, especially if they become entangled in lines or rigging. In contrast, earrings and rings are easily lost among things. 
• Large hard suitcase – there will be no room for your suitcase on board the yacht. Pack your things in soft bags.

This list is not exhaustive, but the main points are covered. Pay special attention to shoes and suitcases. 

What to take with you on a yacht without fail

Everything seems clear in theory, but what are some examples of really necessary clothing for yachting? Here's another short list.

Raincoat or windbreaker for yachting

Since a sailing yacht is propelled by the force of the wind, the wind will be your constant companion during your cruise. Regardless of your sailing region, you will need a windbreaker or raincoat. It is better to choose models that are also waterproof. 

Cap or hat

Sunstroke is an unpleasant but fairly common phenomenon. Your head should be reliably protected from direct sunlight and overheating. Caps, hats or bandanas will help you. 

Sunglasses

Your eyes may be damaged by sun rays and glare throughout your cruise. To protect the retina and cornea from the harmful effects of sunlight, it is recommended to purchase quality sunglasses. Particularly useful are polarized models, which improve visibility around the boat even on the brightest sunny days.

Yachting gloves

On board a yacht you will often have to work with rigging, that is, ropes. Modern ropes, although safer than old ones, can still injure your hands. Yachting gloves will protect your palms and fingers from possible injuries.

Special shoes for yachting

It is easy to injure your feet on a yacht, especially your toes and ankles. You need to choose suitable shoes that are comfortable and safe. As mentioned, street shoes are not suitable for use on board. 

For sailing, it is preferable to have a separate pair of shoes that fit well on the foot and provide ankle protection. A great option is shoes that also protect against cold and water, especially when swimming in harsh conditions. In this case, yacht boots will become a necessary choice.

Pack your yacht wardrobe!

Gradually you will figure out what clothes and what brands suit you. The main thing is the comfort and practicality of the chosen clothing. You should have a suitable kit for each season. However, if you only go to sea during the warm season, it will be enough to create a universal set suitable for different weather conditions.

Boaters often have two common problems: some take too much clothing on a cruise, others take too little. To avoid such mistakes, listen to the advice of more experienced colleagues and analyze how much clothing you usually take with you to sea.

Over time, your yacht wardrobe will begin to take on specific shapes. Start with a basic set and gradually supplement it with practical and comfortable things.

New video on the Interparus channel🎥

Do you want to become a skipper? Do you want to not only go on cruises on your own, but also earn decent money from it? Sasha Goron will share recommendations on how to turn a hobby into your life's work.

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25.04.2024