Spotlight on Sailing Gear

Yacht racing and dinghy racing are popular participant sports in the waters around Great Britain. Sailing sports, such as these require special sailing clothes. There are many companies that specialize in producing high quality sailing clothing, like sailing jackets and trousers, as well as footwear and accessories meant specifically for sailors. Modern sailing clothes are generally made of synthetic materials, which are waterproof.

Modern sailing jackets are engineered to provide protection from the elements, along with a high factor of comfort. Being the outer layer, the jackets must be waterproof, and they must be able to protect against the winds that are present over open waters. This protection, however, must be done with minimal loss in comfort. The sailing jackets, therefore, are designed and manufactured with a degree of breathability so the sailor does not feel stifled. Anoraks and parkas are also convenient for mariners, especially in colder weather.

Sailing trousers are tailored for comfort and durability. Deck work on yachts and dinghies can be hard on these trousers, so they are often compiled of durable fabrics, such as nylon. There are also many brands of sailing trousers that are designed to dry quickly, so that the sailor wearing them is not burdened down by soaked clothing or chilled by the cold waters that may wash onto the deck. Sailing trousers are necessary accoutrements for those participating as yachtsmen and as dinghy racers.

Specially designed jumpers and smocks are also important articles of clothing for sailors. Like the outer layer of sailing clothing, jumpers and smocks must also be breathable and comfortable, while maintaining a level of insulation against the outer air. A polyester layer of clothing is also helpful to be worn near the skin to wick perspiration from the body out through the other layers of clothing.

Sailing accessories and footwear are also beneficial additions to a sailing outfit. There are multiple varieties of footwear used by sailors that include deck shoes, sailing and dinghy boots, deck trainers, and sandals. As with other articles of sailing clothes, the sailing footwear must be proficient at keeping the sailor's feet dry so that blisters and discomfort can be avoided. Accessories that are useful to yachtsmen and dinghy racers are sunglasses, gloves, and hats. Polarised sunglasses and hats are extremely important for sailors on sunny days, because the sun reflects off of the surface of the water, so it is possible that the eyes will receive damaging UV rays from the sun itself and its reflection across the water, while gloves protect the hands when working with lines on the deck of the vessel.

Sailing clothing such as the articles mentioned here are essential to anyone looking into yacht and dinghy racing, as well as sailing in general.