What To Look For In Offshore Sailing Clothes
The most important function of offshore sailing clothes is to keep the crew person both warm and dry. Similar to snow skiing, participants in both sports wear brightly colored clothing and can be very fashion conscious. Let us drill a little deeper into the subject of offshore sailing clothes.
Construction
The top of the line offshore clothes should be constructed in three layers; base layer, mid layer, and outer layer. A properly functioning base layer that is being worn next to the skin must allow sweat to pass through the mid and outer layers without absorbing moisture or allowing it to return to the skin. The greater the amount of trapped air, the better the insulation properties are, and the more efficient conservation of body heat will be.
Jackets
To comply with the highest standards in offshore sailing clothes, jackets should be flexible and lightweight, of a bright color and with reflective badges or patches. Other features that are important to the deck hand are storm cuffs, storm collar, adjustable hip and waist belts, bellow pockets with mesh drainage, and inner zipped pockets.
Trousers
This item of offshore sailing clothing should also be bright in color, flexible and lightweight. Other professional features would include an extremely string zipper that includes a high, waterproof gusset, ankle storm cuffs that are Velcro adjustable and will close over the boot, and reinforced patches on your knees and seat.
Shoes
Experienced sailors insist that you should always wear shoes on deck, even in the middle of summer in the tropics. The grip is superior to bare feet, so as to prevent you from jamming one of your toes and breaking it or falling down and breaking an arm or your face.
Hat
Most of the time, it is a good idea to wear some sort of hat. It should have some means of being attached to your head or shoulders because of wind considerations. It should also be of a bright color.
Sunglasses
Commenting about their first sailing experience in the middle of summer, the majority are amazed with how bright it was. This of course can be explained by the combined effect of the sun and the light being reflected off the surface of the water.
For this reason sun glasses with UV-filter are always worn by the experienced sailor. Plenty of sunscreen and staying in the shade is recommended while sailing in the tropics. Many a rookie on their first sailing adventure wakes up the next morning barely able to move because of severe sunburn. Don't make that same mistake.
Happy Sailing in your offshore sailing clothes!
