All sailors know that it is absolutely essential to be prepared for all situations, and most importantly the apparel sailors wear are going to depend on the weather. It is crucial when sailing to pay heed to the weather as it will dictate every day apparel decisions. Despite being warm and sunny on shore, sailing weather might turn out to be chilly and breezy. Being equipped with many layers and especially the correct layers could also save a life if a sailor happens to go overboard and drift in frigid waters.
In an instant the weather can change regardless of the sunny outlook ashore. Also the weather out on the water might be drastically different thus take a sailing jacket to protect from cool wind or even rain. A sailor's jacket of choice is usually a Harken jacket. This is usually due to its light weight which increases mobility, breathable fabric, and its premiere quality. However, an excellent alternative is a Gill jacket or vest. Any sailing jacket which is purchased should have a neoprene waistband and sleeve so that the wearer remains dry and can still breathe.
Compliment the sailing jacket with sailing shorts and sailing rashguards. Columbia Sportswear and Gill are brand options for boat shorts. These shorts will be padded to lessen the effect of hard decks aboard the sailboat. In sailing shorts there usually is a 35+ SPF built in UV protection. Sailing rashguards will protect against chafing as a result of wearing personal flotation devices, or harnesses. The sailing rashguards are made of spandex and usually also have built in UV protection ranging up to 50+ UVP. Excellent choices for sailing rashguards are Ronstan and Harken. Sailors can choose between a short sleeve and long sleeve sailing rashguards. A thumb hole is built into long sleeve rashguards so that it is kept in place while sailors move about.
The whole body will be protected and insulated with a wetsuit designed for sailing. Ronstan offers a great selection of sailing wetsuits all made from the latest in neoprene technology available today. While providing thermal insulation and even buoyancy, neoprene allows the body to breathe. The stretchable fabric of the wetsuit contours to the sailor's body. The knees of the wetsuits are reinforced for durability and protection. There is no decrease in mobility with these wetsuits as they are designed for sailors specifically. There is a choice between a full body sailing wetsuit or half-body sailing wetsuit depending on the situation and need.
A sailor will need the correct sailing apparel to protect the body when sailing on the water. Being prepared for the change of weather in an instant is usually half the battle. Help to make it easier by being wearing the right sailing apparel for all weather conditions and be ready to adapt to any variations encountered. As much as the spray will allow while sailing, sailors can stay as dry as possible with the best foul weather gear and sailing apparel.
