WETSUIT

If you are learning to sail in a dinghy and it’s pretty windy, wear a wetsuit. You’re likely to capsize and a wetsuit will keep you warm once you are wet. If you just wear ordinary clothes, as soon as you’re soaked, you’ll feel the cold.

Wetsuits work by trapping a thin layer of water between your skin and the neoprene. Your skin heats the water creating warmth even when wet.

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We particularly like Helly Hansen’s new Black Line full wetsuit – it’s specifically made for sailors.

Summer sailors might be able to get away with a shortie wetsuit in the UK. Skiff suits – with no arms and long legs – are also great in the summer because they allow a lot more movement in your arms.

SAILING GLOVES

Whether it’s cold or not, it’s often useful to wear sailing gloves, especially if you are thinking of starting racing. When your hands are cold and wet, it becomes even more painful to tug on sheets and keep a strong grip.

Gloves are great for preventing friction burn on your hands as well as keeping them warm and protected. These gloves from Gill are great for grip and dexterity.

SAILING BOOTS

Choosing sailing boots depends on where you heading out and what time of year it is. If it a warm week in summer and you are a learning to sail on a calm inland lake, cheap neoprene shoes will do the trick. They are made with grippy soles to stop you slipping on the deck or pontoon.

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If it’s winter or you are chartering a yacht, sailing boots are preferable. These are usually at least ankle high and are made of thicker neoprene and rubber to keep you warmer. They are also more durable than thin neoprene booties.

BUOYANCY AID

A buoyancy aid is essential for any sailor – beginner or Olympic standard, like Ben Ainslie. If you are knocked overboard, it will keep you afloat.

It’s not worth buying a brand new buoyancy aid when you first learn to sail because anywhere you are hiring a boat or taking a course will provide buoyancy aids for you.

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However, if you know you want to sail regularly, then it might be a good idea to buy your own. New buoyancy aids range from £25 to £70 in price. We like this one from Henri Lloyd. Make sure you attach a whistle to flag up attention in an emergency.

EXTRA ESSENTIALS

In hot weather, it’s always a good idea to wear a hat, sunglasses and suncream. The sun will reflect off the water, so it’s easier to get sunburnt on the water than on land.

In the cold weather, bring a woolly hat. Some sailors prefer to wear a drysuit in winter. This is an entirely waterproof suit with tight rubber seals around your neck, ankles and wrist. So you can wear ordinary warm fleecy clothes underneath, even if you fall in the water, you’ll stay bone dry.

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They are great pieces of kit, but pretty expensive at around £200-300 new, so we wouldn’t recommend buying one unless you know you are definitely going to be sailing regularly in the winter.

Oh, and always bring a spare change of clothes. The number of times we’ve gone out wearing our only set of clothes and had a wet car journey home afterwards….

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