top of page
Skills Refresher

ACADEMY SAILING BLOG

Writer's pictureAndy Barnes

What clothing should you bring on a sailing course? Sailing clothes explained!

A question that Andy Barnes, Chief Instructor at Academy Sailing gets asked a lot is what clothing people should bring with them on a sailing course. Andy gives of his thoughts here on the subject.


The first thing to keep in mind is that wherever you go, weather is changeable! Most people find that they don't need that much clothing with them, and that the best thing to do is to bring thin layers. Academy Sailing provides state of the art breathable goretex hooded sailing jackets and trousers of all sizes on all our courses and we change them for new sets every season so you don't need to worry about a waterproof outer layer. But do check what's provided wherever you book. Therefore, it's really about being able to add or remove layers underneath. If you do this then you will be comfortable.


I always advise people not to bring jeans as these are actually quite restrictive. You can buy technical sailing clothing and you may choose to do so if you know you will be using them in the future. But things like walking trousers, tracksuit bottoms or similar. Something with some give!


In terms of gloves - we do advise people to bring their own gloves as these aren't expensive and you can size perfectly for you. Fingerless gloves are typically all you need. You can find many suppliers online, but there is one in Burnham-on-Crouch who will drop stuff to our boats at the marina so it's here waiting for you if you end up buying last minute (www.thewetworks.co.uk).


As for footwear - sailing shoes are fine as are non-marking trainers - something with some grip. We do also however advise you get some sailing boots. A basic pair that are completely waterproof are relatively cheap (less than £40) and again readily available online and locally.


A woolly hat of some description is often a good idea, as are sunglasses and sun screen cream (although we do have sun screen on board that you can use). And if it is summer then even some shorts might be welcome.


With regards to the sunglasses, if buying a new pair then something slightly wrap-around is good as this maximises protection. And go for `polarised' as this reduced glare and reflection. You don't need to spend a lot (£25) and I'd actually recommend not spending too much - that way if you do lose, scratch or break them then you won't get too upset!


Whilst not technically clothing, sun screen lotion is really important. Even if you don't think it's that sunny you will catch the sun as the UV rays bounce off the water. So protection is really important. We provide it for free on our courses but that's not the case everywhere so worth packing a small tube.


Finally, bring clothes in a soft bag that can squash down. Rigid suitcases definitely don't work well on yachts!


So to summarise, clothing you can layer is great, shoes and boots with good grip, a hat, sunglasses and sun screen lotion!


I'm always happy to give advice to anyone coming on a course. Any good sailing school should do the same so ask if in doubt. The right sailing clothing makes all the difference and it's really important to be comfortable and to really enjoy yourself when partaking in this incredible sport.

Sailing clothing explained!

0 comments

Comments


Subscibe

Book a Course

If you don't see dates that work for you then please contact us and we will try to fit dates around you.

bottom of page