Clothing Choices - Novice Sailors

[jmjatlanta]

My wife and I are soon to be taking a sailing course in Florida. We are familiar with Florida weather, but not life on the water. We think sailing will be something we'll do 2 or 3 times per year. Coastal cruising at first, a week at a time perhaps.

Our school of choice recommends some gear, and I'm attempting to sort through what is important and what is not. I'm looking for your recommendations on what items are "must have on day one." Also, what items are "don't skimp on this one".

The list includes:

1) Foul weather sailing gear or at least a windproof jacket and hood.

2) Sailing Gloves

3) Polypropylene or other wicking undergarments

4) High-grip, non-marking sailing shoes

5) Dock shoes

6) Hat & sunglasses

The school indicates that the sailing shoes will be wet, so dock shoes will bring comfort when not sailing. So I now understand why I need 2 pairs of shoes. I can't stand having wet feet, so recommendations for 4 and 5 will be especially appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

[MarkCK]

Are you going to be learning on a dinghy or a larger keel boat. That will be the deciding factor on what kind of clothes you will need. If it is a larger keel boat a pair of tennis shoes is all that you will need unless you just want to look more salty. I have a pair of deck shoes when I go sailing, but I also occassionally where a teva's.

If you are on a smaller dinghy or small keel boat in choppy water you will want something that can will dry out quicker.

[jmjatlanta]

Yes, I guess that would help decide some of the choices. We'll be learning on a Hunter 29.5. Thanks for the reply.

[bloodhunter]

I can tell you what I use, whether its the best, that I can't say.
First thing don't skimp on the sunglasses. In parts of the Caribbean they're the only good way of seeing water depth and underwater obstacles before your do yourself some damage. Also get some sort of lanyard to attach them to yourself.
As long as I've been sailing (and that dates from the time of the plesiosaurus) I've been wearing Sperry Topsiders may not be the best but they're comfortable and have never let me down. Instead of dock shoes and sailing shoes just get two pair of sailing shoes. FYI it's a small boat, tyour feet tend to get wet.

1) whatever you get, make sure it's 'breathable'. Truly waterproof gear is generally to hot to wear. Best bet to to wait for sales cause good .stuff is generally expensive. My wife got a really nice Henri Lloyd offshore jacket and bib pants for about half what I paid for mine.
2) now that I've stopped racing, glove tend to last for a long time.
3) never worried about that, cotton does me just fine and expect it's a lot cheaper
4-5) see above
6) make sure you get a light-weight hat with a nice wide brim. Baseball caps don't do it for your neck. and as I said get good sunglasses -- not high-style --. The will set you back at least $80 but on the water you need to protect your eyes and still have good vision. My wife has rose tinted Maui Jim's which she really likes. I have regular Harkens. There are better, so I'm told, but not significantly and they also cost a lot more .

BTW I have no financial interest in any of the companies I mentioned and I expect there are other brands that are just as good

[JimsCAL]

Boat shoes are not essential. Decent athletic shoes/sneakers are fine. And a decent foul weather gear jacket is essential if you want to stay comfortable in the PM rain showers Florida is noted for.

[JVallely]

The shoes need white soles--otherwise they'll leave scuff marks, making you unwelcome. Those made for sailing have 'siping' in the otherwise smooth soles--fine, parallel cuts rather than lugs or a large pattern. Makes them stick better on wet decks. West Marine has canvas ones that are decent.
Cheap cotton work gloves should do, and mainly to protect your palms from chafe, which you may not even need. "Sailing gloves" are for racers who handle lines a lot, and with speed.
Cotton underwear stays wet longer, so sweat or seawater will make it stick if it gets wet. I'd consider polypro optional but not a bad idea if it also feels comfortable when it's dry.
But fleece outerwear is very important for evenings or chilly days. It will be more apt to get wet, and you'll want it to dry fast. Layer it under a windproof nylon shell when necessary. "Foul weather gear" will make a nice expensive Christmas present if you stay with sailing a couple years from now.
Hat and sunglasses--absolutely.
You didn't mention sunscreen. Bring lots.

[MarkofSeaLife]

Originally Posted by jmjatlanta

The list includes:

1) Foul weather sailing gear or at least a windproof jacket and hood.
2) Sailing Gloves
3) Polypropylene or other wicking undergarments
4) High-grip, non-marking sailing shoes
5) Dock shoes
6) Hat & sunglasses

.

They must be on commission!

Just go to the cheapest shop you can find and buy a pair of shorts and a Tshirt.
For shoes find a pair of dock shoe rip-offs from China (about $10).
As for gloves..... well... LOL

All sailing clothes last for about 3 minutes on a boat and hats blow off, and sunglasses sink. So buy cheap or just grab from the bottom of your closet at home.

I don't think any running shoes made in the last 30 years scuff off on decks. I wear fake Crocs.

Wet weather geer... buy cheap at a NON marine store. Any sort of outdoor jacket is fine. Or if you are enticed to a Chandler buy the cheapest. I have 2 great spray jackets about 3 years old... they were prolly $15 each. My 'real' wet weather geer never gets an outing because its too hot or scratchy to wear.

If after you have done your sailing course and then buy a boat you could then consider upgrading to more expensive stuff. But even then is it a "look" you are buying? Or practicality?

[MarkCK]

Originally Posted by MarkofSeaLife

They must be on commission!

Just go to the cheapest shop you can find and buy a pair of shorts and a Tshirt.
For shoes find a pair of dock shoe rip-offs from China (about $10).
As for gloves..... well... LOL

All sailing clothes last for about 3 minutes on a boat and hats blow off, and sunglasses sink. So buy cheap or just grab from the bottom of your closet at home.

I don't think any running shoes made in the last 30 years scuff off on decks. I wear fake Crocs.

Wet weather geer... buy cheap at a NON marine store. Any sort of outdoor jacket is fine. Or if you are enticed to a Chandler buy the cheapest. I have 2 great spray jackets about 3 years old... they were prolly $15 each. My 'real' wet weather geer never gets an outing because its too hot or scratchy to wear.

If after you have done your sailing course and then buy a boat you could then consider upgrading to more expensive stuff. But even then is it a "look" you are buying? Or practicality?

Just go ahead and buy the name brand stuff. If you are going to get into sailing ou might as well get used to overpaying for everything you buy. A $100 for a new pair of Sperry's will seem like a drop in the bucket by the time you are all said and done.

I definitely agree that for an afternoon of entry level instruction that whatever you have in the closet will work just fine.

[sailingfool]

Originally Posted by jmjatlanta

.. I can't stand having wet feet, so recommendations for 4 and 5 will be especially appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Spring for some GoreTex socks to wear under your shoes when you anticipate getting wet...your feet will stay dry. IMHO a much better solution than boots of any type for daysailing. Worth the $$

[TQA]

Don't forget the factor 40 or better sun lotion AND lip protector. Take a spare hat too.