ICYRA Sailing and Yachts

Boating holidays aren’t just for the summer—for many of us, winter is the best time to leave the city and take to the waters, while everyone else is staying in. Of course, that means dressing for the occasions—and that goes for summer sailing as well. Anyone who’s planning to take their boats out all year should invest in a good sailing wardrobe, one that can last you through the seasons and make sure you’re comfortable no matter where the wind takes you.

Obviously, sailing clothes for boating holidays are either warm-weather or cold-weather. Things are made a little more complicated by the fact that you’ll be spending a lot of time on the water with the wind in your face; your clothes will have to keep you comfortable and stand up to these conditions as well. The first thing you need to look for is therefore sturdy construction—no cheap cotton or single-stitch seams. This may drive the costs up a little, but if longevity is on top of your list, it’s always money well spent.

For cold-weather sailing, look for waterproof clothing. You can expect to get battered by waves of cold water, and the worst thing is when the water gets under your coat and onto your skin. Your first two layers—usually a big coat and a sweater—should be waterproof. Follow this up with a warm shirt or pullover, preferably wool or fleece, to keep warm.  Wrap up in a pair of lightweight, waterproof boots and you should be good to go.

For warm weather, your main concern would be rain. It’s tempting to just pack all your cotton shirts and board shorts, but you’ll also need to prepare for less friendly skies. Pack a raincoat for rainy weather and a light jacket for cooler evenings. Also, the floor of your boat can get slippery when it rains, so make sure to wear boots with sturdy treads to prevent accidents. If you’re expecting very hot weather, a hat and a pair of sunglasses will also come in handy.

You don’t usually need a whole new wardrobe for every season. While it may pay to invest in a few key pieces (like a good coat with a lifetime warranty), most of it is just choosing the right pieces for the right climate. When you start sailing more regularly, you’ll find that you get a feel for what’s comfortable and what’s not without even checking the forecasts!

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