Boat equipment : How to equip yourself for sailing

The 3-layer system

Each layer will have to fulfill a specific function. This can be added or removed depending on your effort and the external conditions.

• The first layer, also known as the underlayer, technical underwear or base layer, is the layer that will be in contact with your skin. Its role is to allow the moisture produced by your body to escape to the outside. The first layer is often the most neglected, although it is essential for good comfort management during exercise. It is the layer that will keep you dry, avoiding the cold feeling caused by moisture from perspiration. A first layer is made of synthetic fibers, such as polyester or polyamide, and not cotton, which has the property of retaining perspiration. The Thermal top Ontario Guy Cotten } fulfills this role very well while being very pleasant to wear.

• The second layer, also called the mid layer, is a layer to be worn over your under layer. The role of this layer is to provide thermal insulation. It should also be breathable enough to diffuse the moisture evacuated by the underlayer. Fleece garments fulfill these two functions very well while offering a quick drying and will be, most of the time, ideal as a second layer.

• The third layer, also called the outer layer, is the last layer to be worn. This layer is the ultimate barrier against external aggressions. It should be waterproof, windproof and breathable. An oilskin will fulfill the first two functions, but will not be breathable, while a watch jacket will fulfill these 3 functions.Some even adopt an inner lining, offering additional thermal protection on top of the second layer. The Skagen Offshore Helly Hansen Quarter Jacket For example, it has a high collar and fleece-lined handwarmer pockets.The waterproofness of the third layer can vary from 10,000 mm to withstand continuous daytime rain to 30,000 mm to withstand rain torrential rain torrential rains and spray on long crossings.

Be careful, it is important to choose a third waterproof layer in case of prolonged rain, a water-repellent treatment will only last a few minutes. If you don't know which watch jacket to choose, you can refer to our guide dedicated to the choice of the watch jacket } or ask for our customer service advice.

Do not neglect the extremities

The extremities will be the first limbs exposed to cold and water. Once your hands, feet or head are cold or wet, your whole body will gradually get colder. It is therefore important to know how to protect them.

For this, three accessories are essential: gloves, boots and a hat or cap.

The gloves will allow you to continue all the manual activity on your boat without exposing yourself to water and cold. Neoprene gloves are ideal and will protect you effectively. For warmer weather, you can opt for mittens or long finger gloves that will protect you from rubbing against the ropes. Gill has done a lot of research to create high performance gloves like the , which will accompany you throughout the winter, whether you're on a light sailor or a sailor.

A cap, in fleece if possible, will keep your head warm. Indeed, the head can be a huge vector of heat loss, losing up to 50% of your body heat. The ideal is to overlay it with a waterproof hood in order to be warm and dry.
In summer, a cap will be an essential asset to keep a good vision and avoid sunstroke.

Finally, you must equip your feet. Summer and winter, the deck is often wet, so you will have to choose shoes . Next, boots with thermal protection and waterproofing will be essential in bad weather. A pair of waterproof socks } can also be very useful at sea to protect your feet from spray and showers.

Adapting your equipment to the weather

It is obvious that you will not only sail in bad weather. You will have to adapt our recommendations according to the weather conditions. For example, if the weather is hot, you can be satisfied with wearing a first layer with UV protection in order to maintain a good temperature and to evacuate perspiration. Similarly, if the weather is warm but rainy, a waterproof layer without thermal protection is perfectly feasible.

Softshell jackets are very interesting garments that will play the role of a second and third layer on cloudy days only. They will not be effective against prolonged rains but will be very useful against wind, cold and light rains. Find a guide to choosing your Softshell on our site" template="widget/link/link_inline.phtml" page_id="50"}}.

Maintaining your equipment

After choosing your equipment, you will have to take care of it if you don't want to see its lifespan and its efficiency decrease too quickly. To do this, a guide is available on our site . Feel free to consult it to learn more about the maintenance of your stuff.