Socks :
80% Wool loop socks with some polyester for fit is essential. Socks are the one item where I am still strongly recommending wool over synthetics, due mainly to issues of fit. Although I don’t completely rule them out, particularly with all those cool colors available.
Boots :
High on the calf, if it is too warm then you might as well just wear your deck shoes. Basically most brands work well, with the usual caveats of quality and longevity being related to cost.
Legs, Insulating Layer :
Medium to heavy weight pile is my favorite choice and is all I need in most conditions when worn under foul weather bib overalls. If it is colder than 35 degrees, I might add another layer of long underwear. I find the Patagonia brand and style called Expedition Weight Capaline is the best lightweight replacement for how wool or polypropylene used to fulfill this function. There are similar products made by other manufacturers as well, but they should be silky smooth, light and comfortable.
Shorts :
Critical to have so you can take off those heavier layers and avoid overheating. Nylon or lightweight cotton, so they can dry easily and quickly. Some people prefer a cycling short, they are synthetic so they dry quickly and they have padding for those long rail sittings.
Foul weather Bib overalls : Waterproof, I will say more under Foul weather coat.
Torso, Inner layer :
Purpose is to moves moisture away from your skin and dries quickly.
I recommend either Silk or again the Patagonia Light Weight Capaline brand top. They dry quickly and act as a comfortable layer to keep perspiration away from the heavier insulating layers.
Insulating layer(s) :
Medium to heavy weight pile sweater or coat, I prefer full button or pull over, I find that having fewer zippers to struggle with, the better. Vest, with Synthetic fill.
Outer Shell, Foul weather coat and Bibs :
Purpose is to stop wind and water from getting through.
They come in a wide range of cost and there fore quality. Most are waterproof for at least one trip. However, after that all bets are off and the relationship between cost and what you get takes over. There is a long list of features, bells and whistles out there.
Breath ability is the much sought after nirvana in shell technology. The reason is that by allowing as much of your perspiration moisture out as possible, the temperature and activity range over which you can tolerate wearing the shell layer is increased, which basically means fewer times you have to remove and put back on, the shell layer to maintain your optimum working temperature. The bad news is that the current top of the line gold standard of sailing shells is running for around $700 to $1000. The good news is that essentially, if you remember that by taking off and putting back on your shell layer, as needed, maybe a few extra times, you accomplish the same thing as all that wonderful and pricey technology. This is a good place to point out that the key to having fun sailing or really any sport, can often be determined by the quality of your gear, so think carefully when deciding on what you want from your equipment and your time on the water, bells and whistles may be frivolous or they may be what makes the day.
HandsHead
We all know that most of our body heat is lost here; I find the new pile hats are a welcome relief from itchy wool, but then I don’t have much in the way of insulation between me and the hat. I always carry one in my coat pocket for those really cold days.
That is it for clothing; although I also recommend you have a change of dry clothes available after the finish, either in the car or on the boat for the less weight conscious boats out there.
The rest of the gear listed may seem trivial, however Murphy has away of ensuring that the items you leave behind are likely to be the ones you will want the most. And the truth for me has always turned out to be that not having sun screen or a little snack will mean the difference between a great day and a not so happy one.
Safety gearLife Vest
Very important, good news is they are very comfortable these days. I recommend the self-inflating type, although if you have a favorite vest that is good too. I tend not to recommend the coats with buoyancy built in because it limits you when it comes time to reduce layers.
Teather
For use in rough conditions, at night or when sailing alone. I like the retractable type but there is a wide variety out there to choose from.
First aid Kits
There are lots of first aid kits available out there, however I strongly recommend taking a Red Cross first aid course. To become familiar with not only what you want in a complete kit but also to learn with what to do with it as well. The peace of mind and confidence that will be gained from taking such a course, is well worth your time investment.
Seasick medicine
Meclazine, brand name of Bonine, Good and bad news; it is not as bad as it feels and you will get better, but if you do get seasick, you won’t care. To avoid the whole party, I have talked with several doctors, starting with a Navy ships surgeon of 30 years. The consensus was that this mild decongestant works well especially if taken 30 to 60 minutes in advance of exposure to those happy feeling conditions. It does not tend to cause the increased blood pressure and ensuing headaches that can come with the scopolamine patch. If you must try these, it is strongly recommended that you start with only 1/4 of a patch and work up. Another very important goal of your clothing system, is to have each item be easily accessible and easy to get on and off, nothing will bring on that fun queasy feeling faster than being below decks, struggling to change clothes.
That is pretty much it, I have developed this list with the benefit of a lifetime of experience working and recreating in and around water. This is a comprehensive list to start with, you won’t need all of these things all of the time but you will always need them to be available if you always want to have a good time. My goal is to always do what I can to ensure that everyone, including me will have a great time. Being prepared to dress right has always proven to be the most important aspect of having fun out doors, weather that means a bullet proof foul weather coat or shorts instead of jeans on a hot sunny day. Until I get the hang of a new activity and develop a routine, I need to make a list and then make copies to use when packing, I just check off each item as I pack. As you sail more you will come up with your own ideas, make the list your own to insure that you and yours are the happiest of sailors. In the mean time I hope this list helps you get out.
Cheers and Happy Sailing.
Daniel A. Decker