Equipment for Sailing
These images have been borrowed from various suppliers listed at bottom of page
You will need a buoyancy aid when ever you sail or are near the water. It should have at least 50N buoyancy, this can be found on the label. If you are not a good swimmer it may be sensible to have one with a collar. It should not be a loose fit and ideally have a tightening chest strap.
Buoyancy aids are made for younger children. They should preferably have a collar for additional support for the head if the child falls in the water and ideally should have a strap which can go under the crutch to stop the aid sliding off.
You’ll need some sailing boots to help protect you feet. They will keep your feet warmer but not necessarily dry.
When you start sailing a lot you’ll need some gloves. These stop the abrasion of the ropes and help keep your hands warm. It is best to have short thumb and first finger since this helps when doing shackles and rigging.
You do need some body protection. This must at least be wind proof since wind on wet clothing or body produces a chill factor by evaporative cooling.
Perhaps the simplest and cheapest is an all in one suit or spray top and trousers. They become more expensive if they are breathable, although they are more comfortable because the perspiration does not collect.
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These won’t give too much warmth, you do need something else. One option is a wetsuit, but it does really need the overall of spray top unless you are just posing, otherwise the fittings about the boat will probably snag and damage the fabric. Wetsuits come in various lengths of arm and leg, and in various thicknesses for the conditions of warmth provides. The shorties or even shorts do give some protection and support to the legs and thighs They may also have reinforced knee pads which is a good idea.
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It’s advisable to have a rash vest under a wetsuit (although some posers wear them over)
For even more protection from water and more warmth you might consider a dry suit. Breathable is better but more expensive and you will need some thermal under layer such as woolly bear (fleecy long johns) or as an alternative Damart vest and long johns.
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If you are sailing in the sun or the cold you will need a hat. Sun stroke doesn’t do you brain any good, neither does cold. In the cold a large amount of heat is lost through the top of your head because blood flow is always maintained to your brain. If it cools you don’t operate as efficiently.
If you really get into sailing you might consider hiking short – a bit like wet shorts with added support for the thighs. You might need wetsuit fabric knee supports, which also protect them and keep them warm.
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Finally if you are going to race you will need a water proof stop watch to know when to start and Delph's version additions to the Racing Rules of Sailing, the Closed Meeting Sailing Instructions.
http://www.ldcracingsailboats.co.uk/entrance2.htm
http://www.mailspeedmarine.com/
http://www.purplemarine.com/home.htm