What to wear when going to sea?

26 Jul 2024

Even before you know what to wear when going to sea, do you know what to expect? To give you an idea and get you in the mood, SAILIZ offers a small example of a day at sea for a female sailor who goes sailing on her cruising boat.

After carefully checking the weather, the sailor heads to her boat and prepares it for sailing: preparing the sails, provisioning, performing technical checks, turning on the electronics… Once her boat is ready, she can finish getting equipped by donning her final layers and her life jacket. Then comes casting off and leaving the port, very important phases that require a lot of concentration. After that, sailing can begin with hoisting the sails, adjusting the boat, and smooth glides with the wind. Once at sea, she will follow a route and perform maneuvers until her destination. On longer legs, she can take the opportunity to rest and eat.

The success of this sailing therefore depends on the technical management of the boat, but also on what to wear when going to sea? And bringing all the essentials.

What conditions to expect when going out to sea?

When you ask yourself what to wear when going to sea? You will also need to consider what conditions you’ll encounter once at sea. It is therefore essential to check the weather before departing and to have basic weather knowledge.

1. Weather Conditions

Wind: Variations in wind strength and direction can affect navigation. Light wind offers peaceful sailing, while strong winds can make boat handling more difficult and risky.
Temperatures: Temperatures can fluctuate considerably, especially between day and night. Appropriate clothing is essential to stay comfortable.
Precipitation: Rain can reduce visibility and make surfaces slippery. Waterproof clothing is necessary to stay dry.
Thunderstorms: Thunderstorms can occur quickly and bring strong winds, lightning, and heavy precipitation. It is vital to check forecasts and avoid going to sea if thunderstorms are announced.

2. Sea Conditions

Sea State: Waves and swell can vary in size and strength, affecting boat stability. A rough sea can make navigation uncomfortable and dangerous.
Currents: Sea currents can influence the boat’s trajectory and require navigation adjustments.
Tides: Tidal variations affect water depth and can make certain areas inaccessible at low tide. It is important to know the tide times.

3. Visibility

Fog: Fog can significantly reduce visibility, making navigation difficult and increasing the risk of collision. Navigation equipment such as radar and navigation lights is essential.
Night: Night sailing requires special attention to lighting and the use of navigation instruments to compensate for low visibility.

Checklist of questions to ask yourself about what to wear when going to sea

Weather Questions

What is the weather forecast for the day?
What is the expected temperature (morning, afternoon, evening)?
What is the expected level of precipitation (rain, thunderstorms, etc.)?
What is the expected wind speed and direction?
Are there any specific weather alerts (storms, thunderstorms, fog)?

Questions about Sea Conditions

What is the expected wave and swell height?
What is the strength and direction of the sea currents?
What are the tide times and their range?

Questions about the Duration and Nature of the Trip

What is the planned duration of the trip at sea?
Will you be sailing by day, by night, or both?
What type of navigation is planned (coastal, offshore)?
Will there be any stopovers or times when you will be at anchor?

Questions about Planned Activities

Do you plan to swim, fish, or engage in other water activities?
Will you primarily be outside on deck or inside the cabin?

Safety Questions

Do you have a life jacket suitable for your size and weight?
Do you have safety gear, such as harnesses and lifelines, if necessary?

Comfort Questions

Do you have layered clothing to adjust your outfit according to temperature variations?
Do you wear waterproof and breathable clothing to stay dry?
Do you have thermal underwear for cold climates?
Do you wear non-slip and waterproof shoes?

Questions about Protection Against the Elements

Do you have sun protection, such as hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen?
Do you have sailing gloves to protect your hands?
Do you have windproof clothing for windy days?

Practicality Questions

Do you have pockets or a waterproof bag to keep your personal items dry?
Do you have a beanie or balaclava to protect your head and ears from the cold?

Specific Health Questions

Do you plan to bring seasickness medication, if necessary?
Do you have clothing that does not cause allergies or skin irritations?

By answering these questions, you can better prepare your outfit for a day at sea, ensuring your comfort, safety, and enjoyment during sailing.

The complete list for what to wear when going to sea?

What to wear when going to sea: Safety Equipment

Life jacket: One per person, suitable for size and weight.
Safety harness and lifelines: For offshore sailing.
First aid kit: Containing bandages, antiseptics, seasickness medication, pain relievers, etc.
Fire extinguisher: Check that it is in good condition and easily accessible.
Distress flares and other distress signals: For emergency situations.
Marine VHF or mobile phone: For emergency and routine communications.
Radar reflector: To be better detected by other vessels.