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Ocean Sailing: an adventure without limits
Ocean sailing is one of the most exciting and challenging experiences a sea lover can live. From the majesty of the waves to the vastness of the horizon, sailing the
The choice of clothing to wear for sailing is an important choice and it will depend to a large extent on whether or not we can enjoy a day of sailing or while completing our practices for nautical degrees.
We will take into account several factors such as weather conditions, the frequency with which we sail, the type of boat or our role on board the boat, since if we are the skipper we are likely to be more exposed than if we go as a crew member. In any case, it is important that we choose comfortable clothes that allow us good freedom of movement, are breathable and protect us from the cold, water, sun and avoid slipping on board. 
If we are just starting to sail, or we do it sporadically, it is not necessary to invest large amounts in very technical equipment. The best thing to do is to try more economical options and see what best suits our needs, to gradually define our navigation equipment.
Among the essentials, the first thing to choose is a waterproof jacket or waterproof jacket that will protect us from water (both from sea spray and rain) and wind, even in summer, since the thermal sensation on board with the wind and humidity is lower than on land. We will pay attention to important details such as high collars, hood and watertight closures that will guarantee good waterproofing and protection from body heat.
If the weather conditions are likely to be rainy or cold, we will wear waterproof clothing such as overtrousers or overalls and boots.
It is important that this type of garment is breathable, both in summer and winter, as the body sweats, and can cause discomfort and chafing on the skin. In addition, if the sweat cools down, it condenses and causes cooling.
Regarding footwear, we must take into account that we are going to move on surfaces that are usually wet, so it is very important that the footwear has a white or rubber sole that does not stain and has very good adherence to avoid slipping.
In winter we will also have to protect our feet from low temperatures, so we will use more technical footwear such as waterproof and, if possible, breathable boots .
Once we have protected ourselves from the wind and water and we have put up this first barrier to the cold, we will have to choose more or less warm clothes depending on the outside temperature. This must be taken into account so that the waterproof jacket is more or less wide and allows us to put more clothes underneath as an onion-like layers depending on the outside cold.
These warm garments can be sweaters (if possible with wool in its composition), polar linings and down jackets or vests (light and warm). Underneath them we can wear T-shirts or thermal tights. Combining this type of garments we will be able to adapt our thermal comfort to the external conditions of more or less cold.
For the feet there are a lot of thermal sock options on the market, as well as thermal patches that are inserted inside the boot and will produce heat for several hours, which will help us keep our feet warm in cold conditions.
This will protect us from the cold and humidity in layers depending on the weather conditions and the time of the year:
- A first layer of thermal and breathable clothing such as t-shirts and leggings, only in colder seasons or night navigation.
- A second layer of light, breathable clothing such as short or long sleeve shirts or long or short pants, depending on the season.
- A third layer of warmth with jackets, sweaters, fleeces or down jackets, more or less warm depending on the time of year.
- A fourth and final layer as a wind-dampness barrier with waterproof clothing or a nautical jacket.
We cannot forget about other parts of the body when choosing clothing for sailing, such as the hands, head, eyes and skin.
In addition to being exposed to the cold, the hands are exposed to the friction of the ropes, so it is advisable to wear gloves on board to protect them. In summer, light gloves reinforced with leather on the palms and leaving half of the fingers free will suffice. During the winter, or at night when temperatures drop, we will use waterproof and padded gloves that keep our hands warm but allow us to maneuver with them at the same time (avoid mittens).
On the other hand, exposure to solar radiation during navigation is very high, not only in summer but also in winter, so to avoid sunstroke we will protect our head with a cap or hat with a visor, our eyes with sunglasses and the exposed areas of the skin with sunscreen with a high protection factor. During the night or in cold climates we will use warm woolen or polar lining hats, making sure that they cover our head and protect our ears.
It is also essential when we go sailing to carry a bag or backpack with spare clothes in case the ones we are wearing get wet, and always with a warm garment.
There are multiple options of nautical equipment on the market, from the simplest for occasional coastal sailing in summer, to the most technical for prolonged offshore sailing in more extreme conditions, and with a wide variety of prices. That is why we recommend equipping ourselves little by little with more economical options depending on the needs we see that we have according to the navigation we are going to do.
In this sense in Decathlon we find a very good value for money in clothing for sailing, with multiple and varied options for different sailing conditions.
Iván Pérez-Gándaras is CEO of Julio Verne Náutica and the main Director of the company's RYA Training Center. His vast experience is based on the highest nautical qualifications such as Yachtmaster without limits, STCW95 and RYA Yachtmaster Offshore with commercial endorsement. He has accumulated more than 20,000 ocean miles in deliveries and transatlantic crossings, in addition to 30,000 miles in scientific expeditions, including Antarctica and Newfoundland.
A trainer since 1993 and instructor of nautical qualifications since 2009, his background combines a solid technical background with exceptional practical experience. With a degree in Marine Biology from the University of Santiago de Compostela and World Champion in Dinghy Sailing (1989), his unique perspective ensures that Julio Verne Náutica's articles, training and charter services are delivered with the highest level of technical rigor and passion for the sea.
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