As a guide for what to pack (in a soft bag) when you come sailing, here's a kit list:
Warm socks (walking socks)
Non-slip, non-marking shoes or boots. In the summer deck-shoe, trainers or tennis shoes should do
Long Johns and quick drying trousers (not jeans)
Base layer (long sleeved t-shirt), fleece and jacket
Hat and Gloves
Sleeping bag
(On Nomad Sailing courses we provide waterproofs, lifejackets and pillow cases)
For the summer include: shorts, t-shirt, sun screen, sun glasses and swimwear
For Channel Hops: a good seasickness remedy such a Stugeron and chocolate for the skipper.
Below are some recommendations to fit a range of budgets. Most come recommended by one or more of our instructors, so you can be assured that they are tried and tested in all the conditions that a season of sailing might throw at them.
FOOTWEAR
Starting at the bottom. Non-slip is key, then after that quick drying or waterproof. Light coloured or non-marking soles is another wise feature if you don't want to spend too much time scrubbing the decks. For beginners, a pair of reliable trainers or tennis shoes will do the job. If you want to commit to something more technical then these are the sailing shoes and boots we'd recommend:
Tribord Cruise 100 (from £29.99)
Lightweight and comfortable with good grip. These are a great budget option and can be worn with or without socks. This is the woman's version, for the mens shoe click here.
Helly-Hansen Skagen F1 (from £75)
The Mens Skagen F-1 Offshore; a brand new, best-in-class sailing shoe. This high-performance trainer hybrid features an open-mesh construction that enhances breathability, and flexibility, whilst the seamless, engineered structural overlays protect the feet from both deck hardware and rocks. It has a moulded high-grade EVA removable insole which boasts a quick-drying microfibre and a serdia clarino antibacterial treatment (stops them becoming too smelly a Helly!)
Plastimo Deck Boots (from £50.99)
These ones don't cost much and never wear out, super grippy, guaranteed waterproof (until you wear them for gardening and put a fork through them) . My pair last me 20 year (until said gardening incident).
Dubarry Deck Boot (from £275)
The Dubarry Shamrock sailing boots are everything you need to tackle the high seas. This original design is loved by customers the world over thanks to the high performance of these waterproof leather boots. Features include warm GORE-TEX® lining that wicks perspiration away from the foot keeping you warm and dry, expandable section of Lycra® incorporated into the boot to facilitate both the average and above average calf measurements, highest quality water resistant leather combined with hard-wearing Cordura® and of course Dubarry's award-winning non-slip non marking outsole design.
I agree with all the above blurb from the manufacturer - they are outstanding, but I would warn about wearing them to, from and in the pub.: excessive walking on tarmac can polish the soles - and you may look like a plonker.
SOCKS
Depending on the season for thickness, but a couple of pairs of warm and fast wicking socks are essential:
Sealskinz Merino Solo Socks
Extra comfort and moisture control - high merino wool content
Quechua SH100 Warm
These socks provide great comfort for hiking in cold weather. Thanks to the wool content and terry fabric, it is a simple, ideal product for wearing under sailing boots.
Sealskinz Waterproof SuperThin
Designed for any outdoor adventure needing a highly waterproof and breathable sock. Suitable for all activities in all weather conditions. Makes it good for use in non-waterproof deck shoes/trainers.
LOWER / LEG-WEAR
Depend on season you'll need a base layer (old long-johns will do), a quick drying trouser (avoid jeans) and a water-proof shell layer (if you're on one of our courses, we can supply these for you). Here's a selection of the ones we like:
Decathlon Base Layer Leggings (women)
Warm comfortable and cheap base layer from Decathlon
Merrino Wool Base Layer
These cost a bit more but are good value for a legging that contains Merino wool which can prevent the development of unpleasant smells! It also keeps you at the right temperature thanks to its excellent thermal regulation properties. Merino wool yarn protected by a polyamide filament to improve its durability.
Craghoppers Kiwi Pro Trouser
Great mid-layer, quick drying and windproof, comfortable. Our favourite instructor, Matt, has lived in his for at least 25 years.
Tribord 100 Waterproof Trouser
Cheap, waterproof and breathable. Good value well built bit of kit
UPPER
As with the legs, for all four seasons, you'll need base layer, mid layer and shell:
Tribord Sailing Base Layer (womens)
Excellent thermal insulation, plenty of freedom of movement and great breathability!
Tribord Sailing Base Layer (mens)
Comfortable material, filters UV rays, and has water-repellent fabric on the forearms!
Tribord 500 Sailing Fleece
Warm and water-repellent high-neck fleece sailing jacket is comfortable and soft to the touch!
Tribord 500 Sailing Fleece (womens)
Warm and water-repellent high-neck fleece sailing jacket is comfortable and soft to the touch!
