Sailing

Sailing - clothing, footwear and accessories available in the Sportano shopSailing is not only a passion and a way of spending leisure time, but also an area that requires proper preparation and equipment. The right choice of sailing equipment ensures comfort, safety and the ability to enjoy every moment spent on board. It is also a guarantee of protection against capricious weather and unpredictable sea conditions. For this reason, both veterans of sea expeditions and novice enthusiasts of the sport should pay special attention to their equipment. Take a look at the range on offer at the Sportano shop and choose the best products in the Sailing category for yourself from professional brands such as Helly Hansen, Ocean Sunglasses, FishDryPack, Cressi or Henri-Lloyd.Sailing clothing: adapted to the sea conditionsSailing clothing is a specialised outfit that has to meet the demands of harsh sea conditions. It is designed to provide comfort, safety and protection against the changeable weather conditions that are inherent in every voyage. The most important feature of sailing clothing is that it is waterproof and wind resistant. The materials from which it is made, such as laminated fabrics or neoprene, are chosen to provide optimum protection against soaking. Seams and closures are often additionally sealed to prevent water ingress even in heavy rain or waves. Thermoactivity and breathability are other important properties. The garment must be able to wick moisture away from the body while providing adequate thermal insulation. The layered construction of the garment allows sailors to adapt their clothing to changing temperatures and levels of exertion. Sailing jackets and trousers often feature special reinforced panels on sensitive parts, such as the knees or seat, which are exposed to intense friction. Adjustable cuffs, hoods and straps allow the garment to fit snugly and protect against water ingress. Safety issues also play a role in the design of sailing clothing. Reflective elements are essential for better visibility, especially in low visibility conditions. Belaying elements built into the garment, such as loops for attaching belaying ropes, increase safety on board. Various types of headgear are available to protect the head from the sun and cold: wide-brimmed hats, bandanas, baseball caps and neoprene chimneys. Hand protection is just as important, so sailing gloves are designed to provide a good grip while protecting against abrasions. When choosing sailing clothing, it is important to ensure that it is compatible with other safety equipment, such as life jackets and safety belts. Each sailor should also match the clothing to the type and length of the voyage, as well as the expected weather conditions. Therefore, sailing clothing is not just a simple outfit, but a specialised piece of equipment that can determine a sailor's comfort and safety at sea.Choosing sailing footwear: practicality meets comfortWhen choosing sailing footwear, one should be guided not only by its aesthetics, but above all by the practical aspects that will ensure comfort and safety on board. Above all, sailing shoes need to be slip-resistant to ensure a confident step on wet and slippery decks. They should be made of saltwater-resistant materials that do not soak up moisture and dry quickly when wet. It is worth looking out for shoes with a quick drainage system, which is particularly important when working intensively on deck or during bad weather. Sailing footwear should also offer adequate support for the foot, especially in the longitudinal arch and heel area, to prevent fatigue during long hours on the feet. Thermal comfort is another important aspect - on colder days, it is advisable to choose footwear that insulates heat, while on warmer days, shoes that provide adequate ventilation. When choosing footwear, it is also worth considering features such as: Velcro or lace closures: allowing the shoes to fit the shape of the foot, Reinforced toes: to protect against injury, Flexible soles: to increase comfort when walking on uneven decks. Life jackets: the key to safety on the waterThe life jacket is the cornerstone of safety for every sailor - its presence on personal equipment is not only a legal requirement, but above all a common sense one. When choosing a lifejacket, attention should be paid to its buoyancy, measured in Newtons (N), which must be adapted to the weight of the wearer and the conditions in which it will be used. The waistcoats available on the market vary in design, accessories and materials. Foam waistcoats provide excellent buoyancy and are often chosen for their thermal insulation properties. By contrast, waistcoats with automatic or manual inflators are more compact and less restrictive, but require regular servicing and checking of the condition of the inflation mechanism. Safe use of the waistcoat also depends on proper fit. The waistcoat should be neither too tight nor too loose - both of which can affect its effectiveness when needed. Reflective elements are also important to improve the sailor's visibility in the water, as well as a whistle or light, which may be necessary to call for help. Don't forget the practical aspects, such as pockets for essentials or systems for attaching additional equipment, which can be invaluable on long voyages. The waistcoat should also allow for the free wearing of safety harnesses and other belaying elements that are required when sailing in open waters.Sailing bags and sacks: indispensable for sea voyagesWhen going offshore, the right choice of bag or sack is crucial to protect equipment from water, moisture and other environmental factors. In particular, sailors need to choose bags that are not only spacious and comfortable, but above all waterproof and durable. Nautical bags are made of materials that are highly resistant to getting wet and being damaged. The most popular are those made of PVC plastic or with hydrophobic coatings that effectively repel water. The design of the bag is also important - roll-top closures allow the bag to be hermetically sealed and prevent water from entering even when submerged. Sailing bags are often equipped with additional pockets that allow you to segregate your gear, which is extremely practical. Good quality bags also have carrying systems for comfortable carrying, which is important when we have to move with full equipment between the yacht and the shore. Reflective elements make the bag more visible at night, which can be helpful when searching for it on board or in the event of an emergency abandonment. In addition, specialised sailing bags are available on the market, which are particularly useful for storing wet clothes or separating clean and dirty items. Compression bags allow you to reduce the volume of packed equipment, which is invaluable when space is limited on a yacht.Sailing accessories: small items that make a big difference importanceEvery experienced sailor knows that it is often the small accessories that determine comfort and safety at sea. For example, snap hooks are essential for securing equipment or as rescue items in emergency situations. A nautical multitool is another essential item - combining tools such as a knife, screwdriver or file in one device can save space and be invaluable in unforeseen circumstances. Preservatives and lubricants are used to keep key deck mechanisms running and prevent corrosion in the marine environment. Specialised LED lights and illumination significantly improve safety, especially on night cruises, and their energy efficiency is important with limited power sources on the yacht. Navigation accessories such as compasses, water charts and GPS, although now often integrated into onboard electronics, still have their place as a reliable source of information when modern technology fails. Books and nautical charts full of tips on manoeuvring and navigation are also a valuable resource. When choosing nautical accessories, it is important to ensure that they are suited to the specifics of the voyage and the conditions on the water. When completing your equipment, it is a good idea to take into account the experiences of other sailors and the recommendations of experts in the sailing industry.