Accessories for sailing

Sailing accessories – equipment that makes work on deck easier

A good day on the water starts with preparation, so sailing accessories should be chosen as carefully as your clothing. Sun reflected off the surface, wind, salt and moisture affect you for hours, and even a short cruise shows how important small things are. Among the gear for a boat or yacht you will find sailing gloves that protect your hands when working with ropes, and a sailing hat that shields your head and neck from the sun. An important group is also sailing sunglasses, because reflections from the water tire the eyes faster than light on land. For carrying items a sailing backpack is useful, and for frequent contact with water a waterproof sailing backpack helps protect your phone, documents and spare clothing. In this category you will find sailing accessories for beginners, recreational sailors, course participants and people who spend the whole season on the water. This makes it easy to assemble gear suited to the type of body of water, the length of trips and your own habits, as well as to the weather, which can change quickly on the water. Below we describe what to pay attention to when choosing individual items and how to combine them into a practical kit. Choose sailing accessories that will increase comfort and safety on every voyage.

Gloves and hat: how to choose sailing accessories that protect your hands and head

Working with sails and lines strains the hands, so sailing accessories start with skin protection. Sailing gloves reduce friction when trimming sheets and mooring, and also improve grip when lines are wet. Pay attention to reinforcements in high-wear areas, i.e. on the palm and fingers, and whether the glove fits well without restricting movement. Too loose models shift during work, and too tight ones tire the hand after a few hours. It’s also worth checking whether the gloves have an elastic wrist and whether they can be easily removed with wet hands, because every second counts during maneuvers. For people who frequently adjust sails, it’s also important that the fingers remain free enough to tie a knot or operate a fastener. Well-chosen sailing gloves should be rinsed in fresh water and dried after a cruise, because salt builds up in the material and stiffens it over time. If you’re looking for clothing trusted by sailors, check the offer of Musto, a British brand associated with waterwear. For sunny days a sailing hat is useful to protect the face, ears and neck—areas prone to sunburn. A wide brim provides shade, and a chin strap helps keep the hat on in stronger winds, so check if the hat can be secured well. A good sailing hat should be lightweight, breathable and quick-drying, and a light color reduces heat buildup. Remember that radiation is stronger over water because the sun reflects off the surface, so a regular baseball cap is not always enough. That’s why many sailors also wear a neck gaiter or balaclava, which additionally protect the neck and, in cooler weather, the ears. When planning a complete outfit, also browse the sailing clothing category, where it’s easy to choose layers to go with your hat and gloves. When choosing sailing accessories for hands and head, think about the weather, trip length and your habits, because a racing sailor works differently than a recreational boater. It’s worth carrying a spare pair of gloves and an extra head covering to swap wet items for dry ones. Such little things weigh little but often save the crew’s mood on the water. Well-chosen sailing accessories for hands and head let you work longer on deck without fatigue.

Sunglasses for sailors: sailing accessories that protect the eyes from sun and glare

Water acts like a mirror, so sailing accessories that protect eyesight are as important as clothing. Sailing sunglasses reduce blinding reflections that tire the eyes and make it harder to assess waves, wind and the position of other vessels. When choosing sunglasses for sailors, look for polarized lenses because they reduce reflections from the surface, and a filter suitable for strong sun. It’s good when frames sit stably, don’t press the temples and don’t slip on wet skin, so check the fit of the temples and the shape of the nose bridge. Many people opt for marine sunglasses with a strap or retaining band, because glasses that fall into the water are easy to lose. If you like gear from brands associated with water sports, check the offer of Cressi, an Italian manufacturer known to water enthusiasts. Well-fitting sailing sunglasses should also shield the eyes from the sides, because reflected light reaches from many directions. Among sailing accessories it is often the sunglasses that determine whether you’ll still feel comfortable after several hours on the water. Darker lenses work well in full sun, while lighter ones are more comfortable in the morning, evening or cloudy conditions. When searching for options for different conditions, also browse sports sunglasses, which include lightweight models with a good facial fit. Remember the case, because small grains of salt and sand can scratch lenses when glasses are loose in a pocket or backpack. After a cruise rinse the frames with fresh water and wipe the lenses with a soft cloth to avoid salty residue. It’s worth checking for coatings that reduce fogging and smudges, if offered by the manufacturer, as they make lens maintenance easier. A spare pair of sunglasses for sailors is a sensible addition for longer trips, since losing your only sunglasses on a sunny day can be very inconvenient. When choosing, also consider how the glasses behave in motion, so try them on in the position you’ll be working at the helm or with the sails. Comfortable marine sunglasses worn all day should not tire your nose or ears, and that often decides whether you’ll actually wear them. Complementing eye protection is the aforementioned brimmed hat, which further reduces the amount of light reaching your eyes. Choose sailing accessories for your eyes with your sailing conditions and trip lengths in mind.

Waterproof sailing backpack: sailing accessories for phone, documents and spare clothing

Moisture is common on deck, so sailing accessories for carrying items should be water resistant. A sailing backpack frees your hands, which matters when boarding a boat, walking on a pier and working on mooring lines. If you want to protect the contents from flooding, choose a waterproof sailing backpack with a sealed closure where you can keep your phone, documents, keys and a spare sweatshirt in one place. Pay attention to reinforced seams, durable straps and the closing method, because they determine whether the backpack will perform in rain, splashing water and during handling. It’s worth checking whether the interior can be easily wiped clean and whether the material doesn’t absorb water, because wet luggage is heavier and inconvenient. For those who like gear associated with water sports, Aztron is an interesting brand known for water-activity accessories. Among sailing accessories for transport, not only watertightness matters but also comfort for all-day carrying, especially if you have to walk a long pier to the boat. If you only need to secure small items, check waterproof bags and sacks that can be stowed in a larger backpack or kept handy on deck. A good sailing backpack should have a carry handle and a place for a bottle, because it’s easy to forget to drink on the water. A smaller model is enough for short outings, while multi-day cruises require larger capacity and separate compartments. Consider marking your luggage, for example with a colorful ribbon, because backpacks at the marina can look similar. Remember that waterproofing only helps if the closure is properly fastened, so check it carefully before setting out. You can pair it with sailing shoes, which protect the feet and make it easier to move on a wet deck. Every waterproof sailing backpack should be rinsed with fresh water after a cruise, dried outside and stored open so the interior doesn’t get damp during downtime. This helps it keep its seal longer and prevents musty odors. Pay attention to external pockets that are handy for items you need at hand. Also check whether the manufacturer provided space for small items, because organized small things are pulled out faster than items thrown to the bottom. Choose sailing accessories that make it easier to keep your phone, documents and clothing dry.

Safety and weather: life vests, jackets and sailing accessories for every trip

A safe crew starts with gear that fits well and works in all conditions, so sailing accessories also include full-body protection. Life vests are one of the most important pieces of equipment, and choosing them should be based on size, fastening system and the conditions in which you sail. A vest should fit snugly, not shift during movement and be regularly checked for fasteners and material condition. For changeable weather, sailing jackets protect against wind and spray while not restricting movement on deck. Pay attention to the hood, cuffs and fit, because they determine whether moisture gets under your clothing. Adjustable cuffs and a high collar are also useful for limiting the ingress of cold air and water. If you’re looking for clothing for demanding sailors, check Helly Hansen, a Norwegian brand associated with weatherproof apparel. A well-planned kit is based on layering, because layers allow you to adapt clothing to temperature and wind. The base layer should wick moisture away from the body, the middle layer retain warmth, and the outer layer protect against wind and water, so if the weather changes you only need to add or remove one item. Complementary items include sailing gloves, sunglasses for sailors and headwear, which together protect the most exposed areas. Additional sailing accessories should be chosen according to the scope of your trips, because gear for a day trip on a lake differs from gear for a longer voyage. Before the season check the condition of your equipment, and when in doubt replace items that show signs of wear. Remember that equipment does not replace common sense, knowledge of the forecast and crew preparedness. Before setting out, agree with the crew where the safety equipment is stored and who is responsible for checking it. A good habit is rinsing clothing and accessories in fresh water after each cruise and drying them in a ventilated place. Many people forget spare marine sunglasses, which are as useful as an extra pair of gloves. When assembling a kit for the season, choose sailing accessories that will be comfortable, durable and ready for changing weather. Visit the category and complete your gear for your next trip.