Wear layers you can add to or take off, a windproof and waterproof jacket, soft non-marking shoes with good grip, a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen, and always a lifejacket. Avoid cotton when it is cold, because it stays wet and cold.
It is nearly always colder on the water than on land, because of the wind and spray, so dress a layer warmer than you think you need. At the same time the sun is reflected off the water, so you can get sunburnt even on a cool, cloudy day.
- Layers. A thin base layer, a warm mid layer such as fleece or wool, and a windproof, waterproof jacket on top. Layers let you adjust as the day warms up or the wind builds. Synthetic fabrics and wool stay warm when damp; cotton does not.
- Waterproofs. A jacket at the least, and waterproof trousers in cooler weather or on a breezy day. Spray comes over the bow when you sail upwind.
- Shoes. Soft, flexible, non-marking soles with good grip on a wet deck, such as deck shoes, sailing boots or sports shoes with light-coloured soles. Bare feet are easily hurt on deck fittings. Black soles can leave marks, and some boat owners ask you not to wear them.
- Sun protection. A hat that won’t blow off, sunglasses on a strap, and sunscreen, reapplied through the day.
- Gloves are useful if you will be handling sheets a lot, especially on a yacht.
- A lifejacket, worn and properly fitted. On yachts most crews use inflatable lifejackets, which are comfortable enough to wear all day.
In a dinghy you will get wet, so a wetsuit or a drysuit with a spray top is the usual choice, depending on the water temperature. Bring a change of dry clothes and a towel for afterwards, a bottle of water and some food.
Pack soft bags rather than hard suitcases if you are going aboard a yacht; they are much easier to stow.
More in the book: Chapter 11, Safety on board