Why wear a hat out sailing? The Stats.
Without a doubt, the risk of sun damage is high on the radar of sailors across the world. Those living in Australia have a 15% higher exposure to damaging ultraviolet rays. With ray reflection off the water and extended time outdoors; sailors have an even higher risk of sunburn.
International skin cancer prevention campaigns within the sport of sailing demonstrate that a combination of sun-safe strategies is your best bet for complete protection. Wearing hats for dinghy sailing is one of the most effective ways to lessen the risk of melanoma and other forms of skin cancer.
Vaikobi has range of hats specifically designed for long days on the water, guaranteed to perform in the peak of the summer sailing months.
Performance Caps for Sailing
The Vaikobi collection of ‘performance caps’ is made for dinghy sailing. Most sailors opt for its design as it doesn’t restrict vision when monitoring the racecourse and other vessels on increasingly busy waterways.
With water-resistant rip-stop outer fabric, they are one of the most durable options available on the market. With a classic but innovative design, Vaikobi has produced a cap that can accommodate all heads with a secure internal adjustment system and no external velcro.
The performance cap has a deliberately lightweight construction and fast-dry technology, so you aren’t stuck with a sopping wet head for the rest of the race after a capsize. In the event that your hat is knocked off your head, its reflective trim will make it easy to spot floating in the water.
They are also available in orange, yellow and white that’ll keep you both highly visible and in style - one for you, one for your crew.
Performance Visors for Sailing
The performance visor is another sailing sun hat option and an increasingly popular choice for those in Australia’s warmer and more humid areas. It is a common preference for those with thick or lengthy hair (which can be tied above the visor) and allows for added breathability during rigorous exercise.
The visor design also allows the hat to be pulled down over the hair to rest more securely around the broadest part of the head. This design feature is perfect for windy days, where the risk of losing your hat on a fast-moving run is high.
Much like the performance cap, Vaikobi visors are made from rip-stop fabric, making them highly durable without compromising comfort. A range of colours is available, including white, fluro yellow, and black, to complement the rest of your dinghy sailing gear. For very sunny days, our fluro yellow visor has a dark underside to minimise glare reflected from the water’s surface and further protect the eyes.
Unlike a hat, a visor doesn’t provide a massive amount of sun safety to any areas of the exposed scalp, and sunscreen may be a necessary addition for complete protection.
Performance Snap Back Caps for Sailing
The Snap Back Cap is a classic take on a more rigid hat, form-focused design, perfect for both on the water, in the boat park, and refreshments on the deck. With a snap adjuster on the back, you can quickly and easily refit your hat on the go.
The absence of velcro will prevent damage over time to high necked rashies and other sailing garments.
While made from a slightly thicker fabric, the navy, black and white snap back hats are made from 100% polyester mesh that still gives your head the chance to breathe on warmer days. These hats are also great for pony-tails, which can pass through the hole in the back of the cap and prevent them from flying off the head.
So which sailing hat is best for me?
As an overall response to the endless variety of hat options out there: the best sailing hat you’ll ever own is the one you’ll wear. It is every sailor’s individual responsibility to look after their current and future health by reducing the chances of developing melanoma.
For the ultimate dinghy sailing clothing guide and more, click over to the Vaikobi watersports apparel page.
