What equipment do you need for sailing? The answer is entirely dependent on what kind of sailing you’re into, and what kind of boat you are on. This wonderful water sport has something to fulfil everyone’s on-water interests, ranging from classic yachts, supermaxi's and performance keel boating, to skiffs, dinghies and wing foiling.
Quality performance gear is designed specifically for its purpose. Choose the right equipment for your sailing of choice to compete in comfort and style, using the checklists below.
Yacht Racing
Vaikobi now offers a fresh new line up of teamwear for yachties. Look cohesive on and off the water, with custom branded kit as an essential part of your sailing equipment list.
A must-have are classic matching team polos. They are a statement piece, often seen on the marina, in photos, and in the sailors’ bar following a regatta. Not only do they look great, but they also provide UV 50+ protection, are lightweight and quick-dry.
Branded shore jackets and smocks keep the team looking schmick in cold or wet weather. The racing doesn’t stop and neither should your gear. They make for easy onshore crew location in the boat yard before racing begins.
Eye protection is also something that all sailors take very seriously. Deck the crew out in polarised eyewear and picking those lucky shifts will get a whole lot easier with reduced glare. Wearing wrap-around sunnies will increase your chances of avoiding nasties like ‘surfers eye’ or ‘farmers eye’ when spending long periods of time exposed to reflective rays, water and dust.
Further reduce the glare of reflected UV rays with a hat, cap or visor. The underside of Vaikobi hats are deliberately dark to prevent unnecessary light from obscuring your vision. They’re available in a range of classic or highly visible colours to match your team’s branding.
Skiff and Dinghy Sailing
Skiffing tends to be wetter and wilder than yacht racing, meaning a proper dinghy sailing equipment list will protect you from the elements for longer.
Wetsuit base layers are the ultimate must-have for the dinghy sailor. Balancing flexibility with thermal regulation is at the crux of this design brief with Vaikobi FlexForce wetsuit products striking a perfect medium between both elements. Laser sailors - a hiker force suit provides dynamic body support for better injury prevention!
Dinghy lifejacket PFDs tend to be specialised for a slim fit, and integration with rash vests, wetsuits and harnesses. They are profile-specific with easy side-zip and entry pocket storage for essential safety items. General life-jackets can be a bit bulky or cumbersome if not purpose-specific - it’s worth investing in a quality one.
Make sure you don’t skip out on the sun protection! Preventing skin cancer and heat exhaustion is at the heart of sailing safety in Summer. Hats, sunnies and quick dry UV-certified rash shirts are staples of dinghy and skiff gear. Grab a floating eyewear strap to prevent losing your glasses permanently overboard. You’ll also want a couple of rashies to rotate through at regattas.
Speaking of weather extremes – keep your core warm with a decent wetsuit top and additional thermal layers including cold tops, shorts and pants. Early morning training in Winter doesn’t have to be uncomfortable.
You’ll also want a quality pair of boots for easy vessel launch, retrieval and preventing hiking strap contact injuries. Trapezing is also made easier by having a good sole grip with low or high-cut wetsuit booties.
While gloves can be a bit contentious in the boat park (all victimised skiff skippers, please raise your hands) if you ask any forwardhand, you’ll find they make a day on the water significantly more comfortable. Shredding your hands at the beginning of a week-long regatta isn’t worth it. Half or full-finger glove options are available across the market.
For anyone trapezing, having an ergonomically designed harness will make or break a regatta experience. Opt for one that is easily adjustable and integrates properly with your PFD. A smooth gear profile will reduce the chances of you catching on cleats or loose sheets through high-stakes gybes.
Lastly, for extra comfort on rainy days, grab a spray jacket or smock to keep the cold water out.
Foil Sports and Windsurfing
For the adrenaline junkies on the beach, impact protection for foil sports and windsurfing will turn a good day on the water into an even better one.
Much like skiff and dinghy sailing, foilsports PFDs are also specialised. Impact protection is at the heart of the Vaikobi VXI Neo Lifejacket, designed to soften the blow of high-speed water collisions in the likely event of nose-diving. They have a stretch neoprene construction for additional comfort and a firm-close body fit.
Foiling kit should have great crossover with dinghy equipment, making it a worthwhile investment if you’re into both sports.
On your torso and legs make sure you have a proper wetsuit (mix and match your choice steamers, long johns, tops and pants for layering), thermals and a UV rash shirt.
Accessorise with broad brimmed surf hats, caps and visors, as well as polarised sunnies. A floating eyewear strap is a must!
Last but not least, invest in a good pair of neoprene socks and boots. These items can help keep your lower extremities warm against your board, especially through long training sessions. They are also a great addition to your kit for the Winter and transition seasons.
Don’t have all the equipment needed for sailing? Check out the Vaikobi Technical Collection here.
