WHAT TO WEAR…

Choosing the best gear for inshore sailing.

Compared to offshore sailing, inshore sailing offers its own challenges. Gusty winds can occur around headlands and shorelines and the wind against tide can create a wet and bumpy ride in tidal channels and fairways. In these conditions, inshore sailors need effective protection from the elements as well as garments that manage changes in temperature.

Weather conditions, time of year and type of boat will play a part in your ‘what to wear’ decisions. Even if your preference is ‘fair weather’ boating, having the right kit makes for an enjoyable day afloat, so be well prepared:

■ the weather can often change quickly, even in summer;

■ take clothing for a range of conditions;

■ choose versatile items that double up for activities ashore;

■ lightweight, high-stretch garments allow easier freedom of movement;

■ quick-dry materials help retain warmth.

Base layers

Even in summer, with changeable weather, it is handy to have a good thermal base layer in your holdall. If you are leaving early or sailing until late, temperatures are often significantly lower. Choose a fabric with great insulation, is quick drying and breathable, such as the Zhik Core baselayer. Or if you anticipate high activity levels the Superthermal Hydrobase has fantastic wicking and moisture transfer properties.

UV protective clothing

Even on a cloudy day, the sun’s UV rays can be highly damaging and extended exposure can cause dehydration and exhaustion, leading to bad decision making. High UV protective clothing will protect your arms, shoulders and neck and are far more effective than traditional fabrics. Garments should be light and breathable allowing sweat to evaporate, keeping you cool during intense activity.

Zhik’s form-fitting UV Active Tops, for example, are made with UPF 50+ fabric (ultraviolet protection factor), blocking out 98 per cent of UV rays.

Mid-layer jackets

It is often much cooler on the water than expected when sailing or motorboating. Mid-layer jackets generate warmth and insulation and are multi-purpose. Good moisture wicking and quick dry properties enable moisture to be drawn away from the body and evaporate away. Choose a mid-layer that will fit neatly under a waterproof for unrestricted movement.

These neat-fitting, high-stretch tops are light, quick drying and useful for all watersports.

Much time on board is spent sitting, exposing your upper legs to UV rays too. For this reason, Zhik makes highly durable Elite Shorts, Deck Shorts and Deck Pants with UPF 50+ protection.

For more coverage, you can choose something like the Elite Shorts, which have additional abrasion-resistant panels for extra durability, a higher back and longer length leg front for extra protection. Do not forget to use a good, ocean-friendly sunscreen too.

Outer layers

The three main considerations for inshore sailing are:

■ warmth – wearing base and mid layers

■ sun and wind protection – selecting UV and windproof fabrics

■ keeping dry – choosing outer layer waterproof protection

There are specialist sailing clothing providers offering a choice of clothing. Zhik (www.zhik.com), for example, has a wide range of tech focused, innovative, versatile inshore sailing clothing to keep you comfortable while out on the water, no matter the conditions.

When looking at Zhik’s line-up, the Full-Zip Fleece Jackets, Cell Insulated Jackets and Vests are designed with a sleek, streamlined fit, for comfortable inshore sailing and everyday wear.

The Fleece Jacket is made from quick drying, lightweight, 100 per cent recycled polyester fibres. For colder or wetter conditions, there is the Cell Insulated Jacket. For higheroutput activity in milder conditions, such as racing ‘around the cans’, the windproof, breathable, 3L Soft Shell jacket is a versatile layering piece. With a form-fitted design and highstretch for athletic movement, it has water shedding DWR coating.

In all conditions, additional spray protection is an essential consideration for inshore sailors. Once you get wet, it is hard to get dry in salty conditions and chilling occurs which cools the body quickly. Always be prepared and carry an appropriate waterproof outer shell. Your choices will depend on the type of boat. Does it have:

■ a good sprayhood or dodgers?

■ a wheelhouse providing good shelter whilst underway?

■ just an open cockpit or exposed steering position?

For warmer moderate conditions, a lightweight waterproof jacket and shorts may be all you need, while long waterproof pants or full-coverage salopettes will deliver maximum spray protection in very wet and colder conditions.

It is important to be comfortable afloat. Choose garments that are well fitted, allow free movement and fit

Head and hands

Your hands and head are full exposed when afloat and you can lose a lot of heat through both. Sailing gloves protect your skin from the elements as well as from handling ropes. Hats provide essential warmth and protect your head and face from glare. When it comes to gloves, the choice is extensive and depends on your needs. For example, Zhik’s long and short finger gloves include the all-round Deck Gloves, Elite Gloves for intensive sailing and Superwarm neoprene gloves for cold weather.

Sailing caps, visors or the shady Broad Brim Hat will keep the sun off, while the woolly Beanies and UV neck gaiter are excellent for use in colder conditions.

over your layers without being baggy and shapeless.

Ideal for milder conditions, Zhik’s sleek INS100 jackets are lightweight, waterproof with fully sealed seams to keep you protected from the elements. Mesh lining keeps you cool in warm conditions and provides a thermal air gap when it is cold out on the water.

Zhik’s INS200 inshore jacket and salopettes use a 3-layer soft Vecta fabric with a breathable membrane specifically developed for inshore activities with a DWR coating.

Your feet

Do not forget about your feet! Whether you choose a low-profile deck shoe or warm, waterproof seaboot to wear inshore sailing, strong support and exceptional grip are two non-negotiables, similar to wearing a lifejacket.

Next month we will be looking at what to wear when stand-up paddleboarding.