Essential sailing kit for yacht racing
Offshore sailing is a great sport, but if you’re new to it, it can be quite daunting thinking about what gear and gadgets are best to choose.
What to really invest in and bring with you can be a tough decision! You don’t need to go out and spend a fortune on everything, always see if you can pull together a few items you already have.
Layers are key. Be sure to check the weather before heading out and prepare for the worst. Keeping warm and dry is essential for offshore sailing, so we’ve put together a helpful sailing kit list of the most important items we think you’ll need to start yacht racing.
What kit do I need to start yacht racing?
Jacket
This Musto MPX Gore-tex Pro Offshore Smock is at the higher end in cost, but you know it has been impeccably engineered for the active offshore sailor. In the middle price range we have the Tribord Offshore Race 900 jacket from Decathlon, the design team for this jacket claim to keep you dry even in your most intensive journeys. At the lower end of budget we have the Helly Hansen Mens HP Racing Sailing Jacket 2021 from the wetsuit centre. As well as being waterproof and windproof, it’s said to be ideal for high speed at sea!
Gloves
Gill are the worlds lead sailing glove brand, these Gill Helmsman Gloves are at the top end of cost, but deliver the very latest in sailing glove innovation. These Tribord Sailing Waterproof Gloves Offshore 900 from Decathlon sit in the middle price range and are designed for long sailing sessions in cold weather and at night. A pair of Musto Essential Sailing Short Finger Gloves won’t break the bank and offer lightweight comfort from the rigours of the boat.
Boots
These high end Dubarry Ultima Sailing Boots from A.Farley Country Attire are a unique, all leather, waterproof, fully breathable sailing boot. A mid-price pair of Gill Performance Race Boots are perfectly suited to use in keel boats, RIBS and for power boating due to their shorter design. Grab a bargain with these Tribord Sailing 100 Boots, they are suitable for even the longest and most exposed sailing sessions.
Lightweight Jumper or Fleece
This Musto Corsica 100GM Fleece is the perfect balance of practicality and style, if you’re after something a bit more lightweight the Rab Mens Nexus Pull-On Fleece offers superb mobility and comfort. A North Face 100 Glacier Quarter Zip Fleece is great for outdoor adventures, but is also good for just everyday wear.
Kitbag
The ultimate top end kitbag for withstanding getting dunked and dragged whilst remaining 100% dry on the inside is the Yeti PAnga 50 Duffel. For a more affordable price this Gill 90L Team Bag Max is the perfect companion for the rough and tumble of some offshore sailing. If you’re looking for a bargain a Helly Hansen Racing Bag from the wetsuit outlet is equipped with everything you need for a day on the water.
Other items you must remember to pack for an offshore yacht racing trip…
Clothing – It’s definitely worth taking some salopettes and thermals and always a spare pair of all clothes and under garments in case you get wet.
Safety – If a lifejacket is not provided on the yacht, you must take one to wear at all times.
Protection – High UV, sunglasses and lipbalm are always a must, you can get burnt very easily from the reflection of the sea, even on a cloudy day.
Comfort – A sleeping bag for an overnight stint on the water is not a bad idea and it’s always nice to take some sweets to munch on.
If you’re starting yacht racing in Plymouth, or visiting the area to take part in a race, why not take a look at berthing options at King Point Marina? Our sheltered location is perfectly placed to get you straight out on the water of Plymouth Sound.
