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Dinghy sailing is something that anyone can try regardless of age or experience, and it’s hard to beat the feeling of being out there on the water with no engine and just the power of the sail.
Knowing what to wear when dinghy sailing can prove tricky if you’ve never done it before, as, even if you’re an experienced sailor of larger boats, dinghy sailing usually requires more gear. This is because the small open sailing boat leaves you more exposed to the water, weather and the elements, so there’s some essential gear for dinghy sailing.
As with any boating gear, your dingy sailing clothes should help you stay warm, dry and comfortable so you have full movement and can enjoy the dinghy sailing experience.
Here’s what you need to know about gear for dinghy sailing adventures…
Buoyancy Aid
This is the most important thing you need for dinghy sailing, as no matter how good you are at it, there’s always a chance of capsizing or falling into the water. No matter what your level of sailing experience is, you should always wear a buoyancy aid, as accidents can happen to anyone.
View our range of buoyancy aids here
Wetsuit
If you’re sailing in a small dinghy, you’re going to get wet at some point, so wearing a wetsuit is vital. Wetsuits trap a layer of water inside the suit, creating a warm layer to prevent you from getting cold when you get wet. British weather can be frustratingly unpredictable, so we usually recommend a full wetsuit to keep you sufficiently warm no matter what the time of year.
View our range of wetsuits here
Waterproof Spray Top
As well as a wetsuit, we recommend a waterproof spray top that will keep you as dry and warm as possible. When dinghy sailing, you’ll be hit with lots of spray, especially on a windy day, so it’s best to be prepared.
View our range of waterproof spray tops here
Sailing Boots
The deck of a sailing dinghy can get really slippy, so it’s vital to have a pair of sailing boots with adequate grip for your safety. Sailing boots are generally made of thick neoprene to keep your feet warm, and they have a rubber sole that grips to the deck effectively.
View our range of sailing boots here
Sailing gloves
Sailing gloves are important for several reasons. Firstly, your hands are very susceptible to the cold, yet you need to have full control and feeling in them to sail successfully and stay in control of your dinghy. Secondly, there’s an incredible amount of friction created by pulling on the sheets and ropes, and this can be tough and sore on your hands, especially when they’re wet and cold too. A good pair of sailing gloves will keep your hands protected from the elements and from friction while providing you with added grip.
View our range of sailing gloves here
This is all the essential gear for dinghy sailing, and once you have all this, it’s time to get out on the water and enjoy yourself.
If you’ve never tried dinghy sailing before, you’ll find it rewarding to learn a new skill. When done properly, dinghy sailing is a sport that requires skill, strength and flexibility, and it gives you a real workout, especially in challenging conditions. It also gives your brain a workout too, as you need to be 100% concentrated on everything you need to do to sail the boat. This means it can be a great way to switch off from your everyday worries and focus solely on the wind and water.
