Sailing clothing? What to buy?

Question

I'm taking sailing lessons very soon and not sure what to wear. Keelboat sailing off Southern California. Cold but not too cold. Not dinghy sailing (22 foot keel).

I have some deck shoes but not sure what else to wear. It should get slightly cold so I figure shorts with a nice windbreaker? Warm jacket meant for the water? The only jackets I have are cotton and not really good for water..

Should I just pick up a decent sailing jacket? (windbreaker?)..

Any suggestions?

Answer 1

You will be miserable if You get wet and cold. A 22' keel boat is a wet boat. You should probably have a full set of light weight foul weather gear - bib & jacket. Do not wear jeans. Comforable kahki pants (I like to wear the zip-off style that can become shorts if necessary) a t-shirt and a good hat to shade your face, eyes and neck with a lanyard or strap so it won't blow overboard when it blows off your head, polarizing sunglasses with croakies, sunscreen, sailing gloves, a long sleeve fleece or polypropolene shirt, if it cools off and to wear beneath the foulies. And your PFD!!!! Don't leave the dock without it!
MInimal 'stuff' to keep you warm and safe.

Answer 2

You need to have clothing that can be layed, so you can adjust to temperature and weather changes. A good waterproof windbreaker is a start. Cotton is not a good choice if your going to get wet - wet cotton robs the body of heat. Even southern CA gets cold on the water if you're out at night, especially if its windy. Get some good wicking tee shirts, one or two long sleeve shirts, a good ball cap, perhaps a sweat shirt, sailing gloves to protect your hands, and at least one pair of long pants along with your shorts. Sunglasses and sunblock too.

Answer 3

Fowl weather gear as being wet and cold is no fun>>Jacket & pants>

Answer 4

Visit a local boat shop... they will set you right.