It is often colder at sea than on land. On the hottest of days when people are sunbathing on the beaches, you may notice sailing people coming ashore dressed up in lots of gear.  Well, the landlubbers just don’t get it – but you’ve been out there.

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Here is a suggested kit list, firstly for days sails, and also for longer voyages.

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Gear for Day Sails

• Waterproof (doubly important as it is also windproof and so keeps you warm);

• Waterproof trousers too if you have them;

• Warm clothing.  Even on a warm day, bring it with you even if you don’t wear it;

• Good footwear – no open-toes!

• Strong sun protection, and maybe lipsyl;

• Sandwiches (the skipper likes cake, by the way);

• If you think you might be seasick, take seasick pills.  Ask the Chemist, and read what it says on the packet.

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Gear for overnight voyages

• All the above, plus:

• Change of clothing;

• Sleeping bag;

• Pyjamas;

• Personal toiletries (toothbrush etc);

• Any medication you would normally take;

• Book / card game etc.

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For warm clothing, wool and polyester fleece are good.  If you are wearing cotton clothing (eg jeans) and it gets wet, you soon feel cold and it takes ages to dry out, so avoid cotton.

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Electronic stuff – you might be unhappy if your gadget stops working because it got damp.  We suggest you leave behind any electrical gear except maybe a phone or camera, but take good care of these.  Freezer bags are useful to keep them dry.

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We provide lifejackets and clip-on safety lanyards.  The lifejackets are auto-inflating with various safety features and are inspected annually.  Safety lanyards are worn to climb the rigging, or if the sea conditions make it prudent to “clip on” – the skipper will tell you.