Five Items Every New Sailor Needs

Sailing for the first time is an exciting, nerve-wracking, transformative, and addictive experience.

You won't need a lot of equipment if this is your first time enjoying a leisurely day on the water. However, there are some things that are necessary for a successful and happy experience as you start taking on increasingly difficult journeys.

Headlamp

Any sailor should carry a headlamp, but it becomes even more important when venturing out at night, during bad weather, or in the rain. The main benefit of using a headlamp versus a handheld one is that you can use both hands and illuminate your path simultaneously. You'll need it to prepare food and drink, change the sail, hold on when you are below deck, and other tasks. A cheap headlamp won't last very long, and using a low-powered bulb is a waste of money. Always look for something sturdy and waterproof.

Goggles

Even though a headlight will illuminate your path, goggles are needed if you can't see due to the wind and rain beating your face. You need to be able to see more than ever when the weather is bad, which is why it's so crucial to protect your eyes. A good set of goggles is essential to maintaining your balance and warding off seasickness while at sea and will aid you in making wise decisions. Make sure that any goggles you select are polarised for maximum visibility on the water and offer 100 percent UV protection. Consider carefully which lens colour to use depending on where and when you'll be sailing.

Wet Weather Clothing

Borrowing your friend's extras or old clothes won't cut it once you start taking sailing seriously. To protect you and make the days when the rain just won't stop bearable, you must locate something that is entirely waterproof.

One completely water-resistant shell will do, and you can add or remove clothing underneath it according on your body temperature. You don't need many layers. Any novice who is committed should spend money on:

A top shell that is waterproof, Musto jackets are more fashionable than certain other types of sailing equipment.

• an arm warmer
• Water-resistant socks and gloves
• Leggings and a thermal shirt
• a hat you can attach to your chin

Multitool

Others believe that a knife is all you need, while I fall into the multitool camp. The rationale being that, while you can do practically everything with a knife, but when you want to move quickly it’s more convenient having a few different options at your fingers. These are essential not just for situations like when a rope gets stuck in the propeller, but they are also quite helpful below deck. A blade, pliers, bit driver, clip, and bottle opener for celebration beverages should all be included in one that is rather basic.

life jacket

On most boats, there will be a spare life jacket for you, but having your own has a few benefits. The main benefit is that, in case of an emergency, you will be able to locate it right away. Second, you can always be confident that it has been properly maintained, is current, and has not been left unattended for a long time. Finally, you may be confident that it fits, that you know how to put it on, and that you have hopefully had plenty of practise using it. Since it is essentially intended to save your life, this is the item you should not skimp on.