| It is vitally important to have the proper sailing | | | | 9) Digital watch |
| gear when planning to set sail. Your enjoyment of | | | | 10) A change of clothes - Very important in case |
| the sailing experience hinges largely on having the | | | | you get wet. Remember that it is very important |
| proper gear on hand in any type of weather. No | | | | not to wear cotton when sailing. You will want to |
| sailor can truly enjoy the experience when wet or | | | | wear fleece or polyester which will keep moisture |
| cold. Any activity requires proper preparations, | | | | away from your skin. |
| and most of the items I've suggested will not | | | | 11) Towels |
| cost you an excessive amount of money. | | | | 12) PFD - This is a must. Putting on a personal |
| There are several items you should always have | | | | flotation device on the water is like putting on a |
| in your gear bag, regardless of weather or | | | | seatbelt in a car. This is the one item you will not |
| location you plan to set sail. They are: | | | | take off the entire time you are out, so I |
| 1) Sunscreen - Whether it's a sunny day or a | | | | encourage you to find one that fits well and is |
| blustery one, you will get a lot of sun, and a bad | | | | comfortable. It will become a second skin to you. |
| sunburn can dampen your sailing enthusiasm. I | | | | 13) Closed-toe shoes - There are fancy, |
| recommend a high SPF and remember to reapply | | | | expensive boat shoes and sailing sneakers |
| throughout the day. | | | | available, but old ratty sneakers will work just as |
| 2) Chapstick - Preferably also with a high SPF | | | | well. |
| because lips can chap and burn as well as the skin | | | | Other items you may wish to purchase, |
| on your face and hands. | | | | depending on weather and how often you intend |
| 3) Sunglasses - I recommend having them on a | | | | to sail, include open-fingered gloves, which can be |
| cord so you can wear them around your neck. | | | | very helpful when sailing on a windy day. If sailing |
| 4) First Aid Kit - This is an obvious must for the | | | | during the fall or early spring, when there's the |
| beginner and the experienced sailor alike. You | | | | potential for wind or chill, I suggest a wetsuit in |
| never know when you may need a first-aid kit, | | | | case you fall into the water. If sailing during the |
| and you won't want to be caught on the water | | | | winter, when there's definite cold weather, I |
| without one. Any drugstore can sell a fully | | | | strongly recommend a hat, gloves, and a drysuit. |
| equipped first aid kit for a reasonable price, and I | | | | The key to staying warm is staying dry, and the |
| would encourage you to invest in a back-up kit as | | | | more preparation for dryness, the better. |
| well. | | | | Take care of the details in advance so you can |
| 5) Regatta journal | | | | really enjoy your day, so make sure to equip |
| 6) Rule book | | | | yourself with the proper sailing gear. No one |
| 7) Lots of drinking water | | | | wants to be caught wet, cold, and hungry on the |
| 8) Snacks - Nuts and energy bars are good to | | | | water. |
| have and easy to pack. | | | | |