| To be comfortable and safe and to create a | | | | convenient to prepare food ahead, so that you |
| relaxed feeling of well-being, there are a number | | | | simply need to un-wrap the food items if you |
| of items that should be taken onto the water. | | | | prefer to continue sailing rather than anchoring in a |
| Many other items could be included, but I consider | | | | little bay for lunch. |
| these to be essential. They include: | | | | Water or Drinks |
| a hat | | | | Again, this is very much personal taste. Cold |
| sunscreen | | | | water is refreshing. Mineral water is often even |
| sunglasses | | | | preferable. A little ginger cordial in mineral water is |
| food | | | | also a great thirst quencher and tends to settle |
| water or drinks | | | | the stomach. Some sailors find alcohol and the sun |
| a warm light jacket suitable for the prevailing | | | | do not mix well. This can often cause a headache |
| season | | | | and seasickness and is not recommended. The |
| a wet weather jacket | | | | alcohol limit on the water for the person in charge |
| foot-ware suitable for the type of sailing that | | | | of a boat is usually the same as when driving a |
| is to be encountered | | | | car on the road. You should check with your local |
| safety equipment. | | | | authorities in advance. |
| Depending on the type of sailing, a mobile phone, | | | | Jackets |
| or a VHF radio is also highly recommended. | | | | I have always found that the lightweight style of |
| Hat | | | | zippered jacket, made from crushed plastic |
| A broad-brimmed hat is ideal, but unfortunately | | | | bottles is excellent on the water. They come in a |
| with sailing it is the most likely to blow off. This | | | | number of weights which can be used depending |
| must have an adjustable cord. A peaked cap | | | | on different seasons and weather situations. |
| shades sun at the front but not on the neck, | | | | These also have water shedding properties, and |
| sides of the face or ears which can be covered | | | | bundle up to a relatively small size to fit in a |
| by sunscreen. A broad-brimmed hat is best | | | | backpack or bag. |
| secured against blowing off by securing it to the | | | | Wet Weather Protection |
| collar with a short length of cord or with an | | | | There are so many types and styles of these |
| adjustable tie around the chin. This can be tied or | | | | available that it can be difficult to choose. The |
| attached using safety pins. | | | | jackets and trousers that breathe are highly |
| Sunscreen | | | | recommended. When one is moving about, water |
| There are many sunscreens available today, but | | | | proof fabrics which do not breathe make you |
| by far the best on the water is 30+ which should | | | | sweat inside and can often cause you to become |
| also be water resistant and not greasy. In addition | | | | as wet as if you were not wearing a jacket or |
| to the suns rays, reflection off the water and the | | | | trousers. Unfortunately, the best weather jackets |
| light coloured decks common on many boats, is | | | | and trousers are also the most expensive. The |
| extremely strong and damaging to the skin. | | | | choice is personal and depends on the type of |
| Sunglasses | | | | sailing that one is involved in. If you are at sea in |
| I have found over the years that Polaroid lenses | | | | a storm, the most expensive and best can |
| are excellent whilst on the water. They cut the | | | | certainly be worth the cost. |
| glare and reflection from the water dramatically. | | | | Sailing Gloves |
| They can also be purchased for a very | | | | These are not an essential item, but can increase |
| reasonable price. To guarantee that they do not | | | | your grip on a sheet. They are made from soft |
| fall over-board, a lanyard that secures them | | | | leather and give some protection to the hands. |
| around the neck is essential. | | | | They can be purchased at any sailing store. |
| Food | | | | Preparing for a comfortable day on the water is |
| This is obviously up to personal taste, but | | | | essential and requires some fore thought and |
| depending on the type of sailing and if participants | | | | planning. Many of the items mentioned ensure a |
| have a tendency to feel a little "queasy", plain | | | | safe and pleasurable boating experience. |
| food, not fatty items are preferable. It is often | | | | |