Essential Gear for Learning How to Sail

Preparation is Key When Learning How to Sail

Learning to sail is an exhilarating and rewarding experience that can take you to some of the planet's most beautiful and remote places.  From learning the difference between tack and jibe to figuring out what to take with you on your trips, there’s a lot to learn when you first start sailing.

Preparation is critical when you're starting out. Having the right gear can make a big difference to how enjoyable your first few times on the water will be and make you feel more comfortable and confident.

Essential Sailing Gear

Personal Flotation Device (PFD) and Sailing Harness

Pack your own PFD and sailing harness. It must hug your body and give you comfort at all times; otherwise, you will be reluctant to wear it!

Purchase a separate sailing safety harness or find an inflatable PFD with an integrated harness. Ensure it has oversized D-rings rated to a breaking strength of at least 4,000 pounds.

Sunscreen and Sunglasses

The sun can be harsh at sea, so pack plenty of sunscreen with a high SPF rating. Look for a brand that is waterproof and sweat-resistant. You should also bring a few pairs of polarized sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun's glare on the water.

Caps and Hats

You need protection from the sun, cold, and rain. Pack double of everything for caps and hats. On each trip, you can expect to lose at least one hat over the side. Better still, attach your hat with long shoelaces around your neck.

Foul Weather Gear

Pack a complete set of foul-weather jackets and bib-pants. Match the jacket and pants to the type of sailing. Use lighter gear for the tropics and heavy gear for cold weather passages. Go for the 'breathable' type fabrics that protect you but allow air to circulate next to the skin to help lower perspiration.

Sailing Gloves

Purchase full-length sailing gloves that cover all except the tips of your fingers. These offer the best protection when working sailing sheets, halyards, and boat anchoring rode.

Waterproof Bag or Container

You need a waterproof container or bag to protect your electronics from water damage. These include your smartphone, camera, GPS, and other electronic gadgets you might need while sailing.

Navigation Tools

If you are planning to navigate the boat yourself, you will need a few essential navigation tools. These include a compass, charts, and a handheld GPS device. You should also have a backup navigation system if your primary system fails.

First Aid Kit

You should have a fully stocked First Aid Kit, including basic items like bandages, gauze, antiseptic wipes, adhesive tape, and medications for common ailments like seasickness, headaches, and allergies.

Oversized Plastic Freezer Bags

Zip-lock-type bags are worth their weight in gold. Pack 10-20 of these. Use them to segregate clothes, so you don't have to dig in a bag. Use them for dirty clothes to cut down on odors.

Flashlights and Headlamps

You will need reliable sources of light while sailing, especially at night. Pack a few high-quality flashlights and headlamps, along with extra batteries. You should also bring a few chem lights, which are glow sticks that can provide light for several hours without needing batteries.

Undergarments

Pack thick, heavy socks to wear with your sea boots to protect your heels from blisters. Underlayers should be considered part of any foul weather gear offshore equipment. You need garments that wick the sweat from the skin to keep you dry and prevent cooling. In warm or cold weather, use modern microfiber synthetics for superior comfort.

Personal Grab-Bag

Use one of your zip-lock bags for storage. Include your wallet, keys, I.D., credit card, cellphone, and a separate notepad with a list of emergency contact names and phone numbers, insurance policy numbers and phone numbers, doctor names and numbers, and pharmacy contact numbers to refill medications.

Water and Snacks

Sailing can be physically demanding, so you will need to stay hydrated and fueled up. Pack plenty of water in reusable water bottles, and bring high-energy snacks like energy bars, nuts, and dried fruit.

Learn to Sail with Sunrise Sailing Academy

Learning how to sail is an exciting adventure, and once you have the right equipment, you can focus solely on hitting the water and seeing the world in a brand-new way.

Choose Sunrise Sailing Academy for ASA-certified instruction and the guarantee of earning your ASA Basic Keelboat 101 certification. We offer many courses, including Basic Coastal Cruising, Bareboat Cruising, and more!

Contact us today to learn more and schedule your first lesson!