Boating attire

[Redissuereader]

I was hoping you stylish bunch might be able to help me. I have very fortunately been invited to the day of my dreams sailing and going for a naice seafood lunch. I've been looking for a (hooded) gilet for ages as I really want one for walking and I get too hot and sticky in waterproof jackets.

Has anyone got any good recommendations? I love the Joules one but they don't have it in a 14 and although I'm a 12-14 I would prefer to size up just in case I end up wanting to wear jumpers underneath it.

Also anyone got any good recommendations for trousers? I'm a 12 on bottom but quite short at 5ft4 but also look ridiculous in 'petite' ranges and all normal trousers are slightly too long for me.

Sorry if I'm asking too much.

I really like the COS breton top so will try to order that but want the other things to go with it.

Thanks in advance!

What sort of boat? I assume you mean a yacht, but what you need to wear really depends on how wet you are likely to get and how much of the sailing you will be doing.
For a yacht you will need footwear with non marking soles which will not pick up any grit (doesn’t need to be deck shoes).
More later, the dc need me.

Assuming that same as PP, that your yachting, a hooded gilet will need to be wind and waterproof or you’ll need a layer that provides that overtop. In September it’s going to be deceptively chilly once you get out on the water. The rest of your wardrobe is dependent on the type of sailing (will you be cruising around or practicing manoeuvres?) and your level of involvement.

Depending on which country you are sailing in and what kind of boat and how far out to sea you might be going, I’d be considering wearing waterproof trousers and jacket rather than a gilet. Not sure I’d ever sail in a gilet tbh, a bit bulky under a life jacket. The Breton is fine, but don’t wear jeans. I wear a pair of stretchy slim outdoor trousers from Açai, with a pair of sailing waterproofs over. You could wear deck shoes but also white soled trainers are ok too.

Excuse me for the delay.
Ask your hosts if they have waterproofs for you, that would be one less bit of hassle. I am sure they won’t mind a general clothing enquiry either, after all yachtwear can involve anything from bikini to full foul weather gear.

Shoes, as posters above have said; if you are desperate to buy a pair of deck shoes, then do so, otherwise white-soled trainers or a cheap pair of plimsolls are fine. The main thing is that they don’t collect dirt in the soles and are non-slip.
Trousers: depending on activity level something like chinos if you’re not being too active. If you are going to have to wear waterproof trousers the leggings underneath are more comfortable.
Head: a headband or buff if your hair needs keeping in order.
Sunglasses, there will be glare from the water.

Have fun!

Are you going to be doing any crewing? If
So, I’d invest in some sailing gloves.

You guys are ace, nothing major just a gentle cruising around, and I won’t be doing any of the actual sailing, just being driven around on a yacht for a morning.

Classic look?

Non marking canvas shoe or deck shoes.
Baseball hat and sunglasses.

Unless it's a mega yacht with expansive leather settees, you may be asked to move aside while the crew work round you, so you don't want any dangling scarves or jewellery that may get caught in winches etc.

I wouldn’t do a hooded gilet as unlikely hood will stay up. What month are you going and where in the Uk? We are a sailing family so have done pretty much every sort of boat owned and chartered. I would go for layers. Start with the shoes. Deck shoes are great or pumps with suitable soles although I tend to go barefoot on the boat depending on the weather otherwise it’s dubarry sailing boots. I would then go for a thin three quarter length top or full length top, a decent fleece even if just in your bag is essential as you wouldn’t believe how cold it can be on a boat even when it seems very pleasant on shore, gilet with no hood and decent waterproof and the ideally not white trousers as on boats they tend to get grubby in 2 seconds flat and you don’t want to spend the day with a dirty mark over your bum! A decent cap is well worth it preferably one with a clip like this www.outdoorandcountry.co.uk/musto-evolution-original-crew-cap.html?c=Cadet%20Blue
As otherwise one gust of wind and your hat will be gone. Make sure you take a hair band incase it’s windy and whatever you do don’t forget your hairbrush as sailing does nothing for your hair, I always end up looking like I have been pulled through a hedge backwards so nice to have a quick tidy up before lunch.
I would go for a comfortable look not your interpretation of a sailing outfit as you risk looking like you are going to a fancy dress party especially to experienced yachies.
Big tip if you are going to use the head (loo) and haven’t used one before please do ask. Lots you can’t use in port if no holding tank and many can’t have toilet paper down otherwise you block them which would be highly embarrassing as it’s not a cheap job to fix. Flushing them if you are not used to them can be rather tricky too so well worth asking first. Depending what size and how posh but we always appreciate people bringing nice cold premium gin and tonic cans on as very practical on a yacht to drink (but obviously not if it’s a crewed yacht just if it’s a yacht with family or friends).

You guys are a wealth of knowledge - I’m going in a few weeks along the south coast near Isle of Man and it’s a 78ft motoryacht so I think you guys have me covered! Thanks for all the advice it’s been so helpful.

If it’s a motor yacht it’s a different story. We have one of those just a bit smaller but basically you are sitting in one very luxurious conservatory. You just need sensible shoes although you may be asked to take them off. Apart from that you can wear most things just have a warm fleece and a coat if needed packed.

Bikini. No shoes in case you mark the deck. That’s all.

@Redissuereader do you mean the Isle of Wight? IOM is definitely not on the south coast!

😂

IOM is definitely not on the south coast!

South coast of Scotland?

Please don't wear a Breton top. I live in a yachting community (and sail a lot myself) and it is just so boring seeing all visitors stroll around in identical outfits.

Layers, including windproof layers are your best bet. And decent deck shoes (you can get trainer styles too) would be the main thing I would buy.

(and yes, do you mean IOW?)

This would be perfect I think

sorry head was miles away, IOW obviously! Yesterday was not a good day for me - trying to respond to kind posters in a rush was not working out for me! Yeah I was thinking some sort of cropped pants (or shorts if it's warm enough) with white soled trainers and layers for up top