Getting kitted out - part 2

The basic kit

To get yourself on the water, you can spend as little or as much as you like . Perhaps you can put off buying the boat but not basic kit.

Buoyancy aid

The key item you must have is a 'buoyancy aid' as this is a prerequisite of going on the water. The entry level is one of the zip-up-the-front styles. Many favour the dinghy style. Go along to your local sailing shop and try them on, make sure it’s the correct size and is comfortable. The staff will be able to advise you about style and manufacturer. ASC recommends the One Stop Chandlery in Maldon.

Remember that we are sailing dinghies on flat inland water - without waves and currents. 'Yachting' equipment is usually designed for more difficult conditions on the open sea.

More information can be found on the RYA fact sheet – Buoyancy Aids and Life Jackets

Body protection

You may like to get a Wet-suit and/or Spray-suit. On flat in-land water, Spray-suits are generally used for keeping dry in the rain! Dry-suits are a more expensive option and are usually worn by the keenest participants i.e. those racing regularly on the coldest days in the year. Wet-suits are the norm for keeping warm during the main sailing season.

Choice of Wet-suits can be a bit of a minefield with different makes and styles available. In brief what they do is keep out the worst of the cold by trapping an insulating layer of warm water. So if you feel the cold you may feel the need for warmer gear. Certainly, if you want to sail outside of the warmer weather, then protection against the cold is a must.

The difference in Wet-suits mainly come down to thickness (the thicker the rubber the warmer you will be) and then style. You can get all-in-one, trousers and top; or shorty (that’s an all-in-one with short sleeves and legs). As usual you 'get what you pay for', ranging from inexpensive (I don't want to get chilly!) to the more expensive (I want to avoid hyperthermia!).

Hands and feet

Boots or shoes are fairly essential. Stubbing your toe on the concrete slip just as you are launching can be a little painful and enlighten others with the more colourful aspects of your language. There is a very wide selection on the market these days. You can get started with some cheap slip-on wet shoes and progress to specialist boots as your experience on the water develops.

When I first took up sailing I looked at those wearing gloves as being a bit daft. However, you soon realise that your hands can take a bit of a pounding, pulling and holding the various ropes on board.

Head and exposed areas

Sun strength is more apparent on open water - so don't forget the sun cream.