Must-Have Sailing Gear

Pack up on must-have sailing gear before venturing on your sea escape. Especially if you are a novice sailor or if this is your first sailing trip, preparation is essential. Wind-burn, sunburn and sea-sickness are some examples of what could occur on your trip; prevent all of these and more. A boat never leaves without preparing for the worst and neither must you.

All trips

Whether you are sailing for a long amount of time or are going out for a brief trip, there is some gear that you must bring along each time you sail. To avoid sunburn, bring a hat or visor, sunglasses, sunscreen of no less than 25 SPF and SPF-specific lip balm. Bring along a container of aloe vera gel and keep it chilled in case you do acquire sunburn. Wind-burn is avoided if you bring along a facial moisturizer and apply it at appropriate intervals. Nausea-reducing medication is necessary as well, to treat sea-sickness. Always bring a life-jacket for every person attending.

Warmer trips

If you are traveling in a warmer climate, bring along weather-appropriate necessities. Bug-spray prevents discomfort from insects living in or near the water. If you plan on snorkeling, bring a snorkel, two swimsuits, a swimsuit cover-up and eye-irritation products for each person. Rubber-soled shoes are essential if you do not want to slip on-deck. Sandals and extra clothing are needed at each person's discretion.

Colder trips

When sailing in a colder climate, you must over-prepare. Bring enough layers of clothing to induce sweating if you wear all of them at once. Temperatures at sea are much lower than they are at land and getting sick is never pleasant.

Getting over-prepared in any sailing adventure ensures that your trip is a success.