Sea Wolves Wear Underwear Made of ‘High-Tech’ Materials

Whether you are an experienced sailor or a novice who would get tangled in all the ropes and sails without a proven crew and skipper, appropriate equipment is essential for a sailing adventure. For instance, thermal socks are useful even in the summer months.

written by Darija Tabulov-Truta
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With its beautiful landscapes, numerous islands, clear sea, hidden coves, sandy, pebbly, and rocky beaches, the Adriatic coast is a true paradise for sailing enthusiasts. This is no longer news to many foreign sailors who have sailed many of the world’s seas, yet they still praise the Croatian coast and islands as some of the most beautiful and interesting in the Mediterranean. Moreover, in the last decade, more and more local enthusiasts of this sport can be seen under the sails, indicating that sailing has become part of the domestic tourist and sports offerings that is experiencing the greatest growth. Furthermore, in recent years, it has become popular as part of ‘team-building’ and corporate rewards, so even those who have previously stuck to land may suddenly find themselves on the restless sea. However, regardless of whether you are already an experienced sea wolf or a novice who would get tangled in all the ropes and sails without a proven crew and skipper, appropriate and specific equipment is essential for a sailing adventure. 

 Less is More

Since there is no room on a sailing boat, even a larger one, for heaps of things and for those who like to take almost their entire wardrobe on trips, it is advisable to adhere to the ‘less is more’ rule when packing. Before setting off on a sailing trip, it is best to make a detailed list of necessary items and see what you need to prepare and what else to buy in stores.
To start, the most important thing is appropriate clothing and footwear. In our specialized stores, the most represented names are Musto, Henri Lloyd, Helly Hansen, and Slam. These are well-known brands among sailors that have earned a reputation in global relations. The price range of clothing from these companies is not excessively large, especially since experts and those with deeper pockets reach for much more expensive ‘brands’. Nevertheless, within the mentioned offerings, experts, amateurs, and even ‘fashionistas’ can equip themselves excellently. More experienced sailors particularly appreciate the products of Musto and Helly Hansen, and they are willing to spend a bit more money for them. Beginners and less demanding sailors can find everything they need within Slam’s program, which is known for being more affordable and aimed at those who, even surrounded only by the sea, like to pay attention to their appearance.

Without enough underwear, especially made from modern materials that retain heat well, are breathable, and do not cause the body to sweat, it is best not to embark on any journey, especially not to the sea. On the boat, your social intelligence will come to the fore, which also implies that you should not stand out with your hygiene habits. Underwear is part of the so-called dry clothing layer and is the first to directly touch the skin. It is made from sophisticated ‘high-tech’ materials, knitted in such a way that sweat is drawn outwards, preventing moisture from penetrating to the skin or allowing sweat to remain on it. Unlike ordinary cotton underwear, these materials have another advantage – they are easier to wash – which is very important in onboard conditions. Once you have packed enough underwear in your travel bag (preferably soft, sporty, definitely not a hard suitcase), you must also think about having enough pairs of socks. Even in the summer months, it is not a bad idea to have thermal socks with you, as nights at sea can be very cold.

 Heat Regulator

The second layer of clothing must be a heat regulator, so suits and pants are most often lined with fleece, a material that excellently maintains a constant body temperature.

There are also various other modern thermal materials that are combined with natural fibers. Once that function is satisfied, you can play with the most diverse creations as the offer is large enough to satisfy the taste of even the most ardent trendsetters. Indeed, shorter or longer jackets are offered, with and without hoods, pants or overalls in various color combinations. The final layer should protect against water and wind, so it is most often made of nylon. However, since it is not desirable for a sailor to sweat under a windbreaker and jacket, they are most often made of Gore-Tex – which does not allow water to penetrate to the body, protects the two lower layers, and allows the skin to breathe underneath. When you are ready to shop, expect waterproof suits to cost between 1,000 and 2,000 kuna, and pants from 950 to 1,400 kuna.

Deck shoes, once favored and fashionable shoes for walking on land, are still ideal equipment for sailing: light enough and comfortable, agile for moving around the boat as they do not slip on polished surfaces. If you are going sailing in the summer, boots will not be necessary; they are mandatory equipment in the winter months. Of course, you should also think about footwear and clothing for going ashore, as well as a swimsuit and a hat to protect you from the sun. Essential are gloves with cut-off fingers that allow you to handle ropes skillfully and prevent them from cutting your skin and creating painful blisters. If you are going sailing in cold weather, those cut off at the thumb and index finger are recommended; they cost between 200 and 380 kuna.

For Pure Enjoyment

When it comes to equipment, the list, if you are not preparing for long trips, is not too extensive. Sailing boats are equipped with all the essentials. Nevertheless, you should always have a good knife with you that may be needed for cutting ropes, unscrewing screws, or cleaning freshly caught fish. Leatherman, Victor Inox, or somewhat cheaper brands like Mariner or Skiper all offer quality knives made of stainless steel. Just like with multi-tools, keep in mind that metals processed based on vanadium are of higher quality than those processed based on nitrogen. Then, it is good to always have hand flashlights with you, which can be ordinary halogen, LED, or xenon. Binoculars and compasses have long been integral parts of boat equipment, but if you are into trendy gadgets, the offer is diverse and interesting. However, it would be more important for you to take a solar charger for mobile phones, iPods, and similar devices on your trip, as well as a snorkeling mask, fins, sunglasses, a camera, and some instrument or board games to pass the time.
And finally, do not overlook a personal hygiene kit – towels, tissues, toilet paper, sunscreen, and insect bite creams. On the list of essential items is also a small pharmacy in which, besides the medications you regularly take, there must be those for nausea, allergies, high temperatures and pain, and digestive problems. If you have completed everything on this list, all that remains is to indulge in enjoyment in the sun, wind, waves, or calm that does not allow you to move from your spot.