what to wear

When I started sailing, in dinghies, I bought a two piece set from the Observer magazine, around 1992, £15 the top and bottom. First capsize in a Topper and the arm seams went as I recovered, so back they went.
Now sailing bigger boats, I don't think it matters what the label says. For fleeces I find quality pays, most of the time. My Gill is harder wearing and better suited to the boat than the two expensive Ralph Lauren and Lacoste that I was given as presents. My best fleece jacket is made by Kangaroo Poo, surfwear. Fully lined it was £25 at the boatshow. Quilted trousers are great, as are Trax though they don't make them anymore. As for feet.. well I swear by those Falcke socks with the rubberised studs on the bottom.
 
I think the magagine was a trifle naughty to compare the Aldi/Lidl stuff with the big name top of the range kit. It would have been far better to compare with the budget ranges.

A good source of decent foul weather gear is sport fishing shops, sport fishermen go out to sea, get wet and cold and like value for money
 
I recently joined an owners club and I met a previous owner of my boat. He said to me "we saw you out a few weeks ago, you had a very strange looking helmsman". he was referring to my other half who insists that his (non-leather!) motorbike suit is most appropriate for sailing. warm, robust, waterproof... though I draw a line at bike boots on board so he looks doubly eccentric with a pair of deck shoes at the bottom end.

Funniest thing is is that he can plug himself into the 12V when he gets cold!
 
I am not a labels man and will not spend £5 when I can spend 5 bob /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif
So it saddens me to say that with wet weather sailing kit you do get what you pay for. If I could justify it (to myself) I would buy Musto.
Over the years, I have probably spent half of the Musto price on cheap kit that hasn't done the job in one way or another.
I have now compromised on a mixture of mid range kit, light weight Gill Salopettes, special offer mid to heavy weight jacket from Lidl (turned out to be very good), an all in one flotation suit for the winter and cold nights (Sundridge or equiv) often seen in fishing tackle shops, and a Musto light weight jacket and gilet.
The last two are worn most as I don't like to get too hot and if necessary, I can put a fleece on as well.
 
When conditions deteriorate, walking and skiing clothing will not keep you dry for long. Some motorcycle clothing will but does not have some features that you would want and looks very much out of place.

Breathable sailing clothing will keep you dry when new and will have comfort features such as hand warmer pockets and high collars - very desirable this last item when cold green stuff interspersed with cold wind is coming at you in quantity.

Yellow Plastic fisherman's clothing is, and stays waterproof. It is cheap but not as comfortable as good breathables.

Budget breathables are two layer which does not stay waterproof as long as the three layer cloth used in the more expensive garments. The three layer cloth is also easier to restore to full waterproofness when they get older. You get what you pay for.

It was possible to get a compromise from Guy Cotten of a three layer breathable jacket and much cheaper PU coated non breathable trousers in a similar colour. Unfortunately they have just stopped making the trousers but may still have some in stock.

If you are dry, warmth is then down to what you wear underneath.
 
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