Sailing Gear Every sport has required equipment and sailing is no different. Required and suggested items are listed below for your reference.
The brands featured are recommended by our instructors who you have personally used many of these products. Feel free to purchase items outside of these brands if desired. Make sure the item meets U.S. sailing requirements (the product descriptions will indicate the requirements). To begin, we want to simply introduce you to some common sailing gear brands. There are many out there, but here are some of the known ones that should have what you're looking for.
Life jackets are required for all students while on or near the water. Life jackets must be:
Coast Guard Approved (USCG)
Type III PFD
Ensure a proper fit by only purchasing a life jacket that accommodates your child's weight. You know your child is secure if the life jacket does not go above the child's head when pulling up on the shoulder straps. This maneuver represents what would happen if your sailor would fall into the water.
Whistle
All students must carry a whistle. If an emergency situation arises, the student can quickly and easily alert others for help with the use of a whistle. A lanyard should be use to attach the whistle to the student’s life jacket and should always remain as part of the floatation device. A plastic whistle is recommended over metal as metal whistles get hot in the sun. We suggest the notoriously loud Fox 40 whistle, but as long as the whistle makes a noise, you are free to purchase any.
Closed Toed Shoes
There are a wide range of water shoes to choose from but we particularly recommend athletic aqua sneakers . More advanced sailors, specifically those sailing lasers, may want to consider dinghy boots.
Waterproof Watch
A waterproof watch is only required for kids in our advanced racing class. The watch should have a countdown timer, but does not need to be one specifically designed for sailing.
Optional Gear
Sailing Gloves
Sailing gloves are beneficial to those who are sailing in the advanced class as they will experience heavier wind. Intermediate 420s could also benefit as the 420s have stronger sails.
Waterproof Watch
A waterproof watch is only required for kids in our advanced racing class, but are recommended for kids in our intermediate classes as well. The watch should have a countdown timer feature, but does not need to be one specifically designed for sailing.
Foul Weather Gear
Spray top and/or spray pants are highly recommended for our advanced racing class sailors, as they will help keep the sailors dry, warm and comfortable.