Choosing dinghy sailing gear.

Wetsuit or drysuit

The RYA recommends a wetsuit for dinghy sailing, because beginners are likely to get wet, along with a hooded waterproof jacket. A drysuit is the other route.

Wetsuits

PBO explains that wetsuit thickness is written as body and limb thickness in millimetres. A 3/2 has 3 mm on the body and 2 mm on the arms and legs, and PBO says it suits water of about 15 to 20°C. In winter you may want a 4/3 or thicker, with some loss of mobility.

PBO describes three styles:

• Steamers, full length on arms and legs.
• Shorties, with short arms and legs. PBO notes you may want knee pads with these.
• Long johns, sleeveless. PBO says a long john worn with a neoprene top is a popular combination.

Drysuits

PBO says a drysuit replaces both your mid and outer layers, is fully waterproof and can be worn over ordinary clothes. All At Sea explains the choices:

• Material. Neoprene insulates better; a thinner breathable membrane breathes better.
• Seals. Latex seals are easier to get on and off but tear easily and give little warmth. Neoprene seals are tougher and warmer but hard to pull over your head.
• Zip. A front zip can be done up on your own; a back zip usually needs a helper.
• Size. Size the suit to fit over your winter thermal layers.

We found no trade-press source on drysuit seal care, so follow the maker's instructions.

Buoyancy aid

The RYA lists a buoyancy aid as essential for dinghy sailing. PBO recommends a 50 N buoyancy aid rather than an inflatable lifejacket in a dinghy, notes that a 50 N aid will not turn an unconscious wearer face-up, and says crotch or thigh straps are best. For performance dinghies, PBO says slim, high-cut aids work well and leave room for a trapeze harness, and that extra pockets can catch on rigging.

In the United States, federal rules (33 CFR 175.15) require a Coast Guard-approved wearable life jacket for each person aboard a recreational boat, and the Coast Guard describes Level 50 as for competent swimmers near shore. US Sailing requires a USCG-approved life jacket with a USCG label at events where it is the organizing authority, and warns that not every ISO Level 50 aid meets USCG Level 50. If you sail in the US, check the label before you buy, and check your state and local rules. More detail is in life jackets.

Hiking pants

PBO describes hiking pants or shorts ("hikers") as padded garments worn for hiking out over the side. Retailer and manufacturer listings at West Coast Sailing show them in three-quarter and full-length cuts, with fixed or removable pads, and one maker lists perforated airprene pants for warm conditions. Those details come only from product listings.

Base layer

PBO recommends a UV50 rash vest as a summer base layer.

Gloves and boots

PBO says sailing gloves prevent blisters, and mentions neoprene gloves, or rubber gloves under sailing gloves, for the cold. For your feet, the RYA suggests water shoes or old trainers. PBO says neoprene boots work for dinghy sailing in summer and winter, though its author switched to deck shoes after a fungal nail infection from wearing wet neoprene boots for long periods. NauticEd describes dinghy boots as waterproof and flexible with ankle support, and Gill suggests neoprene water shoes where you are often immersed. See gloves and footwear.

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