Our clients often ask us what they should wear and what other kit they should bring with them when they come sailing with us. Below you will see our recommendations, hints and tips that will make your sailing experience a safe and enjoyable experience:

Sun protection
We all hope for sunny weather when we go sailing, but many people get more sun than they bargained for. Water can reflect up to 80% of the UV rays that hit the water and the sea breeze often cools you down and belies the true effect the sun is having on you. Without adequate sun protection, you could end up with sun burn, or even sunstroke, after a day on the water. Here is what we recommend:
- Sun cream of at least factor 25. For those with fair skin, skin conditions or who easily burn, we would suggest an even higher factor.
- Sunglasses - good quality sunglasses with 100% UV protection. These should preferably be wrap around style.
- Sun hat - a wide brimmed sun hat or at least a baseball cap.

Hydration and food
Sailing is thirsty work, and also works up a healthy appetite. You may have a fully catered trip with us, but if you don't, make sure that you bring plenty of soft drinks and food. Make sure you take on plenty of fluids during the day to avoid dehydration.

Footwear
Please wear deck shoes, non-marking trainers or other non-marking soft-soled footwear. Your footwear should have good grip as you will be moving around the Your footwear should have good grip as you will be moving around the boat and the deck may get wet at times. We are constantly amazed with the number of people that arrive in their office shoes and even high-heels.

Sensible footwear is essential for your own safety and for the protection of the boat.

Clothing
Weather conditions can change quickly and we recommend that you bring clothes suitable for both hot and sunny weather and wet and windy weather. T-shirts, jumpers, shorts, long trousers and hats are all recommended to be in your kit bag. We don't recommend jeans, as the seams can lead to chaffing and they tale a long time to dry out if you get wet for any reason.

Your kit should be carried in a soft bag. Please do not bring a suitcase - they aren't safe and can cause damage to the boat.

We would recommend a lanyard/sunglasses strap for your glasses and/or sunglasses.

If you have your own wet weather gear then you should bring it. Britannia can provide oil skins for people that do not have their own.

If you have some sailing gloves bring them.

Sleeping onboard?
If you are sleeping onboard you should bring a pillow and a sleeping bag.

Toiletries
Port Hamble Marina, Cowes and most other marinas have full shower and toilet facilities. You'll obviously need to bring your toiletries and a towel.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.