Packing for a Summer  Sailing Weekend

Feel like you need to be a bit smarter? The Dry-Fast Polo is what you need.

Just because it’s summer doesn’t mean you're going to stay warm and dry all the time, particularly when you’re out on the water. The day may start windless, with a little dew on the ground, but a sea breeze can pick up in the afternoon which, while it makes for fantastic sailing, does mean you’re most likely not going to stay dry.

Thankfully modern materials mean variable weather doesn’t mean you need to lug around a huge bag of sailing kit to enjoy your time afloat. Henri-Lloyd’s Dri Fast Tee, which is available as both long and short sleeved versions in men’s and women’s fits is your go-to base layer in summer. With UV 50 protection you can wear this out all day in the sun, and the smart look, combined with anti-odour technology, means you’ll be just as comfortable wearing it ashore.

Feel like you need to be a bit smarter? The Dry-Fast Polo is what you need, with this and the tees available in a range of vibrant colours such as Caribbean Sea, Cygnet Blue, Ice and Red.

A lady inside the boat wearing a blue sailing t-shirt and black waterproof salopettes

Combined with the Explorer 2.0 Shorts, or the Explorer Trouser 3.0, and you’ve got all bases covered, regardless of what you’re doing. The tailored zip pockets keep your phone and keys secure, while not awkwardly protruding.

For your outer layer then Dynamic is the word. The revolutionary 4-way stretch of the 3-Layer DRI PRO fabric means you can have close fitting jackets and salopettes which move with you, giving you freedom of movement, the ultimate protection, combined with light weight and compactness. The Henri-Lloyd team have drawn on their six decades of experience to develop the Dynamic Sailing Range, and the results are remarkable.

Depending on your preference and the type of sailing you do, you can choose between Jacket, Smock or Dry Top and combine with either the Salopette or the Deck Shorts and you’re set, whatever the weather throws at you.

Don’t forget a good cap, such as the Sail-Tec which is UPF 50+ and fast-dry, a pair of polarised sunglasses to reduce glare on the water and protect your eyes, and quality non-marking shoes with good grip and you’re set. Being comfortable and dry on the water makes for a far more enjoyable experience - believe me, once you’ve tried Dynamic in a sudden rainstorm then you’ll never turn back!

Packing light is especially important when you’re yacht racing. Extra baggage is extra weight on board, and no skipper likes that. Turn up with a small kit bag and you’ll instantly be in their good books!