Beginner questions: Dinghy Wear

Dinghy Wear

Printed From: Yachts and Yachting Online
Category: General
Forum Name: Beginner questions
Forum Discription: Advice for those who are new to sailing
URL: http://www.yachtsandyachting.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=12441
Printed Date: 11 May 25 at 10:18pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.665y - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: Dinghy Wear

Posted By: terrycol
Subject: Dinghy Wear
Date Posted: 06 Jul 16 at 12:57pm

Hi All. Went for the ''open day'' at the local SC. Great day. Will be arranging some sailing lessons. Don't have much idea about protection/dinghy wear. Want something like a decent Spray top, (got some boots). What makes ?, what else should I be looking at buying??
Should I be looking at getting the most expensive, or cheapest? (I know you get what you pay for!!), Companies to use?
Appreciate your time
Terry

Replies:

Posted By: piglet
Date Posted: 06 Jul 16 at 8:56pm

For a spray top I don't think you can beat the Rooster Aquafleece.
https://www.roostersailing.com/pd/Classic-Aquafleece-Top---Unisex_105299.htm
They are lined so a lot warmer than a standard splash top.
Also consider a pile lined rash vest:
http://www.decathlon.co.uk/ss-uv-m-thermal-top-blue-id_8356761.html
Beg, borrow or buy some longjohns and that's all you really need.
I like my Gul code zero's:
https://www.wetsuitoutlet.co.uk/gul-code-zero-3mm-gbs-long-john-wetsuit-charcoal-cz4207-p-9942.html

Posted By: Rupert
Date Posted: 06 Jul 16 at 9:37pm

Any breathable spraytop will do the job, really. I find the aquafleece too warm in spring or summer. I like a long John wetsuit too, for ease of movement. I tend to go cheap, but you do get what you pay for, within reason. Rash vests are good, though I will often wear a cheap walking T shirt under instead in hot weather. Avoid cotton.

-------------
Firefly 2324, Puffin 229, Minisail 3446 Mirror 70686

Posted By: terrycol
Date Posted: 06 Jul 16 at 10:02pm

Many thanks gentlemen. Something to go on now.
tks
Terry

Posted By: ClubRacer
Date Posted: 06 Jul 16 at 10:58pm

longjohn and layer your top half depending on temperature

I too use a gul code zero longjohn and its fantastic, wear it all year round without ever getting hot and use it when its snowing in the summer without getting cold

Rooster also do longjohn, think the difference is negligible so maybe look at thickness/cost

Again Rooster aqua fleece is brilliant, In the summer i use just a rooster thermaflex top and in the winter wear both together. As for the comment saying you get too hot in the aqua fleece, as long as you have decent core layer you wont need the aqua fleece unless its seriously cold and wet

Posted By: sawman
Date Posted: 07 Jul 16 at 8:34am

it depends where you are going to be sailing, I used to sail on ponds and lakes with jetty and so t shirt ns shorts were fine, I now sail off a beach, up north and my default clothing is dry suit, the middle ground would be longjohn and spray top as above, dont forget gloves - half fingered Gill gloves are fine, unless you have cold hands routinely, in which case neoprene might be best - crewsaver phase2

Posted By: piglet
Date Posted: 07 Jul 16 at 10:09am

For summer gloves on the neo-tropical south coast I use Portwest A140 Thermal grip gloves
£1.31/Pair
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/182036508822
Cut all or some of the finger tips off to suit your individuality, 1 pair/season.
Good for pulling brambles as well.

Posted By: terrycol
Date Posted: 07 Jul 16 at 11:25am

Smashing Gents(?). Loads to go on. As someone else stated, not too many shops to buy your gear from, do most people buy on line? the only Gripe I have with that is its going to cost about 10 quid extra, (if you send something back) and even though I will be buying pretty soon, there not 'that' cheap!!

Posted By: terrycol
Date Posted: 07 Jul 16 at 11:27am

Just thought I would mention that I will be doing coastal dinghy sailing.

Posted By: piglet
Date Posted: 07 Jul 16 at 4:19pm

Which bit of coast? South Devon or North Hebrides would effect your clothing choice.
Many people make the annual pilgrimage to the Dinghy show in march and try stuff on there.
Unless you have a good shop nearby it is online only these days,
but
The likes of Rooster and Wetsuit Outlet offer free delivery and good returns policies.
I have returned wrong size items to both without issue but I did have to pay the return postage.

Posted By: piglet
Date Posted: 07 Jul 16 at 4:20pm

Originally posted by Rupert

I find the aquafleece too warm in spring or summer.

Agreed, havent worn mine since May except when raining.

Posted By: laser47
Date Posted: 07 Jul 16 at 4:44pm

Personally I advise anyone new to the sport to check out Decathlon. For about £100/£150 you can get good quality kit that will last long enough for you to figure out if you're hooked on the sport and want to splash out on more expensive stuff.

Get a wetsuit (Long johns are more popular these days because they let your arms move better but it's personal preference, most important part is that it fits properly), spray top, long sleeved rash vest, gloves and a buoyancy aid to start with and add a hat, thermal rashvest and salopettes in the autumn.

Posted By: terrycol
Date Posted: 07 Jul 16 at 4:57pm

Brilliant!! Thanks so much. Will starting pinching some money out of the wife's purse!!
Many Thanks
Terry