Jackets, Smocks and Spray Tops

Dinghy Sailing Smock

What is a sailing smock?

The dinghy spray top is a very used equipment during the practice of sailing, dinghy or catamaran. Indeed, it protects from rain and spray while avoiding heat loss. It is generally made of waterproof fabric, without front opening and with a tight collar to limit water entry and heat loss. A smock often allows for a wide range of movement.

The different types of spray tops

There are mainly two types: the lightweight sailing smocksand thehabitable sailing smocks.

Lightweight sailing smocks are generally more stretchy and lightweight than cruising smocks. As a result, they offer great freedom of movement. They are often not equipped with hoods and are tightened at the neck, hips and arms to minimize water entry and heat loss. Their light weight implies a two-layer coating or membrane to keep it waterproof. Over a sailing suit it will protect against wind and cold sensations.

Habitat sailing smocks offer better protection against cold, wind and water. For this, they are usually made of three-layer fabric. Despite the fact that they are less light, they still offer good freedom of movement and can be equipped with a hood and fleece parts.

For high-level sailing enthusiasts, there are also smocks for offshore sailing that offer excellent protection, they are also more expensive.

What is the difference between a smock and a watch smock?

First of all, it is necessary to distinguish the different types of watch smocks. There are watch smocks intended for coastal sailing, offshore sailing or for more intensive use such as during regattas. They have the same function, but the more intensive the use the more important the efficiency should be.

Sailing smocks have similar properties to watch smocks. The main difference being their design. The watch smock opens with a central zipper while the smocks do not have one and are put on by the head. The latter are more waterproof and generally offer greater freedom of movement. It is for these reasons that they are often preferred when practicing light sailing.

Complementary equipment for sailing

The vareusescomplement other clothing and accessories intended for sailing practice. Depending on the type of practice and the weather conditions, this equipment will need to be adjusted. During your practice of sailing or dinghy, it is necessary to protect yourself from the cold, humidity as well as the sun.

The sailing suit

The sailing suit neoprene allows to stay warm even if it is wet. Depending on the conditions, it can be paired with a windbreaker that will provide a windproof function to avoid getting cold. Sailing suits can be reinforced at the knees and buttocks to limit wear. There are sleeveless models to avoid being too hot in the summer.

Sailing booties

Sailing booties> or neoprene booties are going to complete the sailing suit by avoiding heat loss at the feet. They are usually easy to put on and can be equipped with a zip with a waterproof flap. Favor booties with a non-slip sole to avoid slipping on smooth, wet surfaces.

The buoyancy aid vest and life jacket

An essential safety equipment when you are sailing, the flotation vestis also mandatory. Regulations require different buoyancy depending on how far the boat is from shore. Within 2 miles of a shelter, you must be equipped with a minimum 50 Newton vest, a 100 N vest from 2 to 6 miles and a 150 N vest from 6 miles away from a shelter. There are foam or inflatable vests. Some foam buoyancy aid vests are very ergonomic and are designed specifically for light sailing.

Accessories

Sailing mittens or gloves protect the hands from the cold and from rubbing against the ropes that can cause injuries or burns. Mittens or gloves with two fingers cut off (thumb and index finger) keep dexterity when handling.

To protect your eyes from UV and sunlight, don't forget to equip yourself with a pair of sunglasses. Polarized models limit reflections on the water.

Tips for dressing while sailing: the 3-layer principle

It is good to remember an important principle for dressing while sailing: the 3-layer system. These tips are rather applicable for the practice of habitable sailing, but free to adapt them for your practice of dinghy or light sailing.

Respecting the principle of 3 layers allows you to stay warm in winter or cold weather while keeping a great freedom of movement. This system limits heat loss, wicks away perspiration and is protected from moisture.

• The first layer is a technical garment close to the body that retains heat. Cotton should be avoided as it absorbs perspiration, promotes dampness and the feeling of cold.
• The second layer, also known as the 'mid-layer', aims to limit heat loss while being able to wick away perspiration. It has an insulating role. Polar fleeces lend themselves well to this role while cotton is to be avoided for this layer.
• The third layer is the outer layer that will protect from rain and wind while allowing perspiration to escape. Therefore, one will choose a waterproof and breathable smock.

The extremities, i.e. the head, feet and hands, are also to be protected in cold weather.

For your light sailing practice, you will find our inflatable dinghy to take with you to practice on your vacation or weekend!