It’s not necessary to buy any specialist sailing clothing for your first time on the boat, but you may consider this if you decide you would like to continue. Speak to your coach, skipper, or fellow crew members about the most appropriate gear and where you can get it from. They may even know of some great deals or have insight into any tips on choosing the right gear and maintaining specialist gear.

• Bring a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses (with a tie to stop them falling off if possible) to protect you from the sun and the wind – even if it’s a cloudy day. Zinc is a sailors best friend in a hot Perth summer.
• Long hair should be tied back, and excessive jewellery should be removed so that it can’t be tangled in anything on the boat.
• Comfortable clothing that allows a full range of movement and can be wet at times is best.
• Consider items that will protect you from the sun and the wind.

This is a safety requirement in all “Off The Beach” boats as well as on the coach/safety boats.

• If you follow the instructor, skipper, and crew’s directions, it’s unlikely that you will fall overboard during your time on the boat. For certain types of boats, wearing a life jacket or PFD is mandatory regardless of your preference, and they are recommended if you are not the most confident swimmer.
  Member owned keelboats must be equipped with life jackets or PFDs for it’s capacity, and while it may not be necessary at all times, you will be required to put one on (as a legal requirement) if instructed to do so by the skipper or the crew.
• There are a range of PFDs to be borrowed from the club during club run events and activities but if you would like to sail regularly, we recommend looking into purchasing your own.

• It is best to wear comfortable clothes that are appropriate for the weather on the day and the style of activity. Often a t-shirt and shorts are fine if it’s warm. In any boat, we recommend that you bring a rain jacket to protect you from the wind and spray. It’s also important to remember that is often a little cooler on the water than it is on land, so consider the skipper or crew’s advice, and dress in layers. Even in Keelboats you might get a bit wet so keep this in mind when selecting what clothes to wear.
• Shoes should be comfortable, closed-toed, non-slip, and non-marking. Avoid wearing shoes that may come off easily as you move around the boat and bare feet are also not recommended (and not allowed on some boats). Often a pair of light/white soled trainers will get you going.

• Dinghies are launched off the beach and you sail close to the water so there will always be a point where your legs will get wet, your body may also experience some spray. Wearing a wetsuit, or clothes that you don’t mind getting wet is best. The ability to move comfortably is also ideal, so you can be quite dynamic in the boat if needed.
• While learning, you will likely be bare foot. You can wear a light, flexible pair of shoes that you don’t mind getting wet if you prefer your feet to stay covered.
• Avoid bringing valuables on board as items may get wet, damaged, or lost. If you would prefer to have your phone on the water with you for medical reasons, look at options of a waterproof bag to keep it safe, or consider asking a coach or safety boat to hold onto it.

• Use the bathroom facilities at the Club before you get on the boat, even if you know the boat has these facilities too. You are often on water for a few hours at a time.
• Always hold on to something as you move around the boat – it can jolt, move, or stop suddenly.
• Be aware of where you are sitting, placing your hands or your feet. Keep clear of the rope pulleys and devices (known as ‘winches’ and ‘blocks’). Be careful not to sit or stand on ropes (usually called ‘sheets’ or ‘halyards’). Do not at any time wrap them around your hands. This can help you avoid injuries in the boat.
• Keep your head low, avoid standing and duck immediately if your instructor, skipper or crew tell you to. In the middle of the boat you’ll notice a swinging, horizontal pole (called ‘the boom’) which can cause serious injuries if you get in its way!
• Let the Club, instructor or skipper know before you start sailing if you have a disability, illness or injury that might influence your ability to participate. This is unlikely to mean that you can’t sail – but it is important that they know just in case. Contact the Club or the skipper beforehand if you’d like to discuss exactly what physical activity sailing involves and determine what your limitations might be.
• Instructors will give you a safety briefing before you head out (and skippers may too), but if they forget, don’t hesitate to ask for one.

Most of all, have fun, and don’t hesitate to ask questions while you’re sailing!