Snowboards – Wakeboards – Skateboards

All sailors know that it is absolutely essential to be prepared for all situations, and most importantly the apparel sailors wear are going to depend on the weather. When sailing it is vital to pay attention to the weather as it will dictate apparel decisions. On shore, the weather might be warm and sunny, but out on the water it could very well be chilly and breezy. Being equipped with many layers and especially the correct layers could also save a life if a sailor happens to go overboard and drift in frigid waters. 

In an instant the weather can change regardless of the sunny outlook ashore. Also the weather out on the water might be drastically different thus take a sailing jacket to protect from cool wind or even rain. A sailor's jacket of choice is usually a Harken jacket. Its premiere quality, breathable fabric, and mobile fabric are consequences of its light fabric. However, an excellent alternative is a Gill jacket or vest. Any sailing jacket which is purchased should have a neoprene waistband and sleeve so that the wearer remains dry and can still breathe. 

Compliment the sailing jacket with sailing shorts and sailing rashguards. Columbia Sportswear and Gill are brand options for boat shorts. Padded shorts will lessen the effect of the sailboat's hard decks. In sailing shorts there usually is a 35+ SPF built in UV protection. Sailing rashguards will protect against chafing as a result of wearing personal flotation devices, or harnesses. The sailing rashguards are made of spandex and usually also have built in UV protection ranging up to 50+ UVP. Excellent choices for sailing rashguards are Ronstan and Harken. Sailors can choose between a short sleeve and long sleeve sailing rashguards. While sailors move about, a long sleeve rashguard is kept in place with a thumb hole which is designed into it. 

Protect and insulate the whole body with a sailing wetsuit. Ronstan offers a great selection of sailing wetsuits all made from the latest in neoprene technology available today. While providing thermal insulation and even buoyancy, neoprene allows the body to breathe. The wetsuit will stretch and contour to each sailor’s body. The knees of the wetsuits are reinforced for durability and protection. There is no decrease in mobility with these wetsuits as they are designed for sailors specifically. There is a choice between a full body sailing wetsuit or half-body sailing wetsuit depending on the situation and need.

A sailor will need the correct sailing apparel to protect the body when sailing on the water. Weather is well known to change in an instant, and being prepared for that change is half the battle usually. Help to make it easier by being wearing the right sailing apparel for all weather conditions and be ready to adapt to any variations encountered. As much as the spray will allow while sailing, sailors can stay as dry as possible with the best foul weather gear and sailing apparel.

Africa’s coastlines extend for over 16,000 miles. Explore and Cruise over 16,000 miles of coastline with a sailboat. Africa is the only continent to stretch from south of the equator to north of it, and have several unique climates. The climate is close to that of a desert and has arid air, and the north is subarctic. Both savanna plains and dense jungle rainforests are in the tropical south. The coastlines vary depending on if the cruising location is in the north or south, but all these coastlines have amazing local villages and are bursting with culture and life. Thousands of miles of coastline are begging to be sailed including places like Morocco, South Africa, and Madagascar.

On the North West side of Africa is the small country of Morocco. Most will recognize the name of Morocco’s largest city, Casablanca. Stay at the docks in this famous city and enjoy the life of the people. Visit the local bazaar and pick up a few unique and special souvenirs or boat parts if need be. Moroccan cuisine is actually considered one of the most diversified cuisines in the world. Spain, Portugal, and the Mediterranean countries have no doubt had an influence on this since they are neighboring countries. Beware though, spicy foods happens to be one of their specialties. There are dozens of other harbors along the coastline, including amazing beaches with plenty of snorkeling potential.

When it comes to sailing the Southern region of Africa, there is definitely no better place to visit than South Africa. In Africa, the most popular tourist destination is Cape Town, South Africa, surpassing even Cairo, Egypt in popularity. As well as great climate, Cape Town has a well developed city structure. Where else will there be numerous beaches in close proximity due to the geography of the city. Drop boat anchor off the coast of these gorgeous beaches and take part in activities such as diving and especially surfing. Boulders Beach is well known for its colony of African penguins that frequent the area. The beaches which are located on the Atlantic Ocean side tend to have cold water, but the waters off the coast of False bay are much warmer, by up to even 18 degrees Fahrenheit.

The island of Madagascar is located only 250 miles east of continental Africa. Year round thermal winds and amazing waters are just the beginning in Madagascar. Water temperatures here actually range well into 86 degrees Fahrenheit; most of the year the waters are warm in the 75 degree Fahrenheit range. Many different tropical fish, and a good amount of rainbow-colored fish, are hiding in the coral reefs. There are beaches that stretch for miles and it’s relatively easy to anchor and explore the mainland. Go snorkeling in the coral reefs, or fish from the comfort of a sailboat. There is no shortage of wildlife to see here, as most wildlife is indigenous to Madagascar considering its separation from Africa mainland.

The continent’s rich diversity and excellent sailing prospects can be found along the coasts of Morocco, South Africa, and Madagascar just to start with. There are so many miles of coastline to cruise along, that it would be impossible to get bored. It could even be considered a worthy adventure to circumvent all of Africa to get the full exposure of these rich and beautiful shores. Stock up on boat supplies and get ready for some good weather, a decent amount of sun, and warm waters; Africa is definitely a great location to check out for cruising potential.