A new question for SpinSheet advice columnist Stefina:
I am a total sailing neophyte and really want to impress "my" Captain (Oh Captain!). I would like to know which brands of clothing (including hats), bags and other accessories I should buy to look good and fit in (price is no object). For instance the brands I buy for skiing are Bogner, Spyder, and Obermeyer for clothes and Scott for goggles and helmets. I hope you don't think I am superficial, but I figured I'd throw caution to the wind and see what you advise. ~Mayday
Dear Mayday
You are a gal after my own heart… "those who can’t, can dress the part” is one of my favorite stefinaisms. I love to hear from people wanting to look good on a sailboat, why knot? Many sailors are skiers or vice versa; both love the outdoors and are not afraid of wind, sun, a thrill, or a chill. I bet your “ski legs” will convert to “sea legs” in no time.
Take a look at these photos, where a savvy fashionista interchanges her sailing foul weather jacket and her ski jacket, looking smashing both on the slopes and at the helm. While I understand your desire to be fashionable, those magazine ads, where everyone looks perfect, reminiscent of Jackie Kennedy, are not quite the typical sailing experience. Comfort and high tech layers in breathable fabrics are ideal with changing conditions on a boat.
A few important things to keep in mind:
- 1. Be prepared to get wet (yes, really)So go for the best brands for foul weather jackets and pants: Helly Hansen, Musto, Gill, Henri Lloyd to name a few. This will certainly meet your goal of dressing to impress your captain. Regional stores include Helly Hansen, Annapolis Performance Sailing (APS), Fawcett Boat Supplies, Atlantis Weathergear, and West Marine. A recent addition to the Annapolis scene is “Rockhopper Outfitters” which carries both sail and skiwear, including Atlantis and Cloudveil.
- Shoes are most important. No high heels on a boat (let the boat do the heeling). If you want to be invited back, always wear shoes with light colored soles. Best boat brands: Sperry, Sebago, Keen. If you are as well-heeled as you sound, Tods or Cole Hahn loafers step it up a bit.
- Be ready to move around… quickly and comfortably. Go with breathable fabrics, cozy fleece, loose fitting shorts or slacks .Save your sun dresses for land.
- Keep in mind that “slips” and “bows” are not fashion accessories.
Once you are back at the dock, hanging out in the cockpit, walking around the marina or club, nautical themed clothing is always fun. The classic Breton striped boat neck, which The French call Le “Marienere” has been popular since 1917 when Coco Chanel first discovered it. Now is the time to mimic those ads. Nautical themed clothing is everywhere this year, particularly Ralph Lauren, J Crew, and Tommy Hilfiger. While navy and white are fairly obvious, try some pops of yellow or red.
Of course I don't think you’re superficial, we gals always want to look our best with a new beau. Looking good is a great starting point. Pick up some sailing terminology along with your new clothes will really impress your new Captain. When he hears you tell him that you’re on a beam reach, he will be the one reaching for your next date.
~Stefina
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We know how romantic relationships–and even friendships–can get a little weird on the water... Stefina is a licensed social worker who would like to answer your questions, in the same style as a sort of Sailing Dear Abby or in the same vein as the New York Times Social Q’s. Send us a few onboard challenges you are facing with your first mate (or bestie), and we’ll let our columnist dish out some advice… Send questions to [email protected]
