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Suggested Gear for the Fall and Spring Season
As we all know, fall and spring in DC can be unpredictable and have a wide range of weather. DC can go from being blisteringly hot to bitterly cold at a drop of a hat. This is why having the right sailing gear is imperative for enjoyable and safe sailing. Because hypothermia can be a real danger, DC Sail provides a list of suggested gear that will keep any sailor both safe and comfortable.  
  • No cotton!
    • Cotton is not allowed out on the water. It absorbs water and takes a very long time to dry. If a sailor is wearing cotton they will not be allowed to go out.
As per US Sailing guidelines, we require either a wetsuit or a drysuit in order to sail when the combined air and water temperature is below 120 degrees fahrenheit. Different sailors have different gear that they prefer. Below are some options for the colder weather.
  • Dry Suit
    • Dry suits are designed to keep a sailor completly dry. It covers the body, feet included, and keeps the water out. This is one of the more expensive options, usually costing $300+. The best dry suits are gore-tex. These range between $500-$1500. The top of the line drysuits are made by Musto and Kokatat. Other good brands include Henri Lloyd, Helly Hansen and Gill, all of which are much less expensive and have very good quality gear.
  • Wet/Dry Suit
    • This is a hybrid between a dry suit and wet suit. It looks like a traditional wet suit, but it has a "hydrophobic" outer layer that keeps the water out.  Zhik sells such a suit for $350, but there are a number of other brands out there as well.
  • Wet Suit
    • Wet suits are the most common option in youth sailing. Unlike dry suits, wet suits do not keep the sailor dry. It traps water in the neoprene layer and preserves body heat by preventing water and heat transfer. "Spring suits" (wet suits less than 3 mm thick) should be avoided unless paired with another layer. It is common for sailors to pair wet suits with salopette or bib (waterproof coveralls very like those marketed for skiing) or waterproof pants, and a dinghy smock. The sailing specific wetsuits, Zhik, Ronstan and Rooster get very good reviews. For non-sailing specific brands, surfing gear companies such as O'Neill and Body Glove are common.
  • Dinghy smock
    • Dinghy smocks are great for sailing. In the cold weather they can be layered with wet suits, and as it gets warmer sailors can wear it instead of a full wet suit. You can get a dinghy smock for about $75.
  • Gloves
    • Good winter sailing gloves are very important. Not only do they keep a sailor's hands warm, but they also help to create a better grip on lines and prevent blisters.
  •  Dinghy Boots  
    • For the colder mounts, a pair of wool or waterproof socks are suggested to be worn with the boots
Where can I get this gear?
Listed below are stores and websites suggested by our coaches where you can find apropreate gear. It is important to note that kyacking gear can also be used as well.
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DC Sail is the community sailing program of National Maritime Heritage Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Business Mailing Address: 650 Wharf Street SW, Unit 20, Washington, DC 20024
Diamond Teague Park Piers Waterfront Address: 99 Potomac Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20003
The Wharf Marina Waterfront Address: 650 Wharf Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
Telephone: (202) 547-1250 · Email: Traci Mead, Executive Director - tmead@dcsail.org 
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