Gear

Summer-Sailing Gear Guide

Looking forward to a summer of fun on the water? Here we take a look at everything from flip flops and floppy hats to inflatable kayaks and SUPs.

By Cruising World Staff

Updated: May 3, 2013

ENO DoubleNest hammock

Nothing beats lounging in a hammock on the foredeck. Nothing. The DoubleNest from Eagles Nest Outfitters has sturdy nylon construction and can comfortably fit two—and it all stuffs in a small compression sack. Pefect for stowing on board! CW associate editor Jen Brett has been trying one out this spring aboard her boat, Lyra , and it’s become a favorite.

Sea Eagle FastTrack Inflatable Kayak

An inflatable kayak is a super-fun way to explore the anchorage and get some exercise while you’re at it! The FastTrack Inflatable Kayak from Sea Eagle has been redesigned to be sleeker, faster, and lighter with a narrower bow designed to cut through wind and waves. The high-pressure, drop-stitch floor provides rigidity to the whole structure, and the removable skeg keeps the boat on track.

Sailor Bags

Look super salty when you climb aboard with sundowners packed in a cooler bag from Sailor Bags . Insulated with foam and covered with a heavy-duty moisture barrier, the bags are designed to keep your food and drinks cool all day long.

Sperry women’s Seafish sandal

Nothing says summer like flip flops! Available in a variety of petterns and colors, the women’s Seafish thong sandal from Sperry Top-Sider features a non-marking rubber outsole with Wave-Siping for ultimate wet/dry traction. Anthony Scarpetta

ASA Coastal Cruising Made Easy

Need to brush up on your sailing skills? Check out this gorgeous, full-color book from the American Sailing Association that covers everything from cruising gear selection to piloting through the fog. Coastal Cruising Made Easy is a great resource for newbies and experienced sailors alike.

Aquaviz mask

If your vision is not quite 20/20, you’ll appreciate this mask from Aquaviz. The Aquaviz comes with a unique snap-in insert containing your perscription lenses and is even available for bifocals and varifocals. The Aquaviz twin-lens, single-gasket design (with no uncomfortable bridge band) combines the superior comfort and improved visual field of diving masks with the hydrodynamic benefits of aquatic goggle technology.

Nautique Optix

Nautique Optix is a company located in northeast Ohio that offers five styles of real-wood sunglasses in your choice of cherry, mahogany, maple, oak, and exotic bubinga, wenge wood, and zebrawood. The sunglasses offer polarized optics from Carl Zeiss Vision with contrast-enhancing gray lenses that meet ANSI Z80.3-2010 UVA and UVB blocking requirements. They have comfort-fit spring hinges, and come with a custom case, lanyard, and cleaning cloth. Of special note to sailors, Nautique Optix sunglasses float!

Chacos Fantasia

The women’s Fantasia sandal from Chacos features all the foot support that you expect from Chacos yet in a much lighter shoe. This sandal, along with the men’s Mighty, are part of the new NearGround Collection, which balances natural support with low-to-the-ground design in capable and versatile styles, all built on Chaco’s lightest, thinnest and most cushioned platform to date. Ralph Livingston III

Habitent

Ever wish your boat’s cockpit had a bit more privacy? Then check out the Habitent. It’s an adjustable cockpit enclosure that is designed to fit a wide range of sailboats and will increase your living space. The Habitent doesn’t require any permanent fittings and can easily fold up for storage.

Hobie Mirage inflatable kayak

The Mirage i9S from Hobie can be pedalled, paddled, or even sailed with an optional sail package. This inflatable kayak can stow in a lazarette and provides the perfect way to go explore!

Unburn

Had a little too much fun in the sun? Check out Unburn—a topical water-based gel for fast sunburn relief that draws the heat out of the burn to cool the skin.

Sea Breathe

The Sea Breathe is one of those rare pieces of equipment on your boat that can be used for both work and play. It’s a 12-volt surface air supply that allows you to breathe underwater without dive tanks—use it for diving on your boat’s bottom, or to check out a reef!

Sea Eagle SUP

The NeedleNose Stand Up Paddleboard from Sea Eagle can deflate and fit into its own backpack for easy storage and transportation—perfect for fun and exercise at anchor!

SWIMS loafers

SWIMS are water-resistant loafers that are made out of a breathable nylon and feature a non-slip, non-marking natural rubber sole. They can be worn at the beach, on a boat, and then out to dinner—they can even be tossed in the washing machine.

Guideline Eyegear

Guideline Eyegear sunglasses are designed with life on the water in mind. All styles feature polarized laminate polycarbonate lenses, and many are available with prescription lenses. The “Wake” sunglasses provide total eye coverage against the sun with the widest lenses in Guideline’s collection. Locking hinges and rubberized temples and nosepads allow for maximum coverage in an active lifestyle, without the worry of slippage.

West Marine Tech Booney Hat

For cruising sailors, the sun is pretty much unavoidable. The West Marine Tech Booney Hat is packable, crushable, and features a Coolmax lining that draws perspiration away from your head. The 3.5-inch brim protects your face, ears, and neck during long days on the water.

West Marine women’s Swell Hoodie

The West Marine women’s Swell Hoodie updates the classic hoodie look with feminine side ruching, thumb holes to keep the sleeves from riding up and a wicking jersey fabric to keep you comfy all day long.

Aquabotix AquaLens

For those times when you need to check something out in the water—but don’t want to get wet—there’s the AquaLens Portable Video Viewing System from Aquabotix . Use it to check your boat’s prop, zincs, rudder, or bottom condition. If you sail in shallow or rocky areas, the AquaLens could come in handy to check for damage after a grounding.