We’re in the midst of racing season here in Costa Smeralda, Italy’s yachting playground named for its striking blue waters dappled with sparkling emerald. On any regatta, the wind and waves pelt your face and legs, salt crunching your hair and sticking to every pore. The scent of the sea mixes with adrenaline or, sometimes, frustration. Even with extreme weather conditions, you wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s those days with no wind at all you dread. That means you need to find something else to do besides sail.
Here’s a lean, mean guide to what you and your trusty first mate need to carry you from long days on the sea into afternoons and informal evenings. Featured here are tried, tested, and true sailing wear, the best of the best performance brands: versatile, protective, comfortable. Some are likely already in your wardrobe. As the Scandinavians love to say, there’s no bad weather, only bad clothing.
We’re featuring Helly Hansen, whose long lineage began in the beautiful but harsh Norwegian fjords in the late 1800’s. Since then their clothing lines have become internationally appreciated for skiing, sailing, and any outdoor lifestyle.
There’s the Aussie brand, Zhik, which just brought home the gold in Japan, outfitting their home team, as well as teams from Singapore, New Zealand, and Denmark.
Gill Marine also makes our list; the British brand started in 1975 by a frustrated dinghy sailor in the back of his dad’s factory. Today it’s the leading marine-wear brand.
North Sails, our American entry, got its start in the 50’s with an Olympic Gold medalist producing performance sails. Sailing apparel came in 2018 and carries with it a long tradition of sustainability.
Polos and shorts are, after all, polos, and shorts. Your own personal preferences will determine which works best for you. Besides fit and color, it’s not possible to go wrong with any of these easy pieces.
FOOTWEAR
Starting from feet up, Helly Hansen’s fetching Fjord Canvas shoes V2 in charcoal will carry both genders from hotel check-in, trotting around La Piazzetta for window-shopping on a lay day, or the getaway back to Olbia and your awaiting jet.
Onboard your racing yacht, though, rely on Zhik’s Fuze deck shoes. They’ve proven to be super quick-dry; a gap in the mid-sole channels water out and away. An anti-bac lining on the interior and proprietary gripping -- yet non-marking -- soles are true essentials.
ACCESSORIES
Whether the early morning buzz is that today’s weather is utterly divine or significantly less than, pop on Gill Marine’s Technical Marine Sunhat which provides the same 50 UV protection for faces as the brand’s polos (below) more securely than a cap. That extra coverage to the oft-forgotten back of your neck will be appreciated after a long day.
PANTS & SHORTS
We love versatile and each of these entries fit that description. Although none will get you through to the Skipper’s Dinner at Yacht Club Porto Cervo. Onboard, however, you’ll appreciate Zhik Harbour Shorts because they are so all-purpose. The 4-way stretch woven and water-repellant shorts have reinforced seams, ample pockets, 8-inch inseams and will take you from the regatta to a seat at a café table. They come in sizes for men and women and perform equally well in the long version. Sailors – and loungers – are sure to love Gill Marine’s UV Tech Trousers with 50 UV protection built right in for your legs. Styled for both men and women, we love that they come in khaki, a casual color perfect for the bar.
JACKETS
It’s easy to underestimate summer along the Med; like it or not, foul weather gear is a necessity for a regatta. You’ll appreciate Helly Hansen’s Pier 3.0 jacket, crafted from the brand’s HELLY TECH® performance fabric, which provides the toughest weatherproof outer layer, designed for high resilience to the harshest conditions. You’ll find it super light-weight, fully water- and wind-proof, and capable of withstanding piercing temperatures. All this, and it’s very breathable, too; keeping you dry while allowing sweat vapor out.
You’ll also excel with North Sails Southern Ocean Smock, which offers serious protection in all sizes. A GORE-TEX™ exterior and high neck protects against precipitation of any kind. This jacket skims mid-thigh and then drops in the back to keep you dry no matter which way you move. Does that sulphur-yellow shade look familiar? It should if you watched the Rolex Fastnet Race in August. Franck Cammas, Charles Caudrelier and crew aboard the Maxi Edmond de Rothschild were wearing these same jackets when they brought their Gitana trimaran to glorious victory, marking their second consecutive win and setting a new course record.
SHIRTS
Early morning starts call for easy pieces. Pull-on these UV tech polos by Gill Marine. They’ll keep you polished, authoritative, calm. They’re flexible, breathable, and come in a wide variety of colors and sizes for both gents and ladies.
You might prefer Zhik’s 100% premium cotton polos. Sized for both genders, they’re soft, non-clingy, and look great over anything.
We also love the less tech-y Fjord QD short sleeve by Helly Hansen. It’s fresh, works well over white linen trousers, and beneath a navy linen blazer for more formal occasions, accessorized with a jaunty bow-tie and pocket square.
No collars? No problem. North Sails GP SS shirt is a silk-weight, fast-dry, breathable tee that drapes well over those PECS you’ve been developing.
JUMPERS & DRESSES
Gentlemen, you may divert your attention elsewhere, we’ve saved the best for last. You might call these sweaters, either way, call them essentials to carry you throughout the day, even as an accessory. Navy and white coordinate fabulously on the popular North Sails striped cotton jumper. Graduated stripes and bell sleeves make this a stunner over white or navy cigarette pants or slim skirts, even over swimwear.
Obviously not standard deck-ware, Helly Hansen’s Thalia Pique Dress is a preppy classic. It’s easy to toss on, packs well, and keeps you looking stylish on the hello as well as the goodbye.
These will be your must-have’s until next season. Whether for your first -- or final – regatta this year, these brands stand up to whatever challenges nature and the Tyrrhenian sea impose. When you hear the pronouncement “and the cup goes to...” you know it will always be you, your crew, and these exceptional pieces.
Gill Marine Summer Collection Gallery
Helly Hansen Summer Collection Gallery
North Sails Summer Collection Gallery
Zhik Summer Collection Gallery
