Gloves

Sailing gloves save your palms from rope burn and let you hold a loaded sheet properly. The core choice is finger coverage: short-finger gloves keep fingertip feel for shackles, knots and fiddly work — the usual pick for dinghy and race crews — while full-finger versions add warmth and protection for coastal work, trapezing and wire-heavy boats. Palm material decides lifespan; reinforced synthetic suede outlasts bare leather on modern ropes. Stock is past-season Zhik, Rooster, Musto and Sail Racing. Buy them snug: gloves stretch and go slightly baggy when wet, and a loose glove folds under load. Rinse in fresh water and dry away from radiators.