Do you know what’s often overlooked when talking about sailing gear?
The sailing gear conversation often sidelines one crucial item – Sailing Gloves. These gloves, while providing comfort and enhancing performance, also serve a critical function of protecting your hands.
Whether you’re an amateur sailor just starting your journey in the sailing world or a seasoned veteran commanding the deck, gloves can prove essential. Not only do they offer protection, but they also significantly improve your grip.
The Two Heavy Hitters of Sailing Gloves
In the realm of sailing gloves, two contenders overwhelmingly dominate… the short finger gloves and the long finger gloves. While both achieve the same fundamental purpose – protecting and improving grip – they do so under varying circumstances, with each exhibiting its own strengths.
Let’s begin with the short-finger gloves, the more popular of the two with exposed fingertips. They might look stylish but they’re definitely not fashion accessories for your sailing gear. Their versatility gives you the ability to handle minute details during sailing… tasks like knot-tying or managing the numerous small shackles and ropes that can be tedious to manage.
And when the sun’s beating down, short finger gloves are your best bet. Their design allows your hands sufficient breathing room, helping them remain cool even as you’re pushing to achieve your best performance.
What about long finger gloves?
They cover your entire hand, acting as a comprehensive shield. These gloves prove to be an excellent choice if you’re sailing in cooler conditions or tackling more demanding and rugged gear like coarse ropes or hefty chains.
Not to be discounted, these gloves also enhance your grip in wet conditions. Most sailors, over time, have found them to be exceedingly comfortable, even over extended periods. This is a significant factor, considering the risk of blisters and chafing that they mitigate.
Determining The Right Choice
Choosing between the two primarily boils down to various factors such as personal preference, prevalent weather conditions, and your anticipated activities on the ship.
It’s quite common for sailors to keep both types readily available, switching between the two as needed.
However, always remember that a glove is only beneficial if it fits correctly. To find your perfect fit, measure your dominant hand around the widest part of your palm – just below your fingers.
When selecting your gloves, prioritise comfort, durability, and most importantly, Grip. Leather and faux leather gloves fit the bill perfectly, offering robust grip and admirable durability.
Never overlook the importance of having a strong grip on things on a boat… it can potentially save you from unexpected incidents and is extremely important on a heaving deck.
The size of your boat, weather conditions, and your role onboard, all influence your choice of gloves. Regardless of whether you opt for short-finger or long-finger gloves, a quality pair can significantly enhance your sailing experience.
The Bottom Line
Here’s my bottom line… sailing gloves are not a mere option; they are an essential piece of sailing gear.
The unpredictable nature of the sea can lead to unexpected accidents, like a sudden gust of wind creating a nasty rope burn.
Regular handling of the ship’s gear – sheets, halyards, mooring warps, anchor chains – necessitates the use of gloves to protect your hands.
The role of sailing gloves should never be underestimated… it extends beyond comfort.
They are vital part of your safety gear and as a sailor, you should never set sail without a reliable pair of sailing gloves.
Your hands will thank you for the care and protection… and you’ll be better able to handle that accidental smoking line.
And there’s more on Essential Sailing Gear here
Fair Winds and Following Seas,
Claire Bailey
