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The best yachting gear for wet winter voyages

Skippers of the 'Vivo a Beira' training for the Transat Jacques Vabre race - AFP
Skippers of the 'Vivo a Beira' training for the Transat Jacques Vabre race - AFP

When we think of yachting, the first thing that comes to mind is usually a sunny Mediterranean voyage or a Russian billionaire's superyacht docked in Monaco or St Tropez.  

But yachting is about much more than drool-worthy megaboats cruising the sun-kissed seas. With winter on its way, you might think only the hardiest of sailors will be out on stormy seas – but yachting at this time of year is actually a favourite part of the season for many hobbyists. The waters are largely clear of amateurs, and the windy conditions bring their unique sense of challenge.

If you count yourself among their numbers, you'll know that waterproofing is essential, and these days a waterproof variety of almost everything is available. Of course, waterproof jackets, trousers, sailing boots and bags are recommended, as are wetsuits if on smaller boats. But you can now find water-resistant phones, tablets, headphones and more for on-board entertainment. 

It's also imperative to stay safe – think life jackets, knee pads if spending a long time on your knees, satellite phones to remain in touch with land, beacons for visibility, and of course sun protection even if sailing in winter. And never forget to take sun protection. 

So whether you're a novice or an experienced seaman, spending a few short hours on water or going for a longer cruise, or even if you're shirking cold British waters for somewhere a bit warmer this winter, here's our advice on all the sailing supplies you should take with you. 

Safety first

Safety is always paramount when taking to the water, especially during winter when seas are stormier and more unpredictable. Consider bringing these items with you – and make sure to check the shipping forecast

1. Xcel Axis X 5/4mm men's winter wetsuit

£229.93, Surfdome

wetsuit
wetsuit

If you're on a small sailing boat in rough seas you'll inevitably get splashed from time to time (to put it lightly), and the water will be freezing. In normal clothing you'll start shivering in no time. 

Wetsuits are built for spending hours submerged in water, and winter wetsuits are for the hardcore who swim or surf during the coldest months of the year. When water is trapped between your skin and the suit, the skin heats it up and the warm water is retained. 

This Xcel winter wetsuit is made with eco-friendly neoprene (a synthetic rubber), is lightweight and flexible, quick-drying and good value for money. 

2. Ocean Signal RescueME MOB1

£200, Amazon

safety beacon
safety beacon

This personal beacon sends an alert and location to rescue authorities and other vessels in the vicinity in the event of an emergency. It's certainly worth taking one if you'll be spending significant time at sea or venturing far (it can be detected from up to five miles' distance). 

They are very easy to use, which is important should an issue arise, and a strobe light ensures maximum visibility. They are small enough to wear within a life jacket.

3. Inmarsat Isatphone 2 satellite phone

£625, Amazon

isat phone
isat phone

Satellite phones connect to satellites rather than regular phone signals, providing far greater coverage, often global. 

This satellite phone boasts full global coverage (except the poles) with flat rate calling charges - make calls, sense texts, track your position without fretting over roaming costs. 

With eight hours of talk time and 160 hours of standby, it'll keep going for a long time between charges. 

4. Petzl Tikka headlamp 

£27, GO Outdoors 

petzl
petzl

A good headlamp is a yachting essential, especially if spending early mornings or late evenings on board. 

This lightweight option from market leaders Petzl is an ideal headlamp with a long battery life, bright light and, crucially, IPX4 waterproofing rating (protects against splashing water). 

5. Floattop inflatable life jacket 

£45.99, Amazon

life jacket 
life jacket

Life jackets are important even for experienced swimmers – and never more so than in winter. If you're going on someone else's yacht, chances are they will have some spare life jackets. But if you're looking to sail regularly it's worth investing in your own. 

This life jacket inflates easily by pulling the toggle, is lightweight and durable, and the slim fit allows for full movement. It's also cheaper than most of its competitors. 

What to wear

1. Tog 24 Brevett men's TCZ 200 jacket fire 

£45, Amazon

jacket
jacket

On a boat you want to stay warm without having your movement restricted. This slim fleece jacket provides warmth without bulk, is breathable and absorbs moisture quickly.

It is warm enough as a stand alone in most conditions, but is sufficiently lightweight to fit comfortably under something thicker if needed. 

2. Heat Holders 0.61 tog microfleece thermal base layer 

£14.99, Amazon

men's base layer 
men's base layer

A good thermal base layer is vital in keeping warm, and, as they're incredibly thin, can be worn with as many layers on top as you wish. 

This option from Heat Holders is incredibly effective while remaining breathable, and holds a high tog rating of 0.61. 

Heat Holders' thermal base layers come in both men's and women's sizes. 

3. Suunto Elementum Terra leather watch

£390.90, Amazon

watch
watch

A good watch is crucial on a boat, and despite its name this number from Suunto fits the bill. 

It comes with a host of features useful on sea: a barometer, a compass, a 12-month battery life and, above all, water resistance to 100 metres. 

4. Oakley Flak 2.0 XL Prizm deep water polarized

£180, Oakley

oakley
oakley

Regardess of season it's important to take sunglasses with you, to both keep out harmful rays and protect the eyes from water. 

This pair from popular brand Oakley feature a revolutionary technology, PRIZM, that fine-tunes vision depending on which sport you're practicing. 

Extra grippy earsocks and nosepads mean there's no need for a strap either. 

5. Osprey Farpoint 80 backpack

£111.99, Amazon

Farpoint
Farpoint

You'll need something sizeable and sturdy to store all your clothes, and Osprey make some of the best backpacks.

The Farpoint 80 is Osprey's bestselling travel bag, and can handily be packed like a suitcase but carried like a rucksack. It comes with a detachable day pack for lighter journeys. 

Also worth considering are Osprey's drysacks, which are fully waterproof. 

Best of the rest

1. Kobo Aura H2O 2nd edition eBook reader

£219.76, Amazon

kobo
kobo

What better for those quiet moments than an eBook reader? Take up to 6,000 books with you without the fear they'll be ruined by water.

The Kobo Aura is waterproof for 60 minutes in up to two metres of water and features anti-glare technology, so you can read in direct sunlight too. 

2. Tog 24 Bronte stainless steel bottle flask

£15, Tog 24

tog
tog

You'll need a hot drink with you if sailing in winter, and this machine-washable, 0.5 litre flask will keep your coffee, tea or soup piping hot.

3. Sun bum sun spray SPF70

£32.80, Amazon

sun cream
sun cream

A good sun cream is paramount out at sea, even in winter. This SPF 70 sun block features UVA and UVB protection, is water resistant and oil free. 

Click here to see The Telegraph's pick of the best waterproof headphones. 

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