Sailing across the open waters, with the wind in your hair and the sun on your face, is a thrilling experience. However, while enjoying the maritime adventure, it's crucial to prioritize sun protection as the sun's rays can be particularly intense on the water, putting sailors at a higher risk of sunburns, skin damage, and even skin cancer. With proper precautions and awareness, sailors can navigate the seas safely and shield their skin from the harmful effects of the sun. Try multiple solutions, brands and types of products to gain the best coverage that works for you, your skin type and lifestyle.
Let’s start with Sunscreen, apply and reapply often, opting for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (SPF) of 50 or above. Apply it generously to all exposed skin before heading out to sea or anywhere you’re going to be outside. Don't forget often overlooked areas like the ears, neck, and tops of the feet. Remember to reapply every two hours or more frequently if you are sweating or swimming. I also use zinc sticks on my nose, ears and cheeks to add coverage to those areas that easily burn on me, you can be colourful or use nude shades which blend into skin tones for a more natural coverage. If you have sensitive skin or have specific brands that you will only use, think about how likely you are to be able to get it where you sail, not all brands are universally available, I have had to switch brands a few times as we've moved throughout the Caribbean. I also try to use reef safe brands where possible, but availability, if I like the feel or coverage of these brands and their price are important and prohibiting factors.
On a practical side note I’ve also not found a good sunscreen which doesn’t leave a residue or turn any white fabrics yellow overtime. This doesn’t come off no matter how much laundry detergent is used in my experience. So when choosing towels, bedding, fabrics for upholstery and clothing it's something to be mindful of.
Covering up with protective clothing is an effective way to shield your skin from the sun. Many people want to strip off in the sunshine, to get a tan or stay cool, but long term cruisers especially will be exposed to much higher levels of sunlight than your average holiday maker so it's important not to be overexposed. There is nothing worse than trying to sleep with sunburn or trying to pull sheets and move around tight spaces like sailboats if your skin is feeling tender. Lightweight, long-sleeved shirts, cover ups, shorts or long pants especially if you’re sitting at the helm for long periods, and most critically a wide-brimmed hat provides excellent protection. Look for fabrics with a high ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) to enhance the clothing's sun-blocking abilities. If these are in your price range great, but if not I’ve found oversized shirts from cheaper brands provide excellent coverage too.
This is also true, when you’re at anchor and happily swimming off the back of your boat, snorkelling and enjoying your new destination. It's easy to forget your back, bum and shoulders when you are watching the sea life around you. Rash vests and swim shorts or leggings when in the water protect your skin not only from the sun, but also jellyfish, corals, rock and sand abrasions too.
The sun's glare on the water can strain your eyes and increase the risk of eye damage. Invest in a good pair of polarized sunglasses with 100% UV protection, and if you need a prescription you should get that too. Check out the different options for polarized lenses to help reduce glare, allowing for better visibility and eye comfort while sailing. As liveaboard cruisers, I wear my prescription sunglasses at all times when I’m outside from dawn till dusk, they can be expensive but if you can get two pairs then I would suggest you do, as sunglasses can be easily broken or lost overboard when sailing or simply climbing in and out of the dinghy with backpacks, refuse bags and your provisions. Having a spare pair is worth it if you can, if not then become very aware of where your sunglasses are kept, cleaned, stowed and ensure you have an anti slip solution on them whenever you have them on.
When the sun is at its peak, find shade whenever possible. Utilize the boat's cabin, awnings, or sunshades to create shaded areas, we have small fans in the salon and cabins to help circulate air and keep cool, I’m jealous of every cruiser who has AC on board, if like us you don’t, think about ventilation and how best to create and capture airflow for your vessel. Take breaks from direct sunlight to give your skin a chance to cool down and recover, we find that if we’re on passage and the sun is strong, we take our off shift hours down in the cabin or salon to ensure we’re rested. I’ve had heat stroke once when on passage from overexposure to the sun during the day and it was a hideous long night watch and my partner had to do a double shift as I couldn’t physically do it. Also, remember if you’re cruising as a couple it’s not just you that you need to think about, as there is nothing worse than living with a person who’s hot, bothered and sunburnt…. they will not stop “talking” about it!
It’s also mindful to be aware that the sun's rays can reflect off the water's surface, intensifying their effects, so you get a double dose once from above and from below. This reflection increases the risk of sunburns and UV damage and you should also take this into account when applying your sun protection to ensure you’ve covered your skin from all angles.
As a general everyday rule, but in sunshine and especially intense sunlight like you get when sailing and cruising, stay hydrated and I don’t count alcohol. Staying hydrated is essential for overall health and also helps protect your skin. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to prevent dehydration and keep your skin hydrated from within. When planning your cruising adventures, the ability to have a constant supply of drinking water is something you’ll be acutely aware of, whether you invest in a water maker to be self-sufficient or plan your journeys to ensure you’re stopping where drinking water is available. This will become one of the constant discussions and activities on board, whether it is creating, finding, storing or managing drinking water. Bear in mind not all marinas or islands in the Caribbean for example have drinking water on docks to fill tanks, so have a plan and make it a key question you ask and answer when choosing your destinations. We’d also suggest that you buy a simple TDS meter to have onboard to test before you fill up the boat, we had one occasion where we were told multiple times it was drinking water only to find out after we’d filled up that it actually wasn’t and we then had to empty the tank and flush it, which can be an expensive mistake.
Stay informed about the daily UV index in your sailing area. The UV index provides information on the intensity of the sun's UV rays and helps you plan your activities and sun protection measures accordingly. If the index is high, take extra precautions. This is true for activities on the water, but also if you’re on land exploring a destination.
Keep sun protection and specific first aid items on board at all times and a small day kit that you can take with you when you’re off exploring. Include essentials like sunscreen, lip balm with SPF, aloe vera gel for soothing sunburns and rehydration supplements for example.
Spread awareness among your crew about the importance of sun protection. Encourage everyone to follow proper sun safety practices, emphasizing that prevention is key to maintaining healthy skin while enjoying the pleasures of sailing.
Lastly, I would advocate you regularly do skin checks to monitor any changes in moles, freckles, or new growths. If you notice any suspicious spots, consult a dermatologist or your GP swiftly. I've personally done this over email sending pictures taken on my iPhone to experts. Early detection of any skin issues greatly improves the chances of successful treatment.
By incorporating sun protection measures into your sailing routine, you can safeguard your skin from the harmful effects of the sun. Prioritizing sun safety not only helps prevent immediate discomfort like sunburns but also reduces the long-term risk of skin damage and skin cancer. So, set sail with confidence, knowing that you are taking the necessary steps to protect your skin on the high seas.
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