Programs

Personal Equipment

Personal equipment and gear required varies with the curriculum you are enrolled in. As a general rule the more advanced and the more seasons you sail, the more you will need. Personal gear for summer sessions is minimal. Equipment and gear for traveling teams and Winter/Spring sailing can be significant. Sailing gear tends to be quite specialized and sometimes costly. Therefore, when you purchase new gear, buy quality gear that will be durable and permit use for multiple seasons. Items like gloves wear out quickly and are easily lost so you might want to carry a spare pair. If you will be a 420 crew on a racing team, don’t forget that you will need a trapeze harness.

Label all of your gear with a permanent marker! Your gear will look at lot like other sailor’s items.

If you are on a racing team (other than the Chesapeake 420 team) you will need your own boat. Whether you buy a new one or a used one is a decision you need to make with your parents. There are a lot of quality used boats available so talk to other sailors and parents and shop around before buying, especially if this is your first year on the racing team. The Junior Program Director is also a valuable resource during the decision making process.

When purchasing your boat don’t forget about a dolly. Waterfront space is becoming more and more sparse and sailing clubs do not always have carpeted docks or grassy areas in which to set up and rig your boat. A dolly will protect the bottom of your boat and ease the process of launching. Trailers are optional, as are covers. However, a good set of covers will protect your boat while traveling as well as provide UV protection when being stored. Often a used boat will already come with these and other extras.

Click on the matrix to view a list of recommended equipment and gear.