Sailing Team Gear: Performance and Identity on Board

On board, every detail matters. Choosing the right crew uniforms is essential to ensure comfort, protection and efficiency for the entire team. Well-designed sailing team gear supports daily operations on board, helping crew members work effectively and safely in changing conditions. 

A well-designed uniform: 

• improves freedom of movement during manoeuvres; 
• protects against sun, wind and sea spray; 
• makes the crew immediately recognisable; 
• strengthens team cohesion. 

Crew requirements vary depending on the type of sailing activity: 

• Racing crews need lightweight, durable and aerodynamic gear; 
• Cruising crews look for a balance between comfort and versatility; 
• Offshore crews require maximum protection from wind, cold and water. 

That’s why choosing the right crew uniforms is a technical decision that directly affects performance and safety on board. 

Every role on board calls for specific items, but one point is always true: a complete kit must be functional in every condition.

Lightweight, breathable, and resistant to salt and UV rays. Ideal for sailing in warm conditions and for work on the dock.

Designed for fast movement, with reinforced contact points and abrasion-resistant materials. Available in short or long versions depending on the season and weather conditions.

Essential when the wind shifts suddenly and intensifies. They protect without ever sacrificing freedom of movement.

For transfers, evenings in the marina, or colder days, when layering becomes necessary.

Caps, belts, bags, and technical backpacks complete the crew’s visual identity.

Every crew has different needs. That’s why SLAM supports owners, captains, and sailors in choosing technical garments suitable for customization. Each project is defined case by case, coordinating with specialized partners to preserve the technical performance of the products.

1. How do you choose the right crew uniforms for a sailing team? 

Start from function and intended use: racing, cruising, or offshore sailing. Each scenario calls for specific materials, but in general crew uniforms should provide: 

• mobility; 
• quick drying fabrics; 
• UV protection; 
• salt resistance; 
• appropriate weight.  

It’s also helpful to choose modular pieces that adapt to sudden changes in weather and temperature. 

2. How do custom sailing uniforms work with SLAM? 

Customization begins with selecting the gear most suitable for the crew’s needs. SLAM supports the project by coordinating the process and working with specialized partners, ensuring every customization step respects the technical and functional characteristics of the products. 

3. Which items should never be missing from a crew uniform kit? 

A complete kit should include: 

• technical polos; 
• ergonomic trousers or shorts; 
• a windproof jacket; 
• a lightweight waterproof shell; 
• a thermal midlayer and accessories like a cap;
• echnical backpack.   

These pieces cover a wide range of conditions and ensure a professional look and visual consistency for the team. 

4. How do you keep crew gear performing over time? 

Proper care is essential to preserve breathability, water repellency, and fabric durability. Recommended steps: 

• wash in cold water with mild detergents, avoiding fabric softeners (they reduce breathability); 
• air-dry away from direct heat sources; 
• periodically reactivate the DWR treatment using dedicated products; 
• check seams and zippers to spot early wear.  

Regular care extends the life of your sailing team gear and maintains consistent performance. 

5. How should a crew organize its kit for changing weather conditions? 

A good uniform system should be modular, allowing quick adjustments to wind shifts, spray, rain or sudden temperature drops. A well-organized kit includes: 

• a lightweight, breathable base layer for sweat management; 
• a technical polo or midlayer for daily onboard tasks or shore time; 
• a softshell or windproof mid-layer protection; 
• a waterproof shell for rain or rougher seas; 
• functional accessories like gloves, caps and neck warmers.  

A layered system helps the crew operate in optimal conditions without restricting movement or increasing fatigue.