Sail22's Gear Must Haves for the Melges 24 Worlds
Do you have everything you need for the Melges 24 Worlds October 23-31, 2009 in Annapolis, MD? After living in Annapolis for 5 years, it can be pretty hit or miss on the weather. It's currently raining, cold (in the 40's) and there's that bone chilling dampness present in the air. I don't even think the ducks are enjoying the weather!
Last year's Melges 24 North American's were pretty cold and teams coming to the Worlds will need to be prepared. Here's our list.
Highly Recommended things to Bring or Buy: 1) Dubarry Boots -Ed has the Newports which were released this past Spring and really likes them. They retail for $299 and have more support than any other Dubarry boots. The sole is a sneaker style and they have the Gore-Tex liner to keep your feet dry! I've had the Dubarry Annapolis (discontinued) for several years and wear them all of the time. The Newport is a newer version of the Annapolis. If you don't already have Dubarry's they are one of the best investments insailing gear you can make! 2) Great Foul Weather Gear -Sail22 is proud to be a Henri Lloyd Elite Dealer. We have the full range of Henri Lloyd gear available at Sail22Gear.com and have plenty of gear available, just let us know what you'll need. We highly recommend the TP2 Alpha Shadow 2G Salopette and the TP2 Alpha Shadow 2G Smock & Hooded Smock. The nice thing about the Hooded Smock is that it is a full spray top with a built in hood with Henri Lloyd's Optivision so that you can still see with your hood up! 3) Water Resistant Shorts -This time of year is the perfect time to break out the heavier pairs of shorts. Henri Lloyd makes a great pair, the TP2 Alpha Shadow Short. Everyone that we know that has tried them raves about them. 4) Wicking Layers -Dig out your ski stuff...seriously! Base layers, vests and jackets for sure. No matter what, you are going to need them. We have lots of Henri Lloyd Atmosphere and and Featherweight shirts, along with our new favorite jacket, the Henri Lloyd Fusion Soft Shell. Many teams love the Patagonia and SLAM layers too. 5) Socks-Wool & Waterproof -Last year at the Melges 24 North American's we tried out the Dubarry wool socks for the first time. They are our favorite wool socks for sailing. We also really like our Smartwool socks and a must have is a pair of Gore-Tex Seal Skins. 6) Gloves, Hand Warmers & Winter Hats -Check out the new Henri Lloyd Stealth Winter Gloves which are made of neoprene. I can't wait to try them out! Grab some hand warmers, they really do work for warming your fingers up between races. Winter hats are a must too...we have some Sail22 ones still, let us know if you are interested! 7) All of your regular sailing gear...after all...it is Annapolis and might be 80 and sunny... We can only hope!