The best: Sunglasses

Whether you’re already experienced or it’s still your first time, going sailing means being prepared for the bright, sunny weather. Our packing guide for a sailing holiday includes a pair of sunglasses to prevent eye damage on top of a sun hat and suntan lotion meant to protect your hair and skin.

Sunglasses function as a shield against the harsh sunlight while sailing, reducing glare and enhancing visibility for overall safety at sea. What’s more, you can select a pair that flatters your looks to stay stylish throughout your trip. Since there are many frame shapes and designs to choose from, we’ve rounded up the best sunglasses that balance style and functionality for the best sailing experience — whether you’re in the Caribbean region or the Mediterranean islands.

 Costa del Mar Santiago sunglasses 

Costa del Mar is widely known for its sunglasses collections that are not only designed for water sports and outdoor activities but also promote ocean conservation and sustainability. As part of its Untangled collection with frames built from recycled fishing nets, the Santiago performance frames are ideal for sailing due to their high-bridge fit and polarised lenses that help block bright sunlight. These lenses can be customised in various tints like blue, green, and sunrise silver based on your chosen activity, be it sightseeing on a boat in the Greek islands or offshore fishing in Stockholm, Sweden.

 Ray-Ban Clubmaster Classic sunglasses 

Ray-Ban is another eyewear brand known for its quality frames and iconic designs. Among its signature styles is the Clubmaster Classic, with its timeless browline frames in polished metal that maximise coverage while elevating the sophistication of your sailing outfits. Additionally, travellers with vision impairments like astigmatism can get the Clubmaster as prescription sunglasses that deliver sharp vision at all angles. The frame and lenses are made to match, regardless of your choice among different lens tints and frame colours like black, tortoiseshell, and grey.

 Persol PO3260 sunglasses 

If you’re planning to sail and explore the Italian coastline, why not take inspiration from films that perfectly capture its dreamy sights? In The Talented Mr. Ripley, Jude Law wore bold frames from the brand Persol to channel the rich playboy character, Dickie Greenleaf. While the model he wore was first introduced in the 1960s, Persol revived the limited edition PO3260 acetate frames for those who want their own elegant frames featuring a pilot shape. Aside from the same black pair Jude Law wore, these acetate frames are also available in other colourways like cobalto, which is a cobalt blue with grey lenses.

 Oakley Clifden Prizm sunglasses 

Lastly, if you want unparalleled outdoor performance, you can never go wrong with a pair of Clifden sunglasses from Oakley. To start, these frames are made of mountaineering glass to withstand the wind, sand, and other harsh outdoor elements you may encounter while sailing. They also utilise Oakley’s Prizm lens technology to ensure colour contrast and detail even under the sun. The Clifden sunglasses are available in different frame and lens colours like matte black with iridium lenses and polished black with sapphire lenses, while also featuring an integrated leash for security and convenience.

Clearly, you have a wide range of options when it comes to the best sunglasses for sailing. As you keep these recommendations in mind when shopping for sunglasses, decide which factors like price point, frame material, and lens features matter most to you to ensure the pair works for you and your needs.