What to look for in sailing sunglasses

Regardless of whether you’ll be bobbing up and down on the seas of Saint Tropez or Sardinia, the ideal sailing weather means sunny skies and calm waters. But before you step foot on your vessel of choice, first you need to pack some sailing essentials. Our previous article 'What Do I Need to Pack?' can be used as a general guide, especially if it’s your first time sailing. It covers everything you’ll need from sun hats to windproof jackets.

However, that article only glosses over sunglasses. Today, we’ll be going a little more in-depth about the qualities you should look for in a pair of sailing sunglasses and why these qualities matter. Below is a simple guide to help you shop for your next sunnies out at sea:

 UV Protection 

A report commissioned by Eye Health UK found that fewer than 1 in 4 Brits are aware that UV exposure is damaging to eye health. According to ophthalmologist Dr. Jørn Slot Jørgensen, failing to wear sunglasses equipped with suitable UV protection makes you vulnerable to harmful UV radiation. The result of this is an increased risk of developing cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). He recommends choosing sunglasses that carry the UV 400 label or British Standard mark.

Oakley is extremely reliable when it comes to eyewear for sports. For example, Oakley’s Radar EV Path sunglasses are not only designed to protect your delicate eyes from UV rays by absorbing 89% of light, but they also feature wraparound lenses. This shields your vision from side glare, which can be especially useful for sailing around sunny locales like the Bahamas.

 Polarisation 

When you’re out on the open waters, be it in Dubrovnik or Grenada, you’re exposed to harsh sunlight reflected from the water’s surface. This creates glare, which is light that enters your eye and disrupts your vision. At best it causes discomfort, at the very worst it can be a safety hazard if it impairs your ability to see obstacles. Polarised lenses are specifically crafted to block light that is responsible for glare. As a result, polarised lenses enhance visibility while improving contrast and colour perception.

One brand that has mastered polarised technology is Ray-Ban. Their iconic Aviator Classic sunglasses have been experiencing a spike in popularity since the release of Top Gun: Maverick, where Tom Cruise can be seen sporting a pair. The exact style his character wears comes with Classic G-15 polarised lenses that absorb 85% of visible light, making them ideal for sailing, too.

 Lightweight and Durable 

Sailing often means that you’ll be spending a prolonged period outdoors, so it’s important to choose sunglasses that can be comfortably worn for an extended amount of time and won’t give you a headache. Opt for sunglasses that are lightweight and allow you to stay focused and alert during your sailing adventure. Moreover, the sunglasses you choose should be highly durable as sailing involves unexpected gusts of wind, splashes of water, and handling equipment. Durable frames and lenses are less likely to degrade or corrode over time even in such challenging environments.

For this, you can try Oakley’s Canteen sunglasses which are made using Oakley O Matter, a patented Nylon composite that is lightweight, durable, flexible, and sweat-resistant. Because Oakley lenses are tested under extreme conditions, you can be sure of their high-impact protection.

To make the most out of your sailing expedition, it’s crucial that you stay protected from the sun using high-quality eyewear. So, seek sunglasses that enhance comfort, safety, and performance.