Best polarized sunglasses for sailing

Best polarized sailing sunglasses

Being the most common accessory in any wardrobe, sunglasses are synonym of style and personality. However, along with the undeniable aesthetic contribution, these accessories fulfill an essential protection function. From the outset, they minimize the impact of ultraviolet rays, preventing possible eye injuries and allowing sufficient visibility to navigate safely. It should not be forgotten that when we sail on very sunny days, the reflection of the sun in the water increases the sensation of luminosity. What’s more, the boat’s own cover can act as a reflective surface and hinder nautical activity by hindering vision. In addition, although we do not realize it until later, prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays can end up causing a loss of irrecoverable vision. It is therefore mandatory to protect yourself properly with sunglasses.

Characteristics

There are many types of sunglasses and not all of them give the same result whatever the weather conditions.

Lens color: The coloration of the lenses has high influence on the characteristics of the glasses. The gray lenses, for example, are the most recommended for driving (including the piloting of sailing boats) due to the sharpness they get on sunny days. In cloudy days, however, brown lenses stand out, as the contrast of colors increases. However, perhaps the most interesting alternative for sailing is the purple lenses, which highlight the silhouettes on a blue background (the sea).

Lens shape: The shape of the lens also has major importance in its benefits. Generally, lenses with less angularity better preserve the contrast and contour of objects. However, its use in activities that require optimal visibility is not recommended because they have less resistance to glare. Flat lenses do not effectively repel the rays reflected in the water (which are the ones that most affect vision) so that sailors and other professional athletes never use sunglasses of this type. Curved lenses, on the other hand, offer a worse sharpness but prevent sunlight from reaching the eye directly.

Lens material: Regarding the material used (aspect as much or more important than the shape of the lens itself), we can distinguish two large bases: glass and polycarbonate. Glass is the most conventional material, with a considerable degree of plasticity and resistance to bumps and scratches. In recent years, a new technique for preparation of glass (optically ground glass) has gained force, which improves visibility but increases the weight of the lens. Polycarbonate for its part is extraordinarily light and its use in water sports is practically generalized. It should be added that this material does not splinter, so safety is total. Its cleaning does not present major difficulty either.

Polarization: All lenses used in sailing must be polarized. By polarization, we understand the phenomenon by which the sun’s rays reflected on a smooth surface are concentrated in a single plane. This causes a horizontal glare that makes it impossible to drive any boat (vertical reflections do not cause glare). Polarized lenses repel these reflected rays without reducing the intensity of light, so visibility is always optimal for navigation. In short, besides looking at aesthetic factors, we must not forget that sunglasses are an accessory for protection.

Frames: The material with which the frames are made also has its importance for navigation. In this case, the emphasis is on lightness and water resistance. Precisely for this reason, metal frames so popular today are hardly used in water activities. The reason is none other than oxidation, something that does not happen for example with a synthetic (nylon) or titanium, although in this case the price is significantly increased. The nature of the frame is essential to configure the style of the sunglasses (aviator, double bridge, fisherman …). In the races, for example, the wraparound glasses stand out, offering an exceptional fit.

In no particular order, here are a few models fit for sailors and boaters.

OAKLEY HOLBROOK POLARIZED

Oakley holbrook polarized

Brand: Oakley

Gender: Men

Year: 2014

Frame Colour: Black

Lens Colour: Blue

Frame Shape: Square

Frame Style: Full Rim

Frame Material: Plastic

Lens Material: Polycarbonate

SMITH WAYWARD

Smith Wayward sailing sunglasses

Brand: Smith

Gender: Unisex

Year: 2016

Frame Colour: Tortoise

Lens Colour: Brown

Frame Shape: Square

Frame Style: Full Rim

Frame Material: Plastic

Lens Material: Polycarbonate

OAKLEY SLIVER POLARIZED

Oakley silver polarized

Brand: Oakley

Gender: Men

Year: 2015

Frame Colour: Black

Lens Colour: Purple

Frame Shape: Square

Frame Style: Full Rim

Frame Material: Plastic

Lens Material: Plastic

CEBE LUPKA POLARISED

Cebe lupka polarised

Brand: Cebe

Gender: Unisex

Year: 2014

Frame Colour: Grey

Lens Colour: Grey

Frame Shape: Wraparound

Frame Style: Full Rim

Frame Material: Plastic

Lens Material: Plastic

BLOC COAST POLARIZED

Bloc coast polarized

Brand: Bloc

Gender: Unisex

Year: 2016

Frame Colour: Tortoise

Lens Colour: Grey

Frame Shape: Square

Frame Style: Full Rim

Frame Material: Plastic

Lens Material: Polycarbonate

MAUI JIM WILD COAST POLARIZED

Maui Jim Wild Coast polarized

Brand: Maui Jim

Gender: Unisex

Year: 2017

Frame Colour: Black

Lens Colour: Blue

Frame Shape: Square

Frame Style: Full Rim

Frame Material: Plastic

Lens Material: Plastic

POLAROID KID POLARIZED

Pollariod kid polarized

Brand: Polaroid

Gender: Kids

Year: 2014

Frame Colour: Black

Lens Colour: Grey

Frame Shape: Rectangle

Frame Style: Full Rim

Frame Material: Plastic

Lens Material: Plastic

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Frequently asked questions

• 1
  What are some of the key preparations I should consider prior to my yacht charter?

  • Travel Documentation

    Always ensure you have some form of acceptable identification, in legible condition and valid.

    Medication

    Double check that both you and other individuals in your group remember to bring important medications that you are currently being prescribed, accounting for the amount of time you will be at sea.

    Money & Additional expenses

    It would be prudent to budget for slightly over what you anticipate spending. Charter related expenses will be made known, however you never know whether you will need something once travelling.

    Research

    Set aside some time look up the areas you intend on visiting, both whilst chartering (as part of your anticipated itinerary) and whilst travelling to the location at which you will begin your charter.

    Supplies

    As with any journey or holiday, ensure you have adequate toiletries, perhaps some favored foods and snacks.

    Clothing

    Bring the types of clothing that will, in your estimation, suit the weather conditions of the location in which you will be chartering. It may be handy to spend some time researching a few sailing blogs and weather forecasts.

    Equipment

    All necessary equipment should be found already aboard (including safety equipment and anything required to properly operate the vessel. Though you may like to bring a few extra mod-cons to ensure you have the best of experiences.

• 2
  What is the best way to choose the right vessel and charter for me?

  • Choosing the best vessel for you and those joining you on your yacht charter, would be dependent on your personal preference. Though we recommend considering the following points:

    • Your level of experience
    • Where you will be chartering
    • The time of year and associated weather conditions
    • The ages and competence of both yourself and those in your group

    It would be very helpful for you to conduct some basic research pertaining to all of the above, by way of asking those who you know have chartered the type of vessel or been to the location you are considering, before. Yacht charter blogs and other relevant websites that will offer you an understanding of the key factors you should consider.

    And of course, we are more than happy to help you with your decision.

• 3
  Do I need a licence to charter a yacht?

  • That all depends on where you intend to charter. If you would like to charter a yacht within Europe, the answer would be yes. It is important to remember that the correct licencing and/or documentation for your charter is your responsibility and we would strongly advise you to enquire into the legal prerequisites of your chosen charter region, taking care to note any differences if you are to cross maritime boarders.

    Regarding Europe, you will require an International Certificate of Competence, also known as the ICC.

• 4
  What is an APA?

  • As a rule of thumb, the fee you pay for your charter, includes the rental of the vessel and the necessary crew to operate it, all other expenses associated with the charter are separate and are financed by the APA, which stands for the Advance provisioning allowance.

    The APA generally amounts to 30% of the total charter fee, though this may vary depending on the vessel.

    Dockage fees, fuel, communications and food & beverages will all be financed by the APA. Any remaining money from the APA at the end of the charter, will be returned to you.

• 5
  What happens if the owner/captain does not show up, or is late?

  • All boat owners are bound to have someone meeting charterers on the day of charter. It is important that you as a charterer notify us if there is something wrong with your charter. For more information read the charterer’s policy.