What may seem to be a pleasant day on land can move to extremes when on the water. Always be prepared for the worst (and the best).
If you are not doing much moving around when sailing you start to get cold. Combine this with wind chill and you can quickly get very cold (especially if you also get wet!). Warm clothing should be worn comprising several layers rather than a single thick woolly jumper (also when they get wet woolly jumpers get very heavy). Bear in mind that you have to be able to move about comfortably on the boat and possibly in the water. A cagule or such is ideal to keep the wind out. If you also have a wet or dry suit then that is best of all.
For those really wet days a pair of over-trousers will keep you dry and can also be useful for keeping out the wind. A pair of gloves should also be considered if sailing alot. These both protect the hands from rope chaffing and also keep you warm.
Remember too to have a complete change of warm clothing for when you finish sailing. Don’t forget to include a towel to dry yourself off!
You should always wear something on your feet. You will bang them on things!. Shoes should ideally be flat soled and non slip on wet surfaces. Plimsoles or old trainers are OK but do not wear ordinary wellies. Wellies tend to fill with water and sink (either on or off your feet!). Your feet will get wet when launching, consequently the bottoms of trousers etc will also get wet. If not wearing shorts (or swim trunks) go for something light that will dry quickly. Do NOT wear jeans or denim style material as it becomes heavy and takes forever to dry thus making you cold.
A hat to keep off the wind or sun should be considered but don’t forget to use some cord to attach it to the rest of your clothing. It may blow off or just float off if you fall in. Similarly glasses or sunglasses should also be attached by cord to some part of you.
On sunny days sun tan lotion should be applied as the suns rays reflecting off the water, and the breeze, soon leads to red faces and shoulders.
For those really wet days a pair of over-trousers will keep you dry.
Whatever you wear you should feel comfortable in it. Don't go out and by 'all the gear' until you know that you enjoy the water activities and will use it. Bear in mind that yougsters grow fast and you may only get one season's use (similarly the sea water does tend to rot things so 'cheap and cheerful' is often the best).