Choosing the right sunglasses for sailing
→ Why wear sunglasses for sailing?
When choosing a pair of sunglasses for sailing, it's important to opt for ones that will protect your eyes in the face of extreme conditions, particularly in water sports: strong light, reflections on the water, wind, spray.
A good pair of sunglasses for sailing is essential to guarantee clear vision, optimum protection against UV rays and maximum comfort when out on the water.
→ Sailing goggles: the dangers of UV exposure
Prolonged exposure to UV rays can cause irreversible eye damage. Overexposure to the sun without adequate protection can cause corneal burns, known as ophthalmia.
In the long term, the accumulation of UV damage promotes premature aging of eye cells and can lead to serious illness.
Unlike other parts of the body, the eyes have no natural UV defense mechanism, which is why it's so important to choose the right to protect them effectively.
What's more, the reflection of light on the water amplifies this effect, requiring specially adapted lenses. It's essential to check that glasses carry the CE mark, guaranteeing their compliance with European UV protection standards.
→ How to choose sunglasses for sailing?
The lenses of sailing sunglasses are the key element for optimum protection and comfort. Classified into 5 categories according to their ability to filter visible light, they range from category 0 (minimum protection) to category 4, used for extreme conditions.
For sailing, it's best to opt for that offer a good balance between sun protection and visibility. On the open sea, light levels are very strong and constant, requiring polarized lenses of at least category 3. On cloudy days, category 2 may suffice, but are a good compromise. And for sunrise or sunset sailing, yellow or amber lenses enhance contrast and vision.
Consult the table below for a better understanding of the different lens categories available on the market:
→ Top brands in sailing eyewear
Among the most renowned brands in the world of sailing, the brand offers a specialized range with polarized and photochromic Spectron lenses.
Gill eyewear is also a benchmark in nautical eyewear, offering marine-resistant models with hydrophobic coatings and floating frames.
For those looking for more affordable models, Jobe and O'Wave offer sailing sunglasses at affordable prices , while ensuring good UV protection and sufficient comfort for boat outings. Their models are very popular with occasional boaters or those looking for an economical option.
Sailing goggles: care and protection
We recommend rinsing your goggles in freshwater after every outing to remove salt and impurities, and wiping them with a microfiber cloth to avoid scratches.
Always store your sunglasses in a hard case, which is one of the indispensable for protecting them from knocks.
→ Polarized lenses: a must for sailing
Polarized lenses, which you can find with certain pairs of category 3 sailing goggles, reduce glare on the water and improve contrast, offering sharp vision and reducing eye fatigue.
However, they can interfere with the reading of LCD screens (GPS, smartphone).
This technology is indispensable in regattas, where it enables better reading of waves and better perception of obstacles.
→ Photochromic lenses: automatic adaptation
Photochromic lenses automatically adjust their tint according to light conditions.
Some brands, such as Julbo, offer Reactiv Photochromic models, which adapt instantly to light variations, very useful when faced with changing weather at sea.
→ Lens color: impact on vision
The gray lenses found on category 4 pairs of sailing sunglasses offer faithful color reproduction and are recommended for water sports.
Blue lenses are also an excellent choice for water sports. Brown or yellow lenses accentuate contrasts and are useful in low light conditions.
A hydrophobic coating on the lenses allows water to slide off without leaving marks, ensuring clear vision despite splashes. This type of coating is particularly useful for long ocean voyages .
→ Choosing the right frame for your sailing goggles
The right frame provides a good fit and optimum protection, ensuring greater stability even in difficult conditions on the water. Wraparound models protect the eyes from side rays and splashes, and prevent accidental loss at sea.
Ergonomic temples with a good fit on the nose are recommended.
Some frames include side shields for maximum coverage. The frames of must also be compatible with the wearing of a mask or cap. Slim, flat temples are more comfortable under a cap, and a rubber grip on the nose and temples provides a stable hold, even when perspiring.
Floating goggles prevent accidental loss at sea. A retaining cord can also be added for added security.
→ Boarding Glasses : lunettes anti mal de mer et protection solaire
Si les lunettes de soleil pour la voile sont essentielles pour protéger les yeux des rayons UV, la marque propose une approche complémentaire en développant des lunettes anti mal de mer.
Contrairement aux lunettes nautiques classiques, qui améliorent la vision et le confort face aux reflets de l’eau, les modèles Boarding Glasses intègrent un liquide en mouvement dans leurs montures. Ce dispositif innovant aide le cerveau à mieux interpréter les variations de l’horizon, réduisant ainsi les symptômes du mal de mer.
Ces lunettes spécifiques ne remplacent pas les lunettes de soleil polarisées, mais elles représentent une solution innovante pour les navigateurs sensibles au mal de mer, leur permettant ainsi de mieux profiter de leur navigation sans gêne ni inconfort.
→The best sailing sunglasses are at Nautisports
The are essential for sailing. We recommend polarized sailing goggles with category 3 polarized lenses, which reduce glare and offer good UV protection.
Unlike mirrored lenses, which have an aesthetic role, polarized lenses improve visibility on the water. Certain mistakes should be avoided, such as choosing lenses with that are too dark for cloudy weather, neglecting side protection, forgetting a retaining cord or buying glasses without CE certification.
For optimum comfort and safety on the water, it's advisable to opt for specialized models, such as Julbo Spectron , designed to meet the needs of sailors.
