Tips for sun protection during sailing

Many people look forward to the summer months so they may go sailing or boating.  When we would all want a healthy dose of vitamin D, it is especially vital that we take precautions to shield ourselves from the sun while sailing due to the increased exposure caused by the reflection of the light off the sea. Due to the effects of wind cold and sea spray, it is simple to underestimate the amount of exposure that one is actually receiving.

Although it’s a lot of fun to head out onto the water, sailors and boaters are particularly susceptible to UV rays due to the extended periods of time they spend out in the sun. This can result in sunburns, damage to the skin, and in the most severe cases, even cancer of the skin. In order to assist you in avoiding getting a sunburn when boating or sailing, we have compiled a list of important sun protection guidelines for sailing.

First things first: It is preferable to be safe than sorry

You really have to be sure to wear sunscreen before you go sail on the Mediterranean.

Because you’ll be out on the water, it’s important to select one that can withstand being submerged in water. It is important to remember that various sunscreens have varying degrees of water resistance (often either 80 or 40 minutes), so you should look for one that is appropriate for your circumstances. A good sunscreen should be able to protect against both UVA and UVB radiation and apply it regularly when sailing or participating in other water-based activities or wear a protective suit that is resistant to UV rays.

Safe eyes

UV rays pose a threat to more than just your skin; they may also harm your eyes if they come into contact with them. Sunglasses are essential for this situation. Be careful to pick a pair that absorbs up to 400nm of UV light and blocks 99–100% of UVA and UVB rays. Alternatively, look for a pair that blocks 99–100% of UVA and UVB rays. In addition to shielding your eyes from the harmful effects of UV rays, they may also assist enhance your vision and comfort while you’re out on the water by lowering the amount of light that reaches your eyes and blocking off glare.

Clothing that protects against the sun

The apparel that protects against ultraviolet light has gone a long way. Not only in terms of the technology involved – but Breathable materials also remove perspiration by wicking it away, and high SP helps reflect sun rays, which helps keep you cool. But also, in terms of style—all of the top sailing companies now manufacture UVP apparel, allowing you to not only look cool but also sail in style. For those who are unaware, this is a barrier that is resistant to UV rays and allows perspiration to evaporate while protecting against the cold.

Safe under the shade

When you’re out on the water for long stretches of time in your boat, it’s crucial to remember to seek shelter and take breaks from the heat. On some boats, you have the option of going inside the boat whenever you want to take a break from the sun. You could also want to explore mounting sunshades directly on your boat; however, this option is dependent on the type of boat you have. These are wonderful because even though you will be shielded from the sun’s rays, you will still be able to take pleasure in the pleasant breeze. There are also boat umbrellas that are built particularly for boating and can provide protection from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Keep in mind that the sun’s ultraviolet rays are reflected off the water’s surface. Therefore, it is necessary for you to utilize additional sailing sun protection tactics even if you are in an area that is shaded.

A victim of the sun’s rays

In the event that you are injured while sailing, there are a few things you may do to help cure the burns that have occurred, including the following:

Remove yourself from the sun as soon as possible and apply cool water to the damaged areas. Do not apply ice directly to the burn; instead, continue to apply cold compresses to the area to bring down the temperature.

While the skin is still damp, apply a moisturizer that does not include any oil or petroleum while you are moisturizing.

Take anti-inflammatory medicine to bring down the inflammation in your body. Because it helps treat small burns, aloe vera cream is another useful item to carry on your sailing trip that you should consider packing.

Don’t expose yourself to the sun.

Drink fluids. Damage to the skin can cause fluid to be drawn from deeper layers of the body to the surface.

Visit a medical professional if any of the following apply to you: you have serious burns covering the majority of your body, you have a fever, or you feel disoriented.

So, for all you sailing yacht catamaran enthusiast it is impossible to overstate the significance of this points, whether in terms of the quality of your time spent on board or of the impact it will have on your health in the long run. In short, stay sun smart, stay safe and have great time discovering new horizon while sailing.

Related reading

Planning your trip? About our team charter or check our charter FAQ and request a personalized quote for your dates.

Other guides you might find useful:

• Tips and Tricks to Charter a Boat on a Budget
• Charter Sailing Holiday with Friends: Tips and Ideas
• Tips on How to Prepare for a Sailing Holiday in Italy

Mediterranean weeks reward shore-side detours — a bottle of Pošip with peka in a Hvar konoba, fresh seafood and Assyrtiko on a Cyclades terrace, or a quick stop in a Sardinian trattoria before the Mistral builds. Each coastline carries its own taste.

Frequently asked questions

How do I book a yacht charter on our team?

Choose your dates and destination, browse our fleet, and use request a quote to lock in pricing. Our team confirms availability with the agency and emails the booking summary within 24 hours.

Do I need a sailing license?

For most bareboat charters in the Mediterranean you need a recognised skipper certificate (RYA Day Skipper, ICC, or equivalent) plus a VHF licence. If you don’t hold one, we book a professional skipper alongside the boat for the week.

What’s included in the price?

The base charter fee covers the boat, standard equipment, insurance, and final cleaning fee in most cases. Extras such as fuel, port fees, transit log, tourist tax and skipper service are billed separately and explained in the booking summary.

How far in advance should I book?

For peak weeks (mid-July to late August) we recommend booking 6–9 months ahead to lock in the boat and the early-bird discount. Shoulder seasons (May, June, September) usually have availability up to a month before departure.

About this guide

This guide was prepared by the our team Charter editorial team — a group of charter brokers and sailors who have been organizing yacht charters in the Mediterranean since 2007. Every itinerary, marina, and pricing range described here reflects current first-hand fleet experience and direct partnership with licensed charter agencies. Last reviewed: May 2026.

If a detail looks out of date, write us at www.europe-yachts.com/contact — we update guides quarterly.