LIFEJACKETS FOR DIFFERENT TYPES OF SAILING

Every sailing adventure is different, and so are lifejackets. When sailing, it’s important to choose a lifejacket that is designed for life on board. A sailing lifejacket offers good freedom of movement for the shoulders and upper body. This makes it easier to raise sails, handle ropes, and move safely around the boat. For dinghy sailing and more active sailing, flexibility and low weight are especially important. Longer trips often place higher demands on comfort and practical features.

Safety on the Water

Safety always comes first. All lifejackets from Baltic meet the requirement of at least 50N buoyancy, which is suitable for adults who can swim in sheltered waters. If you sail longer distances or spend time in more open waters and tougher conditions, a lifejacket with higher buoyancy is a wise choice. In these situations, an inflatable lifejacket is often a very good option.

For children and people who cannot swim, a lifejacket with at least 100N buoyancy is always recommended. These jackets help keep the wearer on their back with the airways above the water, which greatly increases safety.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW:Some models are specially designed for more demanding sailing, such as our SLA lifejackets. These often include extra features like a sprayhood, emergency light, and AIS attachment, and are approved according to World Sailing Offshore Special Regulations (OSR). This means they meet strict safety requirements for offshore sailing and longer distances from land, perfect if you want extra peace of mind at sea.

FIT – FOAM OR INFLATABLE LIFEJACKETS

A proper fit is crucial for the lifejacket to work as intended, whether you choose a traditional foam lifejacket or an inflatable model. The jacket should feel secure on the body without being bulky or restrictive.

• Foam lifejackets should offer the right balance of comfort, ventilation, and freedom of movement.
• Inflatable lifejackets should sit stable and comfortable even when not inflated.

Many lifejackets are available with or without an integrated safety harness. The harness allows you to attach a safety line and adds extra security, especially when moving on deck in rough conditions. Lifejackets without a harness can be more flexible and easier to adjust, which can be a good choice for motorboating.

Key Features to Look For

Just like other equipment, lifejackets come in both simple and more advanced versions. Think about which features best suit your type of sailing:

• Pockets: For a phone, energy bars, or other small items.
• Crotch straps: Help keep the jacket in place, especially important for children and in rough conditions.
• Safety harness: For attaching a safety line and increasing safety on board, especially on sailboats and in rough seas.
• SLA: Models with extra equipment such as sprayhood, emergency light, and AIS attachment, approved according to World Sailing OSR.
• Inflatable lifejacket: High buoyancy with low weight and excellent freedom of movement.
• Reflectors and whistle: Increase visibility in an emergency.

The best lifejacket is always the one that is actually worn. Choose one that suits your sailing, wear it on board, and enjoy your time on the water.

DINGHY SAILING

DINGHY PRO

OFFSHORE

FORCE 190 SELE SLA