Sailing Versus E-Sailing: The app won't get you wet! (Offshore Rain Gear for Sail Boat Races)-Yacht Club Events This Week

 

(Illustrative Only)

Representing a 
sailing gear fashion show.
No fashion show but
just a conversation
on gear and rain.

Who says offshort
weather gear isn't fashionable?

I guess you could probably
put this on an app too.


However, the idea
of having a fashion
show for downtown
clothing retailers
might be something
fun for the businesses
 to consider.

Recently, we've had some rainy weather during races, and that was certainly the case last Wednesday. According to the forecast, there's a chance we could see similar conditions again this Wednesday. As a result, rain gear became part of the discussion. Weather Escanaba at the Escanaba Yacht Club and Gladstone Yacht Club. (They are about 7 miles apart. Both are affordable to join at about $100+ a year. They also have reciprocation with other clubs.).

I started looking around at different options because, while I have rain gear in San Diego, I don't currently have any here in Michigan. I spent some time comparing prices, exploring what brands are available, and identifying which products are generally considered the best. Below, you'll find a list of some well-regarded rain gear brands and options that may be worth considering.

While researching, I also came across an interesting study examining the similarities between e-sailing and traditional sailing. It highlights how many of the same motivations, skills, and interests draw people to both virtual and real-world sailing experiences. As someone who knows many gamers and has done some gaming myself (not well. 😕), I can certainly see those connections.

As technology continues to evolve, we're likely to see even more overlap between virtual and physical activities. The online world is becoming increasingly realistic, allowing people to practice and experience activities through simulations, virtual reality, and games in ways that would have seemed unimaginable just 20 years ago. Many sailing apps and games, for example, can teach valuable concepts about navigation, wind, strategy, and boat handling. 

Two Apps for Learning:

US Sail Skill Up App

American Sailing Challenge App

I've experimented with a few of these applications. While I wouldn't claim to be an expert, I've found them to be useful learning tools that complement real-world experience. Like most skills, sailing is something you continue to learn over time, whether you're on the water or practicing in a virtual environment.

(Illustrative Only)

Captain Adam
challenges the 
notion you 
can't get wet playing
on an app. 

Some Good Brands:

Searching around thinking about some of the brands that are out there. 

Batela

WindRider

Gill

Musto

Henri Lloyd Elite

Offshore Wet Gear: 

A few products I found while browsing around and thinking of some things one might consider.

Men's Ocean Sailing Suit Offshore Sailing Jacket & Bib Pants Combi Clothes Set - Hi-Vis Wet Weather Gear Hips & Knees Patches

Gill Mens OS2 Offshore Sailing Jacket - Waterproof, Windproof & Breathable

Women’s PRO Sailing Jacket Waterproof & Offshore Bib Pants + Hi-Vis Hoodie 3-Piece Wet Weather Gear for Crew & Ocean Racing

Men's PRO 3-Layer Waterproof Sailing Jacket with Hi-Vis Hood for Offshore Fishing & Ocean Work

Connecting the Worlds of Sailing and E-Sailing: How Virtual Sport Participation Influences Real-World Sport Engagement

• This study examined how participation in virtual sailing games (e-sailing) influences individuals' intentions to engage with real-world sailing activities, media consumption, and sport-related behaviors.
• Researchers surveyed 593 members of the Virtual Regatta online sailing community and used structural equation modeling to analyze relationships among psychological and behavioral variables.
• Results showed that stronger identification with the online sailing game increased positive emotions, satisfaction, and attachment to the sport experience.
• Positive affect, satisfaction, and attachment were significant predictors of participants’ intentions to engage with sailing-related activities beyond the game environment.
• The findings suggest that virtual sport platforms can serve as effective gateways to real-world sport participation, providing sport organizations with opportunities to attract and engage new audiences through integrated digital and physical sport experiences.

Botwina, G., Kim, S., & Hong, H. J. (2025). Connecting the worlds of sailing and e-sailing: The structural relationships among gaming experience, psychological variables and sport behaviour intentions. Managing Sport and Leisure. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1080/23750472.2025.2470271

A Couple of Local Events:

Just in case you want to get off the apps and e-sailing and do it in real life where you can get wet. Doing it in real life if a much more rich experience.

Also races are every Wednesday starting around 7 PM with skippers meetings at 6 PM. If you want to watch you can come to the mouth of the harbor at 7pm. Bring binoculars or telescope when boats are in a distance. 

You may also find race results and things like race routs in our local paper Escanaba Daily Press (If you are advertising in the area consider this and the Action paper)

There will be bands so you may want to check out the Escanaba Yacht Club FB Page-House Band (Free outside but Join the Club).

Gladstone Yacht Club FB Page will be having the bands Cover Girls July 25th, and Roman Around August 1st. (Join the Club)