Chapter XXIV: "Clothing for Yachtsmen"
Excerpt from Piloting, Seamanship and Small Boat Handling by Charles F. Chapman
"Breakers ahead, on the shoals of controversy, lie square athwart the course of anyone who would presume to discuss such a question as what constitutes proper garb for the boatman or yachtsman.
When it comes to clothing, most yachtsmen have pretty strong convictions as to whether or not they should, or must, abide by any arbitrary set of regulations. The spokesman of one faction argues that he goes afloat for pleasure and relaxation, and proposes to dress as he pleases—for comfort and practicability. Another group insists on strict adherence to all the proprieties, frowning upon those who cannot be made to conform to the dictates of etiquette, whether it be in dress, the display of flags or anything else.
Who is right? Well, frankly, we cannot believe that it is necessary for all to see eye-to-eye on any subject. Nor can we find any logical reason why each should not be entitled to his own opinion.
The absence of braid and buttons should not detract any from the merit in a creditable feat of seamanship. And, by the same token, it is conceivable that the fisherman or boatman in shorts or bathing suit may appreciate the point of view of the yachtsman who finds real satisfaction in knowing, and correctly observing, every detail that the seagoing equivalent of an Emily Post might prescribe. In fact, we would far rather see more of this mutual understanding than to have all conform precisely to one group or another.
Few, we think, deliberately violate the principles of good taste in regard to dress aboard their craft. In some cases it is a matter of not realizing that such principles exist. Errors are often made in the use of various devices and symbols worn on uniforms, and in the choice of the wrong uniform. Generally those practices would be corrected if the wearer knew he was in error.
One thing is certain. The clothing that might be appropriate and acceptable in one case may be decidedly in bad taste in another. It would be hard to say who would be more uncomfortable—the outbound mechanician in overalls at a yacht club dinner party, or the commodore in spotless white tinkering with a recalcitrant bit of greasy machinery under a torpid sun.
Let us then leave the choice of clothing to the individual, content to offer a few suggestions as to what has been found to be either satisfactory or accepted in general usage.
Summing up, then, in response to this question of what to wear afloat, it would seem reasonable that, if the occasion requires the use of a uniform, then the uniform should be correct in detail, according to tradition and the regulations established by better clubs and governing bodies.
If, on the other hand, the clothing is chosen for informal wear, comfort and utility will be major considerations. However, if you happen to see some yachtsman wearing gray flannels with his blue uniform coat, there is no use getting too excited about it—you’ll see plenty more. A surprising number of them are mighty good yachtsmen—even if the trousers don’t match the coat."
