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Yachting World

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Best sailing hats: Top boating headwear from simple caps to sou’westers and helmets

• David Harding
• August 25, 2023

Whether for warmth or sun protection, going afloat means wearing a hat. David Harding picks out 12 of the best sailing hats available right now

Whatever the season, there are two staples you need for the open water. A  good pair of sailing sunglasses  and the best sailing hat for protection from the sun (especially those of us who sport low-profile hairstyles).

For dinghy and keelboat racing , many prefer a peak but no brim – a cap, in other words. And if your boat has a low boom, select a sailing hat with built-in skull protection. Being bashed on the head is painful at the very least. Besides, who wants blood on the deck?

On colder days, a sailing hat is essential to keeping you warm on the water. The ubiquitous beanie might be the obvious starting point. Don’t overlook a lined sailing hat, perhaps a waterproof option. Look out for an hat that incorporates ear-warmers and a peak.

At a glance: Henri-Lloyd Mal HL sailing cap – Best classic sailing hat  – Buy it now airSUP Bucket Hat  – Best bucket hat for sailing – Buy it now Tilley T3 sailing hat  – Best brimmed sailing hat – Buy it now DexShell Beanie Solo  – Best beanie hat for sailing – Buy it now

What makes a good sailing hat?

Some of the best sailing hats serve multiple purposes. It might have a brim for sun protection or the sailing hat could be made of a water-repellent material. Before opting for a brim, consider how wide and how stiff it should be. A wide, stiff brim might seem best in the sun, but could present a challenge when you’re ducking under the rail on a racing yacht.

Another consideration is that as much UV is reflected from the water as you’re exposed to from above. So a sailing hat in the ‘bucket’ style – with a brim that’s narrower and lower – might be more effective, if not quite as stylish. What’s more, it’s less likely to blow off in a breeze. Any style of brim that’s too floppy is unlikely to be much use in stronger winds either.

Whichever type of sailing hat you might choose, there’s plenty to think about. Here is our pick of the best sailing hats available right now in various styles.

The best sailing hats available right now

• Sailing caps
• Brimmed sun hats
• Winter hats
• Sou’westers

Classic sailing caps

Henri-Lloyd Mal HL sailing cap

Specifications:  100% Organic Cotton, one size and back strap.

Reasons to buy: Made by a high-end yachting apparel brand; fast-drying; offers a high level of UV protection.

Reasons to avoid: Cheaper options are available if the HL brand is your main consideration.

Do you like to keep it classic? A straightforward cap should be your starting point when it comes to choosing a sailing hat. If you’re anything like me, you have probably picked up such a collection from the water (oddly, most sailing caps don’t come with retaining lanyards) that we’ve never needed to buy one.

Then again, what you find floating past your boat isn’t necessarily what you would choose to wear, so if you want something new, smart and branded with one of the best-known names in sailing clothing, you might go for something like the Mal HL sailing cap from Henri-Lloyd.

Available in navy blue or pale grey, it’s made from a polyester twill that’s said to be fast-drying and offers a UV protection factor of over 50.

Buy it now from Henri-Lloyd

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Gill pursuit cap.

Specifications:  100% polyester, 50+ UV protection and h and wash only.

Reasons to buy: Retaining a lanyard means you’re less likely to drop it overboard.

Reasons to avoid:  May not suit sailors with smaller heads.

Ever lost your hat looking overboard? We’re with you. The Pursuit Cap from Gill is one of the few sailing hats that comes with a retaining lanyard. A clip on the end attaches to your collar, so you’re less likely to find yourself fishing one of these out of the oggin.

Available in bright blue, dark blue, graphite or silver, it features a UV treatment of 50+ and a generously sized peak to help keep the sun out of your eyes. With features like the underside of the peak designed to absorb light reflected from the water, it’s clear to see why this would be a hit with any navigator.

Breathable fabric (polyester for easy cleaning) and a wicking headband should help you keep a cool head in the heat of battle on the race course.

Buy it now on Amazon

Best-brimmed sailing hats

Tilley T3 sailing hat

Specifications:  100% cotton, UPF 50+ and machine washable. 

Reasons to buy: Classic design, water-repellant finish; secret pocket for storing cash.

Reasons to avoid: There are much cheaper ways to keep the sun off your head.

I have been wearing these classic Tilley hats for over 15 years and am now on my third. They don’t last forever, despite the lifetime guarantee, but Tilley will replace them if/when (for those of us who practically live in them) they wear out.

The cotton duck gives good sun protection (factor 50+) and this sailing hat also has a water-repellent finish to help keep the rain off.

Padding in the top affords a degree of protection and that’s where you find the secret pocket for stashing away an emergency fiver.

The padding contributes to the buoyancy, which you might appreciate if you haven’t made use of the double head-straps to stop it from blowing off.

With its brass grommets for ventilation, and poppers for snapping up the brim on either side, the Tilley is a tried and tested titfer with a well-deserved following among sailors.

Buy it now on Tilley.com

airSUP Bucket Hat

Specifiations: Polyester, removable flap and UV sun protection.

Reasons to buy: Chin strap makes it almost impossible to lose; ear protection is a rare feature.

Reasons to avoid: Styling is reminiscent of the early 90s rave scene.

This might not be a sailing hat you would choose to wear for style alone  – but if functionality for active watersports is your priority and you prefer not to have a wide brim, it might be a good choice.

For a start, a strap that buckles under the chin means it really shouldn’t come off no matter what you’re doing on (or even in) the water.

The strap broadens out at the top to cover the ears and the side of the face too.

If you’re after further sun protection, the button-on neck flap that pulls out from an inside pocket will protect the nape. The brim is firm enough not to flip up or down in the wind or unexpected watery encounters.

Buy it now on eBay

Best beanies for sailing

DexShell Beanie Solo

Specifications:  100% polyester, micro fibre fleece lining and machine washable.

Reasons to buy: Windproof, waterproof and breathable – a beanie for all seasons.

Reasons to avoid: May not fit sailors with larger heads.

Traditional beanie hats aren’t for every sailor. Yes, they have limitations as sailing hats, but they will keep your head warm as long as you’re not out in the wind or rain (or exposed to salt spray).

That’s why this one from DexShell comes with additional features: it’s claims to be windproof, waterproof and breathable, with a waterproof membrane and microfleece lining for warmth.

The outer shell in acrylic gives the beanie its knitted look and comes in a range of colours from grey and black to cyan blue and even high-vis yellow for those who really don’t want to get lost.

SubZero Factor 4 Softshell Windproof Hat

Specifications:  97% Polyester and 3% Elastane, double thickness banding and soft fleece inner face.

Reasons to buy: Flat stitching makes for a comfortable fit.

Reasons to avoid: Shower-proof, but not fully waterproof.

With this British-made beanie from SubZero, head warmth and protection from the wind is the top priority.

The soft-shell fabric itself is waterproof, but unfortunately not the stitching, so it would be best to think of it as shower-proof.

If you are searching for an alternative that has full-water repellency, check out SubZero’s waterproof beanie.

To keep the wind and cold at bay, the Factor 4 hat has a soft fleece inner face designed to trap warm air around your head.

A double-thickness headband provides extra insulation around your ears and brow, while the flat stitching should eliminate uncomfortable rubbing – something not all sailing hat manufacturers seem to think about.

There’s no knitted look with this beanie: the windproof fabric on the outside is smooth to reduce the effects of wind-chill.

Buy it now on SubZero.co.uk

Best winter sailing hats

Sealskinz Waterproof Extreme Cold Weather Hat

Specifications:  Outer: 100% nylon | Inner: 100% polyester, sizes available: S-XXL and a micro fleece lining.

Reasons to buy: Machine washable; available in a wide range of sizes.

Reasons to avoid: Sizing comes up small – if in doubt, go one size up.

Are you searching for a sailing hat that incorporates ear-warmers and a peak that’s also windproof and waterproof? Sealskinz might have the answer.

As its name suggests, it’s designed to cope with seriously wet and cold conditions. I appreciate that the ear-warmers tuck away if needed and that the peak can be folded back and held with a popper.

Made with a waterproof breathable membrane sandwiched between an outer nylon shell for durability and a fleece inside for warmth, it comes in sizes from small to XXL.

There’s also a Velcro tab at the back to make sure of a snug fit. If it does blow off and get dirty, just throw it in the washing machine: it doesn’t need any special treatment.

Musto Fleece Lined Waterproof sailing cap

Specifications:  Polyester, r eflective printed screen and fleece lining.

Reasons to buy: Fleece lined; waterproof, windproof and breathable; taped seams should make for a comfy fit.

Reasons to avoid: Only one size available.

An alternative to the Sealskinz comes from Musto. Offered in one size it has been designed to accommodate larger heads. Available in black (or green for your country weekends), this sailing hat has good features such as fleece lining, a larger, stiffer peak, and fold-down protection for the ears and neck.

A drawstring can be secured under the chin in windy weather, but if this one blows off, you’re advised not to put it in the machine: it’s for hand-washing only.

The polyester fabric is claimed to be waterproof, windproof and breathable, with taped seams helping to make sure no water seeps in.

Musto also suggests that taping the seams eradicates stitch holes and reduces abrasion against the skin.

Best sou’wester sailing hats

Guy Coton sou’wester

Specifications: Polyester, sizes available: S-L and strong stitching.

Reasons to buy: Excellent face and neck protection; built to last.

Reasons to avoid: The Captain Birdseye look isn’t for everyone…

The sou’wester was good enough for lifeboat crews in days of yore, but has fallen from fashion in recent decades, and we don’t know why.

When you’re getting high-pressure spray full in the face, a well-fitted hood might be a more effective solution – and, being attached to your jacket, it’s always there when you want it – but even the best hoods can often be restrictive. Sometimes a proper sailing hat just feels better.

So it’s good to see that Guy Cotten, a company known for its traditional-style, and no-nonsense clothing, continues to offer the humble sou’wester in equally traditional colours: green or bright yellow.

It’s made from the company’s ‘classic fabric’ – PVC-coated polyester – which it describes as ‘extremely long-lasting, tough and cheap’.

Helly-Hansen Svolvaer Sou’wester

Specifications: PVC-coated polyester, drawstring and cotton-lined.

Reasons to buy: The most affordable option on our list, despite being from a big-name brand.

Reasons to avoid: The Guy Cotton sou’wester offers better face protection.

It says something about the practicality and appeal of the sou’wester that two of today’s better-known manufacturers of this traditional sailing hat are from parts of the world that still have a strong fishing industry.

Helly Hansen’s offering, made from PVC-coated polyester with a cotton lining, incorporates ear-flaps and has a chin strap to keep it on.

It features a shallower brim at the front than some sou’westers, with a suitably long one at the back to keep the rain well away from your neck.

Given the resurgence of retro styles in so many walks of life, perhaps a classic sou’wester would make a perfect and inexpensive Christmas stocking-filler for the practically-minded sailor who thought he or she had everything.

Best hard sailing hats

Gul Elite Watersports Helmet

Specifications: Outer: Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) | Inner: foam, lightweight and modern design.

Reasons to buy: CE compliant; plenty of ventilation; adjustable lining and chin strap.

Reasons to avoid: Unless you’re racing something seriously fast, or partaking in extreme watersports, a helmet will probably look out of place.

A sailing hat or a cap might help stop your head from getting cold or sunburned when you’re afloat, but what about protection from bangs?

It used to be rare to see sailors wearing helmets, but their use on some of today’s high-profile race boats has made them more acceptable to a wider cross-section of sailors.

Modern styling also means you’re less likely to look as though you’ve just walked off a building site.

Gul’s Elite Helmet is designed for all manner of watersports including dinghy sailing.

Complying with the CE EN 1385 standard for personal protective equipment, it has ventilation holes, a quick-release chin strap, ear protection and an adjustable liner.

The shell is made from impact-resistant ABS.

SafaSail hard sailing hat

Speficiations: Material: moulded shell to offer protection and foam padding.

Reasons to buy: Added protection without compromising on style; available in a choice of peak sizes.

Reasons to avoid: No protection for neck or ears.

For bump protection in a less obvious form than a helmet, Nauticalia’s SafaSail cap might be what you’re looking for.

At a glance it looks almost like an ordinary peaked sailing hat, but inside is an injection-moulded shell that offers similar protection to that of a building worker’s bump cap.

Foam padding should make it comfortable to wear and there’s a chin-strap to help keep it on.

If the standard peak is too long and gives you a crick in the neck when you have to look aloft, you can order the SafaSail with a shorter one.

Didn’t find what you’re looking for? Head to Amazon’s dedicated boating page for more marine products.

The 11 Best Sailing Hats 2024: Top Yachting Headware

Getting the best sailing hat possible for those blissful days out on the water is essential for your enjoyment and your safety. If you’re spending any amount of time out at sea then you’re going to need the best hat you can find to offer all-around protection from both the cold and the sunshine.

Being exposed to the sunshine all day, often with little shade, can be a real health hazard and while you’re sailing one of the best ways to avoid getting too much sun is with a hat that will offer great protection.

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To be useful at sea that hat needs to fit a whole load of extra criteria to a hat you’d use at home. The best sailing headwear will have a whole host of extra useful features that you might not have even thought of till now!

Over two years of sailing, we’ve been through our fair share of boating hats, and we’ve spoken to lots of other full-time cruisers to get their top recommendations too!

Here’s our guide to the best sailing caps, beanies, and sou’westers to help you enjoy your time on the water to the max.

Quick Guide To The Best Yachting Headwear

• Helly Hansen Crew Hat
• Gill Marine Technical – The best budget hat
• Outdoor Research Sombriolet – Best for comfort
• Sunday Afternoons Adventure – Best for sun protection
• Gill Race Cap – Best baseball cap design
• Tilley LTM6 Airflo – Best in quality
• Sealskinz Hat – Best for cold weather
• Islamorada Catamaran Hat – Best for style
• Gill Offshore Hat – Best for offshore sailing
• Helly Hansen Roam Hat
• Best Sailing Hats For Kids

Should you wear a hat on a boat? What kind of hat do you wear sailing? Features to look for How to keep your hat on while sailing Why do sailors wear beanies?

The Best Sailing Hats

Here are our top sailing hat picks. We’ve included some of their best features to help you make the right decision for you. Remember, all of these hats also make great sailing gifts!

#1 Helly Hansen Crew Hat

This is a great budget option for anyone who wants to stay protected out on the water. It’s a simple baseball cap design, but in true Helly Hansen style it doesn’t compromise on quality and this cap is all you’ll need when out sailing in the summer.

It’s super lightweight, making it comfortable to wear. It dries quickly after getting wet from spray or rain, and it’s made from durable material that will last.

✅ Grab yours from Helly Hansen now

#2 Gill Marine Technical

This is one of the best budget sailing hats around, and it should meet all of your sailing hat requirements! Gill is a well-known sailing brand for a reason – they deliver quality sailing gear.

This sailing hat is no different. For starters, it floats! And it has an adjustable chin strap that you can remove if you need. We have lost way too many hats to the sea and the wind. Having a hat that floats is a real bonus.

The brim is wide which is perfect for keeping the sun off your face and neck, and it keeps the glare out of your eyes too.

This sailing hat is made from a really lightweight, water-repelling material which means it actually dries super quickly if it gets wet (which it will, obviously!) It also has an absorbent headband which is one of my sailing hat must-haves to try and combat sweat!

✅ For current prices head here!

#3 Outdoor Research Sombriolet Hat

This hat by Outdoor Research is a little more expensive than the Gill sailing hat but worth it if you’re spending a lot of time outdoors.

This hat has been made to last, with a wide foam stiffened brim and a UPF 50+ rating. It has a wicking headband to keep sweat off your face and breathable panels to keep you cool in the heat – perfect for lazing about at anchor in the sunshine.

We love how easy the drawstring cord is to adjust – you can do it with one hand while you’re sailing.

This hat is made out of durable materials, it’s easily washable and water resistant. It’s also super light and folds away easily for convenient storage or packing.

This is a great all-rounder sailing hat and is worth the extra money for a hat that will last.

✅ For current prices head here

#4 Sunday Afternoons Adventure Hat

If you’re after the best possible sailing hat for sun protection then this is it. This is a world-famous hat for all types of adventure sports with its huge brim and neck cape that provides all-around sun protection.

It floats, it’s light and durable, its size is adjustable and it has a wicking inner headband. The big difference between this hat and the others we’ve mentioned is the neck cap and wide brim. Perfect for covering up when spending all day in the sun.

The only negative with this hat is that it’s perhaps not the trendiest, but when you’re out at sea who’s looking anyway!?

✅ Buy now from Amazon

#5 Gill Race Cap

If you love baseball caps then you’ll know the dangers of wearing a standard one out on the water! Baseball caps don’t make great sailing hats because as soon as the wind picks up it catches the lip and blows them straight into the sea. It gives you a great chance to practice your MOB procedure but it can get a little tiresome!

Luckily there are sailing hats out there designed to overcome this problem. This baseball sailing hat from Gill comes with a strap and plastic clip to keep your hat from being anywhere but on you. If it blows off it won’t be going anywhere!

It has all the other features you’d want in a sailing hat, like a wicking headband, 50+ UV rating, water resistance, and durable fabric.

The only downside is that baseball caps don’t give as much all round sun protection and leave the back of your neck exposed. Consider grabbing a few buffs to combat this problem if you’re more comfortable in a baseball cap design.

✅ Buy now from Gill

#6 Tilley LTM6 Airflo Brimmed Sailing Hat

Tilley hats were designed by an avid sailor and have a bit of a cult following (for a reason). These hats are certainly not a budget option but they might just be one of the best.

The Airflo Collection  is designed for versatility and function in every outdoor adventure. Every hat is designed to be breathable, packable, and protective from sun, rain, and wind. Perfect for every sailing condition.

It comes with all the other expected features of a sailing hat, such as UPF 50+ ratings, floatation, washable, water resistance, and a strap to tie on in the wind. But these sailing hats have received a whole lot of extra love too.

Each Tilley hat is hand-sewn and all seams are lock-stitched so they won’t unravel. The crown of these sailing hats is slightly higher so the top of the hat doesn’t sit against your head (one of my pet hates in sailing hats).

This obviously allows more ventilation from the mesh. They have a sewn-in pocket for storing small valuables like a room key or cash.

These sailing hats are guaranteed for life and the manufacturers claim that this will be the last hat you ever buy! Perhaps the price looks a little more appealing now!

#7 Islamorada Catamaran Boating Hat

I have a real thing for straw hats (or straw-looking hats!) This is an awesome choice for sailing as it looks super cute but is also very practical and designed with sailing in mind.

The ultra-wide 4 1/4″ downsloping brim offers UPF 50+ sun protection with a chinstrap to keep it in place when the weather gets spicy! If you’re looking for something you can wear on and off the water then this is a great option.

#8 Sealskinz Winter Sailing Hat

If you’re looking for the best sailing hat for cold weather then look no further.

This sailing hat by sealskinz is 100% waterproof and windproof but still breathable. It’s designed for extreme cold weather with a three-layer construction. There are ear panels to keep your ears warm (my biggest hate!) and the adjustable fit means it won’t blow off in the wind.

#9 Gill Offshore Hat

The Gill Offshore hat is designed for anyone who will be out in the elements for extended periods. This is a pretty serious sailing hat!

It is made from two-layer quick-drying fabric, with a fleece lining to keep you cosy. The wire peak can be adjusted to help visibility in rain and spray, and there’s an adjustable and removable chin strap so your hat will actually stay on in a blow!

Buy the Gill Offshore hat now

#10 Helly Hansen Roam Hat

The Roam hat by Helly Hansen is another great option if you want maximum sun protection but with a little style. It has a wide-rim to protect your face and neck, and is made from quick drying fabric which makes it a great option for sailing.

Plus we love how it looks. I know it shouldn’t be important but let’s face it, it is!

Buy the Roam hat here

#11 Best Yachting Hats For Kids

The best sailing hats for kids are designed to be fun for them to wear (to encourage them to keep them on!) to be comfortable, and to provide maximum protection from the elements for their young skin.

We would opt for this Helly Hansen Ocean Race hat with it’s wide brim and toggle under the chin so there’s less chance of it going straight in the sea!

Should you wear a hat on a boat?

I wouldn’t like to tell people what they should and shouldn’t do, but if pushed I would say a definite yes, you should wear a hat on a sailboat.

Sailing exposes you to so many elements and it’s not always easy or possible to escape them. You will need a hat to protect you from the sun or the cold, or quite probably both! Even if you decide not to wear it in the end it’s an excellent idea to have one with you so you’re safe and comfortable out on the water.

What kind of hat should you wear sailing? Features To Consider

These days boating hats come with all sorts of fancy features – but what do you really need in the best hat for sailing?

We’ve put together a list of a few of the things you might want to consider before you buy a hat for sailing, ranging from the amount of protection from the sun and wind it gives you to some of the fancy extras like wicking bands and vents.

Ultimately, the best yachting hat for you will be a personal choice and you’ll have to decide what you want to prioritise. You might just be sailing for a few hours a week and want to prioritise your budget, or you might sail every day and need a sailing hat that will last.

Hopefully we’ve given you enough options to help you make the best decision for you! And don’t forget, decent sailing headwear will make a great present for that sailing-fanatic loved one in your life! For the ultimate sailing kit guide check out our post – essential sailing gear .

Why Sailing Hats Are So Important

A sailing hat has a few different jobs that are equally important. Firstly, as most of us prefer to sail in the sunshine, a hat will protect you from the sun’s harmful rays. This includes damage to your skin and heat from the sun.

If you sail in colder climates a good sailing hat will also protect you from the cold. We lose most of our heat from our heads so a decent quality winter sailing hat for cold weather is very important.

I would always recommend having headwear for both weather extremes on board just in case. You never know when the wind will pick up and you’ll need some warmth!

Consider Where You’re Sailing

Where you’re sailing, when you sail, and how often you sail will have a big impact on what you decide is the best sailing hat for you.

As I mentioned earlier, if you’re a weekend fair-weather sailor then you might decide you need a budget hat that will keep the sun off your face. If you plan on sailing through the UK winter then you’re going to want a hat that will provide protection from the wind and cold weather.

Decide on your priorities in a boating hat before you buy.

Think UPF Ratings

A UPF rating is a sun protection rating applied to clothing. It measures the amount of UVA and UVB radiation that penetrates the fabric and reaches the skin. In most cases, you’ll want a hat that provides a UPF rating of 50+ giving you nearly 100% protection from the sun through the material.

Brimmed Sailing Hats

For most activities, a really wide brim is a huge bonus as it will keep more sun and heat off of your face. However, when we’re out sailing the wind can be a pain. It will either force the brim of the hat up, whipping the hat off your head or leaving you unprotected, or it will force the brim down and you’ll be blinded!

Most of the best sailing hats combat this with a stiffened medium-sized brim.

Which Is The Best Sailing Headwear Material?

A sailing hat needs to be pretty durable . It’s going to be put through its paces out on the water spending lots of time wet, in the sun, being packed down small and repeatedly washed.

The best sailing hats will stand up to all of these things and will be made to last.

How To Keep Your Hat On While Sailing

This is not the easiest of tasks! If you’re having a great day’s sail then you’ve almost certainly got some great wind. Chances are, that great wind is also doing a great job of ripping that hat off your head!

So how do you keep your hat on while sailing? The answer is simple: you tie it on!

Most hats designed for sailors will come with a chin strap. Use this to secure your hat onto your head. It also helps if your hat fits snugly. You can also use hair pins to help secure your hat or cap, though these won’t always hold up in strong winds!

If your hat doesn’t come with a chin strap then you can buy a hat lanyard that attaches your hat to your clothes so it won’t blow away. Or if you’re really stuck, just tie some string around the top of your hat and under your chin! It isn’t the most stylish look but it will secure your hat in high winds.

Why do sailors wear beanies?

Beanies were traditionally worn by sailors on watch to keep them warm when on the lookout for hazards or enemy ships. They were usually made from wool yarn and protected the sailors from the harsh winds at sea.

These days sailors wear them for the same reasons, only technology has moved on a bit and you can get ones made from breathable, quick dry fabric that won’t soak up all that salt spray.

Conclusion: The Best Sailing Hats

Hopefully this guide has given you some ideas when it comes to choosing the best sailing hat for you so that you have more time for fun out on the water!

Now you’ve got your head sorted make sure you think about the best sunglasses for sailing and what to wear on your sailboat !

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• Pingback: What To Wear Sailing: The Ultimate Guide | Two Get Lost

Hi Emily and Adam, I was reading your blog on hats suitable for sailing and I’d like to introduce you to our Arntson Marine Tahoe Brim full brim sun hats that are high speed and gale force wind stable. There’s with no flapping, flopping, or flying off your head, providing UPF 50+ protection. Not only is it high wind stable, it floats! I would welcome the opportunity to send you each one of our Tahoe Brim WindSun hats so you can see for yourself why we’re so excited about this new design. Please check out our website at https://arntsonmarine.com/pages/arntson-marine-hats-caps , find a color and size that will work for you and email me your preference. As soon as I hear from you, I’ll ship you each a hat. I can be reached at [email protected] and 775-683-3388. Thank you for your time! Beth Coffey Curle Arntson Marine and Tahoe Blue Gear [email protected]

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• Search Search Hi! We’re Emily, Adam and Tiny Cat, liveaboard sailors travelling the world on our 38ft sailboat and writing about it as we go. We hope we can inspire you to live the life you’ve always dreamed, whether that’s exploring the world or living a more simple way of life in a tiny home. Find out more. Patreon
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The Tahoe Brim Sailing Hat is my personal favorite by far. It has lots of extra features that serious sailors will love. It fits your head nicely so is comfortable to wear for hours at a time. The brim is wide but not too wide. It’s also quite stiff so that it won’t flap about in the breeze. However, you can fold it up if you want (eg. if you’re trimming a spinnaker or a yacht, this is handy). It’s also quick-drying, flat-packable, and has a retaining strap. And, it floats!

I have done an in-depth review of the Tahoe Brim Sailing Hat. To see that article, click here .

Gill Race Sailing Cap

Gill is a brand we like because they make a lot of excellent products that are designed specifically for sailing. Hats are one of them and the Gill Men’s Race Sailing Cap wins a place on our list because it is designed with a close-fitting shape that makes this hat stay put once you’ve put it on. It comes with a low-profile fit and is made with lightweight quick-drying fabric finished with a water-resistant outer shell.

In addition, there’s a cord that you can attach to your shirt collar, so if it does happen to get blown or knocked off your head, the hat won’t travel far from reach.

Check out the Gill Men’s Race Sailing Cap. Click the button below for more info.

Helly Hansen Men’s Logo Cap

The next spot in our list of the top five sailing hats goes to the Helly Hansen Men’s Logo Cap.

This one’s made from 100% cotton fabric which makes it comfortable to wear and is also quick to dry when wet. It comes in a unisex, one-size-fits-all design so it is suitable for anyone to wear. Add to that the fact that it provides excellent UV protection from the sun and has a cool ‘HH’ logo and you have a top-notch choice when out on or around the water.

Click the button below to get more info and for the best price on a Helly Hansen Men’s Logo Cap.

Gill Marine Cap

We can’t have a Gill product on this list without including their Marine Cap. This sailing hat was engineered for comfort and sun protection. It’s got a low-profile design with a good-sized peak to keep the sun off your face.

The headband is made of a wicking fabric that helps keep you cool, and it has just enough padding to keep it comfortable for long days on the water.

This sailing hat is designed without the top button to ensure a comfortable fit. It also comes in a range of colors.

Have a look at the Gill Marine Cap on Amazon – click the button below.

Dorfman Pacific Men’s Boonie Hat

Dorfman Pacific Men’s Boonie Hat is created with style, comfort, and function in mind.

Made from 80% nylon, this hat is lightweight but durable.

It is great for long days out in the sun and is rated UPF 50+, has a 3-inch brim, and provides excellent sun protection.

It also includes a chin cord, as well as a mesh-lined crown.

Make sure that you get the best price on the Dorfman Pacific Men’s Boonie Hat… check it out below.

Sunday Afternoons Solar Bucket Hat

The final Best of the Best Sailing Hats goes to… Sunday Afternoons Solar  Bucket Hat . It is well worth having on this list because it is designed for various uses.

The 2 3/4 inch crushable down-sloping brim is what makes this hat stand out. Because of the lightweight one hundred percent nylon fabric that it is made from, and the ventilated construction, it is also capable of wicking away moisture.

The chin-strap harness keeps the hat in place when the wind picks up, and it will provide UPF 50+ sun protection. The sleek design makes it a perfect companion for racing, sailing, boarding, rafting, and just about any other sport or activity that requires water.

Have a look at the Sunday Afternoons Solar Bucket Hat…

Gill Technical UV Sun Hat with Hat Retainer

Ok, as you may be able to tell, at Laser Sailing Tips we are a bit of a fan of Gill hats. So we couldn’t go without mentioning the Gill Technical UV Sun Hat with Hat Retainer.

I like this one because it has a stiffened brim, so it doesn’t fly up as easily in a breeze.

It’s also designed to wick away the moisture, so there is no need to get hot-headed when out and about.

And because it’s made by Gill, you know that the quality is going to be good.

Make sure that you have a closer look by clicking on the button below for more info.

The Top Hat Accessory… Chums Hat Clip Cap Retainer

We can’t give you a list of the top five hats for sailing without including this handy little extra.

The Chums Hat Clip has saved many a hat from going overboard and ending up lost at sea. It is durable but tough. It is 9″ / 23cm in length, and is adjustable.

Definitely worth it if you want to keep your favorite hat from disappearing over the side while sailing.

This has to be one of the best value-for-money sailing accessories around.

Click the button below for more info on the Chums Hat Clip Cap Retainer.

Here is a summary of our picks of the best sailing hats…

What Are The Different Types Of Sailing Hats?

Sailing hats aren’t worn just to look cool. They are worn to help protect sailors from the sun, wind, rain, and other elements. They’re made from different materials, come in different colors and styles, and are designed for different purposes.

There are a few main types of sailing hats:

Sailing Caps

Sailing caps are probably the most common type of hat. Similar to a baseball cap, they fit well on the head but don’t protect the ears or back of the neck. They can be blown off quite easily, so some come with a retaining clip.

Wide Brim Hats

Wide brim hats usually have a stiffened brim to protect the wearer from the sun on all sides. Often they have a chin cord to prevent it from flying off.

Bucket Hats

Bucket Hats are similar to wide-brim hats but their brim is not as stiff. They are comfortable to wear, but may not provide the same protection as the wide-brim versions.

Yachting Caps

Yachting caps are white with a black bill that has a black ribbon around the brim, and it is usually worn by officers on a boat or as a novelty captain’s cap.

Technical Performance Hats

As technology continues to advance, so do sailing hats. Technical performance hats are designed with cutting-edge materials and innovative features to meet the demands of keen sailors and competitive racers. These hats often combine lightweight, moisture-wicking fabrics with specialized technologies for enhanced breathability and comfort.

Some technical performance hats may also incorporate antimicrobial properties to prevent odors during prolonged use. Additionally, they may have built-in ventilation systems to improve airflow and prevent overheating in hot weather.

These high-performance hats are favored by sailors who prioritize functionality and the latest advancements in materials.

Helmet-Style Sailing Hats

For sailors tackling extreme conditions, such as high-speed racing or when windsurfing or kiteboarding, helmet-style sailing hats offer unparalleled protection. These hats are more akin to protective headgear and feature a hard shell combined with impact-absorbing foam padding on the interior.

Helmet-style sailing hats provide critical head protection during aggressive maneuvers, collisions, or accidental falls. While they prioritize safety, they also include ventilation systems to ensure comfort and prevent overheating. While not typically used in recreational sailing, helmet-style hats are indispensable for professional racers and sailors pushing the limits of their sport.

How to Choose the Right Sailing Hat

We’re lucky that sailing hats come in many different styles. This means you should be able to find one that fits your needs and personal preference. Consider the following when shopping for a sailing hat:

• Comfort : A tight-fitting hat will become uncomfortable. A loose-fitting hat will require constant adjustments. A good sailing hat should fit properly and be comfortable enough to wear all day. It should sit so that it doesn’t pinch your ears or leave a mark on your forehead. It should be the right hat size to fit your head correctly.
• Protection : You will wear a sailing hat for extended periods in the sun, so it must provide excellent sun protection. A wide-brimmed hat serves as a good option, but the brim must hold its shape in windy conditions. The brim needs to be wide enough to cover your face and eyes, at a minimum.
• Material : The material the sailing hat is made from is an important factor to consider. It should be a lightweight, but strong material. There are sailing hats made from material that contains moisture-wicking properties. This can help to keep you cool if you sweat in the heat. It is also important to find a sailing hat made from material that breathes well as this will also help to keep your head cool on a hot, sunny day on the waves.
• Type of Sailing : The type of sailing you typically engage in will also be something to factor into your sailing hat choice. A sailing hat best suited for cruising on a yacht may not be the right choice for laser racing, for example.
• Color : Although the color or pattern on the sailing hat will mostly depend on personal preference, there are a few ways to look at this. One is to remember that a hat in a light color can help reflect sunlight which would assist in keeping your head from overheating.
• Retainer or Clip : Sailing hats tend to get blown around in windy conditions. If your sailing activities put you in these conditions regularly, you may want to look for a sailing hat with a retainer, clip, or chin strap to keep it securely with you at all times.
• Easy To Pack : You may want to factor in how easy the sailing hat is to pack around with you when it is not on your head. Big, bulky hats are good for such things as sun protection but are not as functional when you are carrying them around with you. A lighter sailing hat would be the better choice in this situation.
• Fashion : If you are interested in ensuring that you look sharp on the water, then fashion will be a concern. Fortunately, sailing hats come in various designs and patterns on them so you should be able to find one that suits your tastes.

Maintenance and Care for Sailing Hats

Cleaning and washing instructions.

It is a good idea to clean your sailing hat regularly. Cleaning instructions will differ related to the material the sailing hat is made from. Proper maintenance ensures that your sailing hat remains functional and looking its best. Regular cleaning helps prevent odors, stains, and damage caused by exposure to saltwater, sun, and wind.

Also, sailing hats are not meant to be tossed into a washing machine, even set on a delicate cycle. The cleaning process of a washing machine will damage a sailing hat or cause unnecessary wear and tear reducing the lifespan of that hat.

Instead, follow the instructions below to clean your sailing hat.

• Check the Label : Before cleaning your sailing hat, check the manufacturer’s label for specific care instructions. Different materials and designs may have varying cleaning recommendations.
• Spot Cleaning : For minor stains, gently spot clean the affected areas using a soft cloth or sponge dampened with mild soapy water. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasives that could damage the hat fabric.
• Hand Wash : If you own a hat made from natural fibers such as cotton or straw, often the best approach is to hand wash it. Begin by filling a basin with lukewarm water and adding a small quantity of mild detergent. For creating suds, gently stir the water.
• Submerge and Clean : Dip the hat into the soapy water and gently swirl it around. Use a soft brush or cloth to lightly scrub any heavily soiled areas. Avoid excessive rubbing to prevent distortion.
• Rinse Thoroughly : Rinse the hat with cold water until all soap residues are removed. It’s important to avoid wringing or twisting the hat, as this could alter its shape.
• Absorb Excess Water : Gently press the hat between a couple of clean towels to remove excess water. Do not squeeze or twist the hat.
• Reshape and Air Dry : If the hat is soft and flexible, reshape it to its original form. Place the hat on a clean towel or a hat form to air dry. Avoid direct sunlight and heat sources, as they may cause the hat to fade or warp.
• Storage : Once the hat is completely dry, store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. To help maintain its shape, fill the crown with tissue paper or a soft cloth.
• Special Care : For technical performance hats, follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer. Some hats may be machine washable, while others may require specialized cleaning methods.
• Consider a Hat Protector : Using a fabric protector spray can help repel water, stains, and UV rays, which will help to extend the life of your hat.

Proper Storage Considerations

When you are not using your sailing hat, it is important to store it properly. This requires keeping it in a cool and dry place. The purpose of this is to prevent the sailing hat from developing mold and mildew which will cause damage to the structure of the sailing hat, thus shortening its useful life. Also, avoid storing your sailing hat where heavy objects may be placed on top of it. This will cause it to lose its shape.

To help your sailing hat to maintain its shape, be gentle when you use it. If for some reason it loses its shape, you can do one of two things. You can reshape your sailing hat with a hat form or when it is drying, stuff the crown of the hat with a clean cloth or tissue paper. Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer on the care and maintenance of your sailing hat as not all materials require the same type of attention.

Sailing Hats and Environmental Impact

Sustainable materials and eco-friendly options.

The material a sailing hat is made from can influence the environmental impact of the product. Sustainable and eco-friendly materials have a considerably smaller environmental footprint than traditional product materials. To help you identify eco-friendly options compared to conventional, here is a short list of sustainable versus non-sustainable materials:

Sustainable Sailing Hat Materials:

• Natural straw
• Organic cotton
• Recycled or natural fibers

Non-sustainable Sailing Hat Materials:

• Synthetic fabrics and plastics
• Non-recyclable materials
• PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
• Exotic Animal Skins
• Non-Biodegradable Fabrics
• Chemically Treated Fabrics

Other considerations to factor into the purchase of a sailing hat that can impact the environment include:

• Transportation : Sailing hats that are manufactured in distant locations and shipped to various markets utilize several different transportation methods. Whether by air, sea, or land, each contributes to energy consumption and the release of greenhouse gases to the environment. The impact transportation methods have in the distribution of sailing hats can be reduced by seeking companies that rely on local or regional production facilities.
• Packaging : The type of packaging typically used for shipping sailing hats and for putting them on display in retail outlets can contribute to pollution and excess waste. Single-use plastics are the main culprits in this equation. Opt for supporting companies that use either minimal or eco-friendly packaging materials.

Supporting Environmentally Conscious Brands

The production of sailing hats typically includes several different processes. They are sewing, weaving, printing, and finishing activities that result in a usable product. Manufacturers are shifting to sustainable production practices to reduce their carbon footprint. Some of these new systems include the reduction of chemical use, increasing water-efficient techniques, and the implementation of renewable energy sources all work to lessen the impact on the environment.

To support this production method, do some research on the companies that produce sailing hats and choose those that have adopted environmentally conscious production practices.

So What is the Best Type of Sailing Hat?

The best type of sailing hat ultimately depends on personal preference and the conditions in which the hat will be used.

Sailing caps provide good sun protection for the face and neck and are snug fitting, which makes them suitable for windy conditions.

Wide brim hats offer greater sun protection, including for the neck and ears, but may not be suitable in windy conditions as they can be easily blown off.

Bucket hats also provide excellent sun protection and work well in wet conditions, keeping rain off your face and neck.

No matter what hat type you select, consider adding a retainer to prevent your favorite hat from blowing off in a gust.

So, select the hat style that fulfills your specific needs and personal preferences, including protection level, wind resistance, comfort, and style.

Sailing Hat FAQs

Is there a difference between a sailing hat and a regular sun hat.

Compared to normal hats, sailing hats are typically designed to block out more sun and be firmly held on your head in gusty conditions. They often have a wide brim and a chin strap or drawstring. Often they’re made out of lightweight, breathable, and quick-drying materials. In comparison, a common sun hat will have elements that provide sun protection but may not be as stable in windy weather like sailing hats are.

How do I find the best sailing hat?

If you want the best sailing hat, then consider:

– The Fabric : a sailing hat made of lightweight, high-quality, and breathable material is ideal; – Brim Size and Shape : a wide brim is preferable as it will offer the most defense from the sun for the face and neck; – Fit : the sailing hat should have a snug fit that is not too tight or too loose; – Water-Resistant : since it will be worn on the water, it is critical that the hat is either water-resistant or made of quick-drying material; – Style ; the practical features of a sailing hat are essential, but it should also have a style that is appealing; and – Brand/Quality ; quality sailing hats are usually the products of well-known brands.

What are some popular brands of sailing hats?

Here are some of the most popular brands of sailing hats:

– Gill : This brand is very popular within the sailing community. Gill produces a full range of hats that are suitable for sailing. – Helly Hansen : This is a brand that is well-known for the production of various pieces of sailing gear. It also has a line of sailing hats. – Musto : This is a high-end brand. Musto produces a full line of sailing clothing and accessories, which includes sailing hats. – Rooster : This is another popular brand amongst sailors. They have a vast selection of sailing hats, visors, and beanies in their product line. – Patagonia : Although this is not specifically a sailing brand, Patagonia produces various pieces of outdoor gear including hats suitable for sailing.

Are there sailing hats with added features such as UPF protection or a neck flap?

Many sailing hats have added features including UPF protection and neck flaps. They include:

– Columbia Bora Bora Booney Hat : This hat has UPF 50+ sun protection, a wide brim, a drawcord and toggle at the back to help with the fit, and a neck flap for extra sun protection. – Sunday Afternoons Adventure Hat : This hat has UPF 50+ sun protection and a wide 4-inch brim. There is also a neck flap and a chin strap to keep the hat securely in place. – Outdoor Research Sun Runner Cap : This hat also has UPF 50+ sun protection. It also has a removable sun skirt that provides extra sun protection for your neck and ears. There is a mesh panel for ventilation and a moisture-wicking headband. – Tilly LTM6 Airflo Hat : This hat has UPF 50+ sun protection, a wide brim, a mesh panel for ventilation, a moisture-wicking sweatband, and a chin strap to hold it in place.

What Others Are Saying About Sailing Hats…

General feedback and reviews of all these sailing hats mentioned above are positive. Features are usually what gets mentioned with added extras such as retaining cords or moisture-wicking capability getting much praise. Price and material also receive a lot of feedback. Essentially, each of these featured hats for sailing is the best available.

Comments posted by owners of these products verify our own thoughts and findings that price, construction, and function are all important elements in designing the perfect hats for sailing, and that’s why we have chosen these best sailing hats as our top picks.

Choosing the right sailing hat can make a world of difference for your day on the water. It protects you from the elements and ensures maximum fun. Check out more of our favorite options for men’s and women’s sailing hats here .

So what’s your favorite sailing hat? We all have a favorite, so what features are the must-haves on your sailing hat list? Let us know in the comments below…

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About Brendan

Brendan has over 30 years experience sailing dinghies, yachts, and windsurfers, but has recently started Laser sailing. "I found it difficult to find all the information that I needed when I started sailing my Laser, and I am sure that others have had the same problem. So I combined all the information I could into this website to help other Laser sailors get the most out of this sport. If you have any questions or comments, let me know... I will get back to you as soon as I can."

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Add a Nautical Flair to Your Outfit With the Best Captain Sailing Hats

Our content is meticulously curated through independent research, testing, reviews, and AI-driven recommendations, all designed to present you with the finest product choices. When you make a purchase through our links, it could result in us earning a commission.

If you spend long hours at sea, especially behind the helm of a ship, yacht, or boat, you certainly need some proper headgear for many different reasons. The biggest one is to keep you safe from the brutal summer sun and burn, flaking, or aging your skin faster than your ship moves! Secondly, it also gives a nice look to your overall outfit. This way, you kill birds with one stone — captain sailing hats! These can instantly make you look like a naval chief, even when paired with a regular white shirt. It doesn’t just look like the real deal but also offers real-world practicality as the black visor is great at blocking out the sun when it’s right on top of you. Besides, it can easily double up as a great touch to your kids’ Halloween costume. But you wouldn’t want the cap to wear out after a single trip at sea, right? Sadly, most cheap quality caps do just that. Don’t worry, though. We’ve scoured the internet to gather the highest-rated captain sailing hats that you can buy in 2024. Let’s have a look!

Our Top Picks

• Best Overall: BESTOYARD Captain Sailing Hat Shop Now ➔
• Best Comfortable: SATINIOR Captain Sailing Hat Shop Now ➔
• Best Package: Dodowin Captain Sailing Hat Shop Now ➔
• Best Multipurpose: BBTO Captain Sailing Hat Shop Now ➔
• Best Costume: Valley Mall Captain Sailing Hat Shop Now ➔
• 3 Sun Protection

Why are captain sailing hats shaped the way they are?

What kind of hat do you wear sailing, what is a hat pin used for, related reviews, what is the great captain sailing hat in 2024, best overall.

BESTOYARD Captain Sailing Hat

Sitting at the top of this list is the Bestoyard Captain Sailing Hat. It leads the charts with its 100% cotton build, exquisite quality, and a realistic-looking yacht captain’s cap with a quintessential design. From children to adults, anyone can rock this with a perfect fit thanks to the easily adjustable snapback design. It’s commonly purchased for masquerades, Halloween, and costume parties but still packs enough practicality for sailors who want to use it at sea.

The pure cotton material composition ensures long-lasting durability, breathable comfort, and premium looks — making it the best option available on this list.

• Quality hat with top-notch workmanship
• Made up of 100% cotton
• Long-lasting durability
• It may run slightly small for some adults

Best Comfortable

SATINIOR Captain Sailing Hat

At number two, we have the SATINIOR Captain Sailing Hat. It comes as a two-pack, so even if one of them wears out, you’ll still have headgear backup to keep you safe from the summer sun! Speaking of which, the elongated black visor certainly fulfills that purpose, while the golden olive branch symbolizes peace. The classic twisted golden rope and the word “Captain” embroidered onto the hat help you look the part when you’re at the ship’s helm.

The material is soft, skin-friendly, soft, and breathable — which are all essential boxes to check for something you plan on wearing for long hours. So, whether you’re attending a nautical party, driving your yacht, or simply taking a boat trip — this two-pack has you covered on all fronts.

• Very realistic design
• Soft, comfy, and breathable for all-day wearing
• Can serve function or aesthetic
• Relatively poor packaging

Best Package

Dodowin Captain Sailing Hat

Next up, we have a six-pack of captain sailing hats — and such a large number of hats makes it evident that this one’s designed to be a costume piece rather than a genuine sailing accessory. It’s meant to be distributed around the family or fraternity to have a lit roleplaying party or a masquerade. It’s also great for a group cosplay to turn the whole family into eye-catching navy captains!

The hats are adjustable to fit different head shapes and sizes well. They’re also breathable, washable, and relatively lightweight with a blend of materials like lightweight till cotton and shiny patent leather. 

• Easy to clean as it’s washable
• Great comfort with lightweight cotton
• Adjustable tightness offers snug fitting for all
• Fabric is comfortable, but not long-lasting

Best Multipurpose

BBTO Captain Sailing Hat

At number four, we have a yacht captain sailing hat from BBTO — and it’s genuinely designed to get you some real-world practicality at sea. The hat is mostly made of polyester and machine washable, which is incredibly useful since the white color gets dirty quickly. You get golden metal buttons with an icon embroidered at the front of the unisex navy hat.

The strap has seven holes that offer lots of adjustabilities, making it a great choice for men, women, children, and teens. The sunshade is long and dark, helping you block out the sun and avoid its glare as you focus on your line of sight. There’s also a sweat-absorbing belt on the inside, a game-changing feature for ladies to keep their makeup intact. Overall, it’s a great buy for both real-world sailing and cosplay use.

• Polyester material that’s durable and machine-washable
• Lots of adjustability with a seven-hole strap
• Great sunshade blocking out the sun
• Polyester isn’t the comfiest material

Best Costume

Valley Mall Captain Sailing Hat

Last but not least, we have the Valley Mall Captain Sailing. This one isn’t supposed to be a legit captain’s hat for your boat but rather a decorative piece that’s worn as a costume or cosplay accessory. It’s unisex and features sufficient adjustability to fit adults and children well. 

While it’s ideal for raves and themed parties, you can always bring it along on your boat to add a fun twist to your outfit. But, everything about the build quality tells you that it’s supposed to be a low-cost costume item rather than a practical hat for real-world sailing use. 

• Very realistic-looking design
• Can easily fit adults and children 
• Great for themed parties and navy costumes
• Not meant for real-world sailing use

Buying Guide: Captain Sailing Hat

So, with some of the internet’s finest captain sailing hats out of the way, let’s have a brief look at the key factors that should determine whether or not you buy a certain hat or pass on it. 

First and foremost, you’ve got to make sure that your hat fits you well. Whether you’re buying it for boating or just for a fun frat party costume, you can’t make compromises if the fit is too loose or too tight. It should neither fall off your head nor pinch on your ears, especially if you plan on wearing it for long hours at sea. So, the right size is the most important thing to look for before you examine a hat any further.

Next comes comfort — and it’s especially important if you’re buying it as a legit sailing hat for your yacht or boat. That’s because in that case, you’d be wearing it for hours, and that too in the sun. So, the hat should be breathable, lightweight, and well-fitted to feel as comfortable as possible on your head.

Sun Protection

Here’s another key consideration to keep in mind if you plan on using it as a proper sailor’s hat. Sun exposure is a real issue that boaters and yachters have to deal with, and if that’s your primary reason for buying a sailing hat, look for a long and dark visor. It should be large enough to at least keep your eyes in the shade at all times since you don’t want a sun glare blocking your line of sight as you navigate through the dangerous ocean waters.

The material of your captain’s sailing hat is another essential factor to look for. Ideally, it should be strong, light, and moisture-wicking to make sure you stay dry throughout the day. 

As some parting words from this buyer’s guide, keep in mind that while fashion and looks are important, they’re never as meaningful as your overall user experience. So, never go for a flashier-looking captain sailing hat in place of one that’s more practical to use and offers better sun protection, breathability, and moisture-wicking capabilities. 

People Also Asked

For over a century, the navy has maintained the same dixie cup shape on their hats, giving them a decent level of individuality in personal style. Uniform regulations forbid stylistic improvements on such accessories as reshaping or updating, but some sailors still try new things out.

Captain sailing hats aren’t the only types you can wear for sailing. In fact, they’re some of the least practical ones out there — but still, they look the best as they instantly make you feel like the captain of your own ship. But, they can blow off pretty easily, so you can wear baseball caps with retaining clips for a secure fit.

Hat pins have been used for the longest time for holding your hat to your hat, usually by pinning it with your own hair. Today, these pins are mostly used by women yet offer the same amount of utility to men to keep their hats from falling off. After all, it’s a pretty significant investment, and you have to protect it somehow.

Article Contributors

Sail magazine review team.

SAIL Magazine Review Team reports on best-selling products in sailing and boating. The SAIL Magazine editorial staff is not involved in the creation of this content. SAIL Magazine is reader-supported: When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. The SAIL Review Team is composed of authors, editors, and sailors. Artificial Intelligence (large language models) may have been used in the research and creation of the content.

To ensure questions about product testing or a specific article are addressed, please contact [email protected]

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Collection Overview

Ahoy, hat enthusiasts! Introducing the quintessential Boating Hats collection by Conner Hats, carefully curated for all your maritime escapades. Whether you're captain of your vessel or just catching the horizon from the shore, our hats promise the perfect blend of style, function, and sustainability, ensuring every voyage becomes a memorable journey.

Product Highlight

The Mojave Boater Recycled Hat is designed for superior protection from the sun and elements, ideal for water-based activities. Made from recycled plastic bottles, it's lightweight, breathable, and eco-friendly. Features include a 3.25" brim, 4.25" crown height, floating capability, flat packing for travel, a chin cord with a secure toggle, a ventilated crown, GOTS organic cotton sweatband, an organic cotton inner pouch with care instructions, a clip system for security, eco-friendly labels and tags, and is handmade in Sri Lanka.

Material Spotlight

At Conner Hats, we've handpicked materials that reflect our love for the environment and respect for quality. Our boat hats are made using eco-friendly processes, ensuring they’re as kind to the earth as they are to your skin. The lightweight, breathable fabric keeps you cool while guarding against the sun's relentless rays.

Why Choose Our Boating Hats

Unsinkable Design: Some of our hats float, ensuring that an accidental drop doesn't mean a lost hat. Eco-Conscious Crafting: Steering by our commitment to sustainability, each hat is a testament to responsible fashion. Ultimate UV Protection: Tailored to protect, our hats keep harmful sun rays at bay, letting you enjoy uninterrupted sea time. Timeless Appeal: Infusing contemporary designs with classic appeal, our hats complement every sailor's ensemble.

Let customers speak for us

I’ve had my other leather hat by conner for 7 years. I have literally filmed in the beaches around the world with it everyday and it's held up so incredibly well through sun and rain. I can say with total confidence that the maverick will do just that. The brim isn’t as moldable as others. With that being said it is in a great shape that will stay the way it looks in photos.

It's a versatile hat made with good materials from a company with pedigree, and she looks great too any which way you prefer to wear it, winner winner!

wore the hat on my trip to Portugal with family and a number of people commented on how "dashing" the hat looked...I gave them your website....

I can't express how much I adore this hat. It's incredibly lightweight and versatile, making it perfect for my daily outdoor adventures in the ever-changing weather conditions. This hat is a complete package that meets all my requirements, and I can conveniently hang it on my back when I don't need it.

Fits well, and looks great! Price is right.

Hat met all my expectations and more. Well made and fits perfect. I would definitely purchase from this company again.

I was at a car show, I saw this gentleman wearing a hat, absolutely love at first sight. I approached him and said” I absolutely love your hat, where did you get it” he was very kind and took off the hat and let me take a picture of the website printed on the inside. I ordered camine and I love it. It is very comfortable , and the design lets your head remain cool . I give it a five star rating plus.

Well made and fits perfectly 👍👍

I’ve been looking to replace a 12 year bush hat of mine , for 3-5 years and this is it.

Great quality leather. Not thin or cheap, this hat will age well.

I ordered a large but had to size down to medium. I was in between sizes but medium works great. Their customer service and exchange process was super easy.

I’ll buy another one in 10-12 years!

The reviews I read before purchasing the hat are pretty accurate. Hat feels like and does have good coverage. I've been wearing it while I play golf (the wife says it looks better than my old golf hats). The brim will flap during windy days, say in the 15 MPH and higher.

Hat was not exactly what I was looking for because of the colors available, but it was a real good fit and is actually water repellent!! Shipping was fast and well boxed.

Great hat, very pleased comfortable and have had several compliments so far

Great quality, good fitting hat had several compliments so far!

Fits great and looks great! Thank you!

Styling Tips

Riviera Ready: Pair your Boating hat with a striped tee, shorts, and boat shoes for a classic maritime look. Cruise Elegance: Don a flowing maxi dress, sandals, and your favorite Conner boating hat for a relaxed, chic cruise evening. Care Tip: After a day on the water, let your hat air dry naturally. This maintains its shape and longevity. Accentuate with Accessories: Think nautical-themed bracelets or marine-colored scarves to seamlessly blend with your Boating hat and elevate your look. Anchor your seafaring style with Conner Hats. From sunrise sails to twilight harbors, trust our Boating Hats to navigate you through every maritime moment with pan

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• Hats for Sailing: Protecting Yourself in Style

When it comes to sailing and boating, having the right gear is crucial. One essential accessory that every sailor should invest in is a high-quality hat. Not only does it provide protection from the sun, wind, and rain, but it also adds a touch of style to your sailing ensemble. In this article, we will explore the different types of hats available for sailing, their features, and why they are a must-have for sailors and boating enthusiasts.

1. Introduction: The Importance of Hats for Sailing

Sailing is an exhilarating experience that allows you to connect with nature and enjoy the open waters. However, it also exposes you to various weather conditions, including intense sun, strong winds, and unpredictable rain. To stay comfortable and protected during your sailing adventures, investing in a reliable hat is essential.

2. The Benefits of Wearing a Hat on the Water

Wearing a hat while sailing offers numerous benefits. Firstly, it provides much-needed protection from the sun's harmful UV rays. Prolonged exposure to the sun can lead to sunburns, premature aging, and even skin cancer. A hat with a wide brim or a built-in UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) can shield your face, neck, and ears from the sun's rays.

Secondly, hats help to shield your eyes from the glare of the sun reflecting off the water. This reduces eye strain and improves visibility, allowing you to navigate more safely and effectively.

Lastly, hats provide protection against wind and rain. They help to keep your head dry and your hair in place, preventing discomfort and distractions while sailing.

3. Essential Features to Consider in Sailing Hats

When choosing a hat for sailing, there are several important features to consider:

• Material : Opt for hats made from lightweight, breathable, and quick-drying materials such as nylon, polyester, or cotton. These materials ensure comfort and prevent overheating, even in hot and humid conditions.
• UPF Protection : Look for hats with a high UPF rating, preferably 50+. This indicates excellent sun protection and shields your skin from harmful UV rays.
• Wide Brim or Neck Flap : A wide brim provides extra shade for your face, ears, and neck. Alternatively, consider hats with a neck flap for added protection against the sun and wind.
• Adjustable Chin Strap : An adjustable chin strap keeps your hat secure, even in windy conditions, preventing it from flying off your head and into the water.

Read our top notch articles on topics such as sailing, sailing tips and destinations in our  Magazine .

Hat with a chin strap and a brim that cat protect your neck and probably shoulders

4. Different Types of Hats for Sailing

4.1 the classic sailing hat.

The classic sailing hat features a wide brim all around, providing excellent sun protection. It is usually made from lightweight and water-resistant materials such as nylon or canvas. The brim is often reinforced to retain its shape in windy conditions. Some sailing hats also come with an adjustable chin strap for added security.

4.2 Boating Hats for All-Weather Protection

Boating hats are designed to withstand various weather conditions, including rain and wind. They are often made from waterproof or water-resistant materials, such as Gore-Tex or oilcloth. These hats typically have a shorter brim compared to classic sailing hats but still offer sufficient sun protection.

4.3 Nautical Caps for a Stylish Look

Nautical caps are a popular choice among sailors who prefer a more casual and stylish look. These caps usually feature a shorter brim and are made from materials like cotton or canvas. They often showcase nautical-inspired designs, such as anchor motifs or yacht club logos, adding a touch of maritime flair to your outfit.

4.4 Windproof Hats for Extreme Conditions

For sailors venturing into extreme weather conditions, windproof hats are a must-have. These hats are specifically designed to resist strong winds and keep your head warm and protected. They often feature a fleece lining or insulation to provide extra warmth and comfort.

5. Choosing the Right Hat for Your Needs

To choose the right hat for your sailing adventures, consider factors such as the climate of your sailing location, your personal style preferences, and the level of protection you require. Try on different hats to ensure a comfortable fit and check for features that meet your specific needs.

6. Maintenance Tips for Sailing Hats

To prolong the lifespan of your sailing hat, follow these maintenance tips:

• Clean your hat regularly according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• Store your hat in a cool and dry place to prevent mold and mildew.
• Avoid exposing your hat to extreme heat or direct sunlight for extended periods.
• If your hat gets wet, let it air dry completely before storing it.

7. Conclusion

Investing in a high-quality hat is an essential part of preparing for your sailing adventures. Whether you opt for a classic sailing hat, a boating hat, a nautical cap, or a windproof hat, make sure it provides adequate sun protection, comfort, and style. Remember to choose a hat that suits your specific needs and take proper care of it to ensure its longevity. So what are you waiting for? Take a look at our  range of charter boats  and head to some of our favourite sailing  destinations .

FAQ Picking the best sailing hat

Can I wear any hat while sailing, or should I choose a specialized sailing hat?

While you can wear any hat while sailing, specialized sailing hats offer specific features for better protection and comfort on the water. It's recommended to choose a hat designed specifically for sailing.

Can a sailing hat replace sunscreen?

No, a sailing hat complements sunscreen by providing additional protection for your face, neck, and ears. It is always advisable to apply sunscreen to exposed skin, even when wearing a hat.

Are sailing hats suitable for other outdoor activities?

Yes, sailing hats can be used for various outdoor activities like fishing, hiking, or beach outings. Their sun protection and comfort features make them versatile accessories.

How do I determine the right size for a sailing hat?

To determine the right size, measure the circumference of your head just above your eyebrows. Refer to the hat manufacturer's sizing chart to find the appropriate size.

Can I machine wash my sailing hat?

It is best to refer to the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning your sailing hat. Some hats can be machine washed, while others require handwashing or spot cleaning.

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I, Gene Oryx, a professional photographer from Moscow city, Russia. In 2016 and 2017 he received silver medals at the annual international competition Photoshoot Awards in Montreal. On the contest, and in 2019 - two bronze medals. In the 35 Awards 2017 was among the top 100 photographers of the year.... see more about geneoryx

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Cruising the Moskva River: A short guide to boat trips in Russia’s capital

There’s hardly a better way to absorb Moscow’s atmosphere than on a ship sailing up and down the Moskva River. While complicated ticketing, loud music and chilling winds might dampen the anticipated fun, this checklist will help you to enjoy the scenic views and not fall into common tourist traps.

How to find the right boat?

There are plenty of boats and selecting the right one might be challenging. The size of the boat should be your main criteria.

Plenty of small boats cruise the Moskva River, and the most vivid one is this yellow Lay’s-branded boat. Everyone who has ever visited Moscow probably has seen it.

This option might leave a passenger disembarking partially deaf as the merciless Russian pop music blasts onboard. A free spirit, however, will find partying on such a vessel to be an unforgettable and authentic experience that’s almost a metaphor for life in modern Russia: too loud, and sometimes too welcoming. Tickets start at $13 (800 rubles) per person.

Bigger boats offer smoother sailing and tend to attract foreign visitors because of their distinct Soviet aura. Indeed, many of the older vessels must have seen better days. They are still afloat, however, and getting aboard is a unique ‘cultural’ experience. Sometimes the crew might offer lunch or dinner to passengers, but this option must be purchased with the ticket. Here is one such  option  offering dinner for $24 (1,490 rubles).

If you want to travel in style, consider Flotilla Radisson. These large, modern vessels are quite posh, with a cozy restaurant and an attentive crew at your service. Even though the selection of wines and food is modest, these vessels are still much better than other boats.

Surprisingly, the luxurious boats are priced rather modestly, and a single ticket goes for $17-$32 (1,100-2,000 rubles); also expect a reasonable restaurant bill on top.

How to buy tickets?

Women holding photos of ships promise huge discounts to “the young and beautiful,” and give personal invitations for river tours. They sound and look nice, but there’s a small catch: their ticket prices are usually more than those purchased online.

“We bought tickets from street hawkers for 900 rubles each, only to later discover that the other passengers bought their tickets twice as cheap!”  wrote  (in Russian) a disappointed Rostislav on a travel company website.

Nevertheless, buying from street hawkers has one considerable advantage: they personally escort you to the vessel so that you don’t waste time looking for the boat on your own.

Prices start at $13 (800 rubles) for one ride, and for an additional $6.5 (400 rubles) you can purchase an unlimited number of tours on the same boat on any given day.

Flotilla Radisson has official ticket offices at Gorky Park and Hotel Ukraine, but they’re often sold out.

Buying online is an option that might save some cash. Websites such as  this   offer considerable discounts for tickets sold online. On a busy Friday night an online purchase might be the only chance to get a ticket on a Flotilla Radisson boat.

This  website  (in Russian) offers multiple options for short river cruises in and around the city center, including offbeat options such as ‘disco cruises’ and ‘children cruises.’ This other  website  sells tickets online, but doesn’t have an English version. The interface is intuitive, however.

Buying tickets online has its bad points, however. The most common is confusing which pier you should go to and missing your river tour.

“I once bought tickets online to save with the discount that the website offered,” said Igor Shvarkin from Moscow. “The pier was initially marked as ‘Park Kultury,’ but when I arrived it wasn’t easy to find my boat because there were too many there. My guests had to walk a considerable distance before I finally found the vessel that accepted my tickets purchased online,” said the man.

There are two main boarding piers in the city center:  Hotel Ukraine  and  Park Kultury . Always take note of your particular berth when buying tickets online.

Where to sit onboard?

Even on a warm day, the headwind might be chilly for passengers on deck. Make sure you have warm clothes, or that the crew has blankets ready upon request.

The glass-encased hold makes the tour much more comfortable, but not at the expense of having an enjoyable experience.

Getting off the boat requires preparation as well. Ideally, you should be able to disembark on any pier along the way. In reality, passengers never know where the boat’s captain will make the next stop. Street hawkers often tell passengers in advance where they’ll be able to disembark. If you buy tickets online then you’ll have to research it yourself.

There’s a chance that the captain won’t make any stops at all and will take you back to where the tour began, which is the case with Flotilla Radisson. The safest option is to automatically expect that you’ll return to the pier where you started.

If using any of Russia Beyond's content, partly or in full, always provide an active hyperlink to the original material.

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In Transit: Notes from the Underground

Jun 06 2018.

Spend some time in one of Moscow’s finest museums.

Subterranean commuting might not be anyone’s idea of a good time, but even in a city packing the war-games treasures and priceless bejeweled eggs of the Kremlin Armoury and the colossal Soviet pavilions of the VDNKh , the Metro holds up as one of Moscow’s finest museums. Just avoid rush hour.

The Metro is stunning and provides an unrivaled insight into the city’s psyche, past and present, but it also happens to be the best way to get around. Moscow has Uber, and the Russian version called Yandex Taxi , but also some nasty traffic. Metro trains come around every 90 seconds or so, at a more than 99 percent on-time rate. It’s also reasonably priced, with a single ride at 55 cents (and cheaper in bulk). From history to tickets to rules — official and not — here’s what you need to know to get started.

A Brief Introduction Buying Tickets Know Before You Go (Down) Rules An Easy Tour

A Brief Introduction

Moscow’s Metro was a long time coming. Plans for rapid transit to relieve the city’s beleaguered tram system date back to the Imperial era, but a couple of wars and a revolution held up its development. Stalin revived it as part of his grand plan to modernize the Soviet Union in the 1920s and 30s. The first lines and tunnels were constructed with help from engineers from the London Underground, although Stalin’s secret police decided that they had learned too much about Moscow’s layout and had them arrested on espionage charges and deported.

The beauty of its stations (if not its trains) is well-documented, and certainly no accident. In its illustrious first phases and particularly after the Second World War, the greatest architects of Soviet era were recruited to create gleaming temples celebrating the Revolution, the USSR, and the war triumph. No two stations are exactly alike, and each of the classic showpieces has a theme. There are world-famous shrines to Futurist architecture, a celebration of electricity, tributes to individuals and regions of the former Soviet Union. Each marble slab, mosaic tile, or light fixture was placed with intent, all in service to a station’s aesthetic; each element, f rom the smallest brass ear of corn to a large blood-spattered sword on a World War II mural, is an essential part of the whole.

The Metro is a monument to the Soviet propaganda project it was intended to be when it opened in 1935 with the slogan “Building a Palace for the People”. It brought the grand interiors of Imperial Russia to ordinary Muscovites, celebrated the Soviet Union’s past achievements while promising its citizens a bright Soviet future, and of course, it was a show-piece for the world to witness the might and sophistication of life in the Soviet Union.

It may be a museum, but it’s no relic. U p to nine million people use it daily, more than the London Underground and New York Subway combined. (Along with, at one time, about 20 stray dogs that learned to commute on the Metro.)

In its 80+ year history, the Metro has expanded in phases and fits and starts, in step with the fortunes of Moscow and Russia. Now, partly in preparation for the World Cup 2018, it’s also modernizing. New trains allow passengers to walk the entire length of the train without having to change carriages. The system is becoming more visitor-friendly. (There are helpful stickers on the floor marking out the best selfie spots .) But there’s a price to modernity: it’s phasing out one of its beloved institutions, the escalator attendants. Often they are middle-aged or elderly women—“ escalator grandmas ” in news accounts—who have held the post for decades, sitting in their tiny kiosks, scolding commuters for bad escalator etiquette or even bad posture, or telling jokes . They are slated to be replaced, when at all, by members of the escalator maintenance staff.

For all its achievements, the Metro lags behind Moscow’s above-ground growth, as Russia’s capital sprawls ever outwards, generating some of the world’s worst traffic jams . But since 2011, the Metro has been in the middle of an ambitious and long-overdue enlargement; 60 new stations are opening by 2020. If all goes to plan, the 2011-2020 period will have brought 125 miles of new tracks and over 100 new stations — a 40 percent increase — the fastest and largest expansion phase in any period in the Metro’s history.

Facts: 14 lines Opening hours: 5 a.m-1 a.m. Rush hour(s): 8-10 a.m, 4-8 p.m. Single ride: 55₽ (about 85 cents) Wi-Fi network-wide

Buying Tickets

• Ticket machines have a button to switch to English.
• You can buy specific numbers of rides: 1, 2, 5, 11, 20, or 60. Hold up fingers to show how many rides you want to buy.
• There is also a 90-minute ticket , which gets you 1 trip on the metro plus an unlimited number of transfers on other transport (bus, tram, etc) within 90 minutes.
• Or, you can buy day tickets with unlimited rides: one day (218₽/ US$4), three days (415₽/US$7) or seven days (830₽/US$15). Check the rates here to stay up-to-date.
• If you’re going to be using the Metro regularly over a few days, it’s worth getting a Troika card , a contactless, refillable card you can use on all public transport. Using the Metro is cheaper with one of these: a single ride is 36₽, not 55₽. Buy them and refill them in the Metro stations, and they’re valid for 5 years, so you can keep it for next time. Or, if you have a lot of cash left on it when you leave, you can get it refunded at the Metro Service Centers at Ulitsa 1905 Goda, 25 or at Staraya Basmannaya 20, Building 1.
• You can also buy silicone bracelets and keychains with built-in transport chips that you can use as a Troika card. (A Moscow Metro Fitbit!) So far, you can only get these at the Pushkinskaya metro station Live Helpdesk and souvenir shops in the Mayakovskaya and Trubnaya metro stations. The fare is the same as for the Troika card.
• You can also use Apple Pay and Samsung Pay.

Rules, spoken and unspoken

No smoking, no drinking, no filming, no littering. Photography is allowed, although it used to be banned.

Stand to the right on the escalator. Break this rule and you risk the wrath of the legendary escalator attendants. (No shenanigans on the escalators in general.)

Get out of the way. Find an empty corner to hide in when you get off a train and need to stare at your phone. Watch out getting out of the train in general; when your train doors open, people tend to appear from nowhere or from behind ornate marble columns, walking full-speed.

Always offer your seat to elderly ladies (what are you, a monster?).

An Easy Tour

This is no Metro Marathon ( 199 stations in 20 hours ). It’s an easy tour, taking in most—though not all—of the notable stations, the bulk of it going clockwise along the Circle line, with a couple of short detours. These stations are within minutes of one another, and the whole tour should take about 1-2 hours.

Start at Mayakovskaya Metro station , at the corner of Tverskaya and Garden Ring,  Triumfalnaya Square, Moskva, Russia, 125047.

1. Mayakovskaya.  Named for Russian Futurist Movement poet Vladimir Mayakovsky and an attempt to bring to life the future he imagined in his poems. (The Futurist Movement, natch, was all about a rejecting the past and celebrating all things speed, industry, modern machines, youth, modernity.) The result: an Art Deco masterpiece that won the National Grand Prix for architecture at the New York World’s Fair in 1939. It’s all smooth, rounded shine and light, and gentle arches supported by columns of dark pink marble and stainless aircraft steel. Each of its 34 ceiling niches has a mosaic. During World War II, the station was used as an air-raid shelter and, at one point, a bunker for Stalin. He gave a subdued but rousing speech here in Nov. 6, 1941 as the Nazis bombed the city above.

Take the 3/Green line one station to:

2. Belorusskaya. Opened in 1952, named after the connected Belarussky Rail Terminal, which runs trains between Moscow and Belarus. This is a light marble affair with a white, cake-like ceiling, lined with Belorussian patterns and 12 Florentine ceiling mosaics depicting life in Belarussia when it was built.

Transfer onto the 1/Brown line. Then, one stop (clockwise) t o:

3. Novoslobodskaya.  This station was designed around the stained-glass panels, which were made in Latvia, because Alexey Dushkin, the Soviet starchitect who dreamed it up (and also designed Mayakovskaya station) couldn’t find the glass and craft locally. The stained glass is the same used for Riga’s Cathedral, and the panels feature plants, flowers, members of the Soviet intelligentsia (musician, artist, architect) and geometric shapes.

Go two stops east on the 1/Circle line to:

4. Komsomolskaya. Named after the Komsomol, or the Young Communist League, this might just be peak Stalin Metro style. Underneath the hub for three regional railways, it was intended to be a grand gateway to Moscow and is today its busiest station. It has chandeliers; a yellow ceiling with Baroque embellishments; and in the main hall, a colossal red star overlaid on golden, shimmering tiles. Designer Alexey Shchusev designed it as an homage to the speech Stalin gave at Red Square on Nov. 7, 1941, in which he invoked Russia’s illustrious military leaders as a pep talk to Soviet soldiers through the first catastrophic year of the war.   The station’s eight large mosaics are of the leaders referenced in the speech, such as Alexander Nevsky, a 13th-century prince and military commander who bested German and Swedish invading armies.

One more stop clockwise to Kurskaya station,  and change onto the 3/Blue  line, and go one stop to:

5. Baumanskaya.   Opened in 1944. Named for the Bolshevik Revolutionary Nikolai Bauman , whose monument and namesake district are aboveground here. Though he seemed like a nasty piece of work (he apparently once publicly mocked a woman he had impregnated, who later hung herself), he became a Revolutionary martyr when he was killed in 1905 in a skirmish with a monarchist, who hit him on the head with part of a steel pipe. The station is in Art Deco style with atmospherically dim lighting, and a series of bronze sculptures of soldiers and homefront heroes during the War. At one end, there is a large mosaic portrait of Lenin.

Stay on that train direction one more east to:

6. Elektrozavodskaya. As you may have guessed from the name, this station is the Metro’s tribute to all thing electrical, built in 1944 and named after a nearby lightbulb factory. It has marble bas-relief sculptures of important figures in electrical engineering, and others illustrating the Soviet Union’s war-time struggles at home. The ceiling’s recurring rows of circular lamps give the station’s main tunnel a comforting glow, and a pleasing visual effect.

Double back two stops to Kurskaya station , and change back to the 1/Circle line. Sit tight for six stations to:

7. Kiyevskaya. This was the last station on the Circle line to be built, in 1954, completed under Nikita Khrushchev’ s guidance, as a tribute to his homeland, Ukraine. Its three large station halls feature images celebrating Ukraine’s contributions to the Soviet Union and Russo-Ukrainian unity, depicting musicians, textile-working, soldiers, farmers. (One hall has frescoes, one mosaics, and the third murals.) Shortly after it was completed, Khrushchev condemned the architectural excesses and unnecessary luxury of the Stalin era, which ushered in an epoch of more austere Metro stations. According to the legend at least, he timed the policy in part to ensure no Metro station built after could outshine Kiyevskaya.

Change to the 3/Blue line and go one stop west.

8. Park Pobedy. This is the deepest station on the Metro, with one of the world’s longest escalators, at 413 feet. If you stand still, the escalator ride to the surface takes about three minutes .) Opened in 2003 at Victory Park, the station celebrates two of Russia’s great military victories. Each end has a mural by Georgian artist Zurab Tsereteli, who also designed the “ Good Defeats Evil ” statue at the UN headquarters in New York. One mural depicts the Russian generals’ victory over the French in 1812 and the other, the German surrender of 1945. The latter is particularly striking; equal parts dramatic, triumphant, and gruesome. To the side, Red Army soldiers trample Nazi flags, and if you look closely there’s some blood spatter among the detail. Still, the biggest impressions here are the marble shine of the chessboard floor pattern and the pleasingly geometric effect if you view from one end to the other.

Keep going one more stop west to:

9. Slavyansky Bulvar.  One of the Metro’s youngest stations, it opened in 2008. With far higher ceilings than many other stations—which tend to have covered central tunnels on the platforms—it has an “open-air” feel (or as close to it as you can get, one hundred feet under). It’s an homage to French architect Hector Guimard, he of the Art Nouveau entrances for the Paris M é tro, and that’s precisely what this looks like: A Moscow homage to the Paris M é tro, with an additional forest theme. A Cyrillic twist on Guimard’s Metro-style lettering over the benches, furnished with t rees and branch motifs, including creeping vines as towering lamp-posts.

Stay on the 3/Blue line and double back four stations to:

10. Arbatskaya. Its first iteration, Arbatskaya-Smolenskaya station, was damaged by German bombs in 1941. It was rebuilt in 1953, and designed to double as a bomb shelter in the event of nuclear war, although unusually for stations built in the post-war phase, this one doesn’t have a war theme. It may also be one of the system’s most elegant: Baroque, but toned down a little, with red marble floors and white ceilings with gilded bronze c handeliers.

Jump back on the 3/Blue line  in the same direction and take it one more stop:

11. Ploshchad Revolyutsii (Revolution Square). Opened in 1938, and serving Red Square and the Kremlin . Its renowned central hall has marble columns flanked by 76 bronze statues of Soviet heroes: soldiers, students, farmers, athletes, writers, parents. Some of these statues’ appendages have a yellow sheen from decades of Moscow’s commuters rubbing them for good luck. Among the most popular for a superstitious walk-by rub: the snout of a frontier guard’s dog, a soldier’s gun (where the touch of millions of human hands have tapered the gun barrel into a fine, pointy blade), a baby’s foot, and a woman’s knee. (A brass rooster also sports the telltale gold sheen, though I am told that rubbing the rooster is thought to bring bad luck. )

Now take the escalator up, and get some fresh air.

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21 Things to Know Before You Go to Moscow

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What yachting industry insiders have to say about Jeff Bezos' superyacht

• Jeff Bezos' yacht , which reportedly cost $500 million to build, completed its first year at sea.
• The superyacht, Koru, was a frequent topic of conversation at the Palm Beach boat show.
• Here's what industry insiders think about the vessel.

It's been just about a year since Koru, Jeff Bezos ' $500 million megayacht, set sail from the Oceanco shipyard in the Netherlands, capturing the attention of yachting insiders and land dwellers alike.

Even after her first season at sea, the 127-meter ship is still one of the most talked about vessels among those in the know — and not just for the busty figurehead on its prow, which many have wrongly speculated is based on Bezos's fiancée . Koru was a hot topic at the annual Palm Beach International Boat Show, where the yachts of other billionaires were on display for sale or charter.

The overwhelming response from those Business Insider spoke to was awe, with many praising her unique design, commenting on her immense size, or remarking that they'd been lucky enough to see her up close.

"It's absolutely beautiful," said Federico Rossi, the COO of luxury yachtbuilder Rossinavi.

Still, due to the small size of the industry — and the fact that privacy is paramount in the yachting community — even those who complimented Koru mostly did not want to go on record in order to protect professional relationships.

"That thing's amazing," one such superyacht expert told BI. "It's very well done in terms of craftsmanship."

Unlike many other megayachts, Koru, which media billionaire Barry Diller's Eos inspired, is designed as a sailing yacht. That bucks the current trend of more severe-looking explorer boats — though Koru's 75-meter support vessel Abeona is of a more typical style,

"I heard back in 2018 or something that somebody had ordered a classic sailing yacht," the superyacht expert also told BI. "You order 125 meters, that's not really going to be classic. But it is. I think it's pretty cool."

Like most other megayachts, Koru is powered by her engines, which are reportedly innovative in their use of a kinetic energy recovery system. Industry experts, therefore, pointed out that her sails are more for looks than anything else — but that still works in her favor, with many praising her overall aesthetic appeal.

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"It's stunning," added a captain who has worked on several megayachts. He said he'd seen Koru in St. Barts, a favorite spot of Bezos and his fiancée Lauren Sanchez , over the holidays.

"There are definitely uglier boats out there," one yacht architect said. "It's not like it's shaped like his rocket," he jokily added, referring to the phallic design of Blue Origin's New Shephard .

Some, though, think the yacht is a bit excessive — which is saying something in a world where bigger is better and $250 million is a normal amount to spend.

"That's over the top. That's an insanely ridiculous boat," a longtime broker who favors discretion said. It's a "whole big show."

And the expert who praised the yacht's craftsmanship balanced his admiring comments by saying Koru's liberal use of teak — a wood traditionally used for yacht decks — was "bizarre."

The material has gained a bad reputation in the industry in recent years, as it typically comes from Myanmar, a country with a checkered human rights record. Plus, it takes a long time to grow, leading to deforestation.

Many shipyards have now turned to alternatives, like bamboo or plantation-grown teak, in their pushes toward sustainability. Bezos' team did not respond to BI's question about the origin of the deck's wood.

Teak or not, the yachting industry isn't generally known for being all that environmentally friendly — or indeed lowkey, so many who BI talked to didn't buy into the idea that Koru is "too much."

"If this is genuinely Jeff's dream come true, then great," Anders Kurtén, the CEO of brokerage Fraser Yachts, said. "I'm genuinely happy for him, and I'm happy for the people who got the opportunity to have employment to work on that."

And Bezos, of course, isn't the only billionaire with a stunning yacht . Billionaires like Jerry Jones and Bernard Arnault have also, at times, turned heads with their boats.

Most recently, insiders have tied Mark Zuckerberg to a 118-meter ship named Launchpad . It's the latest superyacht to capture the yachting world's attention.

So, as she sets sail for her debut summer season, Launchpad may take Koru's place as the main yacht on everyone's radar this year.

Watch: Walmart heiress' superyacht vandalized by activists in Ibiza

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