Boat Club Training Day: The Outfit I Wore for Three Hours on the Water
I finally joined the boat club this summer, and after finishing the online boating safety course and sitting through new member orientation, it was finally time to get out on the water.
Training day wasn’t just a quick ride around the marina. We spent three hours learning how to maneuver the boat, practicing docking, tying off at the dock, and getting comfortable behind the helm. Once we pushed away from the dock, I wanted an outfit I could completely forget about and just focus on learning.
Here’s everything I wore.
Living on the North Carolina coast has completely changed how I think about sun protection. Between beach days, afternoons on the golf cart, and now mornings on the boat, lightweight SPF shirts have become one of the hardest-working pieces in my closet.
This one kept me comfortable the entire training without ever feeling heavy or hot.
I almost always wear a tank underneath my SPF shirts. If we stopped somewhere afterward—or if I decided I wanted a little sunshine once we were back at the dock—I could take the outer layer off and still have a complete outfit.
It’s a simple trick, but it makes these shirts even more versatile.
I originally bought these for hot summer days, and they ended up being perfect for boat training too. The flat waistband stays comfortable, the built-in liner keeps everything in place, and I never had to think about what I was wearing while climbing around the boat.
That’s exactly how I want summer clothes to perform.
These were exactly what I hoped they’d be.
They felt secure walking around the marina, comfortable enough to stand in for hours, and polished enough that they don’t look like athletic shoes. They’ve already earned a permanent place in my summer rotation.
Polarized sunglasses make a huge difference on the water. The glare can be intense, and these made it much easier to see while learning to drive the boat.
I also like that I don’t have to baby them. If they get tossed into my tote or splashed with saltwater, I’m not worried about it.
I picked a Sea Bags tote to come with me on the boat. It held everything I needed for the morning, and I tossed a Turkish towel inside before I left because you never really know where a day on the coast is going to end.
By the time training wrapped up, I wasn’t thinking about my outfit anymore. I was thinking about how much more comfortable I felt behind the wheel than I did three hours earlier—and looking forward to booking my first trip on my own.
And that’s the best thing about having pieces that earn a permanent place in your closet. They quietly do their job so you can focus on the experience instead of what you’re wearing. Whether I’m catching a flight, walking through the farmers market, or learning to captain a boat, that’s exactly what I want my closet to do. -LME
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