Sailing in a kilt

[TheOfficialBren]

O'Searcaigh...You have my attention. How can clothing be used as a floatation device?

[O'Searcaigh]

O'Searcaigh...You have my attention. How can clothing be used as a floatation device?

When wearing those bifurcated long legged things -- take them off, tie the ends (cuffs) into a knot (or use shoe laces to tie them off at the cuff -- you don't want heavy shoes on anyway, be sure the fly is closed, heave them over your head to catch air in them, tie off at waist (or hold it under water to trap the air). -- a wet pair of wool or denim trousers will hold air for quite a while. You can even lay back on them with your head in the "lap" and legs under your arms if you're really good at it (like the Chief Petty Officer who taught us). A wet U.S. Navy White Hat (dixie cup) will also hold air with the brim turned down (like a dome). Of course, it is better to have a U.S. Coast Guard Approved Flotation device (I usually wear or have handy a float coat). But... this works too in a pinch!

[O'Searcaigh]

Addenda to above: It just occurred to me that some pants now days come with draw strings at the cuffs. Assuming the material that they are made of is tight weave and/or heavy, those would be even quicker and easier to "convert." The main idea is just to find a way of trapping air in something that will then float!

[grizzbass]

It looks like a fun time

[thescot]

When wearing those bifurcated long legged things -- take them off, tie the ends (cuffs) into a knot (or use shoe laces to tie them off at the cuff -- you don't want heavy shoes on anyway, be sure the fly is closed, heave them over your head to catch air in them, tie off at waist (or hold it under water to trap the air). -- a wet pair of wool or denim trousers will hold air for quite a while. You can even lay back on them with your head in the "lap" and legs under your arms if you're really good at it (like the Chief Petty Officer who taught us). A wet U.S. Navy White Hat (dixie cup) will also hold air with the brim turned down (like a dome). Of course, it is better to have a U.S. Coast Guard Approved Flotation device (I usually wear or have handy a float coat). But... this works too in a pinch!

I must second the Laird wholeheartedly. I learned the trouser trick in the Boy Scouts (back when dinosaurs roamed the earth) and was shocked to learn that it really works.

And while the OP shows a handsome fellow on a fine boat, I believe I'd have to leave the kilt for only the most dressy/showy/festive occasions on board. Ease of movement and safety(!) is of primary importance when hauling on sheets or tending to the rigging. Cranking on a Lewmar can be a daunting task in a blow, and there is no "one hand for the boat, on for yourself, one for you kilt" admonition. You very quickly run out of hands. I can't imagine a kilt not getting in the way somewhat if there's any wind or traffic, and the COLREGS don't allow for a kilted defense in the event of a collision.

Even some Scots dropped their kilts when required. Remember the Battle9s0 of the Shirts! http://ghilliemor.com/resources/Batt...e%20Shirts.pdf

Actually, the only required item of clothing would be a good pair of Sperrys, but it is hoped that at least some shorts would accompany them.

[Nile]

When wearing those bifurcated long legged things -- take them off, tie the ends (cuffs) into a knot or use shoe laces to tie them off at the cuff, be sure the fly is closed, heave them over your head to catch air in them, tie off at waist (or hold it under water to trap the air). -- a wet pair of wool or denim trousers will hold air for quite a while. Of course, it is better to have a U.S. Coast Guard Approved Flotation device (I usually wear or have handy a float coat). But... this works too in a pinch!

We teach this technique in boating safety classes in the United States Power Squadron (I belong to the Cambridge Sail and Power Squadron) but, only in theory. However, just as you had to do in the Navy, O'Searcaigh, when I was in the Air Force, I had to get in a swimming pool and actually do it. It does work!

The life jacket or personal flotation device is one of the most important safety items you should have on all boats. I wear mine (an auto inflatable) most of the time when sailing and if not, it's right in the cockpit nearby but, our rule is that you don't leave the cockpit to go on deck without one on.

Nile

[O'Searcaigh]

...Actually, the only required item of clothing would be a good pair of Sperrys, but it is hoped that at least some shorts would accompany them.

And maybe a pair of sailing gloves if you're the one handling the sheets. Shorts? Maybe briefs? --
' don't want any dangley things getting caught in the rigging!

[Nile]

the COLREGS don't allow for a kilted defense in the event of a collision.

Actually, the only required item of clothing would be a good pair of Sperrys, but it is hoped that at least some shorts would accompany them.

Good one Jim! I don't disagree with your thoughts (in fact, I appreciate your thoughts) but, I just had to try it and what better time than motoring a sailboat down a lazy river on a nice day (not at all challenging). I still might try it sometime out in the bay with the wind doing the work instead of the engine. But, with no 'highland' accessories, just kilt, shirt, Sperrys and... I don't do 'commando'; anyway, it's usually just my wife and me.

Nile