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Kennedy Masonic Store Dutch RegaliaThe nautical refers to the sea and ships or boats. There is the romantic image that is reflected in a navy blazer with shiny brass or gold buttons, a snow-white sailor's uniform, a yellow sou'wester, or the classic dark blue or striped sailor's jumper from Normandy, with buttons on the shoulder .... The writing can be a bit more light-hearted, and as we are still in the middle of a beautiful Indian summer, the opportunity may still present itself to go sailing or be invited for a nice trip or afternoon on the water.


I would therefore like to give you some sartorial tips, for the classic traditional on the water, and also some fun 'facts'.
Well, nowadays anything goes, even on the water, but as a supporter of the classic and stylish ... well, you get my drift.

First of all, we should state that there is a big difference between 'going sailing' (yachting) and 'going on a cruise' (cruising). Going on a cruise is actually the same as going to a hotel. The only difference is that you do so on a cruise ship, which is in fact just a floating hotel. So going sailing or cruising is indeed where the difference lies. And where certain rules have to be followed.
Rules that have a clear practical reason, and others that are more traditional in origin.
In any case, if you are a gentleman, you should follow them.


The Basic Rules:

  • Of course you should dress nautically (how original!)
  • You always wear shoes with white soles. Preferably the leather version of the 'deck-shoes' like Sebago or Sperry Topsiders. The deck of the boat, usually in teak, does not like the stripes or smudges caused by dark soles. And the captain or owner of the yacht certainly does not! If you do not have shoes with white soles, go barefoot.
  • Never wear red trousers on board. This privelge is traditionally reserved for those who have crossed the Atlantic.
    By boat. And we don't mean a cruise ship!

What is suggested:

  • Johnny Walker Jude Law Masonic shop dutch regaliaWhite or beige / écru trousers, or depending on the weather, shorts (chino or khaki).
  • Navy blue blazer or cardigan.
  • Go for a preppy look. Preppy takes a lot of inspiration from the nautical lifestyle.
  • Wear a classic polo shirt.
  • Or, slightly dressier, a snow-white shirt.
  • Wear a brown leather belt. It compliments the white of your outfit perfectly.
  • Always bring a jumper or windbreaker. After all, it can be chilly or windy on the water.
  • Don't forget the sunscreen. The reflection of the sun's rays on the water intensifies the effect.
  • Your shoes should not only have a white sole, they should also have a firm grip on the (wet) deck.
  • Socks? That depends on your style. But never, never, never even white ones in sandals!
  • Red is a perfect and beautiful colour for your sailing jacket or wind-breaker!

Accessories & How to complete your Nautical look:
A classic pair of pilot or sailing glasses will always give you a smooth look. A Ray-Ban Wayfarer is a stylish alternative. And if you really want to go for style, like the two gentlemen in the photo, then you should buy a classic pair of sailing glasses. Persol
Always make sure you have good lenses, because you are on the water and there is a lot of reflection.

  • A nice leather belt is important because it will always be very visible.
  • A cap to protect you from the sun, splashing (salt) water, wind and rain.
  • A nice heavy (waterproof) watch completes the overall look.
  • You can drape your beautiful jumper or pullover over the shoulders for a relaxing effect.
  • If you prefer something more dressy, go for a double-breasted version of the navy blazer.
  • A shirt in light jeans fabric (Chambray).
  • Everything with a coat of arms, preferably that of yourself, a club, or the yacht club to which you belong.
  • In short, everything in white, red, navy and/or striped. But never more than 2 colours combined if you opt for stripes.

How to behave / Superstition vs. tradition:

  • JFK nautical Masonic shop dutch regaliaAs mentioned before, red trousers only if you have crossed 'the big pond'.
  • Do not wear green on board. That is a country colour.
  • There is no whistling (lips). Cfr. "Whistling a storm".
  • Do not wear a bandana. However cool it may seem, you are not a pirate!
  • Bananas are not allowed on board either: First, they go bad too quickly, but legend has it that during the height of Spanish rule, and trade with the Caribbean in the 1700s, most of the lost ships carried bananas. Coincidence or not?
  • When "boarding", always do this with the right foot first.
  • No female crew (very old-fashioned, and outdated of course). Originally it was thought that they would distract the crew too much. I wonder what has changed.
  • No rabbits on board. The word is not even pronounced!
  • The senior officer, or captain, is the first to enter the sloop, or tender. But also the first to leave it. LIFO (Last In, First Out)
  • No pigs will come on board.
  • Never, ever rename a boat or a ship. If it is really necessary, keep the old name somewhere on board. If the name has been changed, do not forget to put a small coin in the deepest part of the hull. Never forget this!
  • Never leave your home port on a Friday.
  • Do not do this on a Thursday either. Thursday' is Thor's day, the god of thunder and storm.
  • On board, never cut your hair, clip your nails or trim your beard. It's a no-no, because it brings bad luck.
  • Avoid redheads! If you meet one or other of them just before you sign on or board, it will bring bad luck.
    But if you speak to them before they speak to you, it will bring good luck again.
  • "Rounding the two horns" of the ship means that you may sit at the table with both elbows during meals. (Many traditions and sayings come from the English, for England used to be the seafaring country).
  • Cats on board are highly debatable: Some say they bring bad luck, others happiness and prosperity.
  • The captain is always right. And even if the captain is not right, the captain is always right.

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It goes without sayingthat different rules apply for a modern fast sailing boat. After all, you have to 'work' on board. So: 'dress to the occasion'.
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Anecdote:
When inventor & sailor Paul A. Sperry was sailing on the Long Island Sound, he slipped on the deck of his boat and fell overboard. He was fortunately able to pull himself back on board, but this frightening experience drove him to develop a non-slip shoe sole. While experimenting with all kinds of possibilities for the non-slip shoes, he noticed the amazing ability of his dogs to walk down an icy hill without slipping. The grooves on the paws of his beloved four-legged friend, the cocker spaniel Prince, inspired him to cut into a natural rubber sole to create similar grooved patterns (slats). So the pattern of grooves or cracks on his dog's legs gave him the idea for a canvas upper shoe with a herringbone pattern of grooves on the sole.
So, now you know!

Raphaël van den Poel, former fashion consultant for Scapa ,Reinhard Frans and Atelier NA tailored suits,
writes our weekly blog on gentleman matters. He writes for MYX Magazine, a Flemish luxury lifestyle platform.
He also has his own blog which you can read here:
http://belgiandandy.blogspot.com

Raphaël van den Poel The Belgian Dandy