Sailing in a kilt

[Nile]

Susan and I started the process of moving our sailboat, Sansheraght, from Seaford, DE on the Nanticoke River to her summer home near Cambridge, MD on the Chesapeake Bay. We don't usually sail on the river (too narrow & too winding) so we motor and go with the flow. It's a wonderful journey on a beautiful river that abounds with wildlife, the only challenge being the two 50' MHW clearance bridges we have to get under (top of our mast is 50' 2" off the water). We need low tide to get under the bridges.


This year I decided to wear a kilt (never sailed in kilt before). All I can say is that it was a great experience and I will do it again but… with some changes.




I realize that many of our fellow XMTS'ers frequently wear their kilts with non standard kit (sandals, T-shirts, etc.) but, I've never been too fond of that look (not meant as a criticism, just my personal opinion). However, when it comes to wearing the kilt, looks are one thing and comfort is another. So, while there are many different looks, to me, there are two areas of comfort; mental and physical. Physically, wearing my 'Kiltman Kilt' while sailing was very comfortable and I'm certainly going to do it again. However, mentally, I had a couple of issues. Not wearing hose, garters and sgian dubh was one of them (I always wear hose with a kilt) and, of course, I just had to wear a sporran and belt (uncomfortable without them) but, probably won't in the future (well perhaps, my Rob Roy sporran). The good thing is that I don't have to look at myself or please anyone but my wife (& she likes it any way I choose to wear it).


I would like to here some of your thoughts on this. Also, are there any other sailors amongst the rabble and do you/have you sailed kilted?


Nile