Top 6 Best Sailing Sunglasses of 2023

If you're a sailing enthusiast, you know how important it is to have the right gear for a safe and enjoyable experience on the water. One essential piece of gear that often gets overlooked is sunglasses. Not only do sunglasses protect your eyes from the sun's harmful rays, but they also improve your visibility on the water, helping you to navigate more effectively. In this article, we'll be discussing the top 6 best sailing sunglasses of 2023, including why you need to wear sunglasses when sailing and our recommended models.

Why wear sunglasses when sailing?

Wearing sunglasses when sailing is important for several reasons. First and foremost, they protect your eyes from the sun's harmful UV rays. The sun's UV rays can cause a variety of eye problems, including cataracts and macular degeneration. Additionally, glare from the water can be especially strong when sailing, and wearing sunglasses helps to reduce this glare, making it easier to see and navigate. 

What to look for in sailing sunglasses

When shopping for sailing sunglasses, there are a few key features to look for. First, you want to make sure that the sunglasses offer 100% UV protection to keep your eyes safe. Additionally, polarized lenses can help to reduce glare and improve visibility on the water. You also want to look for sunglasses that are lightweight and comfortable, so you can wear them for long periods without discomfort.

Top 6 best sailing sunglasses of 2023

Without further ado, let's take a look at our top picks for the best sailing sunglasses of 2023.

1.   Oakley Holbrook Sunglasses

The Oakley Holbrook sunglasses are a classic choice that provide excellent protection and style. These sunglasses feature polarized lenses that reduce glare and a lightweight frame that's comfortable to wear for extended periods. Additionally, the lenses are interchangeable, so you can swap them out for different lighting conditions.

2.   Costa Del Mar Fantail Sunglasses

The Costa Del Mar Fantail sunglasses are another excellent choice for sailing. These sunglasses feature polarized lenses that offer excellent clarity and a comfortable fit that's perfect for all-day wear. The frames are made from a durable nylon material that can withstand the rigors of life on the water.

3.   Maui Jim Peahi Sunglasses

The Maui Jim Peahi sunglasses are a great choice if you're looking for a pair of sunglasses that are both stylish and functional. These sunglasses feature polarized lenses that provide excellent clarity, as well as a lightweight and comfortable frame that's perfect for sailing.

4.   Smith Optics Guide's Choice Sunglasses

The Smith Optics Guide's Choice sunglasses are designed with fishermen in mind, but they're also an excellent choice for sailors. These sunglasses feature polarized lenses that reduce glare and a durable frame that can withstand the elements.

5.   Ray-Ban Wayfarer Sunglasses

The Ray-Ban Wayfarer sunglasses are another classic choice. These sunglasses feature polarized lenses that offer excellent clarity and a lightweight frame that's comfortable to wear for extended periods. Additionally, the iconic Wayfarer design is a timeless look that will never go out of style.

6.   Oakley Flak 2.0 XL

The Oakley Flak 2.0 XL sunglasses are an excellent choice for sailors due to their polarized lenses that offer excellent clarity and eliminate glare. The lenses are also impact-resistant and provide 100% UV protection, ensuring your eyes are well-protected on the water. The sunglasses have a stylish design that makes them suitable for both on and off the water.

Conclusion

While sailing glasses are designed to be durable and withstand harsh conditions on the water, there are still some risks to be aware of. The most common risk to sailing glasses is that the lenses can be scratched or damaged by saltwater spray. When your glasses are scratched or corroded by saltwater, you may have to get a new pair of glasses. Buying new sunglasses used to be a big expense for me. But recently I found a great replacement lens brand MRY. By purchasing replacement lenses, I can get a pair of like-new glasses for a very nice price. MRY replacement lenses are available for a wide variety of sunglass brands and models, including the glasses we mentioned in this article. The replacement lenses are made from high-quality materials and are designed to provide excellent clarity and UV protection. It’s much more affordable than buying a whole new pair of sunglasses.