Sunglasses!
A friend texted me the other day, asking about the best sunglasses for a cruiser. My response was immediate.
Polarized.
100% UV protection.
Multiple pairs.
She was asking more specifically about brands as there are a couple of high end brands that people swear by. I think if you WANT the high end brand, because you personally feel it’s the best thing out there, then go for it.
I’ve lost too many pairs of sunglasses, both overboard and from just putting them down in the wrong spot and forgetting about them, to think that spending well over $200 for one pair of sunglasses is a smart idea. Maybe if I had a pair like that I’d be more mindful. Who knows. Currently I’ve got 3 pairs of sunglasses, each left in a strategic spot. The most expensive pair cost $20, and yes, they’re all polarized. When (not if) I lose a pair, I’ll just get another one.
Yes, there are sunglass leashes, like Chums and Croakies; they’re not infallible. While I’ll have a set of those when we actually move on the boat, when I’ll be wearing my sunglasses all the time, it’s still important to have extra glasses.
As far as tint goes, this also is a matter of personal preference. You can spend hours agonizing over which is the “best” for reading the water (a navigation technique that has you relying on your eyes to discern the water depth by water color), but my own experience has shown that unless I actually LIKE the glasses and how they work for me, I don’t trust what I’m seeing.
Basically, the best sunglasses are the ones you like and will wear. If you’re going cruising, polarized and 100% UV protection are the only absolutes; the rest is up to you, your style, and your budget.