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Sun Protection Accessories

Planning a voyage to get warm this winter? That cruise may fade your troubles like an end-of-summer tan, but the sun of southern latitudes continues to blast its harmful rays. Here are seven ways to protect yourself.

EYE TIME: Sunglasses, like boats, are often a compromise: those that look good don’t always offer high-performance optics and UV protection, and vice versa. Oakley’s polarized sunglasses give you the best of both worlds with distinctive, stylish frames and topnotch sun protection, filtering 100 percent of UV rays. With a hydrophobic coating, the lenses repel lotions, skin oils, and water to keep your line of sight clear. high-definition lenses made from a proprietary synthetic and a wraparound titanium-alloy wire frame make the polarized Nanowire 4.0 (starting at $300) a lightweight option for all-day comfort at the helm. Oakley, (800) 431-1439; www.oakley.com

SUN-KISSED: When we slather on sunblock, we often forget to treat some sensitive areas-like our lips. Surfer and Biochemist Dr. Nic Martens has blended five prescription-grade sunscreens into Hawaiian Island Creations’ 2X Lip Balm ($3). rated SpF 30, 2X Lip Balm goes on smooth, light, and clear with a refreshing lemon scent. Hawaiian Island Creations, (310) 355-8702; www.hicworldwide.com

SPORT SHIRT: When the sun gets high in the sky over the water, relentless rays come at you from all sides. it’s best to cover up: Long sleeves are the order of the day, even when it’s hot. the Sol Patrol shirt ($80) from Patagonia is made to block the UV-its tight weave is rated UPF 40. But the fabric is also the key to its comfort: the lightweight, 100-percent nylon cloth has some body to it so it won’t get plastered to your torso. Instead it lets air circulate to keep you cool and looking good. Both men’s (shown) and women’s styles have an athletic cut, yet enough room for active pursuits in full sunshine, such as bonefishing or scoping out the best table in a quayside taverna. Patagonia, (800) 638-6464; www.patagonia.com

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SHADY DEAL: To minimize UV exposure, get out of the sun’s direct rays, and get under cover. SureShade (starting at $4,000) puts shade where your boat’s design doesn’t, by extending the shelter over a cockpit or bridgedeck area when you want it. Using power-actuated telescoping poles, the fabric canopy extends at the push of a button, and it retracts just as quickly when you want it out of the way. SureShade, (877) 333-8323; www.sureshade.com

TIMED EXPOSURE: Clear skies often mean smooth sailing, but clouds can sometimes open the door to excessive UV rays. Take away the guesswork with Dakota Watch Company’s digital UV sensor ($50). Set your exposure limit and the watch sounds an alarm when you hit your number. you won’t be surprised, since numerical and graphical UV index readings are updated every five minutes. The watch also tells time, tide, temperature, and moon phase-everything else you’ll need to know, now that you’re not worried about a sunburn. Dakota Watch Company, (800) 829-6066; www.buydakotawatches.com

CREAM OF THE CROP: Sunscreen is the best way to protect your exposed skin from the harmful effects of the sun’s rays and still spend time on the water. Sun perfect Uv4 lotion ($165) from Bioactive Skincare provides SPF 15 protection from the full UV spectrum, including UVa, UVB, and UVC, thanks to non-oxidative micro zinc oxide and micro titanium dioxide. According to the manufacturer, the formula has biologically interactive nutrients and provide protection from these rays, which are linked to wrinkling and skin cancers. Bioactive Skincare, (866) 405-2365; www.bioactive-skincare.com

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CHART TOPPER: If you’re concerned about sunburn, a traditional-style hat with a 360-degree brim makes sense because it keeps the sun off your ears and neck. Columbia Sportswear makes functional hats out of 100-percent nylon fabric that are rated UPF 30 and the company’s line has gotten the seal of recommendation from the Skin Cancer Foundation. Both the Duck Key Hat ($25, shown) and Booney Hat ($25) are quick-drying nylon with terry sweatbands and adjustable chin straps for high-wind conditions, perfect for sunny days on the flying bridge. Columbia Sportswear, (503) 985-4000; www.columbiasportswear.com

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