until i'm crewing in the america's cup, I can't see myself wearing a helmet for sailing. I've been smacked by booms a fair amount, and it hasn't affected me yet, aside from now having a few goose eggs . come to think of it, i should probably wear a helmet. what was i saying again?

(like my wife....)

Your Wife won't sail with you... Thats just silly!

I'm in the same boat. I probably wouldn't do it until it was cool to wear a helmet. I've been konked on the head plenty of times and as soon as my spidey-senses feel it begin to make impact, I duck. Most of the time it's a jibe gone bad and I see it coming.

Once, I was explaining to a guest how my Wave was a bit safer than a boat with a solid boom, when a wind shift caused the sail to swing around and smack me flat in the face. I had to grit my teeth and say "See... that didn't hurt a bit!"

When I was the Safety Chairman of my sailing club, I always recommended to new members as part of their orientation that they wear some sort of hat. Not only for sun protection, but just to have another layer on top for something to snag besides skin or hair. The boom has rivets or other hardware, blocks have sharp edges, wires can have loose strands; any of which can peel open skin. Even a ball cap can prevent a messy and painful (if not serious) head wound.

Once, I was explaining to a guest how my Wave was a bit safer than a boat with a solid boom, when a wind shift caused the sail to swing around and smack me flat in the face. I had to grit my teeth and say "See... that didn't hurt a bit!"