I love sailing and have been sailing for the past fifty years. I also enjoyed sports cars MG's, and Austin Healey. Then there was fishing and playing tennis. As a result I now have to report in to the dermatologist twice a year for a check up and sometimes cancer removal. The worst was a fairly good chunk taken out of my nose. (I know what you are thinking - no, it was skin and sub dermal tissue)

I still sail but usually sail in the afternoon around 4 o'clock to sunset. Not being into racing I try to sail in a direction where the sails will provide shade. A long sleeve cotton shirt, broad brim hat (a tilly), sun glasses and gloves seem to help.   Autohelms will also allow you to hide in the shade.

Good luck ~~~~~ its worth the effort.