Your Head to Toe Winter Sailing Clothing Guide

Winter sailing is not for the faint-hearted, but for many sailors it is the best time of year to get out on the water. The wind is steadier, the competition is fierce, and the quietness of a cold morning at the sailing club is something special. The challenge is staying warm, dry and comfortable so you can enjoy it to the fullest. That is where the right winter sailing clothing makes all the difference.

At Sailing Chandlery, we understand the importance of trusting your gear when the temperature drops. In this guide, we take you from head to toe, showing you the essentials you need for winter sailing and why each piece matters.

A huge amount of body heat escapes through the head, so the first step is to cover up properly. A thermal beanie or fleece-lined hat will keep the chill away when you are rigging or sitting on the committee boat. 

If you are heading out in spray or icy winds, a balaclava or neck gaiter gives you extra coverage for your face and neck, stopping cold water from running inside your clothing.

Sunglasses are also important even in winter. The low sun reflecting on the water can be just as dazzling as in summer, so a good pair of polarised sailing sunglasses will protect your eyes and keep your vision sharp.

Your torso is the engine room, and keeping it warm is vital for comfort and performance. Start with a thermal base layer that sits snug against your skin. This wicks away sweat and prevents the chill that comes from damp clothing.

On top of this, add an insulating mid layer. Fleece lined tops or neoprene layers are excellent choices for trapping warmth while still allowing movement. 

The final layer should be a waterproof spray top or drysuit. This barrier stops water and wind from cutting through and keeps the warmth from your inner layers locked in.

Zhik, Rooster and Gill all produce excellent technical clothing in this category, and at Sailing Chandlery we stock a full range so you can find what works best for your sailing style.

Cold hands can end a session faster than anything else. Gloves designed for winter sailing give you grip on sheets and control lines while keeping your fingers insulated. Look for gloves with thermal lining and reinforced palms for durability. Some sailors also add thin glove liners underneath for extra warmth without losing dexterity.

Our range of sailing gloves includes options for all conditions, from lightweight liners to heavy duty insulated gloves. The right choice depends on whether you value warmth, feel, or a balance of both.

Your legs take a beating in cold conditions, especially if you are kneeling in the boat or getting hit with spray. Thermal leggings or neoprene wetsuit pants provide a good base. Over these, many sailors choose salopettes or long john wetsuits for added insulation and protection.

The salopette design is particularly popular for winter because it adds an extra layer of warmth around the core and makes it easier to keep water out. Paired with a waterproof spray top, you create a seal that keeps most of the cold water away from your body.

Your feet are in constant contact with the boat and are often soaked in icy water. Keeping them warm is essential. Start with a thermal or neoprene sock. This creates a barrier and adds insulation. Over that, a pair of sailing boots with a good grip will keep you stable and protected.

Boots designed for dinghy and keelboat sailing are flexible enough to move easily around the boat while still offering protection and warmth. At Sailing Chandlery, we stock a wide selection from trusted brands, so you can find the pair that fits your foot shape and sailing needs.

Little extras can transform a cold day into a manageable one. Knee pads protect against bruises when moving around the boat. Sailing bags are perfect for carrying spare dry clothing to the club so you always have something warm to change into afterwards. Waterproof duffel bags also mean your spare layers stay dry until you need them.

Do not overlook maintenance gear either. A quick spray of waterproofing treatment on your kit can extend its life and performance, keeping the fabrics breathable while repelling water.

In summer, you can sometimes get away with budget sailing clothing, but winter is different. The cold exposes every weakness in your kit. A cheap glove that leaks or a thin spray top that does not seal properly can ruin your day and put you off sailing altogether.

At Sailing Chandlery, we always say that winter is the season to invest in quality. High-performance fabrics, well-thought-out designs and proven durability are what you need. Buy the right gear once, and it will keep you comfortable season after season.

Let Sailing Chandlery kit you out with your winter sailing clothing today.

We are more than just a chandlery. We are sailors ourselves, which means we understand the difference between kit that looks good on a hanger and kit that actually performs in real winter conditions. Every product we stock is chosen because it delivers the performance we would expect for our own sailing.

When you shop with Sailing Chandlery, you also get advice. Our team are always happy to help you choose the right layers, boots or gloves based on your boat, your sailing style and the kind of conditions you face. It is this personal support that has made us the go-to chandlery for sailors across the UK.

Winter sailing can be the highlight of your year if you are prepared. With the right head-to-toe kit, you can step into the boat with confidence, knowing that the cold will not stop you from performing at your best.

From hats and gloves to salopettes and boots, Sailing Chandlery has everything you need to build your winter wardrobe. So whether you are racing every weekend or just want to keep your boat moving in the off-season, let us help you get kitted out properly.

The next time you pull on your layers and step into your boat, you will be glad you invested in gear that keeps you warm, dry and ready for whatever winter sailing throws at you.

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