Rated 4.9 out of 5 by our customers
Rated 4.9 out of 5 by our customers
90 Day Risk Free Returns
Price Match Promise
5 Star Rated by Sailors
Over 69,000+ Orders Shipped
Autumn is when a lot of the best sailing happens, but the water is cooling faster than the air and a warm September afternoon can turn into a cold, wet beat home. The right layers are what keep you out there enjoying it rather than cutting the session short, and getting your kit sorted now means you are ready when the temperature drops.
Our autumn sailing clothing covers the transitional layers that earn their place this time of year, including aquafleece tops and smocks, thermal baselayers and leggings, sailing gloves and glove liners, hot socks, hats, beanies and neck gaiters, plus warmer skiff suits and coastal jackets for the colder days. You will find kit from Gill, Rooster and Zhik, so you can build up a layering system that suits how and where you sail.
As dinghy sailors ourselves, we know the difference a decent aquafleece and a warm pair of gloves make once summer fades, and how quickly being cold takes the fun out of a sail. If you are not sure how to layer for autumn or what to add first, call us on 01268 222912 and we will talk you through it. Order before 2pm Monday to Friday and we will ship in stock items the same day.
Some frequently asked questions that other customers have asked us about Autumn Sailing Clothing.
What should I wear sailing in autumn?
In autumn you want a layering system rather than one heavy item. Start with a thermal baselayer top and leggings to trap warmth, add an aquafleece or fleece midlayer for insulation that still works when damp, and finish with a spray top or smock to keep the wind and water off. Warm extremities matter just as much, so add gloves, hot socks and a hat. Layering lets you adjust as the day warms up or cools down rather than being stuck too hot or too cold.
Is a wetsuit warm enough for autumn sailing?
A summer wetsuit on its own usually is not enough once the water cools, but a warmer skiff suit or a hiker wetsuit with thermal layers underneath will keep you going well into autumn. Many dinghy sailors switch to a Superwarm style suit or add a thermal top and aquafleece over their existing suit as the season turns. The right choice depends on your boat, how wet you get and how much you feel the cold, so it is worth thinking about your typical session rather than the calendar date.
Do I need different sailing gloves for autumn?
Your summer sailing gloves will still work in early autumn, but as it gets colder a thermal or three season glove makes a real difference to comfort and grip. Some sailors add a thin glove liner under their normal gloves for extra warmth without losing feel on the ropes, while others move to a warmer neoprene backed glove. If your hands get cold quickly, this is one of the cheapest upgrades that keeps you sailing longer.
What is an aquafleece and do I need one for autumn?
A Rooster aquafleece is a wind and water resistant fleece top that traps warmth while shrugging off spray, which makes it one of the most useful autumn layers for dinghy sailing. It sits between your baselayer and outer spray top, or can be worn on its own on milder days. Because it still insulates when damp, it is a better choice than a standard fleece for a sport where you are going to get wet.
How do I keep my feet warm sailing in autumn?
Cold feet are one of the first things to end an autumn session, so a good pair of hot socks or thicker neoprene socks is well worth having. Thinner 0.5mm hot socks suit milder days and fit easily inside boots, while thicker 2.5mm to 4mm neoprene socks give more warmth for colder water. Pairing warm socks with proper sailing boots keeps your feet dry and insulated so you can stay focused on your sailing.
