Winter Dinghy Sailing Essentials

Though it’s not quite as relaxing as summer cruising, the winter season can offer some of the most exciting opportunities for racing as well as for just blasting around and making the most of the wind. That said, you need to prepare properly and be wearing the right gear.

Hat

An absolute must. Keep your head warm with a lightweight, insulating beanie. We love the Gill Reversible Knit Beanie because it fits really snugly over your ears, meaning it won’t be blowing away in the gusts, and also offers two different colour options in one hat for keeping your look fresh (we know it's important to some of you). 

Spray Top

Don’t let icy spray dampen your spirits, a well-fitting spray top will keep your torso dry and help maintain your core temperature. If you’re wearing hikers, tuck your spray top into them and wear the suspenders over the top to trap your body heat in and prevent any cold air or water leaking in. A fleece-lined spray top will add an extra layer of insulation. Alternatively, you could wear a lightweight fleece under a normal spray top, just be sure you won’t mind it getting wet.

Winter Wetsuit

Upgrade to a 5mm wetsuit for a full body of warmth in the colder months. You can opt for a full length wetsuit for warmth all over, or for flexibility go for a long john style suit and layer it with a wetsuit top when you need the extra warmth. The Code Zero Elite also includes Impact Pads for added protection on the water.

5mm Dinghy Boots

Literally or metaphorically, we don’t want you getting cold feet this winter, which is why we’re recommending you keep your toes toasty with 5mm of neoprene. Look for a robust boot with excellent grip to keep you steady on those slippery slipways. Keep in mind that if you’re wearing a drysuit, you may need to go up a size to ensure your boots fit comfortable over the socks. 

Wetsuit Socks

Upgrade your summer boots with a pair of wetsuit socks for the colder months, or wear with a pair of winter boots if you really feel the cold. You may find it worth investing in boots in a size up though, else you may find your feet end up pretty uncomfortable.

Full Finger Gloves

Choosing sailing gloves is a personal choice, as with a thicker glove you will lose a little dexterity, which some sailors are reluctant to sacrifice. However, if you can’t feel your fingers then you’re effectively losing all dexterity anyway, so you may as well upgrade to a full finger glove. For warmth, a 3mm neoprene glove is best. You’ll generally find you have good grip with something like the Musto Performace Sailing Gloves.

Thermo Top

An easy way to add some additional core insulation is to wear a thermal neoprene top under your wetsuit or other layers. The Gill Mens Hydrophobe Long Sleeve Top is perfect for this because it’s high-stretch and includes a Merino wool lining for warmth and comfort.

Drysuit

Not keen on neoprene? A drysuit is the ultimate winter upgrade. Opt for one designed for dinghy sailing like the Gill Dinghy Drysuit, so you can be confident that you’ll have enough flexibility to sail at your usual level. Layer up underneath to stay warm and keep that water out. Check out our guide to drysuit layering if you’re not sure what to wear.

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Written by Eliza Tilbury

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