Layering for Offshore Sailing

Layering for Offshore Sailing

6 minutes

Offshore sailing means being ready for whatever comes your way. Before you set sail, packing the right offshore sailing gear is essential for keeping your journey smooth and safe.

From multiple days to challenging sea states, when you're far from shore, you want to ensure you have everything you need—including the right sailing layering system and marine clothing for all conditions—close at hand. Whether it’s cold-weather sailing or rough wind and rain, having waterproof jackets and sailing gear can make all the difference.

What to Wear Sailing

A Base Layer: Moisture Wicking & Warmth

Base layers (next-to-skin layers) are an essential part of any sailing layering system, helping regulate your body temperature and manage moisture. They do this by wicking moisture away from your skin, keeping you dry and comfortable, whether staying warm during cold-weather sailing or cool in warmer conditions.

During offshore sailing, base layers are a crucial component. They help prevent chafing, provide extra insulation, and work seamlessly with other marine clothing and accessories to protect against extended exposure to the elements.

By keeping your core temperature stable, base layers enhance your comfort and safety on the open ocean, making them a fundamental part of any effective sailing layering system.

For those who opt for dry suits as their outer layer of protection when offshore sailing, our one-piece Kazan Dry Suit Liner uses Bluesign® certified body-mapped gridded fleece for a robust sailing layering system that eliminates bunching and cold spots as you move.

EXPLORE KAZAN LINERS

Woman wearing base layers for sailing

Extra Thermal Layers for Your Head

Extra thermal layers for your head are just as important as those for your body. Our Headwind Thermal Hat and Balaclava are essential additions to any sailing layering system. Made with moisture-wicking OEKO-TEX®-certified sustainable gridded polyester fleece, they’re designed to fit perfectly under your hood.

Ideal for cold-weather sailing, these options provide the flexibility you need—choose between head-only coverage or full-face protection. Perfect for pairing with waterproof sailing gear to keep you warm and dry.

SHOP HEADWIND PRODUCTS

The Watchkeeper Knit Beanie is an excellent addition to your sailing layering system, perfect for cold-weather sailing when extra warmth and coziness are needed.

Our Mariner Fleece Lined Toque uses a wool and acrylic blend to deliver warmth in a marine clothing essential we designed to fit everyone. Wear it on its own or as part of a waterproof sailing gear combo under the hood of your jacket.

UV Clothing: Sun Protection

Spending long days out on the water, especially in summer, means you need all the UV protection you can get. Along with sunscreen, wearing marine clothing with a high UPF rating is key to staying safe under the sun.

But what exactly is a UPF rating? It's a way to measure how effectively a fabric blocks UV radiation from reaching your skin. The higher the rating, the better the protection.

DISCOVER ADELPHI UV GEAR

Our wicking, antibacterial Adelphi UV Hooded L/S offers 50+ UPF protection, making it the ideal offshore sailing gear. Pull up the hood to protect your neck and head, and use the thumbholes to ensure your arms have full coverage as you move about. It's an essential piece of any pro’s sailing layering system, offering both comfort and protection to keep you safe under the sun while enjoying your adventure.

Man wearing Adelphi UV Neck Gaiter for water activity


Protect
your neck and face on the water with our Adelphi UV Neck Gaiter. Skip the burn with this wicking, antibacterial gaiter with UPF 50+ protection, making it another must-have for layering and ideal for those in cold-weather sailing conditions. Its lightweight, breathable design ensures you stay comfortable while maintaining full coverage during your time at sea.

Our selection of hats offers more than just style. Each keeps the glare out of your eyes and the sun off your head on those hot days. Choose from our 5 Panel Hat, Baseball Mesh-back Hat, and Floater Hat—which floats, so you won't lose it on windy days.

Our hands can take a beating on the water, which is why we developed our Traction UV Open Finger Gloves. Lightweight polyester and spandex knit with UV-treated yarns shield your hands from the sun. Extended fabric on the index fingers guards against blisters and cuts, while AX Suede G-Series overlays protect the palms, ensuring durability, comfort, and a secure grip. Whether you're cruising along the shore or tackling rough sea states, these gloves are built to perform.

Mid-layers: Insulation & Heat Generation

When it comes to staying warm out on the water while cruising, it's all about your mid-layers. These pieces insulate and help you generate heat in cold conditions. Choose mid-layers that are lightweight and breathable, giving you the warmth you need without sacrificing mobility.

Our Torrens Hooded Thermal Jacket and Torrens Thermal Crew Jacket are mid-layers designed specifically for wear on the water. Using body-mapped thermoregulating Polartec® Alpha®, they deliver insulation that retains heat even when wet, making them perfect for cold-weather sailing. 

Hydrophobic properties and lofted fibers on a mesh core mean these jackets are quick-drying and highly breathable. The DWR finish delivers protection from light rain and spray, giving you versatility to skip the outer layer on milder days.

SHOP TORRENS COLLECTION

Outer Layers: Protection from the Elements

Your outer layers stand between you and the harsh conditions out on the sea. They shield you against wind, rain, and other elements.

For serious offshore sailing gear, you need outer layers that are both waterproof and breathable. A good offshore jacket, smock, or salopette will keep you dry, protected, and ready for any conditions, no matter the weather.

The EP 6.5 Ocean Racing collection features exclusive, durable, breathable, and waterproof sailing gear, made with Mil Spec 6.5 GORE-TEX Fabric to provide the absolute best outer protection in high-intensity offshore sailing environments. These pieces are designed to withstand the toughest sea conditions while keeping you comfortable and covered.

Each piece is available in an extended range from XS to 2XL, making it the preferred choice for more users, including women. Mix and match between unique features to create a head-to-toe waterproof solution that ensures durability and comfort.

Our versatile EP 6.5 Ocean Dry Top can be worn in all sailing climates thanks to its innovative removable hood with integrated face protection. Its added length, neoprene inner skirt, and latex wrist and neck seals provide maximum protection, making it a great addition to your sailing layering system.

The unique removable high-visibility hood on our EP 6.5 Ocean Jacket minimizes bulk and has clear peripheral windows to block out spray while you keep an eye on evolving conditions. A fully integrated face cover tucks into the collar when not in use, making it ideal for cold-weather sailing or rough seas.

Man EP smock while sailing


The
EP 6.5 Ocean Smock features watertight latex wrist seals and a neoprene waist seal to prevent water ingress in rain and rough seas. We built this lightweight smock to enhance your performance during offshore sailing, ensuring you stay comfortable and protected.

The EP 6.5 Ocean Racing Salopette adapts to you with adjustable straps at the shoulders, waist, and knees. The design allows room to pile on extra layers for the night watch or gear up for a squall. Oversized dump pockets, removable knee pads, and abrasion-resistant seat, knees, and hem make this salopette an essential piece of waterproof sailing gear for offshore use. 

EXPLORE THE COLLECTION

Constructed with our rugged 3-layer Marine Spec BP fabric and YKK® AQUASEAL® zippers, our Meris collection is waterproof and has a proven design that keeps you dry in unforgiving conditions. Each item is available in an extended size range from XS to XL, making them the perfect choice for a wide variety of sailors, including women. Whether you're cruising along the shore or tackling offshore adventures, this collection has you covered.

The Meris Waterproof Jacket features a neoprene inner lapping cuff system to keep water out, while the relaxed fit allows for essential layers without restricting movement or comfort. But we didn’t stop there- a stowable hood and peripheral windows ensure you can see what's ahead, making it an essential piece of layering system. This jacket is built for protection against wind, rain, and sea spray, ensuring you stay comfortable and safe.

someone wearing Meris Salopette while sailing


Bridge the gap between agility and
durability with our Meris Waterproof Salopette. Its minimalist, lightweight design, crafted from durable fabrics, withstands variable offshore conditions, making it a reliable piece of offshore sailing gear. This salopette is perfect for sailors who demand protection and freedom of movement without the added bulk.

SHOP MERIS

Sailing Gloves: Hand Protection

Offshore sailing really puts your hands to the test, gripping ropes and handling gear, so a solid pair of gloves is essential. These functional gloves shield your hands from blisters and rope burns. Best of all, they’ll keep your fingers warm, and give you the grip you need in tough conditions.

In colder weather, full-fingered neoprene gloves are your best bet for staying warm, while in warmer conditions, open-fingered gloves offer more flexibility and dexterity.

Our EP 3250 Full Finger Gloves are the most dependable racing gloves on the market. Get a strong grip in wet conditions with the heavy-duty PVC overlay on the palms. Moulded 3mm neoprene keeps your hands warm both in and out of the water. Available in full finger and open-finger fingerless styles, a snag-free silicone grip closure tucks under your wrist and guarantees a secure fit. These gloves are designed for sailors who need protection, durability, and comfort.

Keep the warmth in your hands with 2.5mm of neoprene on the back of our Traction Closed Finger Gloves. The abrasion-resistant AX Suede G-Series at the palm provides excellent grip in the wet, while a fold-back thumb, index, and middle fingers allow for additional dexterity. 

Safety Considerations Such as A PFD or Life Jacket

When it comes to offshore sailing, safety is non-negotiable. The most important piece of equipment you can wear is a PFD, also known as a personal flotation device. No matter your experience level or the conditions, always make sure your PFD or life jacket is properly fitted and in good condition before heading out. Wearing a PFD at all times on deck is a simple step that can save your life in an emergency.

In addition, it’s wise to familiarize yourself with your vessel’s safety gear and procedures. Make sure everyone on board knows where to find emergency equipment and how to use it. By making safety your top priority, you can focus on the freedom that offshore sailing brings, knowing you’re prepared for whatever comes your way.

SHOP PFDS

  

 

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