The winter stretches out for months in many parts of the world, fortunately for us in Australia, we don’t necessarily have to stop sailing in the winter months! Since we are lucky enough to live in a place where ice and snow doesn’t put a complete stop to boating activities, then there’s no reason you shouldn’t be out in the fresh sea air doing what you love best. There are several considerations to take into account when sailing in winter and one of them is staying warm. There is nothing worse than spending a day out on the ocean being cold, wet and miserable.
The sheer variety and options of sailing gear on the market are staggering and can be overwhelming even for seasoned sailors. Here we take a look at what you really need to keep you warm, dry and comfortable onboard in even the most adverse of weather conditions.
Thermals and Undergarments
While not needed in all parts of Australia, we thought it best to start at the bottom layer! Thermals and undergarments are essential for any kind of winter boating. Worn against the skin they trap your first layer of warm air and keep you toasty at the core. Breathable fabrics are a good idea to stop condensation and sweating by absorbing the moisture quickly. We have a great range of Gill & Musto thermals here.
Hats and Gloves
Keeping your head warm is critical, and a good, fleece-lined, well-fitting thermal sailing hat is one of the best bits of sailing gear you can buy. There are hundreds of fleece-lined options on the market, so you don’t need to buy from a specialist sailing shop. Checkout our range of headwear here.
Cold fingers are unfortunately almost unavoidable in the winter. Even with the thinnest neoprene gloves, you’ll find yourself taking them off to complete most tasks on board. Those designed for racing sailors have been pitted against some of the fiercest winter conditions and are close-fitting allowing for maximum control and responsiveness when handling sheets and lines, as well as offering maximum grip and warmth. If you’re going to be sailing, then you might want to consider short-fingered gloves that allow for more manoeuvrability while still keeping your hands warm. Some great brands of gloves that we stock include Gill, Musto and Sealskinz.
Waterproof Jackets
Waterproof sailing jackets allow you to control your body temperature, removing and putting them on is easy and are the most popular choice of top-wear for sailors and boaters. You can also get a fully-adjustable, fleece-lined hood as an option to keep you extra warm. You can choose from hip-length jackets or three-quarter length, bringing the protection down your body and minimizing water getting in. They are lightweight, have fully sealed seams, and sometimes features such as engineered reflective detailing for low light conditions. Whichever waterproof jacket you opt for, make sure that you account for the under layers otherwise so they aren’t too tight and hinder movement! Check out our huge range here.