Layering for Offshore Sailing

Layering for Offshore Sailing

6 minutes

Pack the Right Layers for Offshore 

Offshore sailing means being ready for whatever comes your way. Before you set sail, packing the right 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 layers for all conditions—close at hand.  

 

Baselayers: Moisture Wicking & Warmth 

Baselayers (next-to-skin layers) help regulate your body temperature and moisture management. They wick moisture away from your skin, keeping you dry and comfortable, whether staying warm in cold conditions or cool in warmer weather. 

During offshore sailing, baselayers also help prevent chafing and provide an extra layer of insulation, which is necessary when facing extended periods of exposure to the elements.  

By keeping your core temperature stable, baselayers play a key role in maintaining your comfort and safety while on the open ocean.  

Kazan liner

 

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

 

EXPLORE KAZAN LINERS  

 

Extra thermal layers for your head are just as important as those for your body. Our Headwind Thermal Hat and Balaclava use moisture-wicking OEKO-TEX®-certified sustainable gridded polyester fleece in designs that fit perfectly under your hood. Our two options allow you to choose your preferred level of coverage—head only or full-face protection.



SHOP HEADWIND PRODUCTS

 

The Watchkeeper Knit Beanie is an excellent layer to keep in your back pocket for days that need extra warmth and coziness.

Our Mariner Fleece Lined Toque uses a wool and acrylic blend to deliver warmth in a beanie we designed to fit everyone. Wear it on its own or as a layer under the hood of your jacket.  

  

Adelphi long sleeve UV top

 

UV Clothing: Protection from the Sun 

Spending long days out on the water means you need all the UV protection you can get. Along with sunscreen, wearing 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. 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.  

Protect you neck and face on the water with our Adelphi UV Neck Gaiter. Skip the burn with this wicking, antibacterial gaiter with UPF 50+ protection. 

Our selection of hats offer more than just style. Each of them keeps the glare out of your eyes and sun off your head on those hot daysChoose from our 5 Panel HatTrucker Mesh Hatand 55 Year Floater Hat—which floats, so you won't lose it on windy days.  

Mesh trucker hat

 

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. 

 

Mid-layers: Insulation & Heat Generation 

When it comes to staying warm out on the water, 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. 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 water. They shield you against wind, rain, and other elements. 

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

 

The EP 6.5 Ocean Racing collection features exclusive, durable, breathable, and waterproof Mil Spec 6.5 GORE-TEX Fabric to provide the absolute best outer protection in high-intensity offshore sailing environments. 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.  

EP Collection

 

Our versatile EP 6.5 Ocean Dry Top can be worn in sailing climates thanks to its innovative removable hood with integrated face coverage. Its added length, neoprene inner skirt, and latex wrist and neck seals provide maximum protection. 

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.  

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.  

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 easy choice for offshore. 


EXPLORE THE COLLECTION

 

EP Ocean Racing jacket

 

Constructed with our rugged 3-layer Marine Spec BP fabric and YKK® AQUASEAL® zippers, our Meris collection is 100% waterproof and has a proven design that keeps you dry when the seas are unforgiving. Each item is available in an extended range from XS to XL, making them the preferred choice for more users, including women.  

The Meris Waterproof Jacket uses a neoprene inner lapping cuff system to keep water out, and the relaxed fit allows for necessary layers without restricting mobility or comfort.  

Red Meris jacket

 

The Meris Waterproof Spray Top has a neoprene neck gasket that allows one-handed venting when you need to control your temperature. The design keeps you to stay dry without restricting your movement. 

Bridge the gap between agility and durability with our Meris Waterproof BibIts minimalist, lightweight design, crafted in a burly fabric, withstands variable offshore conditions.

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. They shield your hands from blisters and rope burns, keep your fingers warm and dry, and give you the grip you need. 

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

Our EP 3250 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 in and out of the water. Available in full finger and fingerless, a snag-free silicon grip closure tucks under your wrist and guarantees a secure fit. 

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 and a fold-back thumb, index, and middle fingers allow an option for additional dexterity. 

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