What To Wear For Ocean Sailing
When it’s just you and the ocean, the conditions can find a funny way of exposing weaknesses in your kit. We’re not talking about a single moment or dramatic change, rather the gradual build-up of cold, the indescribable wind chill, and the natural dampness that accumulates at sea.
It’s this sense of jeopardy that makes ocean sailing so alluring, but it’s also what brings to light the importance of being properly prepared; after all, once you’re properly offshore, there’s very little room for equipment that only performs when conditions are comfortable. The right sailing clothing system is key, managing exposure and stopping it from wearing you down over time in demanding conditions.
As you prepare to battle changing temperatures and constant spray, this guide breaks down exactly what to wear for ocean sailing, including waterproof outer layers and the right ocean sailing boots that form a performance-ready system.
Ocean Sailing - Key Considerations
The demands ocean sailing places on your clothing are unique and not to be understated. Certainly compared to coastal sailing or staying inshore, the exposure lasts longer, the weather can be unpredictable, and there are fewer opportunities to change or give your gear a rest from the conditions.
Then you need to throw changing activity levels into the mix. One minute, you might be working hard on deck with your core body temperature rising quickly. Next, you’re pretty static during a night watch, exposed to wind chill and a feeling of coldness that might not even have been imaginable a few hours earlier. Layering becomes crucial, with different layers playing a crucial role in constructing a system that’s up to scratch.
Choosing The Right Outer Layer
What to wear for ocean sailing should start with your outer layer, which essentially acts as your primary defence against prolonged exposure. Think of it this way, you need something that can do more than just keep water out, dealing with spray, wind, saltwater and abrasion with very little fuss.
Our OS1 ocean sailing clothing system has been carefully developed and refined for these harsh environments, drawing upon 50 years of technical innovation and testing in some of the harshest conditions you could imagine. More than just another waterproof shell to throw on when things worsen, it’s a complete outer-layer solution combining the OS1 Ocean Sailing Jacket with the Ocean Trousers.
At the centre of both components of the OS1 system is XPLORE+® 3-layer fabric technology, developed specifically to deliver high levels of waterproof protection, breathability, and durability without the stiffness that traditionally came with ocean gear. This ocean sailing clothing also incorporates PFAS-free Nikwax DWR finish, allowing water to bead and roll off the outer fabric rather than soaking in and creating discomfort over time.
OS1 Ocean Sailing Jacket
This waterproof sailing jacket is built specifically to fight against the exposure and conditions that might wear you down over time on deck. Focusing on protection without adding unnecessary bulk, its ocean-height collar and integrated face guard provide defence while thermal brushed lining around the chin and collar improves comfort in colder weather.
[Explore the OS1 Ocean Sailing Jacket]
Ocean Sailing Trousers
Our salopette-esque Ocean Sailing Trousers complete the system and become equally important when conditions deteriorate. Stretch back panels and multipoint shoulder adjustment help maintain comfort over long periods of wear, while abrasion-resistant reinforcement protects against constant movement. It’s these small details, alongside the XPLORE+® construction, that help you to handle repeated contact with wet decks and sustained water exposure without fuss.
[Explore the Ocean Sailing Trousers]
The Importance Of A Base Layer
Your outer layers are only as good as what’s underneath them, especially when it comes to what to wear for ocean sailing. A sailing base layer is responsible for managing moisture and regulating temperature against the skin, moving sweat away when activity levels increase.
Without that layer working properly, moisture sits against the body and can cool you down rapidly once movement slows down. This can quickly become uncomfortable and even dangerous when your activity levels drop.
A thermal base layer makes the most sense in most ocean sailing conditions. Our core base layers are a great, non-bulky pick delivering warmth and moisture management over extended periods, while the Hydrophobe base layer range is our pick for extra demanding, colder, or consistently wet environments where high performance is non-negotiable.
Not sure which base layer is right for you? Read our full guide to sailing base layers.
Mid Layers & Insulation
Even when you think you’ve got the forecast locked in, the ocean can throw a surprise or two. Daytime temperatures might feel manageable, but that might change quickly should the wind build or temperatures drop overnight.
It’s in these periods of change that you’ll also need to wear a mid layer for ocean sailing. This garment, typically a fleece, provides insulation by trapping warmth while still allowing moisture to escape through the outer shell. The real advantage of adding this layer is flexibility; you can quickly increase or reduce insulation depending on the conditions, without compromising on waterproof protection and having to remove your outer layer.
Ocean Sailing Boots
It’s not just your clothing that you need to consider when gearing up to set sail. Ocean sailing boots are easy to overlook until conditions become uncomfortable.
The right footwear should always be non-negotiable. Cold and wet feet will affect concentration quickly, while poor grip can be a significant safety risk when there’s sustained spray and water on deck.
You should look for sailing boots with:
- Waterproof construction
- High levels of grip
- Reinforced support
- Enhanced stability
Our leading range of sailing boots is built with these features at the very heart of construction. You can explore the full range here, with the OS Sailing Boots our top pick for ocean conditions.
Mistakes To Avoid
What not to wear is almost as important as what to wear for ocean sailing. Steer clear of gear that isn’t tried and tested - this environment is not the place to be gambling on gear that’s poorly made or a performance compromise.
Similarly, make sure you give enough consideration to your smaller pieces of kit. Your bigger layers naturally get most of the attention, but accessories like gloves, thermal hats, and neck gaiters all play a critical role in maintaining dexterity once the temperature drops.
If you’re to remember one thing when planning what to wear for ocean sailing, it’s this: focus on building a clothing system and the right combination of layers that can continue performing long after conditions stop being comfortable. That focus is what makes the Gill OS1 Ocean System so effective, and why it should be your pick of what to wear for ocean sailing.
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