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Yachting Monthly

• Digital edition

Best sailing jackets and pants for boaters

• Theo Stocker
• May 10, 2022

The best sailing jackets and pants needn’t break the bank. YM put seven sets of inshore and coastal oilskins under £350 to the test

When on the lookout for the best sailing jackets and pants, a mistake often made is to get kit that far outsrips your needs and therefore is more expensive than you need it to be. Let’s be honest: while we might think we need sailing waterproofs that can fend off the fiercest ocean storm , in reality, most of us choose to sail in the warmer months.

If a nasty forecast is coming our way, we’re more likely to be found holed up in the nearest harbour or pub than plugging to windward into the teeth of gale.

Of course, if you are planning on heading off on an ocean-crossing voyage you may well want something more robust, in which case head over to our full group test of the best offshore waterproofs too.

If you are a coastal cruising sailor, you may decide that inshore waterproofs will do what you need for most of the time, keeping the worst of the weather out without being too bulky or too hard on the wallet.

We’ve included minimum waterproof ratings (the water pressure the fabric can withstand in millimetres) though most claim to exceed this.

As soon as the jackets arrived in our office, it was clear the suits fitted roughly into one of two categories. Some were fairly substantial garments including many of the features you’d expect to see on offshore waterproofs, while others had taken a more minimalist approach, giving some protection while keeping things lightweight and simple.

Personal taste will dictate which you prefer.

*Yachting Monthly is not paid by manufacturers for our recommendations. If you click through and buy an item, we may receive a small amount of money from the retailer, at no cost to you.*

Best sailing jackets and pants.

© Graham Snook Photography

Helly Hansen Pier

**Bests sailing jackets and pants on test**

Specifications

Technology: Helly Tech Performance 2-layer fabric Waterproof: >10,000mm External pockets:2, plus 4 handwarmers Internal pockets: 1 Lining: Mesh Women’s version: Yes Website: www.hellyhansen.com

A set of oilskins that aims for full protection despite being lighter weight, the Helly Hansen Pier outfit has the greatest range of features of the jackets tested.

As well as Scandinavian styling, HH have created a good all-round jacket.

Men’s and women’s come in different styles and fits but do not include a drop seat.

With a fairly high microfleece-lined collar, long body and waist, and hem adjustment, the Pier jacket gave protection without restricting movement.

The hood is hi-vis yellow, rolls away into the collar, has a mesh liner and has adjustment at the sides and back.

The double cuff kept water out, as did the storm flap over the zip, and there are reflective patches on the sleeves but not the shoulders or hood.

This is the best jacket for pockets, with two main cargo pockets and fleece-lined handwarmer pockets behind, and another pair of handwarmer pockets on the chest.

The single internal zipped pocket is accessed at the top rather than the side – more secure but harder to access.

The soft mesh liner felt cosy but did snag on the Velcro when taking it off.

Reinforcement was good on the seat and elbows.

The Pier 2 salopettes are a little more basic than the jacket, offering a single cargo pocket on the thigh and an elasticated waist but with no adjustment.

The body of the salopettes is high and the shoulder straps elastic, securing back on to themselves with Velcro.

Reinforcement on knees and seat felt tough, the ankles closed with Velcro but aren’t reinforced.

The two-way zip (also on the jacket) is covered by a storm flap.

Test verdict

The Pier jacket and Pier 2 salopettes performed well in the water test.

No water got in past the inner cuffs and only the smallest amount got in through the neck.

They gave a good range of movement and fitted nicely without acres of spare fabric.

With a good range of features, some decent safety points and solid protection, this was our favourite.

It would have been nice to see handwarmer pockets and an adjustable waist on the salopettes for the perfect outfit.

A rugged all-round, all-weather jacket at a fair price.

Buy the Helly Hansen Pier jacket from Helly Hansen Buy the Helly Hansen Pier pants from Helly Hansen

Musto BR1 Inshore

Specifications:.

Technology: Musto BR1 Waterproof: 5,000mm External pockets: 2 handwarmers Internal pockets: 2 zipped Lining: Nylon & mesh Women’s version: Yes Website: www.musto.com

Musto’s BR1 inshore jacket and salopettes were the most lightweight design on test, reflecting the fact that this is very much an inshore rather than coastal jacket, selected in order to come in under the price point.

Despite this, it is an extremely comfortable and well-made jacket that should be plenty for day sailing in anything but awful conditions.

Other than fit, the men’s and women’s jacket and salopettes both offer the same features.

With no external storm flap, the jacket has a waterproof zip and internal storm flap, which kept water out.

A fleece-lined mid-height collar contains a roll-away hood with a small peak, volume adjustment and side adjusters. We liked the hi-vis yellow detail on the collar.

There are just two external pockets with zip closures and fleece handwarmer linings.

The single cuffs are adjustable but lack inner cuffs. Inside, it was good to see two zipped chest pockets for keeping phone and keys, and the jacket and hood has a simple mesh liner.

There is drawstring adjustment at the hem but not around the waist.

These felt solid.

A chunky two-way YKK zip closure at the front has a large inner gusset to keep water out and there is good reinforcement on the knees, seat and around the heel of the trousers.

The ankles have Velcro strap closures, the waist is adjustable and the shoulder straps are fabric covered, elasticated with Velcro adjustment.

The salopettes have one generously sized cargo pocket on the thigh and there’s a strap to secure a knife pouch.

Our water test showed that the jacket let in some water around the neck and cuffs, but this is perhaps to be expected on such a lightweight jacket.

The suit afforded a good degree of movement and flex and was shorter in the body than others, giving it a modern appearance but perhaps slightly less protection.

With fewer features than some of the others, this set offered little bulk.

These would make very good summer sailing waterproofs.

Buy the Musto BR1 Jacket from Musto Buy the Musto BR1 Pants from Musto

Gul ViGo Coastal

Specifications: 

Technology: GCX2 Waterproof: 5,000mm External pockets: 3, plus handwarmers Internal pockets: 2 Lining: Brushed mesh Women’s version: Dropseat Website: www.gul.com

It might not be the first name that springs to mind for yachting waterproofs but Gul have been making wetsuits, dinghy gear and waterproofs for years.

Their Vigo Coastal jacket and salopettes represent the top of the line for their yachting kit and are well worth a look.

Without breaking the bank, this suit punches above its weight with the number of features it includes, representing a serious set of sailing waterproofs.

The roll-away hi-vis peaked hood has zipped stowage © Graham Snook Photography

Gul’s GCX2 waterproof and breathable fabric has a soft feel to it.

With more traditional styling that other suits, the red and navy colour is nicely understated.

The jacket has an easy fit that left room for an extra layer or two underneath. It closes with a two-way zip and an outer storm flap, as well as a chin guard over the top of the zip and wider storm flap at the top to seal the collar.

It has two large cargo pockets with fleece-lined handwarmer pockets behind, and additional waterproof-zipped pockets above these.

There is an elasticated hem adjuster and reflective patches on the shoulders and chest.

It is one of the few jackets to feature lifejacket loops either side of the zip.

Inside, we liked the warm brushed mesh liner.

For a coastal jacket, the fleece collar is high and warm, with a roll-away hi-vis peaked hood inside zipped stowage.

The sleeves has double cuffs with an inner rubberised cuff to seal.

The women’s salopettes have a drop-seat design to make calls of nature easier, while the men’s have a two-way zip protected by a Velcro storm flap.

Both sets of trousers have a nylon lining and a zipped inner pocket, as well as two large thigh cargo pockets.

The ankles close with a narrow Velcro fastening, shoulder straps elastic with Velcro fastening.

We liked the amount of space the jacket has and the articulated sleeves for easier movement.

In the water test, only a small amount got in through the neck and none through the cuffs.

It has a great level of detailing and felt like a serious sailing jacket that would stand up to most weather.

Some of the stitching appeared slightly weak though.

Buy the Gul Vigo Coastal jacket from Amazon Buy the Gul Vigo Coastal pants from Amazon

Henri Lloyd Wave

Technology: TP1 Waterproof: 10,000mm External pockets: 2 zipped Internal pockets: 1 Velcro Lining: Nylon Women’s version: Yes Website: www.henrilloyd.com

Henri Lloyd have produced a simple but solid set of oilskins that don’t have extraneous features but will keep the worst of the weather out.

Using a heavier fabric than some of the others but with only two external handwarmer pockets, it’s great if you want to be waterproof without the fuss of a big jacket.

A conservatively styled jacket, the Wave includes a photo-luminescent reflective chest patch, lifejacket loops either side of the zip and a hi-vis hood.

The hood has a stiffened peak but is sadly only adjustable at the sides.

The collar was one of the highest on test with lovely thick fleece that kept the cool spring breeze at bay.

The zip is covered with a decent storm flap and the hem has an adjustable draw cord.

The cuffs sealed well with an internal rubberised cuff and an adjustable outer cuff.

The handwarmer pockets are closed with waterproof zips but do not have drainage.

Inside, there is a single chest pocket with Velcro closure, so we felt it was lacking in the number of pockets.

It has a nylon taffeta lining and allows a good range of movement.

The Wave Hi Fit salopettes were heavier and felt tougher than other salopettes on test, but were some of the most basic in terms of features.

The zip doesn’t have a storm flap but has a good gusset inside.

They are well reinforced on the knees, seat and around ankles; the latter have good wide Velcro closure.

The waist is elasticated but not adjustable.

These were the only trousers to have elastic shoulder straps with the old-fashioned sliding buckles, which now seem rather fiddly to adjust.

There’s no cargo pocket on the leg.

If you’re not fussed about the details, these trousers have very little to go wrong and will probably last very well.

These sailing waterproofs provided the good balance of a well-fitting suit that still has enough space to move and add layers underneath.

It would have been nice to see a few more pockets.

In the water test, there was minimal ingress at the neck and no leaks at the wrist.

This set was comparable to the Musto suit for features but tailored to a higher level of protection with heavier construction.

Buy the Henri Lloyd Wave jacket now from Amazon Buy the Henri Lloyd Wave pants now from Amazon

Decathlion Tribord 500

Technology: Dual-layer hydrophilic fabric Waterproof: 10,000mm ext pocket 2, plus zipped handwarmers Internal pockets: 2 zipped Lining: Nylon & mesh Women’s version: Yes Website: www.decathlon.co.uk

French brand Decathlon have been steadily increasing their presence in the UK with their ubiquitous blue and white stores springing up around the country.

They offer equipment for virtually every sport under the sun, all developed in house.

They don’t sell through normal chandlers though, so aren’t the first name to come to mind for sailing gear.

Despite this, they have developed an impressive range of sailing kit under the Tribord brand.

These waterproofs look and feel the part and have clearly been very well thought through.

The jacket comes with in distinctly different men’s and women’s versions.

The styling is different, but the key features are all the same.

There is also an insulated ‘parka’ version of the jacket on offer.

The jacket is made of solid-feeling fabric and has a large reinforcement patch over the seat.

A plastic zip is covered by a good storm flap and there are two large cargo pockets, with two zipped handwarmer pockets above them on the chest; sadly these weren’t very accessible when wearing a lifejacket.

The collar comes level with the ears and has a cosy fleece lining as well as providing stowage for a same-colour peaked hood (contrast colour for women’s).

The hood is three-way adjustable for the peak, volume and sides.

Double cuffs did a good job of keeping water out, though the rubberised inner ones felt slightly cheap.

Inside, the jacket was lined with mesh and had two zipped pockets.

The trousers were made of the same fabric, with fabric-covered Velcro straps.

This was the only set to have chest handwarmer pockets on men’s and women’s – a great feature.

The women’s were drop seat but didn’t have an adjustable waist.

The men’s had Velcro adjustment straps on the back.

Ankle cuff closures gave a good adjustment.

These oilskins stood up well to the water test, only letting in a small amount of water through the neck and cuffs.

For a set of sailing waterproofs that cost half as much as anything else on test, these felt remarkably good quality with all the features you’d want, with only a few details giving the game away, like lining and wrist seal fabrics.

Buy it the Decathlon Tribord 500 jacket from Decathlon Buy the Decthlon Tribord 500 pants from Decathlon

Gill OS3 Coastal

Technology: OS3 2-layer fabric Waterproof: >10,000mm External pockets: 2, plus 2 handwarmers Internal pockets: 1 zipped Lining: Nylon & mesh Women’s version: Yes Website: www.gillmarine.com

Designed as the entry point to Gill’s technical offshore waterproofs, the OS3 range uses many of the features developed for the more high-end oilskins, but in a package that is less bulky and more affordable.

The styling has been updated for 2018 but you won’t look ostentatious in these understated waterproofs.

They are made with Gill’s OS3 two-layer fabric.

Men’s and women’s jackets were virtually the same, just with slight differences in fit and in the colours on offer.

A double storm flap protects the zip with a wider patch to cover the chin and seal the collar.

The high- cut collar is fleece lined, into which the hood rolls.

This is hi-vis and lined with nylon and is adjustable at the sides and on the top for volume.

Outer cuffs protect adjustable inner rubberised cuffs.

Inside, the jacket is nylon lined but with some patches of mesh for ventilation, and there is one zipped internal pocket.

While the jacket has no external chest pockets, it does have large cargo pockets and fleecy handwarmer pockets behind.

These don’t have zips or Velcro, which means you can’t store anything in them, but we liked the fact that there’s nothing to chafe cold and wet hands when using them.

There is no waist adjustment but there is an adjustable elastic hem.

The salopettes are the same for men and women, with no drop-seat option – you’ll need the next model up – but have different fits.

The trousers are reinforced on the knees and seat but not at the heel, and the ankle closures have a buckle to give some purchase for the Velcro strap.

It’s a shame these didn’t have pockets.

The waist is elasticated at the back but not adjustable.

These felt very well made and the jacket offered all of the features we would expect.

The salopettes were disappointing in their simplicity but it does make them less bulky.

We found the fit to be slightly short in the women’s sizes which limited movement a little, so perhaps take a size up.

In the water test, a little water got in through the collar and cuffs but performed relatively well.

Buy the Gill OS3 Coastal jacket from Amazon Buy the Gill OS3 coastal pants from Amazon

**Best sailing jackets and pants on test: Runner up**

Technology: 2-layer fabric Waterproof: >5,000mm External pockets: 2 handwarmers Internal pockets: 1 zipped Lining: Warm mesh Women’s version: Jacket yes, salopettes no Website: www.zhik.com

A relatively new Australian brand that set about creating high-performance clothing, Zhik comes from a sports background.

The jacket and salopettes are its entry-level waterproofs and follow Musto’s minimalist approach, albeit with a slightly heavier fabric and a few features for comfort.

It’s a well-fitted suit of oilskins that looks modern and feel great to wear.

Zhik claims its fabric has been developed to remain waterproof and breathable for much longer than other similar fabrics.

The jacket is well fitted and has good long sleeves so the cuffs don’t ride up.

It lacks reflective patches and the hood is the same colour as the jacket – the plus side is that you could wear this ashore without looking like a washed-up mariner.

The hood has a stiff peak and is adjustable on top and at the sides.

It rolls neatly up and rather than sitting inside a pocket, the collar has a narrow flap that Velcros over the hood to keep it secure.

The hood also has a warm microfibre lining.

The mid-height collar has microfibre lining too, as do the zipped handwarmer pockets, which are the only external pockets.

Inside, the jacket has a soft mesh lining for some warmth and one small zipped pocket for a phone.

The single outer storm flap closes with Velcro patches, making it easier to undo than one continuous strip.

The hem has an elastic draw cord.

The jacket has a single cuff but the inside face has rubberised material for a good seal.

A modern fit makes these more stylish.

The neoprene shoulder straps thread straight into the front of the salopettes where they’re held on both sides by internal Velcro.

The nylon lining in the legs helps the trousers slide on and there are two good cargo thigh pockets.

These unisex salopettes have good reinforcement on the heel, knees and seat.

These were popular sailing waterproofs on the test for the fit, styling and movement.

The wrist was only moderately sealed and the neck let in a small amount of water.

The fabric was perfectly waterproof but the outer material seemed more absorbent then others, rather than making the water bead up and run off.

These are excellent waterproofs that will cope well with moderate conditions.

Buy the Zhik Kiama jacket from Zhik Buy the Zhik Kiama pants from Zhik

Even with a budget of £350, there are some remarkably good sets of oilskins on the market.

Different brands have focused on different kinds of waterproofs at this price point: Musto and Zhik have gone more lightweight; Henri Lloyd sit in the middle with heavier construction but minimalist design; Gill, Tribord, Helly Hansen and Gull have gone for pared-down versions of their offshore kit.

It’s up to you to pick what’s important to you, although for inshore and coastal sailing, we liked the suits that had at least some cargo pockets and some handwarmer pockets.

On this score, the Helly Hansen, Gill, Gul and Tribord did very well.

What to look for

All the suits used own-brand fabric, all made to be waterproof and breathable, and all use fully taped seams.

Have a look at the fabrics waterproof rating – this will have an impact on how prolonged a soaking you can endure before you feel damp.

The big surprise from our test was how well Decathlon did with its Tribord 500 jacket.

If the brands were not marked on the clothes, it would be very difficult to tell that this one is half the price of the others.

We think this brand will be making waves in the sector if it’s longevity is up to scratch.

We liked the Musto a lot and it would be a great set of waterproofs for the summer, but for our money, Helly Hansen ticked the most boxes: lightweight and stylish, robust waterproofing, excellent protection, plenty of pockets and performed well in the water test.

Its only weak spot was the rather basic salopettes.

Close contention

Finally, it was a close call for the runner-up position.

The Gill, Gul, Henri Lloyd and Zhik suits were all in strong contention.

In the end, the super comfy Zhik Kiama narrowly pipped the Gill OS3 Coastals to the post.

Surprisingly effective seals and a few nice details made them a pleasure to wear.

Gill’s sailing waterproofs were solid and had a good level of features that put it just ahead of Henri Lloyd.

With thanks to Inspiration Marine for providing their Hanse 388 as Yachting Monthly’s test base for this article.

How we tested the best sailing jackets and pants

We picked a range of the latest coastal waterproofs on the market, lined them up and compared the details and features we did and didn’t like.

Then we looked at the fabric used and the overall feel and quality of the garment; the hood and collar; internal and external pockets and handwarmers; zips and closures; lining and fit adjustment, cuffs and seals.

We also tested both men’s and women’s versions of each suit where available.

It was then time to go sailing and we spent time wearing each of the suits to get a feel for the fit and articulation offered, as being able to move freely without feeling encumbered is an important factor.

We wore lifejackets over the top so we could see if the pockets were still accessible and played around with the hoods, collars and cuffs to find out how easy and effective all of the features were to use.

Finally, we donned grey t-shirts under the waterproofs to show any damp spots effectively and then poured a large bucket of water from a metre above the wearers’ heads while hosing down from the front, behind, in the face and around the cuffs.

We’ve been using them out on the water over the start of the season to give us more of an idea of how they hold up in the real world.

Longevity over a few seasons’ use was the only factor we couldn’t test.

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Yachting World

• Digital Edition

What to wear sailing: Everything you need to know

• Toby Heppell
• April 26, 2023

If you're wondering what to wear sailing then you've come to the right place. We've extensively tested loads of kit so we can bring you the best options

Are you are heading out on the water sailing for the first time, or perhaps you’re just curious to see what other wear when sailing, if so, look no further as I bring you my roundup of the absolute must-haves in terms of sailing clothes.

But first thing’s first, not all sailing is alike. I started out racing dinghies throughout my youth and it was not until I was in my late teens and into my 20s that I started racing, and then cruising on yachts or keelboats. The kit required for both of these sports are significantly different and, though you can sail a yacht wearing a wetsuit, it’s not going to do much to keep you warm. Similarly if you step into a dinghy wearing offshore sailing waterproofs (often called foulies) then you’ll be fine, but far from comfortable.

For the purposes of this article I’m going to kook at the clothes you will need to go yacht or keelboat sailing for a day on the water. At Yachting World we have plenty of articles on the best clothing for offshore sailing , the best wetsuits and best clothes to wear for other watersports like best kayak clothing and what to wear paddle boarding . So head over to one of those if that’s what you are after.

Sailing a dinghy on a beach holiday is a common first introduction to sailing, but for many it’s just as likely to be a day trip out on a keelboat, either hired or invited along by some friends who have already fallen in love with sailing and are hoping to pass on some of that joy.

And once you’ve caught the bug it can be hard to know where to start in terms of what clothing you need to buy and what is the most important kit to purchase first.

What to wear sailing quick links

Best Boat Shoes –  Tribord sailing 500 boat shoes Best Sailing Jacket – Gill OS3 Coastal Jacket Best Sailing Trousers – Gill OS3 trousers Best Lifejacket – Spinlock Deckvest Lite Best Drybag – Overboard 30lt Pro Sports Backpack Best Sailing gloves – Decathlon adult sailing fingerless gloves

What to wear sailing

There are several reasons I would put footwear at the top if the list of important clothing items for sailing. Firstly, a good pair of sailing shoes can often be worn ashore too, so it’s not a single-use purchase. Another good reason to buy a pair is that, although sailing on a yacht in trainers is broadly fine, some trainers will leave marks on the deck of a yacht, which can be a bit awkward if you’re leaving unsightly patches on your friend’s new boat. As such, many boat owners have a ‘boat shoes or boots only rule’ when onboard, so you would do well to pick up the best boat shoes you can early.

Decks can often be slippy and for those unused to the motion of a boat at sea, it can be hard enough to keep your footing, so buying a pair of shoes that have good grip will at least help you stay a little more secure.

Given that the main thing you will want out of a pair of boat shoes is grip, then you should focus on what the sole is like first and foremost. Personally, I always favour ‘razor cut’ soles. These tiny little zig-zag grooves – which are thin enough to look like knife cuts – help move water away from the underfoot area and keep the rubber of the sole in contact with the deck. But a word of warning with razor-cut soles, the more you wear them on hard wearing surfaces, such as concrete, the less effective they will become, so it might be worth skipping these if you’re predominantly buying boat shoes for use ashore, with the occasional sailing trip in mind.

The stereotypical boat shoe that probably springs to mind for most is a leather, moccasin style deck shoe. And worry not, these won’t mark you out as a beginner whose only experience of sailing is from the movies, these are actually the shoes that many sailors wear for days out on the water. They can also cut a dash ashore too, so they are probably the best solution for the beginner – and seasoned pro alike.

Tribord Sailing 500 boat shoes

Decathlon is a name that pops up over and again for those wanting to get into many sports. The French sports apparel giant is very hard to beat when it comes to producing decent sports kit at sensible prices.

This classic choice from Decathlon is made of flexible full-grain salt-water resistant leather, with a non-marking siped rubber sole. This sole offers a best of both worlds compromise, not being a true razor-cut, but delivering a great deal of the same grip level in a hard wearing sole for use on land.

There’s a padded leather insole and tongue, but no fabric linings that absorb foot odours.

Buy it now from Decathlon

Note: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site, at no extra cost to you. This doesn’t affect our editorial independence.

Zhik Fuze boat shoes

If you’re not keen on the traditional deck shoe look, then Zhik’s Fuze boat shoes are designed as an out-and-out boat shoe but offer more trainer-like styling. Zhik, an Australian company, produces a great deal of sailing kit that is usually developed alongside top international racing sailors and offers great performance – though their equipment does sit at the higher end of the price bracket.

The Fuze deck shoes are very lightweight, flexible and comfortable, with excellent support. A one-way drainage system is incorporated in the sole to let water out but not in. These are my go-to boat shoe if I’m not having a casual day out and their performance in terms of grip and comfort are second to none.

Buy it now from Amazon

Sailing Jackets and trousers

Although I’ve put footwear at the very top of this list of what to wear sailing for being both relatively affordable and thus an easy first purchase for a new sailor’s kit bag, waterproofs both jacket and trousers are the key items that will keep you warm, dry and comfortable when sailing.

A simple wind and waterproof jacket will be absolutely fine if you are planning on sailing only in the summer months on a very small number of occasions. However, if you are looking to be out on the water with anything approaching regularity then you will want to invest in some proper sailing kit.

There’s no escaping the fact that for a decent set of sailing waterproof clothing, you are going to be spending a fair bit of money. But the cost of a decent sailing jacket and trousers is similar to that of any adventure sport, such as skiing of serious hiking. And these are key items to make you more comfortable and thus enable you to enjoy the experience. Assuming those who are already big-time sailors will be looking elsewhere for the best offshore sailing jackets and trousers, I’ve focussed here on inshore or coastal clothing, which is usually cheaper than true offshore kit and much less bulky.

Gill OS3 Coastal Jacket

Gill’s latest lightweight OS3 fabrics use a fundamentally more sustainable material than the long-running industry standard durable water repellant (DWR) coatings. These have been used for decades to improve waterproofing are are what makes the water bead off a new jacket.

However, DWR finishes are typically based on fluoropolymers that have toxic by-products which persist in the environment. Instead, Gill’s OS3 range uses a plant-based finish the performs the same function as the DWR coating.

The OS3 jacket is made of a two-layer fabric with a non-absorbent, quick drying lining. It has a high-visibility hood, adjustable cuffs with PU inner seals, an internal storm guard and is available in men’s and women’s fits.

Buy it now from Gael Force Marine

Gill OS3 coastal trousers

Utilising the same fabric as their jacket these trousers offer strong sustainability credentials. The trousers feature a front zip and internal gusset for wet weather protection the braces can be adjusted to ensure a comfortable fit while the reinforced seat and knees protect against wear and tear.

I’m not, personally a huge fan of this type of braces. They do offer plenty of adjustment, which is a plus, but they can also slip off the shoulder if you are particularly active. If I have the choice I will always pick a trouser with full shoulders for offshore use, or without shoulder straps. But that is mostly a personal preference and plenty of people still like the braces-type trouser.

Zhik INS200 Coastal Sailing Jacket

There’s a lot to be said for a choosing the best inshore jacket you can find. It will be lightweight, comfortable to wear, very easy to move around in and is likely to see a lot of use.

Zhik’s INS200 and 300 series are arguably the most carefully designed of all. Both are made of an impressive three-layer fabric with taped seams and have a sculpted fit that minimises excess material.

Zhik INS200 Coastal trouser

The matching Zhik INS200 salopettes feature adjustable elastic suspenders with a central back strap for comfort – which also helps stop them slipping off the shoulder.

There’s a waist is elasticated for a secure fit without the need for a tightening system, all seams are taped with critical junctions further reinforced. They also have a laser cut water drainage system to help keep you dry.

Lifejackets and PFDs

It’s absolutely vital that you wear a lifejacket while sailing, particularly if you are new to the sport and don’t yet have great balance onboard. Most boat owners will have rules about wearing them onboard which can vary from ‘must be worn at night and if the wind is above x’ to ‘it’s your personal choice’. But for many people they are an absolute must to wear onboard.

The only reason lifejackets are not at the very top of this list is that many boats have a number of spares for crew to use when they are onboard. But it is something you will want to buy for yourself after a time, both for safety and for your own comfort.

As we found in our best lifejacket test , cheaper models tend to be bulkier and more likely to catch on things as you make your way around the boat. They also typically offer fewer extras. They key thing you need to decide when buying a lifejacket is whether to go for a manual or automatic inflation type. Manual inflation are a lot cheaper – and do not need a new gas canister putting in once they have been inflated. But if you go overboard and are knocked unconscious you clearly wont be able to activate it.

The other point to note is that lifejackets come with different levels of floatation. Most coastal lifejackets are either 150 or 180N.  The higher this number, the more buoyancy is offered. To support a 1Kg weight you need a force of 9.8 Newtons. 1 Newton is equal to 0.225lb. A 150N adult lifejacket will therefore support someone with an in water weight of 15.3Kg or 33.7lbs.

Spinlock Deckvest Lite

Spinlock is pretty universally acknowledged as one of the market leaders in lifejackets and this Deckvest Lite is a really great bit of kit. Its stylish – or as stylish as a lifejacket can be – and it fits close to he body and so is less likely to catch on things as you work on deck.

It’s the manual inflation type and comes in a variety of casing colours and is easy to repack when it has been deployed. It fits smaller adult body types well, has a very high visibility bladder and is great for everyday wear.

The over the head style donning can feel a little restrictive for some and the fit is such that it might not suit larger bodies.

Crewsaver Crewfit+ 180N pro

This is an excellent lifejacket, leading the way with coastal lifejackets that will take you offshore and into the night with its well positioned strobe light and nicely designed sprayhood.

The thoughtful design is apparent throughout, but perhaps was taken one step too far with the CO2 bottle anti-unscrew seal feature making it a poor choice for frequent flyers but an excellent choice for people who worry about their CO2 bottles coming unscrewed.

Waterproof bags

A waterproof bag is useful for sailing and other watersports too. If you’re just taking layers ashore/to the beach, a cheap dry tube style bag will be fine, albeit not overly durable or practical in use and so not the best waterproof bag option to pick. Also the typical single shoulder strap these have is not comfortable when the bag is laden.

It is arguably a better investment to choose a more robust backpack or duffel style bag with external pockets, more comfort features and better waterproofing. It should last longer, better protect your kit and be more comfortable to carry.

Overboard 30lt Pro Sports Backpack

British brand Overboard specialises in waterproof bags and cases with an impressively extensive range and a clear, intuitive website to help you make a suitable choice.

This backpack is a well considered design for dinghy trips ashore and was thus a go-to choice for a week’s vacation, where we used it everyday.

Features I particularly grew to like are the adjustable chest straps and sternum straps which help make it feel like a comfortable hiking backpack, the front mesh for stashing a layer and the side pocket for keeping a water bottle to hand. There is also a small internal pocket for an iPad.

Yeti Panga 50lt

The Panga is among a range of Yeti kit we’ve used and abused regularly this season, all of which has come out favourably and as ‘get what you pay for’ items. Your eyes may water when you see the price, but you can be assured not a drop will find its way into this bag.

The robustness and quality of construction shines through. A laminated high density nylon is used for the bag’s construction, which is really hard wearing, but it is the near bullet-proof moulded EVA padded bottom and the size of the patented teeth on the zip which make you instantly realise this is a no-nonsense product.

There are six lashing points, and the handles at each end and buckles feel sturdy enough to haul a boat out with.

When you pull the zip fully closed it’s easy to tell the bag is hermetically sealed, as it becomes a giant cushion – and indeed can make a useful seat, even with just air inside. There are two zipped mesh pockets within.

Buy it now from Yeti

Sailing gloves

Sailing gloves are a particularly essential bit of kit for two key reasons. Firstly if you are going to spend any time on a boat then you will be handling sheets and lines. Though salty old seadogs might have well-calloused hands and thus be impervious to the rigours of rope handling. For the rest of us, protection is essential to avoid blisters!

A secondary dimension is to keep your hands warm. This is typically less important for the casual sailor as you’ll probably be out in milder weather and for shorter stretches of time, making it less likely you will get cold hands in the first place and more likely that even if you do, you will be able to warm back up again after a short time.

Unless warmth is the main goal – of you’re sailing off-season or overnight – then you’ll typically want a fingerless glove, which allows you to tie / untie knots and generally be able to use your fingers a bit more.

Decathlon adult sailing fingerless gloves

Sailing gloves can be disappointingly easy to lose, so keeping a spare pair in the bottom of your kit bag can be a good move.

This pair of fingerless gloves from Decathlon is priced such that keeping a few extras around won’t cost a fortune. And for the beginner sailor it means a pair of gloves that are functional but wont break the bank.

They have plenty of grip, offer good protection, are made of a comfortable stretch fabric and have a Velcro wrist strap.

Despite the competitive price the specification is good enough for ordinary use.

Buy it now on Decathlon

Gill Deckhand Sailing Gloves – Long Finger

The Gill Deckhand gloves have been the go-to glove of our tester – and passionate racer – Rupert Holmes for years now. For a while there was a women’s option available which was a much better fit than the unisex version. The full fingers for three fingers provide warmth, while the fingerless thumb and pointer mean you still have plenty of dexterity in the fingers.

The way the glove is tailored to the curve of the hand makes them easy to wear and easy to grip lines and other control surfaces. They do get a bit soggy to wear when wet and Rupert keeps a few pairs to be able to swap out while the others dry off. They usually him a season and need replacing but he keeps buying the same gloves because they are so comfortable to wear.

It’s worth noting that, although these gloves may only last Rupert a season, he is a serious short-handed and fully crewed racer and will put many miles in over the course of a season.

Of course these are just the basic essentials for any aspiring sailor. And there is plenty more kit you may want to pick up as you do more sailing. Sailing sunglasses are very important to protect your eyes, but any sunglasses will do initially. You may also want a hat for sailing or if you are heading out to see in the winter months you might want to pick up the best thermals that you can to keep you warm.

As you become more experienced then picking up a proper offshore sailing jacket and offshore trousers will be important and you will probably want to ditch the boat shoes in favour of a pair of sailing boots .

Didn’t find what you’re looking for? Head to Amazon’s dedicated sailing page for more marine products.

Introducing an All-New Flybridge Series

The new Flybridge series will include three new yachts, starting with the launch of the 55 FLY. This is all a result of an extraordinary fusion of technology and nature. These yachts will have a sleek, futuristic exterior reminiscent of a spaceship gliding on the water and boast clean styling lines inspired by marine predators. This extraordinary vessel, designed from the keel up, features an interior created in collaboration with renowned superyacht designer Luiz Debasto of Debasto Designs.

The design theme, "Back to Nature in a Tech World," blends organic shapes in earth and ocean tones, complemented with natural fibers. The result is a serene, inviting living space flooded with natural light.

Josh Delforge, VP of Operations and Engineering, comments, "We set out to create a 'Super Fly' – a yacht that exceeds all expectations of Cruisers flybridges of the past. Our design team focused on delivering the best-in-class water interaction, a superior flybridge entertaining space, and a fresh interior design direction, all wrapped in an updated evolution of the Cantius DNA. We take immense pride in building these amazing new vessels in our facilities in Wisconsin."

This Flybridge series promises to be more than a yacht; it's a modern marine engineering masterpiece designed for yachting enthusiasts who demand the very best. With its combination of sleek, innnovative design and unmatched features, it promises to be a game-changer in the luxury yachting world.

• The future of yachting has arrived for Cruisers Yachts with this new series — more details are to come on the 55 FLY with the official launch in 2024 and another model following shortly after in 2025.

Introducing

An All-New Flybridge Series

Preliminary Specifications

Request more information.

Fill out the form below to connect with a Cruisers Yachts specialist and access our downloadable brochures.

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Reviews on the latest and best yachting apparel, including nautical clothing, watches, boat shoes, and more from Yachting Magazine.

Allied Feather + Down Launches Extreme Foul-Weather Apparel

Instead of making water bead up on the outside, ExpeDry material from Allied Feather + Down fights moisture from within.

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The company is focused on conservation in the shallows, starting with its sunglasses’ plant-based frames.

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Gill Marin is broadening its product offerings to include sunglasses, backpacks and more.

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This fall’s Cruise Collection from Swims is designed to go from the dock to the beach to the yacht club.

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Find your next timepiece in this collection of first-class yachting watches.

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Try on the year’s must-have shoes for boat show season.

Madsen Sailing Shoe by Rancourt & Co.

These boat shoes are hand sewn in Maine.

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Time to upgrade your wristwear? Yachting ‘s lineup of nautically inspired timepieces includes the best in both form and function.

Sperry Top-Sider Authentic Original

Sperry Top-Sider’s boat shoes are tried and true.

Best Father’s Day Gifts for Boaters

Father’s Day is synonymous with dreams of new boats, gear and electronics. We rounded up the best and newest products from across the Miami Boat show and included them in this gift guide. _ Story by Daniel Harding, Jr. Photography by Kim Kuhn._

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CUSTOM GEAR CREATE HERE

 all custom transpac 2023 crew gear orders must be in no      later   than may 1st  to guarantee delivery for the start .    .

Since 1997 REGATTA GEAR has been providing Yachting Apparel for the weekend cruisers to top race teams across the globe. We offer a full range of Yachting Apparel for both Men and Women. We take pride in our custom kits paying special attention to detail providing our customers with a great look, functionality and gear that wears well.

 HOW TO ORDER: 1. EMAIL US A PHOTO OF YOUR BOAT AND HER NAME TO:       [email protected]  

2.   SELECT THE STYLES AND COLORS THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE.

3. WE WILL CREATE  A STORYBOARD OF DESIGNS FOR YOUR REVIEW.     See the Storyboard Example below.

4 . PRICING QUOTE:   Once you decide on the styles and approve the look and layout of your logo we will provide you with a written quote.   A 50% deposit is required to begin production on your custom team gear order.    

5. DELIVERY:   Delivery is usually 4 to 6 weeks upon receipt of approved product order.

6. STORYBOARD DESIGN FEE:    Please Note:  If you would like our design department to build you a custom storyboard  a design fee of $150.00 will be charged for the design process. This will include the original storyboard and 2 minor revisions.  All other requested revisions will be charged accordingly.                                                                                                                                          

All storyboard designs and layouts are property of Regatta Gear and may not be used without written consent.

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CRUISERS YACHTS BOAT PARTS & ACCESSORIES

Relax, play and entertain on your Cruisers Yacht, the world's premier provider of midsize to luxury pleasure yachts. With unrivaled quality, style and luxury a Cruisers Yacht is your first step towards paradise.

In 2015, Cruisers Yachts unveiled their largest yacht, the 60 Cantius and they continue to introduce new models.

Save now on genuine OEM Cruisers Yachts parts at Great Lakes Skipper.

Technical product questions, please use  Technical Support

Cruisers Yachts 804 Pecor Street Oconto, Wisconsin 54153

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2022 Cruisers Yachts 34GLS

• By Capt. Chris Caswell
• April 6, 2022

The new Cruisers Yachts 34GLS is the latest iteration of the popular GLS series from Cruisers Yachts, which persists in claiming that GLS stands for Grand Luxury Sport. But I like to think it stands for Great Little Ship. This yacht defines family fun—if you look up “family fun” in the dictionary, you’ll find a picture of the 34GLS. Well, not really, but you get the idea.

The 34GLS is aimed at day outings and occasional overnight adventures, and it has enough speed (45 mph) with twin Mercury Verado outboards to satisfy all the towed water-toy needs.

Outboards generally preclude a usable transom platform, but the 34GLS has two “wings” extending alongside the engines as well as a comfortably wide walkway forward of the outboards, with all the plumbing and connections hidden so no one will trip. Like the rest of the cockpit, the area is covered with SeaDek for a cushy nonslip surface.

Interior and Accessories

The cockpit seating is offset to allow a rear-facing seat to port, the outdoor galley console, and a settee with a back that flips to become either a companion seat or aft-facing lounge. To starboard is an L-shaped settee, also with a flipping back for facing aft or forming a sun pad when folded flat. Cruisers gets credit not just for two perfectly finished tables (standard), but also for providing dedicated stowage (in a bag for varnish protection).

The mini galley includes a sink, but be sure to order the optional grill, fridge or ice maker for serious outings, and maybe even the fridge drawer under the helm seat. A standard fiberglass hardtop covers the cockpit, and our boat had both the optional SureShade to stretch the sun protection and an opening sunroof.

The skipper gets a well-arranged throne with a bench seat (adult-plus-kid size), and a Simrad electronics package with twin 9-inch displays in an eyebrowed dash to prevent reflections.  

The bow seating is via a passage to port, with a closing windshield and wind door to protect the cockpit. This is an area where parents worry, but Cruisers made the coamings high at 33 inches. The cockpit is even deeper at about 40 inches for safety.

There’s nothing unusual forward, with wraparound seats, a pedestal table that becomes a sun pad, and a 48-quart cooler. The forward-facing seats have flip-down armrests with beverage holders. The windlass ($7,355) tucks under a flush foredeck hatch, with push-button controls at the helm and at the bow.

Going below, I was impressed by the sliding screen door and usual fiberglass door. One night of dodging no-see-ums and you’ll also appreciate them. Cruisers managed to jigsaw all the important things into the living area, with a pair of settees that convert to a 77-by-48-inch double berth using the dining table, and our test boat had the optional fridge and microwave for morning coffee. A second cabin is just aft, with a single 6-by-3-foot berth tucked athwartships—perfect for a kid or mother-in-law.

A strong selling point for the 34GLS is the enclosed head with a Dometic electric flush toilet, and a counter with a vessel sink and Euro faucet. It’s a wet head with a wraparound shower curtain, a shower wand, and an opening port to vent the steam.

Cruisers also gets points for paying attention to details, such as the fully finished lockers. Lift a hatch and you find all the plumbing carefully secured and labeled in a white-finished bilge for easy cleaning. A sump handles the shower and sink so soapy water doesn’t go into the bilge, and Cruisers doesn’t cut any corners on construction with the 34GLS. The all-fiberglass hull is reinforced with rot-free foam and glass stringers, plus numerous molded sections for monocoque strength. I was also impressed by the deep gutters in the deck hatches, which should easily handle enthusiastic washdowns or downpours without water leaking belowdecks.

Our test boat had the standard Merc 300 Verados with Joystick Piloting, but you can up the ante to 350, 400 or even 450R outboards if you have a need for speed. For the Great Lakes, the 34GLS can also be fitted with Volvo Penta or MerCruiser sterndrives up to 350 hp each, but you’d lose the immense utility room under the cockpit sole. With outboards, that cavern can handle a 5 kW Kohler diesel generator, although our 34 boasted the inverter ($6,740) that can power the air conditioning ($6,235) for up to six hours.

The 34GLS has hydraulic trim tabs as standard, but the boat came up flat and fast during our test without needing a nudge from the tabs to get onto plane. Because we ran flat at speed, I suspect the tabs are there to balance the boat when Aunt Edna parks to one side.

The bottom was designed by Ocean Five naval architects, a growing force in production boats, and it sliced neatly through wakes and chop with its 21-degree transom deadrise without throwing spray everywhere. The 34GLS is fun to drive too, and the skipper is going to have people lined up saying, “My turn, my turn!”

If you’re looking around, check out the Scout 350LXZ ($551,000), which is a foot shorter but offers triple outboards.

Whether you’re entertaining a bunch of friends or getting away for a lazy weekend, the Cruisers 34GLS fulfills the promise of grand luxury sport; even better, it’s also a great little ship.

How We Tested

• Engine: Twin 300 hp Mercury Verado V-8s
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/16″ x 16.5″ Enertia 3-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 1.85:1 Fuel Load: 200 gal. Water on Board: 0 gal. Crew Weight: 400 lb

High Points 

• Immense finished stowage throughout, including for large items such as fenders.
• Clearly labeled and user-friendly dash, with shifter and throttles, joystick, and trim-tab controls in the armrest.
• Wide walkway to the bow from the cockpit with high coamings.
• Deep hatch gutters with rubber seals and double drains.
• Needs more handrails for moving around the cockpit safely, and the strange knee-high rails on the seats are too low.
• Getting into the aft cabin past the stairs requires a bit of wiggling.

Pricing and Specs

Speed, efficiency, operation.

Cruisers Yachts – Oconto, Wisconsin; 800-743-3478; cruisersyachts.com

• More: 2022 , 30-40ft , boat tests , Boats , Cruisers Yachts , Cruising Boats , May 2022 , outboards

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River Cruise on Luxurious Radisson Boat

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Equipped with ice-breaking technology, these huge fancy yachts are the only river cruisers running all year around. The round trip journey takes two and a half hours and floats past all the big sights like the White House, Novodevichy monastery and the Kremlin. There’s a large open air observation deck up top, while the main body of the ship houses a restaurant with a dance floor for a romantic post dinner dance. For a particularly romantic experience take one of the evening boats and admire the bright lights of the city skyline at night.

The most relaxing and picturesque tour that Moscow can offer: a great way to see the city center and its main attractions. This is a perfect alternative to exploring the city by car, if you only have time to do sightseeing during weekday rush hours.

Your English-speaking guide is eager to share every bit of their knowledge about the surrounding landscape, the architecture and historical details.

We conduct Moscow river tour on Radisson Flotilla boats all year around!  It’s warm inside during winter months, while there’s air conditioning during hot summer days. You may also treat yourself to drinks, lunch or dinner on board (drinks and food are not included in tour price).

The cost of an excursion with a personal guide for 1 person

Quay at Radisson Collection Hotel

Government Headquarters ("the White House")

Kievsky Railway Central

Novodevichy Convent

Luzhniki Stadium

Academy of Sciences

Monument to Peter I

Cathedral of Christ the Saviour

Moscow Kremlin

St.Basil's Cathedral

Novospassky Monastery

U-turn and back to Quay at Radisson Royal Hotel

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