Gill Marine Clothing at Sailboats.co.uk

Equip yourself with technical sailing apparel that blends innovation, comfort, and sustainability. Gill Marine has been a pioneer in dinghy sailing clothing for over four decades, designing gear that keeps you dry, agile, and protected in the harshest marine environments. At Sailboats.co.uk, we stock a curated selection of Gill’s performance range, from the iconic dinghy boots and gloves to the latest eco-friendly waterproofs.

  • Why Choose Gill Marine Clothing?

    Gill doesn't just make clothing; they engineer solutions for sailors who refuse to let the weather dictate their time on the water.

    • Advanced Fabric Technology: Gill’s proprietary XPLORE® and XPLORE+® fabrics deliver exceptional waterproof and breathable performance. Paired with their XPEL® plant-based finish, these garments repel water, stains, and odors without using harmful PFCs.
    • Designed for Dinghy Sailors: Unlike general outdoor wear, Gill clothing is cut specifically for the active movements of dinghy sailing. Features like articulated knees, stretch panels, and reinforced seats ensure you can hike, tack, and gybe with total freedom of movement.
    • Commitment to Sustainability: Gill is leading the industry in eco-conscious manufacturing. Many of their product lines, including the OS2 range, are now made with 98% recycled materials, repurposing plastic bottles into high-performance marine tough gear.
    • Rigorous Real-World Testing: Every piece of kit undergoes the brutal "Martindale" abrasion test and is pushed to the limit by professional athletes and Olympic teams. This ensures that your zippers, seams, and fabrics withstand the abrasive reality of salt spray and non-skid decks.

  • Why Buy Gill from Sailboats.co.uk?

    We are more than just a retailer; we are a dedicated dinghy sailing specialist committed to getting you the right gear for your boat class.

    • Specialised Dinghy Expertise: We understand the specific needs of small boat sailors. whether you need a high-cut trap boot for a skiff or a thermal top for winter training, our team can recommend the exact Gill product to match your sailing style.
    • Rapid Dispatch & Delivery: We know you need your gear before the next regatta. We prioritise fast processing and reliable shipping to ensure your new gloves, boots, or spray tops arrive well in time for the weekend race.
    • Hassle-Free Returns: Fit is critical for performance sailing clothing. If your wetsuit or drysuit doesn't fit perfectly, our straightforward returns policy makes it easy to exchange sizes so you can hit the water with confidence.
    • Comprehensive Stock Availability: We maintain excellent stock levels of key Gill dinghy essentials. By holding inventory of the most popular sizes and lines, we minimize delays and ensure you aren't left waiting on backorders.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the difference between Gill's XPLORE and XPLORE+ fabrics?

XPLORE® is a 2-layer fabric system that offers reliable waterproof and breathable protection, ideal for coastal and inshore sailing. XPLORE+® is a higher-performance 3-layer system designed for more extreme conditions, offering superior durability and a lightweight inner mesh for added comfort and protection against severe weather.

How should I wash and care for my Gill waterproofs?

To maintain the breathable membrane and water-repellent finish, wash your Gill gear in fresh water (30°C) using a non-biological liquid detergent or a specialised technical cleaner. Avoid fabric softeners as they can damage the waterproofing. Tumble drying on a low heat can actually help reactivate the DWR (Durable Water Repellent) coating.

Are Gill sizes true to fit?

Generally, Gill clothing runs true to size, but dinghy gear is often designed for a close, athletic fit to reduce windage and snagging. If you plan to wear multiple thick layers underneath a spray top or drysuit, you may wish to consider sizing up. We recommend checking the specific size guide on each product page.

Can I use Gill yachting jackets for dinghy sailing?

While you can, it is not always recommended. Dinghy specific gear (like the Verso or ZenLite ranges) lacks heavy collars and bulky pockets that can restrict movement in a small boat. Instead, they feature neoprene seals and streamlined cuts designed for high activity and frequent immersion in water.

Is Gill clothing environmentally friendly?

Yes, Gill has made significant strides in sustainability. They have eliminated toxic PFCs from their DWR coatings, introduced the XPEL® plant-based fabric finish, and use recycled plastics extensively in their new product lines to reduce their environmental footprint.

Gill Collections

More Info

Which Gill sailing gloves should I get for dinghy racing?

The choice of sailing glvoes comes down to how much rope you're handling and in what temperatures. Gill Championship gloves are the club racing standard, with a Dura-Grip palm that holds a mainsheet through a breezy gybe and a choice of short or long fingers. Short finger gives you feel for fine trim, long finger saves your skin on longer races (women's and men's gloves available.

If you're crewing on something with heavier loads, the Gill Pro glove's Proton-Ultra palm is the tougher option and lasts longer against constant sheet work. For winter training, the Three Seasons neoprene glove keeps circulation going when the air temperature drops into single figures. Browse the full range of Gill sailing gloves to compare.

Are Gill sailing boots better for dinghies or yachts?

Gill sailing boots are great for both dinghies and yachts, but you'll need different boots for each. For dinghy sailing, the neoprene Aero and Edge boots keep you warm while wet and flex with your ankle through hiking and tacks. For cruising and offshore work, the rubber Short Cruising and Tall Yachting boots keep you dry through long hours on a wet deck, and the OS Yacht Sailing Boot adds a fully waterproof inner sock for serious passages. The full Gill sailing boots range covers Euro sizes 39 to 49.

Do I need a Gill wetsuit or can I layer with a Hydrophobe top?

Depends on the season and how often you swim. A Gill wetsuit is the answer for cold-water dinghy sailing where capsizes are part of the day, since neoprene keeps working when you're fully immersed. For milder conditions, a Hydrophobe thermal top under a dry top does the job with less bulk. The Hydrophobe range isn't a rash vest, it repels water and carries a soft thermal lining, so it keeps you warm even when spray is constant. Plenty of UK club sailors run a Gill wetsuit through spring and autumn and switch to Hydrophobe layering in summer.

Where can I buy Gill sailing clothing in the UK?

Sailboats.co.uk stocks Gill sailing clothing for dinghy sailors, covering wetsuits, gloves, boots, dry tops and waterproofs, with free UK delivery on orders over £50 and a 30-day returns policy. Unlike general Gill sailing clothing stockists, we're a dinghy specialist, so if you're not sure whether your boat class needs a dry top or a full drysuit, we can tell you.

Do I need a Gill offshore jacket for dinghy sailing?

No, offshore jackets like Gill's OS range are loose-fitting with open necks, built for standing watch on a yacht, so in a dinghy capsize a jacket will fill with water and drags on you. What you want is a smock with proper seals. The Gill Verso Lite Smock uses XPLORE 2-layer fabric with a close-fitting PU neck seal, neoprene waistband and adjustable cuffs, so spray and immersion stay out while you're working the boat. For winter sailing or anything with frequent swimming, step up to the Gill Verso Drysuit.