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

General & Selection

1. What is the difference between Gill’s OS1, OS2, and OS3 jackets?

These designations refer to the conditions the gear is designed for:

  • OS1 (Ocean): Built for the toughest conditions. 4-layer fabric, high collar, heavy-duty protection for ocean crossings and extended use.
  • OS2 (Offshore): The best-seller. Perfect for coastal cruising and offshore passages. It balances high protection with better mobility and comfort than the heavy OS1.
  • OS3 (Coastal): Designed for inshore sailing and coastal hops. Lighter, more breathable, and styled to look good on shore as well as on the boat.

2. I sail a dinghy. Should I buy a 'Zenith' top or an 'OS' jacket?

For dinghy sailing, you generally want the Zenith or Verso ranges. These are "smocks" or "dry tops" with neoprene or latex neck seals to stop water getting in when you capsize. An OS jacket is a "yachting" jacket; it is loose-fitting and has an open neck, so if you capsize in a dinghy while wearing one, it will fill up with water and weigh you down.

3. How does Gill sizing compare to other brands?

Gill is a British brand, and their sizing tends to be "true to size" or slightly athletic compared to some American brands.

  • Men: If you are between sizes, size up for layering room.
  • Women: Gill’s women’s fit is tailored specifically for a female shape, not just a smaller men’s cut.
  • Tip: Always measure your chest and waist and check the size chart before buying.

4. What is 'XPLORE®' fabric?

XPLORE® is Gill’s proprietary 2-layer and 3-layer fabric technology. It is fully waterproof and windproof but highly breathable.

  • XPLORE: Reliable waterproof/breathable performance (found in OS3).
  • XPLORE+: Higher durability and breathability for harsher conditions (found in OS1 and OS2).

Functionality & Features

5. Which Gill gloves are best for rope handling?

  • Championship Gloves: The standard for dinghy sailors. Excellent grip (Dura-Grip), durable, and available in short or long fingers.
  • Pro Gloves: Made with "Proton-Ultra" fabric on the palm which is tougher than the Championship glove. Better for larger boats with heavier loads.
  • Three Seasons: Neoprene gloves for warmth in colder weather.

6. Do Gill jackets have sustainable credentials?

Yes. Gill is a leader in sustainable marine wear. Their OS3 Coastal range, for example, is made with XPEL® technology, a plant-based water repellent finish that avoids harmful PFC chemicals. Many of their fabrics are now made from significant percentages of recycled plastic bottles.

7. Why do I need a 'Hydrophobe' top?

The Hydrophobe range is thermal protection designed to be worn under a wetsuit or on its own in summer. Unlike a standard rash vest (which just stops chafing/UV), a Hydrophobe top repels water and has a soft thermal lining to keep you warm, even when wet. It is essential for UK dinghy sailing!

Maintenance & Care

8. How should I wash my Gill waterproofs?

Salt is the enemy of breathability.

  1. Rinse with fresh water after every sail.
  2. Machine wash (check the label, usually 30°C) using a specific cleaner like Grangers Performance Wash or Nikwax Tech Wash.
  3. Do not use biological detergent or fabric softener, as these clog the breathable pores and strip the water-repellent coating.

9. My jacket is wetting out (absorbing water). Is it broken?

Not necessarily. The fabric is likely still waterproof, but the outer DWR (Durable Water Repellent) coating has worn off. This is the coating that makes water bead up and roll off. You can restore this easily by washing the garment and then applying a reproofer spray (like Gill Reproofing Spray) or a wash-in treatment.

10. How do I look after the zip on my Gill drysuit?

The zip is the most expensive and fragile part of a drysuit.

  • Clean: Rinse the teeth with fresh water to remove salt and sand.
  • Lubricate: Regularly use a beeswax stick or zip lube on the teeth to keep the slider moving smoothly.
  • Store: Never force the zip, and leave it fully open or fully closed (depending on type) during storage to prevent kinks.