Gill Gloves

Short finger or long finger?

Short finger gloves, sometimes called fingerless sailing gloves, leave your fingertips exposed. You keep the dexterity for knot work, shackles and fiddly jobs. Most dinghy sailors prefer them.

Long finger sailing gloves cover everything, so they're better for sustained sheet handling, cold conditions, and anyone who'd rather not lose skin. Both patterns are available across the Pro, Championship and Deckhand ranges, so you can pick the protection level and the finger length independently.

Getting the size right

Gill gloves should fit snug. A loose glove slides on the rope instead of gripping it, and the movement causes friction inside the glove, which is how you end up with blisters despite wearing gloves. Sizes run XS to 2XL, with junior and child options across the Deckhand and 3 Seasons ranges.

Gill Sailing Gloves FAQs

What size Gill sailing gloves should I buy?
Measure across your palm at the widest point, excluding the thumb, and match it against Gill's size guide. Go snug rather than roomy. A glove with slack in it will move against your skin and cause the blisters you bought it to avoid.

What's the difference between Gill Pro and Gill Championship sailing gloves?
The Pro is the tougher of the two, with a Proton-Ultra palm built for heavy rope work. The Championship uses Dura-Grip fabric, which is lighter and more flexible, so you get better feel at the cost of some durability. Pick the Pro for sustained sheet handling, the Championship for all-round racing.

Are fingerless sailing gloves the same as short finger?
Yes. Short finger is the term Gill uses, and it means the same thing: the fingertips are left exposed so you can tie knots and handle shackles without taking the gloves off.

Are short finger or long finger gloves better for sailing?
It depends what you're doing. Short finger gloves keep your fingertips free for rigging work, which suits most dinghy sailing. Long finger gloves give full coverage for sustained rope handling and cold conditions.

Do Gill sailing gloves keep your hands warm?
The standard ranges are built for grip and protection rather than warmth. For cold water, the 3mm Neoprene gloves are the right choice, with the 3 Seasons gloves sitting in between for shoulder-season sailing.

Can you wash Gill sailing gloves?
Rinse them in fresh water after saltwater use and let them air dry away from direct heat. Salt left in the material stiffens it and shortens the life of the glove.

Do Gill make sailing gloves for children?
Yes. The Deckhand range comes in junior short and long finger, and the 3 Seasons gloves have a junior version.