Wetsuits & Steamers

Choosing the Right Wetsuit Thickness for Sailing

Most UK dinghy sailors get the most use from a 3mm long john paired with a wetsuit top. A 3mm gives you enough warmth for spring through autumn racing without overheating when you're working hard upwind. In winter, layering a Gill or Zhik wetsuit top over a long john is more versatile than going straight to a steamer, because you can adjust as conditions change. A 5mm steamer suits sailors who race year-round in exposed locations or feel the cold particularly badly.

For women, the Sola Ladies Ignite and Gill's long jane wetsuit offer the same performance focus with a female fit. Neoprene socks are worth adding to any wetsuit order as they extend the effective temperature range of a thinner wetsuit significantly, particularly for early season racing when the water temperature hasn't caught up with the calendar.

Wetsuit & Skiff Suit FAQs

What thickness wetsuit do I need for dinghy sailing?
Most UK dinghy sailors get the most from a 3mm long john paired with a wetsuit top. It covers the bulk of the racing season without overheating when you're hiking hard. Step up to a 5mm steamer for winter racing or particularly exposed venues.

What is the best wetsuit for sailing?
For ILCA and fast dinghy racing, the Zhik Superwarm range and Gill Dynamic Long John are consistently popular because they balance warmth with freedom of movement. The best sailing wetsuit is the one that keeps you comfortable for a full race day in your typical conditions.

What is a long john wetsuit?
A long john wetsuit covers the legs and torso but leaves the arms free, which suits dinghy sailing well because it keeps your core warm without restricting shoulder movement for tacking and gybing. Most sailors pair one with a wetsuit top or thermal layer on top.

Can I wear a wetsuit top on its own?
Yes, a wetsuit top works well as a standalone layer in warmer conditions or as part of a layering system over a long john in the cold. Gill and Zhik both make wetsuit tops cut specifically for sailing movement rather than surfing or general watersports.

Do I need a drysuit instead of a wetsuit for winter sailing?
It depends on your class and how long you spend in the water. For ILCA racing where capsize recovery is quick, a good wetsuit layering system will cover most UK winter conditions. A drysuit makes more sense for colder venues, longer offshore passages, or sailors who capsize frequently and need guaranteed warmth after immersion.