It doesn’t matter whether you’re cruising along the coast or racing your dinghy; effective layering is crucial for comfort. Your waterproof jacket (outer layer) might be the most visible part of your sailing layering system, but it’s often what’s underneath that will make the biggest difference to genuine performance.
These technical garments, made for both your top and bottom, work quietly in the background and determine how your body responds to the weather. Yes, they might not take the brunt of the conditions or protect you when water comes onto the deck, but they keep you regulated and comfortable when all of this is going on around you.
As you fine-tune your sailing layers, this Gill guide breaks down everything you need to know about this critical component, including what sailing base layers are, how they work, and which type is right for you.
What Are Sailing Base Layers?
A proper layering system has three key components (we’ll cover how these work together in more detail later in the guide): a base layer, a mid layer, and an outer layer.
Your base layer is the starting point and takes the form of a close-fitting garment (typically a top and leggings) that is worn directly against the skin. Base layers are designed to manage moisture and regulate body temperature, which becomes more noticeable the longer you’re on the water.
The role of a base layer kicks in as soon as you start moving. When activity levels increase, your body naturally heats up and generates sweat. That moisture can stay close to the skin without the right layer next to it, quickly leading to heat loss and discomfort when wind chill is thrown into the mix.
Base layers are designed to prevent that from happening, utilising technical and moisture-wicking fabrics to keep moisture away from the skin and ensure your body temperature remains consistent. You’ll stay drier for longer, helping the rest of your layering system to do its job and keep you dry too.
Types Of Base Layers
It’s safe to say that wearing a base layer is pretty important, whatever type of sailing you’re doing. However, it’s not quite as simple as just grabbing one and letting it do its job. There are lots of different types of sailing base layers, with some designed to keep working even when you’re facing more than a little spray.
To keep things as simple as they can be, our range of base layers is split into 3 specific types, tailored to how and where you sail.
Core Base Layers
Our core base layer range is a little more versatile and what you’ll want to reach for when conditions are changing or you know you’ll be out for a little while. It’s a fuss-free foundation for your layering system, delivering a little more warmth than a Pursuit layer thanks to a brushed interior.
Despite a slight added bulk, this type of Gill sailing base layer still wicks moisture effectively, but equally comes into its own in colder conditions when you’ll find yourself thankful for being able to hold onto more heat.
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Lightweight Pursuit Base Layers
Our lightweight base layers come in the form of our Pursuit range and are a great place to start for mild conditions and more active sailing.
Available as tops, the Pursuit sailing base layers are constructed from a recycled polyester blend with added stretch that helps them move with you, rather than giving any kind of restricted, stuck-to-the-body feel. This fabric is noticeably soft and brushed - it almost doesn’t feel like a performance garment - providing a solid balance of comfort before things ramp up and moisture management when things do.
The Pursuit range also has a light, PFAS-free water-repellent finish, which is great for dealing with spray without needing a heavy, insulating layer.
Shop the Pursuit range online:
High-Performance Hydrophobe Base Layers
Our most advanced base layers come in the form of the Hydrophobe range. These are high-performance layers designed to provide complete thermal protection and UPF 50+ sun protection in both cold and warm conditions.
Rather than trying to absorb moisture, the polypropylene fabric resists holding on to it at all, drying quickly and providing insulation under a wetsuit or a drysuit. It feels noticeably different to other types of base layers too, with a light and close fit that stays in place thanks to flatlock seams and thumb loops.
The Hydrophobe base layers are perfect for dinghy sailing but are ultimately the right pick for any activity or conditions where you’re expecting to be wet for most of the time.
Shop the Hydrophobe range online:
How To Layer Sailing Base Layers
Once you’ve identified the right type of base layer, it’s time to cast your mind back to the other components of the sailing layering system. A base layer can be worn alone in warm weather and short sails or races. However, in changing conditions, you need at least some (or all) of the complete layering system.
You can read more about the full layering system in our layering guide. In short, the fundamentals are as follows:
- Base layer for moisture management
- Mid layer for insulation
- Outer layer for protection & waterproofing
The real advantage of using layers rather than relying on just one key garment is that you have the flexibility to change what you’re wearing and boost or lessen insulation levels when you’re actually on the water. For example, all three layers might have to stay on in cold, offshore conditions, but when you’re more dynamic, a hydrophobic base layer under a spray top can suffice.
The best way to approach your sailing base layer is to think of it not as another piece of kit but as a key layer that makes everything else work properly. Choose the right one, and you’ll hardly notice it, but go without and you’ll quickly become uncomfortable.
For more advice and further product information, you can contact us
