It’s just about time to break out the winter sailing gear, well, for those of us in the Northern Hemisphere anyway.

Sailing during the winter is a great way to help you get through the long, cold season.  The wind can be great in the winter and the competition seems to step up a level.  A few snowflakes never hurt anyone right?

Dressing for winter sailing is similar to skiing.  A big piece of sailing well in the cold is making sure you layer up properly.  If you’re thinking about how cold you are you’re not going to sail well, and that’s never fun.  Here are the basics of layering for cold weather sailing.

Base Layer: Cotton is not your friend!  You want to wear a synthetic fabric that will wick moisture away from the skin, keeping you dry and comfortable.  PUMA products with the USP Moisture Management symbol make great base layers.

Mid Layer: Fleece makes a great mid layer.  If it’s cool, but not cold, go for a micro-fleece.  As the temperature drops, increase the thickness of your fleece layer.  Remember, it’s going to be cold when you first get out there, but you’ll warm us as you move around the boat.

Outer Layer: This is just a shell to protect you from getting wet.  Outer layers provide minimal insulation, which is why the above layers are so important.  If you’re dinghy sailing, go for a dry suit with neoprene or latex seals.  Big boat sailors can go with their jackets and bibs.

Accessories: Now don’t forget about your fingers, toes and head.  Remember to pack wool or fleece socks, dry gloves and a hat!