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Layered Look: How to Start the Season Safely and Warmly

Zwiebellook: So startest Du sicher und warm in die Saison

Yachticon Nagel |

Even though the days are getting longer and warmer, the water in spring is still very cold. Additionally, the weather can be quite unpredictable: rain and wind alternate with bright sunshine, and at night, temperatures still drop to single digits. That's why it's all the more important to dress warmly on your first sails. Neither freezing nor sweating contributes to a relaxing sail. If you wear your sailing clothing in layers, you'll be well-prepared. In the fashion world, this method of dressing is also called layering.

On very cold days, it's worth wearing three or more layers. Each layer serves a specific purpose:

  • The base, the first layer, is responsible for moisture management and climate comfort.
  • Layer number two, the second layer forms the insulation layer.
  • The third layer forms the outer shell and serves to protect against the elements.

The individual layers are designed to wick moisture away to the outside. The air between them acts as a thermal insulator. To achieve the best effect, the different layers should be coordinated so that they form a functional unit.

The first layer of the onion look: The Baselayer

The base layer is worn directly on the skin. Its function is to wick moisture away to the outside. That's why this first layer of the layering system is also called the "moisture-wicking layer." It's essential for comfort because if sweat or moisture stays on the skin, you can quickly get cold.

As the first layer under sailing clothing, polyester, polyamide, polypropylene, merino wool, or a blend of merino wool and polyester are suitable. These fibers absorb little sweat, wick it away from the body, and at the same time provide good thermal insulation.

Cotton, on the other hand, is not suitable as a warming base under sailing clothing. It retains moisture and dries very slowly.

Layer two of the onion look: The Midlayer

Well combined with the baselayer, the midlayer offers the perfect interplay of moisture transport and air circulation. At the same time, this second layer under the sailing clothing forms the warming layer. It consists of a sailing jacket and pants made from materials like down, fleece, wool, or wool blends. These fibers retain body heat. When temperatures rise during the day, the midlayer can easily be dispensed with.

The third layer: The Shell Layer

The third layer is the final layer in the onion look. It consists of oilskins or other functional clothing. The main task of this layer is to repel cold and moisture. At the same time, it must be breathable and transport excess moisture from the inside to the outside. A high collar protects against wind at the neck. The sailing jacket and pants should be chosen to match the sailing area:

Those who navigate coastal waters opt for lighter functional clothing than an offshore sailor. To suit all requirements and sailing areas, Crazy4Sailing has launched three different oilskin collections: Coastal – Halifax, Offshore – Bergen, Ocean – Stavanger.
For the really cold days or winter, it's a good idea to choose a lined sailing jacket and pants as a shell layer, such as the Bergen II Thermo.

In addition to the layered look

When keeping the body warm, hands, feet, and the head should not be overlooked. A hat protects the head from getting cold. With bright colors and reflectors, it also ensures better visibility in the dark.

As useful as the layering principle is for functional clothing, three layers don't help with your feet. In the worst case, the shoes pinch because the socks wrinkle. It's better to wear light polyester socks under regular socks. Together with non-slip sailing shoes or waterproof and non-slip sea boots, your feet will stay reliably warm even in the cold.