Base & Mid Layers

The layers that actually keep you warm at sea. A base layer sits next to the skin and moves sweat outward — merino or technical synthetic, never cotton, which stays wet and cold. A mid layer, typically grid fleece or a light insulated top, traps warmth over it; your waterproofs handle the wind and water on top. For coastal and offshore sailing you will usually want both; for dinghy sailing a single thermal top under a spray top often does it. Stock is past-season Musto, Zhik, Sail Racing and Rooster. Base layers should fit snug against the skin, mid layers with a little air — and skip fabric softener, which kills wicking.