Shop Sailing Thermal Gear for Cold Conditions | Vaikobi

Staying warm while sailing in winter is all about layering without compromising mobility. Here's what to prioritise:

• Base layer — a VCOLD thermal top keeps your core warm while wicking moisture during intense hiking and trimming
• Wetsuit — the FlexForce 2mm Long John is a proven choice for dinghy and skiff sailing, offering warmth and stretch without bulk
• Outer layer — a VDRY smock blocks sea spray — the biggest cause of cold discomfort when sailing downwind at speed
• Footwear — sailing boots protect feet on wet decks and prevent hiking strap contact injuries
• Gloves — essential for line handling in cold conditions; see our sailing gloves range

Read our full guide to winter dinghy sailing gear.

Sailing exposes you to constant wind, spray, and shifting weather conditions — making thermal wear one of the most important pieces of kit in your sailing wardrobe. A well-chosen thermal base layer regulates your body temperature by trapping warmth next to your skin when it's cold, and wicking moisture away when your output increases — keeping you dry, comfortable, and focused on the race rather than the conditions. Thermal tops and pants designed specifically for dinghy sailing and yacht racing also use moisture-wicking, quick-dry fabrics and seamless construction that layers cleanly under wetsuits and spray gear without restricting movement. Read more about the benefits of thermal wear for sailing.

Vaikobi has three specially designed cold water tops — here's how to choose:

• VCOLD Base Layer Top (Warm) — a lightweight, quick-dry thermal top ideal for cool conditions and high-output sports. Versatile enough to wear alone or layer under a wetsuit or VDRY vest. Best for active paddlers and sailors who heat up quickly.
• VCOLD Hydroflex Top (Warmer) — uses hollow yarn fabric with a hydrophobic outer coating that sheds water and dries rapidly, keeping spray off your skin and core. Features a super soft fleece neck and scooped lower back hem to prevent water flushing up. Ideal for choppier water, seated paddlers, rowers, and dinghy sailors.
• VCOLD Flex Top (Warmest) — for the days you can see your breath in the air. Uses VCOLD Flex Airprene technology with a plush pile inner liner and perforated panels for thermal regulation and breathability. Form-fitting by design to maximise core warmth. Best for cold water immersion sports including kayaking, surfski, and downwind paddling.

Read our complete guide to choosing the right VCOLD thermal top.

Vaikobi has three VCOLD pants for cold water watersports — here's how to choose:

• VCOLD GBS 3mm Paddle Pant — for freezing to cold conditions. The thickest and warmest option, with GBS liquid seams to stop water creeping in, a high back design to protect the lower back in a seated paddling position, and a plush inner fleece lining. Best for conditions where you can see your breath in the air.
• VCOLD Flex Paddle Pant — for cold to cool conditions (5°C and above). Vaikobi's most versatile pant, using Airprene fabrication that breathes as your body heats up — so you won't overheat if the sun comes out or the wind drops mid-session. A best seller for good reason.
• VCOLD Hydroflex Pant — for cool to mild conditions (up to ~17°C). A lightweight quick-dry microfleece pant that feels more like a thermal legging than a wetsuit pant — ideal for those who don't like neoprene but still need cold water protection.

For warm water paddling and watersports, see our UV range of pants instead. Read the full guide to choosing the right VCOLD pant.

Neoprene is a synthetic rubber material laminated together with fabric layers, widely used in wetsuits, wetsuit tops, pants, and socks for watersports. It works by trapping a thin layer of water against your skin, which your body warms to create insulation against cold water and wind chill. Not all neoprene is equal though - some contains harmful chemicals, which is why Vaikobi's FlexForce range is manufactured using REACH compliant neoprene, meaning it's free from harmful substances. Find out more about how to choose a REACH certified neoprene wetsuit.

Neoprene is not waterproof — it's actually designed to let a small amount of water in. That water gets trapped between the neoprene and your skin, where your body heat warms it up to create an insulating layer, keeping you warm in cold water conditions. The thicker the neoprene, the more insulation it provides. It's this unique property that makes neoprene the go-to material for wetsuits, tops, pants, and socks across watersports like surfing, kayaking, sailing, and paddling. Explore our range of neoprene wetsuits, tops and pants for watersports.

Proper neoprene wetsuit care will significantly extend the life of your suit. The key rules: always remove your wetsuit while it's still wet, rinse with fresh water after every session to prevent salt corrosion, and dry flat in the shade - never in direct sun or a dryer, both of which degrade neoprene over time. Take extra care with zips, flushing out sand and salt to prevent seizing, and store your suit fully dry to avoid mould and odour.

For the full guide, read our neoprene wetsuit care tips and top 5 wetsuit care tips.