Sailing gear is a layered system — a moisture-wicking base layer, an insulating mid layer, and a waterproof-breathable outer shell — and you choose it by matching each layer, plus footwear, bags, and accessories, to the conditions and duration of the sail rather than buying one "do everything" piece. The right approach is to build the system from the skin out, size each layer to work under the next, and pick dedicated pieces — a dry bag, sunglasses, a smock — only where they solve a specific problem you actually have on board.
This category is built for the mid-size cruiser and performance-cruiser sailor — someone sailing a 30–45 ft boat who spends full days on deck in changing weather. Whether you are re-kitting for an offshore passage, adding a smock for club racing, or replacing worn-out foulies before the season starts, everything you need sits in the sections below.
Sailing Gear at a glance
| Section | What you'll find |
|---|---|
| Foul Weather Gear & Outerwear | Waterproof-breathable jackets, coats and trousers for inshore, coastal and offshore conditions. |
| Base Layers, Fleece & Softshells | Moisture-wicking tops, leggings and mid-layer insulation worn under a shell. |
| Deckwear & Casual Apparel | Technical polos, shirts and warm-weather deckwear for day sailing and dockside. |
| Footwear, Bags & Accessories | Dry bags, sunglasses, gloves and boots that protect gear and grip in wet, moving conditions. |
| Dinghy & Performance Racing | Smocks, spray tops and race-specific kit built for hiking, spray and constant movement. |
How does the sailing gear layering system work?
Build from a moisture-wicking base layer against the skin, add insulating fleece or a softshell as the middle layer, and finish with a waterproof, breathable outer shell. Each layer does one job — moving sweat away, holding warmth, or blocking wind and water — so you can add or remove layers as conditions change instead of overheating in one thick, do-everything jacket. This is the same logic that runs through every section of the category below.
How do I choose a jacket for offshore vs. inshore sailing?
Match the shell to the trip, not the brand. A lighter inshore or coastal jacket, like an inshore-rated shell, trades some durability for breathability and packability on day sails. An offshore jacket adds a higher hydrostatic head, taped seams, a storm hood and reinforced high-wear panels for multi-day passages and genuinely wet, cold conditions. If you are unsure which camp you fall into, buy for the harder trip you actually take a few times a year, not the easy one you take every weekend.
What base layer should I wear under my foul weather gear?
Choose a synthetic or merino base layer that wicks moisture rather than holding it, since a damp base layer chills you far faster than the air temperature alone. A close, non-restrictive fit lets the mid layer and shell move freely over it, and a full long-sleeve top plus leggings gives you a warmth layer you can add or shed independently of the jacket. Pair it with a fleece or softshell mid layer on colder days for the same reason: warmth you can adjust without changing the outer shell.
Do I need dedicated smocks or spray tops for dinghy and racing?
Yes, if you are hiking, tacking constantly, or taking regular spray over the rail — a dedicated smock or spray top is cut closer and more flexible than a cruising jacket, with a low collar and stretch panels that don't restrict movement when you're moving your whole body every few seconds. A cruising jacket that works well at the helm can feel bulky and restrictive on a dinghy foredeck or a keelboat rail, which is why this is its own section rather than a subset of foul weather gear.
How do I keep my phone, wallet, and spares dry on board?
A roll-top or zip-seal dry bag sized to what you actually carry — phone and wallet in a small pouch, a change of clothes in a larger roll-top — keeps gear dry independent of how wet the boat gets. Waterproof pack-style bags with a clip-in point are worth the extra cost for anything you cannot afford to lose over the side, since a dropped phone or set of keys is a far more common failure than a torn jacket.
What deckwear and accessories actually matter?
Polarized sunglasses cut glare off the water and reduce eye strain on long days, and a floating strap or retainer means a wave or a tack doesn't cost you a pair overboard. Beyond eyewear, sailing gloves protect your hands on loaded lines and non-marking deck shoes or boots keep your footing secure — both are worth buying to the job rather than treating as generic outdoor gear.
How do I size sailing gear and footwear correctly?
Size the outer shell to fit over your base and mid layers, not just over a t-shirt — check the brand's size guide with layering in mind, since a jacket that fits perfectly alone can feel tight once you add insulation underneath. For wetsuits and thermal layers, a snug, chafe-free fit matters more than roominess, and for footwear, always try boots or deck shoes with the socks you'll actually wear sailing, since a half-size can change how secure your footing feels on a wet deck.
Explore each section
- Foul Weather Gear & Outerwear
- Base Layers, Fleece & Softshells
- Deckwear & Casual Apparel
- Footwear, Bags & Accessories
- Dinghy & Performance Racing
Featured above: the Zhik OFS700 Offshore Performance Jacket, the Henri-Lloyd NTS Aktiv Warm base layer top, the Spinlock waterproof dry bag, and Rooster polarized sailing sunglasses — all available to order.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need offshore-rated gear if I only day sail?
No — a lighter inshore or coastal jacket is usually a better fit for day sailing, since offshore gear trades breathability and packability for durability you won't use. Save offshore-rated shells for multi-day passages or genuinely exposed, cold conditions.
Can I skip base layers and just wear a heavier jacket?
You can, but you lose the ability to adjust warmth through the day. A base-and-mid-layer system lets you shed or add insulation as conditions change, while a single heavy jacket leaves you either too warm at noon or too cold at dawn with no way to adjust.
How many dry bags do I actually need on board?
Most cruising sailors are well served by one small pouch for phone and wallet and one larger roll-top for a change of clothes or spares — oversizing beyond that adds bulk without adding protection for gear you're not actually carrying.
Does MAURIPRO carry the full range?
Yes. Every section below links to real, available-to-order products from the brands MAURIPRO sails with, so you can move from this overview straight to the exact piece of gear.