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Dinghy sailing gets you extremely close to the water, where splashing waves can soak you as you lean out to balance the boat. That is unless you have the right gear for the sport, such as sailing drysuits. These offer the best full-body coverage and protection in such wet conditions.
So, which are the best drysuits for dinghy sailing? And what makes a good drysuit? Keep reading to learn more.
Prefer to cut to the chase? From our research, we think that the Gill Dinghy Drysuit is the best overall, check it out here.
What is a Dinghy Sailing Drysuit?
A dinghy sailing drysuit is a full-body outfit that resembles a wetsuit but provides water and thermal insulation for environmental protection. Usually, the suit only leaves out the head, hands, and feet, but other configurations might cover these parts.
Wetsuit Vs. Drysuit for Dinghy Sailing – Which One Is Better and Why?
The main difference between the two is that wetsuits usually consist of neoprene material that allows water to penetrate through, then traps a thin film next to your skin for insulation. On the other hand, drysuits are fully waterproof; no wind or water goes through.
Even though wetsuits eventually warm up, they might give you a dose of the uncomfortable chilly weather. Therefore, during foul weather, it is safer to wear a drysuit. However, when it is warm, a wetsuit might be better.
That said, you must factor in the strong ocean winds because even if it is warm, they might turn a wetsuit into an evaporative cooler. As such, it is better to stick to a drysuit for dinghy sailing.
The 5 Best Drysuits for Dinghy Sailing
Gill Dinghy Drysuit 4804 – Best Overall Drysuit for Dinghy Sailing
You do not have to spend a fortune to acquire a sailing dinghy drysuit. Gill’s 4804 is a relatively affordable product that you should consider if you are on a budget.
Despite its low price, the suit is well-equipped for the task. To begin with, it has a 3-layer fabric shell to maximize durability, enhance waterproofing, and improve breathability. Fabric socks are inclusive to give you more years of use.
The piece features an elastic waist that stretches to adjust to your body size, while adjustable elastic braces inside ensure you get a snug fit. Furthermore, the pre-marked glideskin cuff and collar seals wrap tightly around your skin to give you a custom fit.
If you have some tools to carry around, there is a large, low-profile thigh cargo pocket that you can use.
Ideal for: Beginner and intermediate sailors looking for the perfect blend of reliability and affordability.
Helly Hansen Men’s HP Protective Drysuit 2 – High Performance Drysuit for Dinghy Sailing
As the best of the best, this drysuit checks all the boxes because it is weatherproof, fully sealed, durable, adjustable, and safe.
The skin consists of a 3-ply fabric with a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) treatment. Add on the fully taped seams, and you get waterproof and windproof sailing gear that is still breathable to maintain comfort.
Rubber cuff & neck openings and waterproof zippers seal the remaining water entry points so you can be sure of dry sailing.
In case it gets too hot, the quick-drying interior will wick any moisture, leaving your skin comfortably dry. However, the inner surface lacks a liner, but this improves flexibility and performance.
I like having a snug fit, and this suit features adjustable interior suspenders to make this possible.
The 3-ply construction is sturdy but is reinforced on the seat and knees to maximize durability. There are also Solas reflective strips to enhance low light visibility.
Ideal for: Serious dinghy/lifestyle sailors, but not limited to them. The suit is also perfect for inshore, offshore, and coastal sailors.
Zhik Dinghy Drysuit – Best Drysuit for Competitive Dinghy Sailing
Zhik’s drysuit was born of technologies introduced when testing a versatile garment for the Volvo Ocean Race. Among its competitive sailing features is a race cut fit, which enhances flexibility for a full range of movement.
On top of that, it has fewer seams to reduce its weight, maximize durability, increase leak resistance, and improve flexibility.
Visibility is also important when racing, and this suit features a hi-vis upper paneling to make other participants spot you easily as it gets dark.
The inclusion of socks gives you more protection from wet conditions, and all these parts have a sturdy 3-ply fabric as the core material. High wear areas, like the knees, have an 800D fabric reinforcement to increase wear resistance.
To seal you in, neoprene neck and wrist sections wrap tightly around your skin to prevent water from passing through.
Ideal for: Sailors participating in competitions, as well as casual sailing.
Musto HPX Gore-Tex Ocean Drysuit – Best Drysuit for Dinghy Sailing in Cold Waters
The HPX is the ultimate drysuit for cold weather sailing because it can help you survive for up to three hours in 5ºC seawater. What’s more, it has two hand-warmer pockets to keep your fingers warm, while two cargo pockets to keep essentials close by.
Team Vestas Wind endorsed it after surviving a shipwreck during the Volvo Ocean Race so you can be sure of the quality and thoroughly tested design.
3-ply Gore-Tex Pro laminate, Gore Micro Grid Backer technology, and Ocean technology membrane are the underlying technologies that give the product its superior insulation in cold conditions. They offer waterproof and windproof protection, plus breathability for comfort.
If you need a few tools nearby for quick repairs, the outfit has a double tool strap with a D-ring where you can attach a tool pouch.
Even though the suit is expensive, it is worth every penny.
Ideal for: Expert sailors and sailing in cold weather conditions.
Musto MPX Gore-Tex Pro Race Dry Smock Drysuit – Best Sealed Drysuit for Dinghy Sailing
A fully-sealed design gives the best protection from the weather, and the Musto MPX fits this description. From its impermeable latex neck seal to adjustable hems for customized fitting and maximum heat retention, this suit does an excellent job of keeping your body moisture-free.
Furthermore, there is a 3mm neoprene waistband and shell fabric side panels. These work in tandem to create a watertight seal without interfering with flexibility.
Articulated sleeves further enhance freedom of movement, while laser-cut holes in all pockets drain water to leave your cargo dry.
Ideal for: Competitive and casual sailing. It is perfect for sailors racing in stormy weather or rough seas.
Buying Guide – Choosing the Most Comfortable Drysuit for Dinghy Sailing
There are a few factors to consider before buying a dinghy sailing drysuit. Here’s what you need to look out for:
Fit and Flexibility
A perfect fit is crucial when picking your dinghy sailing drysuit because it directly affects the comfort level and range of motion. The drysuits vary in size from small to large, so you need to have your body measurements to compare with the product sizing chart.
Additionally, get a suit with adjustable interior suspenders, hems, elastic braces, etc., for customized fitting.
Seals
Seals keep wind and water from penetrating through the zippers, neck, wrist, and other openings. The materials used to make them must be stretchy, hypoallergenic (where they contact the skin), and durable to maintain their integrity.
Using the Musto MPX as an example, it has an impermeable latex neck seal, adjustable hems, and a neoprene waistband. These keep out all the moisture, making the suit perfect for sailing on rough seas.
Insulation
The core suit material waterproofs the gear and also provides insulation if it gets cold. Each piece has a different core fabric to help achieve this, and the HPX has the winning formula for surviving low temperatures.
It features 3-ply Gore-Tex Pro laminate, Gore Micro Grid Backer technology, and an Ocean technology membrane that can keep you warm for up to three hours in 5º seawater. During cold weather, this is the best suit to buy.
Frequently Asked Question
What is dinghy sailing?
Dinghy sailing is a sailing activity that involves the use of a tiny, open boat with five controls/commands: the sails, foils, trim, route choice, and dinghy side-to-side balance.
Is sailing a dinghy hard?
Generally, sailing is a physically demanding activity, so you must be prepared to put in some work.
What clothing do I need for dinghy sailing?
You need warm, secure, and comfortable clothing for protection against the wind and water, as well as for easy movement around the boat.
What is the difference between a dinghy and a yacht?
A dinghy is much smaller than a yacht and might require sailors to lean out to balance the boat. However, yachts have heavy keels to balance the push from the strong winds.
How far can you sail in a dinghy?
Generally, sailboats can cover up to 100 nautical miles in 24 hours, but this depends on the wind speed. However, since the activity is physically demanding, it is almost impossible to sail continuously for 24 hours. As such, you can sail less than 100 NM a day.
Concluding Remark
Which is my favorite drysuit?
Considering the features, I’d pick the Gill Dinghy Drysuit because it has it all. From a durable 3-ply shell to a flexible design, it is perfect for dinghy sailing. It also has a cozy quick-drying interior.
I hope this article helped you pick the most suitable dinghy sailing drysuit. If you have any questions, comments, or feedback, post them on the comments section, and I will respond asap.
