CHOOSING THE RIGHT SAILING GEAR
CHOOSING THE RIGHT SAILING GEAR
How materials, construction, and sailing conditions define the gear you need.
North Sails Performance apparel is designed around the same principle as our sails: the right materials, used in the right way, make a real difference on the water.
Different types of sailing place very different demands on your gear. Duration, weather exposure, physical intensity, and recovery time all influence which fabrics, constructions, and design features perform best.
This guide helps you understand how the North Sails Performance ranges are built, what they are designed for, and how to choose the right gear for the way you sail.
THE GUIDE
SHOPPING FOR PERFORMANCE SAILING GEAR?
The most important factors in Performance sailing apparel are protection, breathability, durability and freedom of movement.
Just like sails, no single solution fits every sailor. Offshore passages, inshore racing, and high-intensity regattas require different balances between waterproofing, weight, robustness, and comfort.
Understanding these differences helps you choose gear that works with you, not against you.
WHAT REALLY MATTERS
KEY FACTORS TO CONSIDER
How severe are the conditions you typically sail in? Cold, wet and prolonged exposure demand maximum waterproofing and durability, while warmer climates and shorter sessions benefit from lighter, more breathable solutions.
Are you racing hard, cruising offshore, or mixing both? Higher physical output increases the importance of breathability, weight reduction, and mobility.
A few hours inshore is very different from days offshore. Longer exposure shifts priorities toward protection, comfort and long-term reliability.
PERFORMANCE GEAR GUIDE
WHICH RANGE IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
North Sails Performance gear is organized by how and where you sail, not by price or aesthetics. Each range is designed for a specific type of sailing and intensity level, with materials, construction and features tailored to perform in those conditions.
OCEAN RANGE
Built for the harshest conditions
The Ocean range is designed for sailors who want the very best, because they're going to face the very worst the ocean can throw at them. Transoceanic passages, Southern Ocean systems, and winter crossings demand gear that will not fail, no matter how bad it gets.
This is the most protective, most breathable and most durable gear we make. It's built to be worn continuously in harsh conditions, where reliability, durability and long-term performance are non-negotiable.
SAILING TYPE: Transoceanic, extreme offshore
CONDITIONS: Cold, wet, prolonged exposure
PRIORITY: Maximum protection, durability and breathability
OFFSHORE RANGE
High-performance protection for serious offshore sailing
Our Offshore gear is designed for classic medium-distance races or demanding cruising, where protection and comfort must work together. Think multi-day races or challenging coastal passages where you live in your foul weather gear for extended periods.
Offshore retains the core waterproofing and breathability of the Ocean range, while reducing weight and increasing comfort. The result is gear that performs exceptionally when intensity is high and recovery time is limited.
SAILING TYPE: Offshore racing and cruising
CONDITIONS: Variable, wet, high physical output
PRIORITY: Protection, comfort and reduced weight
INSHORE RANGE
Lightweight agility for fast-paced sailing
Inshore racing and coastal cruising demand flexible gear that allows for unrestricted movement. Conditions change quickly so your gear needs to keep pace.
The Inshore range is built with lightweight, highly breathable materials and a focus on mobility. It delivers reliable waterproof and windproof protection while minimizing bulk—ideal for speed, agility, and constant movement on deck.
SAILING TYPE: Inshore racing, coastal sailing
CONDITIONS: Changing, active, short to medium duration
PRIORITY: Freedom of movement, breathability and speed
GP AERO RANGE
Ultra-light protection for high-intensity racing
GP Aero is performance apparel stripped down to the essentials. Inspired by high-output endurance sports, it is designed for sailors who prioritize speed, aerodynamics and comfort over full waterproof protection.
Extremely lightweight and flexible, GP Aero is intended for warm climates and high-performance race circuits where spray protection and mobility matter more than staying completely dry.
SAILING TYPE: High-performance inshore racing
CONDITIONS: Warm, fast-paced, spray exposure
PRIORITY: Lightness, mobility and focus
NSTEC INSHORE
Lightweight durability for everyday performance sailing
NSTEC Inshore strikes the perfect balance between protection, weight and durability. It's designed for sailors who need dependable waterproof gear for inshore sailing, club racing and regular coastal use.
Lightweight, tough and easy to wear, NSTEC Inshore allows sailors to focus on their performance, safe in the knowledge that their gear will keep up.
SAILING TYPE: Inshore sailing and racing
CONDITIONS: Variable coastal weather
PRIORITY: Versatility and durability
LATEST NORTH SAILS NEWS
24 April
