Fabric technology has developed dramatically over the years and has enabled garment manufacturers
to create technical clothing with specific features geared toward the needs of particular activities.
Douglas Gill Marine turned their back on Gore-Tex some years ago, preferring to develop their own technical
fabrics as they felt they better understood the end use of their garments and the needs of their target audience.
By not being constrained by the limitations and costs involved in using a licensed brand of fabric, Gill
continue to develop and create their own technical sailing apparel that remain extremely functional, to withstand
the rigours of repeated Ocean Racing to the more leisurely crossings across the Channel as well as being comfortable
performing shore duties.
Gill Fabric System
ONSHORE, MID LAYER AND SOFTSHELL
DINGHY, INSHORE AND DAY SAILING
OFFSHORE/COASTAL, AND OVER NIGHT SAILING
KB RACING AND OFFSHORE CRUISING
OCEAN RACING AND DRY SUITS
The icons to the left indicate the appropriate usage of the garment and are shown on each Gill Marine product page.
When it comes to waterproof and breathable fabrics you can easily be ‘blinded by the science’. Gill choose to source and use their own rigorously tried and tested fabrics to ensure they are not limited by the quality and suitability of some high profile branded fabrics which may claim to be the best but merely add to the overall cost of the garment.
Gill source the World’s best fabrics for suitability to its end use and then test it to destruction. The fabrics are tested not just as new but after artificial ageing to simulate years of use. Finally they are put out into the field for further testing. There is always a product somewhere in the Southern Ocean under test.
When the testing is complete Gill rank their fabrics according to end usage and classify it according to their renowned Fabric System™ (see above). These tests are not one off tests but are repeated before each production batch. This attention to detail ensures that the Gill Marine clothing range performs as well, if not better, than anything on the market today and ensures the quality of their products remain at the highest level.
What to wear - Base, Mid and Outer Layers
The Base Layer
The Mid Layer
The Outer Layer
The base or wicking layer (that should be worn next to the skin) is designed to move moisture away from your skin, keeping you dry and warm after bursts of activity. We have two weights of base
layer - i2 Lite, which will keep you dry and warm after bursts of activity and in warmer conditions and i2 Tec, which provides excellent insulation as part of a winter layering system.
The middle or insulating layer is designed to be worn over a base layer and under an outer layer. Made from synthetic thermal fibres, it assists the movement of moisture to the outer layer.
These fibres do not absorb water; they dry quicky and will keep you warmer. As with the base layer, we have mid layer products in different fabric weights. These range from i3 lightweight microfleece
and i4 midweight fleece garments to i5 Crosswind and Windward ranges.
The outer or waterproof layer is intended to keep the elements out. These usually have very little or no thermal properties, but are entirely water and windproof. In order to work most
efficiently, no matter what type of sailing you do, the fabric should be breathable to allow the moist air that has built up inside the garment to escape.
The making of a Gill product
The making of a Gill product: a behind the scenes film with Nick Gill.
Gloves
Gloves
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter
Wear
Recommended Usage
Deckhand
Moderate
Dinghy Sailing/Inshore Cruising
Championship
Tough
Dinghy Sailing/Inshore Cruising
Three Seasons
Moderate
Dinghy Sailing
Extreme
Very Tough
Inshore and Offshore Racing
Neoprene
Moderate
Dinghy Sailing/Inshore Cruising
Helmsman
Moderate
Inshore and Offshore Cruising
Pro
Very Tough
Dinghy Sailing/Inshore and Offshore Racing
Gloves Size Guide
Size
XXS
XS
S
M
L
XL
Example
Inches
5"
6"
7"
8"
9"
10"
Measure all of the way around hand at fullest point as shown above.
cm
13 cm
15 cm
18 cm
20 cm
23 cm
26 cm
Gill Warranty
Gill products come with the "Gill Guarantee" as standard. The waterproof outer layer is your shield from the elements so sailing garments need to be able to perform in the toughest of conditions. Gill outer layers are totally waterproof, windproof and boast an array of features designed to aid both comfort and performance. You’ll find high levels of breathability and durability in all Gill outer layer garments which means that you can trust a Gill product to perform whenever you need it to. The "Gill Guarantee" covers against all defects in material and workmanship which means that if, after inspection, the product is found to be defective (other than fair wear & tear) Gill will repair or replace it at their discretion, free of charge. Complete the warranty registration included with your purchase.
01736 751066
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The icons to the left indicate the appropriate usage of the garment and are shown on each Gill Marine product page.
