Gill Zentherm Sailing Wetsuits

Gill Zentherm

The first cold Sunday in October sorts the fleet out. Half of them are in the summer suit they have worn since May, sitting up on the beat and wondering why their legs have gone. The other half are in something thicker and lined, still hiking flat at the top mark. The Zentherm is Gill's suit for that second group: 3mm neoprene, a plush thermal lining right through, glued and blindstitched seams with tape over the top so the cold water stays out.

We rate it as the warm Gill suit for September to April and for the long, wet, windy days in between. The long john is the core piece, sleeveless so you can sheet all day, and the top goes over it when your arms need covering. For summer, Gill's lighter Zenlite is the thinner, more flexible option. Pair either with a thermal underneath and a buoyancy aid over.

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Gill Zentherm FAQs

Which Zentherm piece should I buy first?

The long john. It is the one that keeps your core and legs warm, and in a dinghy that is where the cold gets you. With a thermal rash vest underneath and a spray top over it, the long john covers most cold weather club racing on its own. Add the top when you find your arms getting cold, or if you crew and spend the race leaning out into the spray.

How warm is the Zentherm?

Warm enough for the early and late season, and for the kind of grey, breezy August afternoon that catches people out in a thin suit. The neoprene is 3mm, which is thick for a dinghy suit, and the thermal lining runs right through rather than just across the chest. Taped seams stop the trickle of cold water that gets through stitched seams. Most sailors would find it too warm for a hot July race.

Zentherm or Zenlite?

Zentherm from September to April and for anyone who feels the cold; Zenlite from May to September when you want a thin, stretchy suit that does not overheat. The Zentherm is roughly twice the thickness, lined throughout and taped at the seams. The Zenlite is lighter, dries faster and gives more freedom of movement. If you only sail in summer, buy the Zenlite. If you race through the shoulder months, buy the Zentherm and wear it with the layers adjusted.

How does the Zentherm fit?

Snug, with the stretch neoprene settling once you are moving. Gill cuts a little more generously than some other brands, so go for your usual size and only size up if you are long in the body or plan to wear a thick thermal underneath. Check the chart on the product page against your chest and height, since the torso length is what decides whether the suit pulls when you hike.

Is there a womens or junior Zentherm?

Gill makes a womens long jane version and a junior suit in the same neoprene, and we are adding them. For now this page holds the mens pieces. If you are after a womens or junior cold weather suit and cannot see one here, get in touch and we will let you know when they land, or have a look at the other warm suits on our wetsuit pages.