Wetsuit or Drysuit

Going from summer to winter i wear (with a trap harness and bouyuncy aid) a combo of; neoprene shorts and rash vests in summer, ronstan skiff suit and Rash vest for those colder days in summer, even colder weather i whack an aquafleece on top, even colder i wear more rash vests and a thermal top and aquafleece, even colder theres a hat that goes on.

I find that when sailing a skiffy type boat, as long as you aren't left for hours on end on the water, the boat will keep you warm as they keep you working hard. When its time for rescue duty or something equally as dull, where movement tends to be down to a minimum, i will get a drysuit on, sailing the laser seemed ok with a drysuit too. However i've never been comfy whilst wearing a trapeze harness with a drysuit, so try to avoid it at all costs.

Is Aquafleece is best over or under wetsuit?

In the summer, Shorts, tshirt, harness, buoyancy aid, and a rashy to stop my buoyancy aid catching on things.

In the winter a full length wetsuit, trap harness, all the usual jazz etc.

What is the difference between a steemer and a wetsuit?

would a raceskin fit underneath a proper wetsuit as another layer??

I've always been a drysuit man, but can see the benefit of staying wetsuited up. Just not brave enough.

It's not the racing that is cold, it's the sitting around between races

Especially at Weymouth

Yup it's the sitting around and wading about that gets you in the end.

... I finally opted for a Crewsaver Hyperdry Pro drysuit with neoprene seals and a front zip on the recommedation of our local stockist (Starboard - wonderful shop).

Much nicer to put on that a wetty (not clammy and cold) and great for launching and coming ashore (especially when you fall over getting out and slide under the boat!).  No more restrictive than a wetsuit - plenty of flex and you're not fighting stretchy rubber. Much lighter too.

With a thin fleece top and trousers underneath - a bit cool for helming, but rather too warm for single-handing, all that climbing in and out and bending the knees in the gusts had the neck seal steaming!  Dry feet are a bonus.

Keeping the ripped steamer for spring.