Drysuits

Yeah I sail all winter and i wear a steamer with a spray top and hat and im never cold and Topper's and Fireball's aren't that demanding as some of the boats around which might keep you even warmer !

I have one of those - it is OK with a harness as it is very flexible. I wear my harness over everything including my buoyancy aid - that is my quick release system.

Back to the Magic Marine suit - I bought it with the "dry socks" and gloves. I always get wet feet but they do warm up. However I only sail from end of March to the end of November so have not tried it in the depths of winter.

I would not buy any suit or harness on mail order as I always try them on first with all the kit (harness and buyancy aid) to see how comfortable they are . I suggest you do that before you buy. Any good chandlers will lend you the full kit if you are looking at buying one major item.

I used to prefer wetsuits to drysuits, but for sailing in the depths of winter, even a 5mm steamer is too cold for me! Got a new drysuit, and it's so much warmer. wouldn't consider doing winter sailing in a wetsuit now.   My advice would be to get a breathable one; the non-breathable ones are a false economy. Also, get the lightest suit you can find, with no pockets or collars etc. The stuff you wear underneath keeps you warm, the drysuit keeps you dry, so it is best to have a light flexible one. Oh, and you need the built-in socks.

My crewsaver hyperdry pro neo is really good. It has a neoprene neck seal, which is very comfortable, and doesn't have any unnecessary flaps and pockets.