At Rooster, Aquafleece is the material that has built the brand's reputation: a top that blocks the wind like a spray top and keeps you warm like a fleece. Four tops from the range are available in the shop. They look very similar in photos, but they are not aimed at the same sailors.
Here is what sets them apart, and how to choose yours.
What is Aquafleece?
It is a fabric made of two layers bonded together. On the outside, a flexible polyurethane coating that stops wind and spray. On the inside, a soft fleece that insulates and remains comfortable against the skin.
On the water, this changes two things. The material is stretchy: it follows your movements whether hiking out or on the trapeze. And it retains its thermal qualities when wet, whereas a classic windbreaker protects from the wind without adding any warmth.
An Aquafleece top is worn over a wetsuit or a long john, over a simple base layer in mid-season, under a trapeze harness, and always under a life jacket.
The range at a glance
| Model | Lining | Seams | Cuffs and waist | Junior / adult price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classic | Light fleece | Not taped | No adjustment | €67 / €81 |
| Pro Lite | Light fleece | Not taped | Adjustable neoprene cuffs | €79 / €95 |
| Pro 2026 | Thick fleece | Taped | Velcro and grip band | €102 / €129 |
| Pro Women | Thick fleece | Taped | Velcro and anti-slip panel | €138 (adult) |
Classic Aquafleece Top: the essentials, no adjustments
The Classic Aquafleece Top is the entry point to the range. Same fabric as the Pro Lite, simple cut, overlocked seams: it protects from wind and spray on chilly days, without trying to block water at the wrists and waist.
For whom? Those who sail a few times a year, trainees, and juniors in the middle of a growth spurt: its cut is a little longer than the Pro models, which allows for some wiggle room. It also makes a good mid-layer under a foul weather jacket.
Blue or grey colors, from junior S to 3XL depending on the color.
Pro Lite Aquafleece Top: the most versatile
The Pro Lite Aquafleece Top uses the same fabric and seams as the Classic, and adds what it lacks: adjustable neoprene fastenings at the wrists and waist, and a high, fleece-lined collar that closes with an elastic cord. Less water enters, more heat stays in.
Its seams are not taped: the top resists water without being totally waterproof. This is also what makes it usable across a wide range of temperatures, from spring to autumn and a good part of the winter.
For whom? Those who sail almost all year round and want just one top. It is the best-selling model in the Rooster range, and the right choice by default if you are hesitant.
Signal Blue, grey or navy colors, from junior S to 3XL.
Pro Aquafleece 2026 Top: the warmest
The Pro Aquafleece 2026 Top is the winter model. Its fleece is the thickest in the range and its seams are taped: cold water no longer gets in at the panel junctions.
The 2026 version brings several useful improvements:
- a raised, fleece-lined collar with an elastic drawstring that acts as a neck warmer;
- velcro fastenings at the wrists and waist that stay in place;
- a grip band inside the waist, so the top doesn't ride up when hiking or after a capsize;
- a reflective strip on the back.
For whom? Those who get cold easily, winter regatta sailors, and anyone who goes out when the water is 10°C. On the downside, it quickly becomes too warm on nice days: plan on having a lighter top for the summer.
Signal Blue, Charcoal or Ink Blue colors, from junior M to 2XL. Weight: approximately 600g.
Pro Aquafleece Women's Top: the Pro in a women's cut
The Pro Aquafleece Women's Top offers the same performance as the Pro: thick fleece, taped seams, velcro wrists, and a waist with an anti-slip panel. The difference lies in the cut, designed for the female physique, which is more fitted and more comfortable on the water.
The elastic collar features a reflective cord, useful for staying visible when the light fades in the late winter afternoon.
Night Blue color, from XS to 2XL.
How to choose?
- You sail occasionally, or you are equipping a growing junior: the Classic is enough.
- You sail from March to November and a few winter Sundays: the Pro Lite, which adapts to almost everything.
- You sail all winter, or you get cold easily: the Pro 2026, or the Pro Women.
Regarding size, think about what you will wear underneath: a top worn over a 4/3mm wetsuit requires more room in the shoulders than one worn over a simple base layer. In case of doubt between two sizes, contact us.
To assemble the rest of your outfit, from base layers to boots, read our article Winter sailing: 5 tips on how to gear up.
Frequently asked questions
Is an Aquafleece top waterproof?
The fabric is waterproof, but the top is not a drysuit. On the Classic and the Pro Lite, the seams are not taped: they resist spray and rain, but not immersion. The Pro and the Pro Women have taped seams and more effective fastenings, but water will eventually get in through the collar and waist if you go into the water.
Can it be worn without a wetsuit?
Yes. In mid-season, an Aquafleece top over a lycra or thermal base layer is often enough for the upper body. In winter, it is worn over the wetsuit.
Does the life jacket go over or under?
Always over. The buoyancy aid is worn over all layers, and the trapeze harness goes over an Aquafleece top without any issues.
How to maintain it?
Rinse it with fresh water after each outing and let it dry in the shade on a hanger, starting inside-out so the fleece dries thoroughly. Avoid direct heat sources.
Find your Aquafleece top
The four models can be found in the shop, along with all of our technical tops.
A question about a model or a size? Write to us, we are happy to advise you.
