Henri-Lloyd unveiled its new Ocean PRO offshore apparel line at Metstrade this week, positioning the collection as a breakthrough in survival-grade performance gear for professional racing teams, committed adventurers, and long-distance cruisers. The range was also shortlisted for the prestigious Dame Award 2025.

Developed over three years in collaboration with brand ambassadors, including Vendée Globe and Ocean Race sailors, Ocean PRO is engineered to redefine extreme-weather protection through innovation and sustainability.

The core technology is the world’s first 4-Layer Hybrid Membrane Stretch Fabric, which delivers enhanced waterproofness, breathability, and flexibility compared to traditional offshore textiles. The fabric is rated for survival-grade waterproofness (35K) and exceptional breathability (14K). Overall, the unlined Ocean PRO garments are 17% lighter than comparable competitor products, offering easier packing, storage, and faster drying times.

“Ocean PRO represents a major leap forward in offshore protection,” said Knut Frostad, Executive Chairman at Henri-Lloyd. “It’s not just built to withstand the ocean — it’s built to empower sailors to perform at their peak, sustainably and comfortably, for longer than ever before.”

Key Features and Design

The Ocean PRO range includes specialized Offshore Jackets (men’s and women’s), a Hybrid Smock (unisex), and Hi-Fit Salopettes (men’s and women’s).

• Hybrid Smock: This innovative design is the first fully-zipped offshore smock with a removable collar, providing the protective seal of a smock but the ventilation and accessibility of a jacket.
• Offshore Jacket: Features include the Optivision Hood System, a removable face mask, photoluminescent safety details, and a removable inner jacket neoprene skirt to prevent wind and water ingress in extreme conditions.
• Fabric Composition: The technical specifications include a 100% recycled Polyamide Face Fabric, PFOA-free and PFC-free microporous coating and hydrophilic membrane, and Cordura stretch reinforcements at high-wear areas like the seat and knees.

Sustainability and Testing

Henri-Lloyd emphasized sustainability, noting that the range’s face fabric and mesh backing are sourced through pre-consumer recycling and verified by the Global Recycling Standard (GRS). The gear minimizes environmental impact by removing PFOA, PFOs, and other “forever chemicals.”

The Ocean PRO line was extensively tested across multi-day ocean passages. Vendée Globe sailor Sam Goodchild, one of the ambassadors who provided feedback, commented, “I’m very proud to be a part of the Henri Lloyd team who have a great heritage and experience in Offshore Sailing. It is great working with the team who are all enthusiastic and motivated to get Henri-Lloyd back to the top of the offshore race world. I’m excited to be part of this ambitious adventure!”

The Ocean PRO range will be available for purchase starting in March 2026.

The post Henri-Lloyd Unveils Ocean PRO Performance Range appeared first on Cruising World.

Gill Junior OS3 Jacket and Trousers

Young crew members want to stay warm and dry too! Keep cruising kids protected from the elements in Gill’s OS3 gear. The Jacket is breathable, waterproof and windproof and features a high-cut thermal collar, high-visibility hood deep pockets and adjustable cuffs.

The Trousers are durable and lightweight and feature adjustable straps and cuffs for the perfect fit.

GSI Gourmet Pour Over Coffee Set

Know a traveling coffee lover? This GSI Gourmet Pour-Over Coffee set, which fits neatly into a small carry bag, includes a personal-sized burr coffee grinder and a collapsible pour-over coffee maker with a reusable filter. Perfect for bringing on the boat for a weekend cruise or on a charter vacation.

ACR ResQLink View PLB

If someone you love is heading off on an adventure, the ACR ResQLink View Personal Locator Beacon would be appreciated. This PLB has been designed with input from survivors. It’s compact, lightweight and easy to carry, and it features ACR’s Optical Display Technology for even more reassurance and peace of mind when waiting for rescue. The ResQLink View’s screen displays all the beacon’s operational activities, including GPS coordinates, operating instructions, usage tips, transmission bursts, as well as battery power.

Easy Eddy Paddle Boards

A stand-up paddleboard is a great way to explore an anchorage once the hook is down, not to mention going for a paddle is great exercise. The problem? Storing a full-size hard SUP is challenging on most cruising boats. The Easy Eddy solves this. The three-piece board is made from 10-percent recycled plastic and can assemble in less than a minute. It weighs just 37 pounds, is virtually indestructible and can stow easily in a locker or the trunk of a car.

Pretty Rugged blanket

Don’t let this blanket’s extreme softness fool you: it also has a tough side. The Pretty Rugged line of blankets are made for life outdoors and feature a luxurious faux fur on one side, and a waterproof, windproof fabric on the back — perfect for cool evenings in the cockpit or sitting by a campfire. Have it embroidered with the boat’s name for a personal touch!

A fun nautical tidbit—the company was launched by Joshua Slocum’s great-great-granddaughter, Tracy Slocum.

Sailing America

If you have a sailor on your list who also has a coffee table… Sailing America is the perfect addition to that coffee table. This gorgeous volume of work by noted marine photographer Onne van der Wal is a “celebration of American sailing.” The hefty book features nearly 200 gorgeous images spanning the sailing world from dinghy racing in New England to quiet anchorages in the Pacific Northwest.

Ugo Tablet and Phone cases

These days, we seem to use our delicate (expensive) electronics for everything. Protect them with Ugo cases for tablets and phones. More than just a case though, the Ugo can also hold all your important documents, cards, IDs, etc., making it the perfect “go ashore” bag. Ugo is watertight and floats, and you can even use your device while it’s safe in the case.

Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole tote

One of the perhaps less glamorous parts of the cruising life is the schlepping. Groceries, boat parts, laundry… you name it, cruisers will likely have to schlep it from shop to dinghy to boat. Anything to make this task easier is better. The Patagonia Black Hole Ultralight 27L tote bag is sturdy and versatile. It has both shoulder and backpack straps, features a durable water-repellent finish and can even stuff into its own pocket when not needed. Another cool feature? It’s made out of 100 percent recycled nylon and polyester.

Cruising World 2020 Calendar

Perfect for someone who would like a mental break all year long, the Cruising World 2020 calendar features images of the sailing life from around the world.

Cape Horn Sails recycled sail gear

Looking for a truly unique gift? Check out this line of items from Cape Horn Sails including wallets, journals, keychains, coasters and more all with a piece of a sail from the bottom of the world. Cape Horn was founded by Chilean sailor and designer Antonia Undurraga, and each product has been handmade by local Chilean artisans with genuine leather and sailcloth from racing yachts that have undertaken arduous journeys in the Chilean south.

Mount Gay Rum XO

To quote Captain Ron, “Diesels love their oil like a sailor loves rum.” Or something like that. Either way, most sailors would be happy to find a bottle under their tree, and Mount Gay XO is definitely gift-worthy. XO is aged for 8 to 15 years in whiskey and bourbon casks to produce a smooth rum that tastes lovely in a cocktail, but truly shines when served neat or on the rocks.

The post Holiday Gifts for Sailors 2019 appeared first on Cruising World.

While most sailors have overcome an inhibition or two en route to earning their miles, 40 years of sailing has taught me that hydrophobia is to be embraced when it comes to midlayer garments. Rather than a psychological fear of water or another name for rabies, hydrophobia—or ­hydrophobe—as a scientific term refers to a material’s ­tendency to repel water. This in turn, allows a fabric to remain warm and insulating when wet.

In the case of midlayer garments—which serves primarily as insulation under foul-weather gear, while occasionally moonlighting as outer armor for blue-sky days or forays ashore—these qualities can be mission-critical characteristics. Here’s a roundup of some of the warmest, most hydrophobic midlayers afloat, and some information about responsible stewardship of these synthetic fibers.

The old saying goes that “if you get your layers right, you’ll get your day right,” and while this might be an overly simplistic outlook, the bottom-line truth for most cruisers is that if they’re warm and dry, they’re (reasonably) happy. Gill Marine solves a piece of the layering puzzle with its Thermogrid zip neck. This toasty-looking midlayer top, which is stitched from a heat-trapping wafflelike fabric with a smooth face and four-way stretch, was designed to allow wearers to quickly increase or decrease the shirt’s warmth factor as conditions demand. For example, the neck zip allows heat to be quickly dumped or trapped, and the shirt’s thumb loops allow users to warm their wrists by hooking the ends of their sleeves around their stubbiest digits. The Thermogrid zip neck also features stretchy side panels that promote ease-of-movement comfort.

Should the zip neck sound like a little bit too much of a good thing, Gill’s Thermogrid vest offers all of these same benefits, plus zippered hand pockets, sans the sleeves.

Given Helly Hansen‘s deep Norwegian roots, the company, which was established in 1877, has significant experience equipping sailors for plying cold waters. While Helly builds an entire catalog of sailing equipment, Helly Hansen’s Crew insulator jacket delivers time-proven warmth using PrimaLoft black insulation. The jacket’s outer polyester shell offers water- and wind-resistant performance, and allows it to easily be worn over or under other gear.

Sailors seeking an insulating jacket that can better handle more exposure to the elements should check out Helly Hansen’s HP racing midlayer jacket. This coat uses a proprietary Helly Tech Performance outer shell to deliver breathability, move-with-you stretch, and wind and water protection, and the jacket’s Lifaloft insulation delivers warmth in a lightweight package. Hand-warmer pockets, fully seam-sealed construction, a fleece-lined collar, a hip-length cut and ­dual breast pockets (one ­internal, one external) complete the package.

And for cruisers who run warm, Helly Hansen’s Lifaloft insulator vest delivers a serious heat-to-weight ­ratio—even when wet—without heat-sinking one’s extremities. The vest offers windproof ­protection and boasts a perfluorinated compound-free ­durable water-repellent exterior treatment, allowing the vest to be used in conditions ranging from Maine’s famous pea-soup fog to Seattle’s signature “dry” rain.

Long a trusted name in foul-weather gear, Henri Lloyd revealed a fully retooled line of sailing apparel this past spring. This unveiling included the company’s new Fremantle Stripes liner jacket and salopettes, both of which are designed to stand double watches when things get windy and cold. These stylish-looking garments feature a water-repellant, ripstop nylon outer shell and polyester insulation that provides warmth even when wet. The Fremantle Stripes liner jacket uses 70 grams of polyester insulation, and includes finishing details such as articulated sleeves, elastic bindings on the cuffs and hem, and zippered hand-warmer pockets.

The Fremantle Stripes liner salopettes is built out of the same lightweight, shower-resistant nylon shell material, and is insulated using 40-gram and 70-gram polyester insulation that’s been body-mapped to deliver heat where sailors need it most without triggering a sweat sauna. Finishing details include an elastic waist and a stretchy, breathable shoulder and back section that allows for freedom of movement and sheds unneeded heat during flurries of activity.

If you sail in the Pacific Northwest as I do, you’re familiar with fleece’s cozy utility, and Seattle’s own KAMgear makes some of the finest, made-in-the-USA fleece apparel available anywhere. KAMgear’s midlayers, such as the company’s popular Powerzip top, are crafted from Polartec Power Stretch Pro fabrics, which offer four-way stretch, warmth and a proven ability to wick moisture.

As fall’s descent quickens, KAMgear’s Grinder slacks, which are built from Polartec Wind Pro fabrics, are ready to battle the cold, both by blocking the wind and delivering seriously lofted insulation. Grinder slacks also include smart features, such as a durable water-repellant fabric treatment (for increased hydrophobia), Cordura-reinforced knees and seat sections (which allow the slacks to be used as an outer layer until Seattle’s famous rain gets serious), and double-layered pockets.

KAMgear’s Crescent jacket, which is also crafted from Polartec Wind Pro fabrics, derives its performance from the extremely dense fabric weave that delivers a cozy combination of warmth and breathability. A water-repellant finish allows the jacket to bead off water, and the coat also features a high-cut collar (a trademark of all KAMgear sailing tops).

Best known for its marine survival equipment, Mustang Survival rebooted its apparel collection a few years ago. Recently, the Vancouver-based company has been working with professional sailing teams to dial in its heat-regulating system. This starts with Mustang Survival’s Regulate 230 base-layer long-sleeve top** and bottoms, both of which are built out of a blended merino wool and polyester fabric that clocks in at 230 grams per square meter (hence, the garments’ monikers). Both items are constructed using flat-lock seams, and the fabric’s hybrid nature helps ensure long-term fit and odor control.

Mustang Survival’s Torrens jacket picks up where base layers leave off and combats cold using Polartec’s warm-even-when-wet Alpha Active insulation. The Torrens jacket uses a wind-resistant soft-shell outer fabric that features a water-repellant treatment, allowing it to weather light rain, and a soft liner for next-to-body comfort and for wicking away sweat. The coat has stretchy mesh underarm and side panels for enhanced mobility and body-heat regulation. The athletically cut jacket also features two hand-warmer pockets, articulated elbows, and an inside chest pocket, as well as stretchy wrist cuffs that are designed to lock out water.

While long underwear technically isn’t considered a midlayer, merino wool has so thoroughly proved itself among offshore sailors that some people (such as your humble scribe) won’t leave shore without packing a set of merino-wool base layers. Musto’s merino base-layer pant and long-sleeve T-shirt are built out of 100 percent merino wool, which is exceptional at regulating body heat and delivering next-to-skin comfort, sans unnecessary bulk. Moreover, merino wool’s natural antibacterial and odor-repelling qualities enhance your odds of not offending your crewmates.

When it comes to regulating core temperature, vests (“gilets” in Musto’s parlance) deliver warmth without restricting arm movement or ventilation. Musto’s BR1 gilet adds comfort on fall days that don’t demand full jackets, while also providing layering versatility for times when the foredeck threatens to freeze.

Finally, Musto’s Extreme thermal fleece top and trousers are built out of stretchy polyester jersey fabric that’s backed with heat-trapping fleece. Both the top and trousers repel water to help you stay dry in light mist or fog, and both use flat-locked seams to reduce bulk and add comfort and durability. The pants feature articulated knees, while the jacket has a tall, heat-retaining collar.

Softshell jackets hit the scene in the late-2000s, forever changing the way that sailors expect their midlayer jackets to move, both on the water and off, and Outdoor Research’s Ferrosi combines the right amount of move-with-you motion and weather protection. To be clear, the Ferrosi won’t stop angry North Atlantic waves—that’s your foulie’s job—but instead acts as a wind and light-spray jacket that deftly moonlights as part of a layering system. The packable jacket includes clever details such as wrist-fitted thumb loops, hand-warmer pockets and a chest pocket.

The Seattle-based company’s Ascendant jacket steps things up from the light-air inventory to more-serious stuff, offering the at-rest warmth of a lightweight down- or synthetic-fill puffy jacket while simultaneously delivering the breathability of a fleece jacket. This is done by using Polartec’s latest-generation Alpha Direct insulation, which is unique in that it doesn’t require an internal liner. This, in turn, allows the jacket to dump more unwanted heat and moisture through its stretch-woven and air-permeable Pertex outer shell.

Savvy sailors watch their sun exposure, and Patagonia offers three great tools for creating your own shade: the Tropic Comfort Hoody II, the Women’s Tropic Comfort Hoody and the unisex sun mask. All three are made from fast-drying synthetic fabrics that deliver 50-plus UPF sun protection, making them an ideal next-to-skin layer.

Next up are Patagonia’s legendary R1 pullover fleece shirts, which are available in both male and female cuts. All R1s use Polartec Power Grid fabrics to lock in body heat without adding heft or unnecessary bulk. R1 shirts are super-stretchy and highly durable, and the fabric’s embedded Polygiene odor control helps keep you smelling (relatively) presentable.

For cool days, Patagonia’s men’s and women’s Nano Puff jackets and vests deliver an impressive amount of warmth and wind protection for their tidy, lightweight forms. Nano Puff garments employ ripstop polyester shells that are made from 100 percent recycled materials and PrimaLoft Gold Insulation Eco, which is comprised of 55 percent recycled materials. The resulting jackets and vests easily slide over and under other layers, and both are equally adept when paired with a foul-weather jacket as they are when serving as an outer layer on dry watches.

Australia-based Zhik (correctly) believes that proper layering begins at the next-to-skin level, which it facilitates with its HydroMerino base layers. These garments merge merino wool’s best properties (warmth and odor-resistance) with those of polyester (wicking and durability) and polypropylene (hydrophobia and heat retention) to create a warm, highly stretchy weave that was designed specifically for Dongfeng Race Team sailors competing in the 2017-18 edition of the Volvo Ocean Race. Some examples of endemic R&D include external stitching to reduce chafe, and water-repellant fabric on the cuffs, waist hem and ankles.

Once things start cool off, Zhik’s Xeflex jacket and salopettes provide insulating armor against the chill. Unlike most regular synthetic fills, which usually lie parallel with their garment’s shell and liner, and are susceptible to heat-robbing compression, Zhik’s Xeflex uses a vertically lined fill that’s designed to withstand the wind and other compressing elements. Xeflex fabric uses an ultrathin metallic layer that reflects back the wearer’s body heat, keeping sailors warm when the elements turn cold. Both the jacket and salopettes deliver serious warmth for their weight and sea-bag bulk, making them especially useful for sailors who enjoy pushing their sailing and seasonal boundaries.

When not researching ways to stay warm in his home waters around Seattle, David Schmidt is CW’s electronics editor.

Vendor Information
Cora Ball: coraball.com; $30
Gill Marine: gillmarine.com, 800-822-6504; from $120
Helly Hansen: ­hellyhansen.com, 866-435-5902; from $170
Henri Lloyd: henrilloyd.com; from $225
KAMgear: kamgear.com, 206-789-0505; from $80
Mustang Survival: ­mustangsurvival.com, 800-526-0532; from $80
Musto: musto.com, +44 (0)1158 962387; from $120
Outdoor Research: ­outdoorresearch.com, 855-967-8197; from $110
Patagonia: patagonia.com, 800-638-6464; from $30
Zhik: zhik.com, 866-944-5872; from $120

Catch and Release
While news of a beached whale dying in the Philippines with 88 pounds of plastic inside its body rightly grabbed international headlines, sadly, the devil in the environmental disaster is often in the tiny details. Microplastics are defined as tiny bits of plastic or fuzz (say, from a fleece or puffy jacket) that are less than 5 millimeters long. Microplastics are turning up everywhere, including highly remote places such as Point Nemo, which is the farthest spot on Earth from land.

Unfortunately, one of the ways that microplastics are entering the water (and therefore the food chain) is by washing synthetic garments, including some of the fabrics mentioned in this article. Fortunately, new technologies are available to help lower one’s environmental wake. For example, a Cora Ball can be thrown in the washing machine with synthetic clothes, and its spiky arms collect stray filaments. Bag-style solutions, including Patagonia’s GuppyFriend, also exist. Simply put your soiled synthetics in the water-permeable bag, seal it, and then toss it in the washing machine; once the wash cycle is complete, remove the microfibers from the bag and then hang-dry the gear, which uses less energy and puts less wear-and-tear on the clothing.

The post Sailing Gear to Keep You Warm and Dry appeared first on Cruising World.

Stormy Weather

Unless it’s a 90-degree day with bright sunshine, a splashy sail or dinghy ride, or a passing shower, can leave sailors wet and chilly — not what anyone wants to be on vacation. Keep the kids warm and dry with waterproof gear. A simple rain suit, such as the Watertight jacket and Cypress Brook II pants from Columbia Sportswear, will likely fill the bill. If you’re planning longer passages, or anticipate that the weather might not cooperate, consider a foul-weather-gear set.

The Gill OS3 Coastal jacket and trousers are now available in junior sizes small (8/9) through large (12/13). The jacket includes all the features of the adult OS3 line, just in a pint-size package: a lined high-vis hood, adjustable cuffs with inner seals, two-layer fabric with fully tabled seams, and cozy hand-warmer pockets. The trousers will keep kids dry whether they’re sitting on the rail or in the dinghy. They are fully lined with taped seams and feature an adjustable fit.

Helly Hansen also has an extensive line of wet-weather gear for kids. The Junior Salt Port pants and jacket are great options for on the boat or off. It’s a more lightweight choice for coastal daysails or a hike ashore. The jacket is waterproof, windproof and breathable, has a quick-dry lining and features a detachable stowaway hood. The pants have reinforcement at the seat and knees, and the cuffs at the bottom can even be extended to add length — perfect for growing kids.

Let the sun shine

Staying safe in the sun takes some extra effort in the tropics. Protect the kids from the harsh rays with long-sleeve rash guards and sun shirts with a UPF rating of 50+. Patagonia Girls’ Doe Mesa hoodie is perfect for days spent sailing, hiking or playing on the beach. It provides 50+ UPF protection and is stretchy, breathable and moisture wicking.

The Patagonia Costa Rica Baggies shorts are made of a recycled nylon material that is wind- and water-resistant and dry quickly.

Need shade? The Play hat from Sunday Afternoons will keep the sun off the younger crewmembers’ faces and necks. The sizing band in the back and the chin strap will keep it on in the breeze, and the floatable brim will make it easy to retrieve just in case it does take off. The Play hat is available in a wide variety of colors and offers UPF 50+ protection.

Safer Sunscreen

We all know that we need to safeguard ourselves and our kids from UV radiation, but did you know that the very stuff you use to protect your skin might be toxic to the coral reefs that you’re snorkeling on? On May 1, Hawaii became the first state to pass a bill banning sunscreens that contain oxybenzone or octinoxate. Recent studies have shown these chemicals, which are commonly found in many sunscreens, are a contributing factor in coral bleaching.

When choosing a sunscreen to bring with you on your charter vacation, pick something that’s safer for the reef. A mineral-based formula with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as the main ingredients is a good place to start. The Environmental Working Group puts out a list every year ranking the safety and effectiveness of sunscreens (for kids and adults), which makes it easy to research ingredients.

Life jacket choices

If there’s one question I’ve received more than any other in my years as a CW editor/liveaboard parent, it is what life jacket is “the best.” My honest answer to that is it’s one your kid will wear. Since life jackets are part of our everyday life, and as such take plenty of abuse from the kids, they need to hold up. Our favorites have been the Stohlquist vests for children up to 30 pounds, then the Mustang Lil’ Legends 100 for kids 30-50 pounds.

Children’s PFDs are broken down into three sizes (Infant, up to 30 pounds; Child, 30-50 pounds; and Youth, 50-90 pounds) and three different types by the U.S. Coast Guard. Type I PFDs are for offshore use. They are fairly bulky and not something that you’d likely wear every day (think what you’d see on a cruise ship or ferry boat).

Type II is for nearshore use, and is the classification where you’ll find the majority of kids’ PFDs (particularly the infant and child sizes). This type typically has a pillow behind the head and will turn most kids face-up in the water.

Type III is usually considered the most comfortable. It’s the type that most people wear for an active day on the water. This type will keep the wearer afloat, but not necessarily turn them face-up. Once my kids grew out of the Child size PFDs and moved into the Youth size, and were good swimmers, I was comfortable letting them use a Type III as their everyday PFD.

When choosing a PFD for your child, if possible take them to the store with you and try on several brands. Try picking them up by the life jacket’s shoulders. It shouldn’t slip past their chin and ears. If the PFD includes a leg strap, make sure your child uses it. Do not be tempted to buy a size up to try to get more use out of it — a snug PFD works better than a loose one.

Protect their Peepers

With bright sun not only shining down, but reflecting off the water and all the boat’s white surfaces, sunglasses are a necessity. Make sure that the ones you choose for your kids offer full UV coverage and, ideally, are polarized. We’ve had good luck with the Gill Junior Squad sunglasses. They offer glare-free optics, 100 percent UV protection and even float.

Crew Overboard

Recently, several compact, app-based crew-overboard devices have come on the market. They are simple to use and easy to bring along on a charter vacation. Both the CrewWatcher and the Sea Tags systems consist of a wearable device that either goes around your wrist, or is tucked or tethered to your clothing, and an app that you can download on phones or tablets. If someone wearing the device falls overboard, an alarm automatically sounds on the phone or tablet along with location of the person in the water.

Just for kicks

When it comes to shoes and kids, simpler is better. Kicks that can easily slide on and off yet still protect little toes are perfect for life on and off the boat. The Youth Bahama slip-on shoes from Columbia Sportswear fill that bill and look sharp too. They are constructed out of durable leather and lightweight canvas and come in a variety of fun prints.

The Youth Aqua Socks from West Marine can go between land and water with ease and provide good grip and protection in either. The neoprene and mesh construction is breathable and quick-drying.

For the older set, check out the ZKG shoes from Zhik. They are performance sailing shoes that look nothing like traditional boat shoes (the company calls them “amphibious street wear”). The rubber sole offers extreme grip on wet surfaces, and the perforated neoprene upper drains quickly. Parents will be happy that the shoe’s liner has an antimicrobial treatment to keep the stink at bay.

Jennifer Brett is CW’s senior editor

The post Sailing Gear for Kids appeared first on Cruising World.

The Essentials:

Jacket
Make sure zippers are either waterproof or covered by a flap of fabric. A high neck will keep you warm, and ample pockets give you places to stow a flashlight, knife or snack.

Layers
Instead of cotton, opt for wool or synthetics like fleece or polyester that will continue to insulate even when wet. A light jacket that can be worn alone or under your waterproof shell is a particularly useful item.

Pants
Protect legs from rain and spray and your rear from wet cockpit benches with waterproof trousers. They come in waist-high versions, as bibs with adjustable shoulder straps, or as salopettes that act as pants and a vest all in one.

Boots
Keep your feet dry in sea boots with grippy, nonmarking soles. Make sure to get a pair big enough to accommodate wool or synthetic socks.

Life jacket
An inflatable personal flotation device will keep you floating face up if you fall in the water. Make sure to read arming instructions carefully.

Our Picks:

1. Gill Inshore Lite Jacket
Collar pocket stows hood
$169, www.gillna.com

2. Zhik Hydrophobic Fleece
Water beads up and rolls off
$99, www.zhik.com

3. West Marine Coastal Automatic Inflatable PFD
Handy zipper stash pocket
$150, www.westmarine.com

4. Helly Hansen Newport Pants
Bib-style pants with drop seat
$200, www.shop.hellyhansen.com

5. Xtratuf Deck Boots
Flexible neoprene for comfort
$90-$100, www.xtratufboots.com

6. Musto BR1 Inshore Jacket
High-visibility hood and reflective patches for safety
$269, www.musto.com

7. Spinlock Deckvest Lite
Sleek, ergonomic fit
$189, www.team1newport.com

8. Gill Inshore Lite Trousers
Breathable waist-high pants
$90, www.gillna.com

9. West Marine Short Cruising Boots
No-frills boots with great value
$65, www.westmarine.com

The post Gearing Up for Foul Weather appeared first on Cruising World.

Helly Hansen Jacket

For the days on the water that seem to alternate between warm and chilly, there’s the H2Flow crew jacket from Helly Hansen.

The jacket regulates temperature by combining an insulation layer with an airflow venting system, and it’s topped with a breathable waterproof layer.

$320, Helly Hansen

The post Helly Hansen H2Flow Crew Jacket appeared first on Cruising World.

Ocean Rodeo Ignite drysuit

If you’re more than a fair-weather sailor, or you live somewhere with a cold climate, you probably take your foul-weather gear seriously as there’s really not much worse than being cold and wet. Drysuits are an option, but they have their drawbacks as well. If you’ve ever thought that it might be nice if your typical foulies could be adapted and become a drysuit, check out the Ignite drysuit by Ocean Rodeo.

It doesn’t look like a typical drysuit — instead, it looks more like a two-piece jacket and pants set — and with two “modes”, it doesn’t act like a typical drysuit either. In “full dry” mode, the Ignite is 100-percent dry, while in “standby” mode, you can remove the neck seal and unzip the dry zip for more comfort and ventilation. This suit also offers padded knees, a high all-whether collar, and a removable neoprene-lined hood.

Ocean Rodeo is based on Vancouver Island, Canada, and they specialize in cold-water watersports gear. Check it out at oceanrodeo.com

The post A Versatile Drysuit appeared first on Cruising World.

Foul Weather Gear Review

The latest trend in foul-weather gear is straightforward: Sailors want the best that technology can offer in jackets and pants, which means lighter fabrics that are more breathable and guaranteed waterproof.

What’s not so straightforward is deciphering the array of products, the brand-specific terminology, and the engineering and marketing logic behind it all.
Still, whether you’re a die-hard advocate of watertight P.V.C. or the ultimate in breathability, knowing what’s innovative and most appropriate for the way you sail is invaluable.

“People will go into a West Marine store and ask ‘What’s the best you’ve got?’” says Chuck Hawley, the company’s vice president of product information. “People have to be realistic about what they’re doing. If they’re not crossing oceans, there’s no reason for them to have ocean gear. They may imagine circumnavigating, but barely a third of them do. They buy the gear and think it’s overly restrictive, when they’ve just bought the wrong level of gear. The point is, you can overbuy foul-weather gear and sometimes it’s overkill for normal conditions.”

Making the rounds at boat shows, visiting with retailers, and interviewing manufacturers helped me understand important basics like application, material, and fit. These are the useful details you’ll need as you peruse catalogs, head to stores, and stroll through the boat shows on your search for your kit.
How Gear Works
Jerry Richards, national sales manager for Gill North America, elaborated on the main role of good foul-weather gear at the U.S. Sailboat Show in Annapolis, Maryland, last fall.

“The jacket isn’t designed to keep you warm. It’s designed to keep you dry,” he told me when I caught up with him at the Gill booth. “Staying warm is a byproduct. Ask yourself this question: Do you sail at night? The body struggles at 2 a.m. Remember, it’s the base layer and the fleece midlayer that will keep you warm, not the jacket.”

Essentially, once you determine an application—how you’ll use the gear—you’re ready to move on to matters like fit and durability and ultimately, warmth and comfort. When making choices, you’ll probably want garments that leave enough room for a base layer and a midlayer (see “Tips on Fit and Care” on page 84) while allowing you to move in typical on-deck positions such as grinding winches and handling sails.

“Sailing is an active sport,” said Jeff Earl, northeast business development manager for Henri Lloyd North America, in a phone interview. “You want a good range of motion.”

As well, technological advances have made it possible for manufacturers to create jackets and bibs from materials that move moisture away from the body. If fabric is breathable, you might wonder how it can be waterproof, too.

For a simple version of the answer, I consulted retailer Martha Parker, a lifelong racer and offshore sailor. “This is how foul-weather gear breathes,” she explained during an on-site visit to Team One Newport, which sells lines of yachting apparel, uniforms, and gear from its Rhode Island retail operation as well as through its website.

“Imagine a chain-link fence,” she said. “That’s the outer layer. Body moisture moving away from you and out that fence is like ping pong balls. Rain and waves are the basketballs. All they can do is bounce off the fence. They don’t get through.”

Once you understand the concept behind the newer fabrics, the next step is to decide what you want to buy based on the way the fabrics are constructed for a set of jacket and pants. Each manufacturer employs some level of proprietary construction process and material, in offerings ranging from basic to premium gear. It’s good to browse them all and spend some time learning about the differences. Basically, “fabrics can have two to three layers,” said Filippo Bovio, the U.S. distributor for SLAM. “The outer shell is typically made of nylon. And some of the newer materials can stretch, allowing a more snug and more comfortable fit.” (See “Choice of Fabrics”, right). Women sailors, take note: Nearly all the makers carry female sizes and take female form and contours into account in design.
“In our women’s lines, you’ll find the arm lengths a touch shorter, and the hips a touch wider, more flared,” noted Henri Lloyd’s Earl. And drop seats make it possible for women to keep jackets on while visiting the head.

Time to Go Shopping
Parker, who sells most of the brands listed in this roundup as well as others, including gear from outdoor outfitter Patagonia, sums up the dilemma facing today’s sailors on the hunt for the right gear.

“Fabrics have come a long way,” she said. “Everyone has expanded their lines and it gets confusing. A lot of it crosses over to fashion. Twenty-five years ago, you’d never wear your foul-weather gear to go out to dinner. Now, it’s so good, people wear it all the time.”

Cost is important to consider, yet all makers emphasize that the reliability, durability, and comfort that comes with premium gear make it worth the price.
“In the world of technical apparel,” said Bill Lynn, chief marketing officer for Atlantis Weather Gear, “you get what you pay for. Cost is certainly a factor, but more expensive pieces will typically deliver better performance, better construction, and better durability.”

The ability to withstand the test of time and use is critical, according to Brandon Flack of Musto. “Boat shows are a unique opportunity to educate people,” he said. “I tell them all the time, ‘Try all the gear from all the lines. If you buy something right, you’ll be living in it for a while.’”

Durability, alongside fit, is what Flack believes sailors should seek. “Sailing is such a wet environment,” he said in a phone interview. “You don’t generally have the option to disappear halfway through the delivery. This is where you are and you can’t check out and into the lodge. It’s not an option.”

Parker agreed that when it comes to the final choice on gear, personal preferences about fit can’t be overlooked and that’s why “it’s important to try it on.”
“We prefer to offer a generous cut on all our foul-weather gear,” noted Bovio of SLAM gear.

Don’t ignore the details, added Lynn. “Fabric is key to achieving the right level of performance, but it’s only half the equation,” he said. “Each piece also needs to have the right zippers, snaps, cord locks on drawstrings, fleece around the inside of the collar, cuffs, cuff closures, pockets, pit vents, etc., and each of these needs to have been tested in the heat of battle.”

Whatever level of sailing you do, there’s yet another reason to invest in the right gear, according to Gill’s Jerry Richards and other makers. Sailing is a sport and a lifestyle, and gear is supposed to enhance these experiences.

“It can really make a difference, and make sailing more enjoyable for everybody by making it more comfortable and enjoyable in the foulest conditions,” Richards said. “You can be so much more adventurous. It can be life changing.”

Elaine Lembo, Cruising World_’s deputy editor, also writes about chartering._

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