Instead of flash sales and doorbusters, Mustang Survival is again using Black Friday weekend to support clean oceans. The brand announced it will continue its Blue Friday initiative, donating funds to help remove plastic pollution from coastal waters and encouraging other companies to do the same.

Blue Friday launched in 2019 as a way for outdoor and marine brands to redirect the consumer rush toward environmental impact. For the third year, Mustang Survival will lead the effort and rally partners to contribute a portion of holiday sales to a nonprofit dedicated to ocean health.

“For the past two years, Mustang Survival has opted for Blue Friday instead of Black Friday,” said Anja Mueller, Mustang Survival’s director of marketing and e-commerce. “Our role is to grow the movement, amplify its impact, and invite more companies to take part.”

For 2025, all donations will support the Ocean Legacy Foundation, a Vancouver-based organization focused on removing and recycling ocean plastic. The campaign will help fund large-scale cleanups along British Columbia’s coast. According to the foundation, every $4 donated removes one pound of waste from the Pacific and redirects it to their recycling facility in Richmond, British Columbia.

“It’s rewarding to bring more intention to a season that’s often focused on spending,” Mueller said. “By helping continue the Blue Friday legacy, we’re giving people a chance to shop with purpose and support cleaner oceans.”

Mustang Survival is calling on like-minded marine and outdoor brands to participate and contribute to the Ocean Legacy Foundation this year. Sailors and consumers can also back the effort by choosing to shop with Blue Friday partners.

More information and partner registration details are available at blue-friday.ca.

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The 2025 Annapolis Sailboat Show will host an all-new experience when Current Yachts launches its four-day Treasure Hunt on October 9–12. Designed to bring together boat show attendees, the Annapolis community, and the sailing industry, the campaign combines a traditional scavenger hunt with meaningful charitable giving. More than $6,000 in prizes from leading marine brands and local businesses will be awarded, along with $6,000 in donations to sailing-focused nonprofit organizations.

“We’re thrilled to bring this unique experience to the Annapolis Sailboat Show,” said Maryline Bossar, Current Yachts co-founder and creator of the Treasure Hunt. “We wanted to offer a fun and engaging way for attendees to explore the boat show and the city of Annapolis. The Treasure Hunt is a terrific platform as well: not only do our partners get to showcase their incredible products and services, but the nonprofits we support are able to share their mission with more people.”

How the Treasure Hunt Works

Each day of the show, Current Yachts will post new clues—online and on-site—leading participants to three “treasures” hidden around the show grounds and downtown Annapolis. Participants will use latitude and longitude coordinates to pinpoint prize locations. Daily prizes are valued at more than $1,500, and winners can also direct a $500 donation to one of three local sailing nonprofits.

Prizes and Nonprofit Beneficiaries

Participating brands include Mustang Survival, Sirius XM Marine, Latitudes & Attitudes, Newcoast, and KEEPa, along with Annapolis favorites such as Harry Browne’s, Galway Bay, and Sailor Oyster Bar.

Each of the three daily winners will direct a $500 donation to their choice of nonprofit:

• Downtown Sailing Center (Baltimore): Urban sailing education, adaptive sailing, and women-focused programs.
  
• Sail Beyond Cancer: Therapeutic sailing programs for cancer patients and survivors.
  
• CRAB (Chesapeake Region Accessible Boating): Adaptive sailing for individuals with disabilities in the greater Chesapeake region.

“This campaign represents more than marketing – it’s about strengthening the sailing community,” Bossar added. “By connecting the public and our industry partners with meaningful nonprofits, we’re investing in the future of sailing while celebrating the sport’s inclusive spirit.”

Where and When to Play

The Treasure Hunt runs October 9–12 during the Annapolis Sailboat Show. Winners can redeem prizes at the Current Yachts booth. All attendees are welcome to participate, with standard exclusions for staff and exhibitors. Participants are eligible for only one prize during the four-day event.

Daily clues will be posted each morning on Instagram at @CurrentYachts, keeping anticipation high and driving engagement on the show floor and online.

For more details about the Treasure Hunt, participating partners, and nonprofits, visit currentyachts.com.

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Boaters across North America will soon encounter a shift in how personal flotation devices (PFDs) are classified and approved for use. As regulatory agencies move away from the traditional “Type” system toward a unified, buoyancy-based “Level” system, manufacturers and safety experts are working to clarify what this means for recreational and professional mariners.

The U.S. Coast Guard has begun phasing out Type designations (Type I, II, III, etc.) in favor of Level 50, 70, and 100 classifications—terms that reflect a device’s minimum buoyancy in Newtons and its intended use case. Transport Canada is in the process of aligning with these same standards, though some categories are still under consideration.

Under the new system:

• Level 50 devices offer minimal flotation and must be worn to meet carriage requirements.
  
• Level 70 devices most closely match the now-retired Type III PFDs and are suitable for most recreational uses.
  
• Level 100 devices are designed for commercial applications and offer an airway-protected float position.

While existing Type-approved PFDs remain legal, new certifications will use Level designations going forward.

To help boaters understand the changes, Mustang Survival—long known for its innovations in flotation—has published a detailed guide breaking down the differences and providing downloadable graphics that explain buoyancy levels, legal compliance, and suitability for different activities.

The company has also introduced the Elite 190 Inflatable PFD, which meets Level 70 requirements while delivering nearly 190 Newtons of buoyancy—exceeding the category’s minimum. While marketed toward higher-performance users, the Elite 190 reflects the kind of transparency and innovation manufacturers will need to offer as responsibility shifts to consumers to choose the right gear.

The new regulatory language emphasizes minimum standards, placing greater importance on informed decision-making by users. Boaters are encouraged to read labels carefully and evaluate gear based on the environments and conditions in which they’ll be operating.

Learn more at: mustangsurvival.com

Read Mustang’s full article and download their guide

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Sailors with a taste for bluewater adventure can now mark their calendars: Registration is officially open for the 2026 edition of the Mustang Survival Annapolis to Bermuda Ocean Race (A2B). Scheduled to start June 5, 2026, the biennial offshore event invites racers and cruisers alike to take on the 753-nautical-mile passage from the Chesapeake Bay to Bermuda.

First held in 1979, A2B combines the tactical complexity of sailing down the Bay with a true ocean leg that includes crossing the Gulf Stream en route to the island’s pink sand shores. The course and its challenges—navigational, meteorological, and personal—have made the race a rite of passage for many East Coast sailors.

“In every edition, sailors fulfill a lifelong ambition of navigating to Bermuda under sail,” said Bert Bossar, Chair of the A2B Race Organization Committee. “Whether it’s a seasoned offshore crew or a cruiser making their first bluewater attempt, A2B offers a rare mix of adventure and preparation.”

The 2026 race is once again backed by Mustang Survival, a long-standing brand in the marine safety space. In addition to title sponsorship, Mustang Survival will co-host a Safety and Boat Preparation Seminar at Annapolis’ Eastport Yacht Club (EYC) on November 15, 2025, helping crews prepare for the physical and mental demands of the race.

Both EYC and Bermuda’s Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club will serve as host clubs, offering racers full-service shoreside support, community engagement, and warm welcomes at either end of the passage.

A2B has long promoted the art and discipline of ocean navigation, seamanship, and safety. With more than 600 yachts and thousands of sailors having participated over the years, the event remains one of the longest and most challenging offshore races on the East Coast.

Skippers interested in learning more, registering for the race, or reviewing past race results and preparation materials can visit bermudaoceanrace.com.

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Mustang Survival, which has long been known for its maritime safety equipment, just made two announcements. First, it unveiled the ISO-approved Atlas 190 DLX Hammar Life Jacket. Second, it is offering a redesigned Meris Collection.

The Atlas 190 DLX Hammar Life Jacket is part of a line that debuted in the U.S. in 2024. Now, the life jacket is available online and in retailers across North America, as well.

This inflatable life jacket has a re-engineered bladder for enhanced turning performance and airway protection. It also has 42 pounds of buoyancy and ADAPT Technology (Advanced Airway Protection and Turning), with bladder lobes shaped to turn the wearer face-up; baffle barriers near the chin to dissipate incoming waves to the face; a wide pillow to provide greater stability for the wearer’s head; and dogleg design for improved in-water comfort and stability.

“The primary goal was to make it super comfortable,” Nigel Parkes, developer of the Atlas, stated in a press release. “I wanted to design a product that is very free around the neck when worn in its packed state but still offers ultimate performance when inflated. The secondary goal was to challenge conventional bladder designs and increase the safety features without impacting comfort, resulting in a revolutionary new design.”

Additional safety features include an integrated sprayhood and a SOLAS-approved water-activated light. There’s built-in compatibility for AIS and personal locator beacons, and the Hammar MA1 automatic inflator has hydrostatic technology to protect against unintended activation due to rain, spray or humidity.

The Meris Collection is Mustang Survival’s answer to foul weather. It’s constructed with PFAS-free marine-spec BP fabric to keep racers and cruisers dry and comfortable. 

“Meris is a long-standing name in our sailing foul weather lineup,” Hunter Lowden, senior product manager technical apparel, stated in a press release. “It’s trusted by our users for its relentless performance in adverse weather, when dependable waterproof protection is critical to their performance. It doesn’t matter if you’re racing or cruising; when you’re out on the water for prolonged periods and conditions deteriorate, staying dry and protected from the elements is no longer a convenience. It’s a necessity.”

The Meris Waterproof Jacket now has a fit that accommodates a wider range of users, including women, with an extended size range from XS to 2XL. The updated design also has a more relaxed fit for layering while maintaining mobility and reducing bulk.

The updated Meris Waterproof Salopette has dual pockets with a clear window and pocket divider in the left pocket, and a tool tie in the right pocket. Behind-the-knee, hem and waist adjustment tabs allow for more customization, with adjustable straps to improve further improve fit. External removable knee pads add yet more customizable without bulk.

What’s the retail price of the Atlas 190 DLX Hammar Life Jacket? It’s $369 for the universal adult size in black or red-black.

What’s the retail price of the Meris Waterproof Jacket? It’s $699 in Neptune navy and red.

What’s the retail price of the Meris Waterpoof Salopette? It’s $649 in Neptune navy.

Where to learn more: go to mustangsurvival.com.

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Mustang Survival is unveiling a new generation of inflatable PFDs, with the designs intended to match the needs of sailors and anglers in all kinds of environments.

First up is the Atlas 190 DLX Life Jacket, which is intended for offshore use. This life jacket’s design earned Mustang Survival the Red Dot Award in 2024, as well as a special mention at the 2023 DAME Design Awards.

It has an innovative bladder design that defines the company’s ADAPT Technology. There are four main features: bladder lobes shaped to turn the wearer face up effectively; baffle barriers near the chin to dissipate incoming waves to the face; a wide pillow to provide greater stability for the user’s head; and dogleg design for improved in-water comfort and stability.

The Atlas 190 DLX life jacket also has an integrated, easy-to-secure spray hood to prevent secondary drowning. A SOLAS-approved, water-activated light is mounted to the highest point of the life jacket.

Mustang Survival says the ergonomic design improves all-day comfort, especially in the neck and shoulders. The cover has a thin lining of foam with inherent buoyancy, which means sailors can toss this life jacket to someone and it will float on the water’s surface, even if it’s uninflated.

Also new—but intended for coastal and inshore use—is Mustang Survival’s Elite 190 PFD. It’s designed for sailing, fishing and boating with the same bladder design as the Atlas line. This PFD allows for all-day wear without straining the neck and shoulders. There’s built-in compatibility for AIS and a personal locator beacon.

Yet another new option from Mustang Survival is the Elite 120 PFD, which is a redesign of the Elite 28 model. It still provides 28 pounds of buoyancy and is meant for anglers, sailors and boaters who want all-day comfort during inshore and coastal cruising. This PDF also has Mustang Survival’s ADAPT Technology, and the design stays put at high speeds. The low-profile and lightweight chassis, paired with a mesh back, increases breathability for hot days or especially active moments, like when there’s a big boy who’s a real fighter on the hook.

Yes, this did happen: Mustang Survival specifically tested the Elite 120 PDF with anglers and fast-boat users.

Learn more about these Mustang Survival PDFs: visit mustangsurvival.com

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The apparel in Mustang Survival’s Meris Collection is designed and constructed to handle big-weather days. New this year are the Meris Jacket and the Meris Salopette, both with an eye toward tackling serious saltwater environments.

For the Meris Jacket, Mustang Survival’s team used waterproof and breathable three-layer, PFAS-free marine-spec fabric. This jacket has a redesigned and relaxed fit, with the idea of giving sailors more mobility and keeping them more comfortable—but without sacrificing durability. The jacket comes in an extended size range from XS to 2XL.

This jacket is also designed to be worn with layers, and it’s compatible with numerous inflatable flotation styles. It has a waterproof YKK Aquaseal zipper; an adjustable inner neoprene cuff system to keep water out; and a stowable hood that’s not only fitted to turn with a sailor’s head, but that also has peripheral windows to ensure a wide field of vision out on deck.

Zippered and fleece-lined hand-warmer pockets should make cold-weather cruising more comfortable, while low-profile cargo pockets are designed with space for tools, tape, sail ties or lines. Exterior hang loops allow for easy drying in wet lockers when the watch is over.

The jacket can be purchased alone or in tandem with the new Meris Salopette, which is an evolution of Meris Waterproof Bibs. It adds an improved, relaxed fit to accommodate layers, along with new features for better mobility when switching out sails and handling lines or winches.

For the Salopette, Mustang Survival’s team used breathable and waterproof PFAS-free marine-spec fabric as well as reinforcements of 500D Cordura for durability. The YKK Aquaseal zipper is two-way along the center front of the salopette, eliminating the need for a storm flap.

To cater to individual sailor preferences, the design also has adjustable knees, waist and hem. Removable, lightweight knee pads add impact protection, while pockets are placed to make grabbing gear easy.

The Meris Salopette is available in sizes from XS to XXL. Mustang Survival’s team notes that it’s a design women sometimes prefer.

Does the Meris Salopette have adjustable shoulder straps? Indeed, it does. Add them to the list of features for onboard comfort.

Where to learn more: click over to mustangsurvival.com

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Mustang Survival, whose gear ranges from PFDs to waterproof clothes, has introduced the Quadra Dry Suit.

The Quadra Dry Suit is a multipurpose item for shorter-duration activities in the water. It comes in men’s and women’s versions, and is made with the same three-layer Marine Spec BP fabric that Mustang Survival uses in its other dry suits.

Mustang Survival says the design is inspired by gear the company has created for military and public safety agencies, with similar testing for durability and features.

Also according to Mustang Survival, the Quadra Dry Suit is intended to hold up in saltwater environments. It has trimmable latex neck and wrist seals for the best fit, along with a collar and cuffs that can be repaired or replaced without a hassle. The waist belt is also adjustable to accommodate various body types. Heavy-duty reinforcements include 500D Cordura panels on the seat and knees.

For drying the suit on board, there’s an external hanging loop. Getting in and out of the suit is by way of a waterproof YKK Aquaseal zipper.

“Dry suits often come with a hefty price tag, and understandably so as a lot of engineering and materials go into a specialized garment that keeps you completely dry,” Anja Mueller, head of marketing at Mustang Survival, stated in a press release. “With the Quadra, we offer people new to cold water marine activities the same quality materials at a budget-friendlier price.”

What’s the pricing for the Quadra Dry Suit? Retail price is $849.99. The men’s version comes in ocean blue/admiral gray as well as red/admiral gray. The women’s version comes in bluefin blue/admiral gray.

Where to learn more: Click over to www.mustangsurvival.com.

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