Apparel + Accessories

Sticky Weekends

by Sail Staff, Posted March 10, 2007

Choosing sailing footwear is game of compromises: don deck shoes and your dogs will howl in the heat; wear open-toed sandals and you risk a trip to the podiatrist if you “discover” any deck hardware. To this end, Timberland recently launched its new line of Mion sailing footwear. Featuring an ergomorphic footbed that molds to your foot, a sculpted superstructure that holds your foot firmly in

Automatic Airbags

by Sail Staff, Posted January 10, 2007

For years, inflatable PFDs have provided sailors with a comfortable way to stay safe without wearing bulky gear. But there are more than a few stories of unwanted deployments. And how would you pull the jacket’s back-up manual “inflate” tab if you were knocked unconscious while getting tossed in the drink? Mustang Survival’s new Auto Hydrostatic Inflatable Personal Flotation Device automatically

Sun Duds

by Sail Staff, Posted July 10, 2007

Camet’s new Hobart Extreme Short and Code Zero shirt are purpose-built for sailors and thrive in wet, sunny environs. The shorts feature a gusseted crotch, a reinforced seat, an adjustable waist, and a UV rating of 40+. They weigh virtually nothing (Camet claims 9 ounces) and dry quickly. The shirt (your choice of long or short sleeves) is made from an airy-feeling meshlike material that quickly

Safe Haven

by Sail Staff, Posted July 10, 2007

It’s not easy to find the right sea bag. If it’s too big, you’ll inevitably fill it; if it’s too small for all your gear, you can look forward to cold, miserable night watches. Harken’s new Waterproof Duffel bag can hold everything you need for a multiday trip and is small enough to double as a daysailing tote. The fabric is polyurethane-impregnated nylon, the panels are welded, the seams are

Soft Touch

by Sail Staff, Posted September 16, 2007

How many times have you found yourself sailing in a spitting rain that’s not wet enough to warrant an offshore jacket but is cold enough to require some protection? The Atlantis Grand Prix Softshell Jacket is made of stretchy, ripstop polyester with a weatherproofing membrane and a brushed polyester microfleece backing for comfort; it works well as both an outer layer for misty, light rain and an

Weatherly Gear

by Sail Staff, Posted November 18, 2007

Foul weather often demands only a thin layer of protection, yet many sailing jackets are heavier and bulkier than needed for inshore racing or coastal cruising. The lightweight Atlantis Microburst shell is designed for use in light rain, wind, fog, and mist. It is available with or without a hood, has oversized pockets, an athletic cut, armpit zips for shedding excess heat, and is made from

Elegant Judgment

by Sail Staff, Posted December 18, 2007

Rolex’s new elegant-yet-functional Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master II makes it easier to hit the line exactly as the starting gun fires. Available in either yellow or white gold, the watch has impeccable style and features an innovative programmable countdown memory (controlled by rotating the bezel). Prices range from $31,500 to $34,850, depending on the model. Rolex,

Warm Zone

by Sail Staff, Posted January 18, 2008

When it’s wet and cold outside, few fibers keep you as comfortable as wool. Smart-Wool garments are not scratchy like some woolen clothing and will keep you well insulated and free of damp, itch, and odor thanks to its internal merino wool construction. Clothing of various types for men, women, and children offer amazing warmth for the weight. See the Web site for products and prices. Smart-

Winter Warmer

by Sail Staff, Posted March 18, 2008

Early-season sailing’s burly temps and biting winds demand extra-warm clothing, like this Solo jacket from Arc’Teryx. The Solo is an insulating layer intended to be worn under a shell or foul-weather jacket; it relies on ThermaTek insulation, a hydrophobic, hollow-fiber filament that packs big heat, for its minimal weight and bulk. The Solo features articulated elbows for ease of movement, dual

New Cat on the Block

by Sail Staff, Posted November 18, 2008

If you follow high-end ocean racing, you’ve heard about Puma’s debut entry in the Volvo Ocean Race, but what you may not know is that Puma went the full mile, designing and building all of the team’s gear, which is available to the general public. The Cruising Jacket, built from two-layer Gore-Tex will keep you dry when things get snotty. The jacket features a high collar and packable hood, and