For the latest in designer sailing apparel, we are reviewing pieces from Helly Hansen, Musto, and Gill Marine's spring collections. Clothing selections include stylish designs and garments suitable for all types of weather conditions and durable and hardwearing enough for competitive performance sailing.
Helly Hansen / Gill Marine / MUSTO
Helly Hansen
Superbly designed sailing garments from Helly Hansen featuring their newly added Foil Pro Soft Shell jacket and Womens HP Hybrid insulator for the ultimate in warmth and wet weather protection.
Helly Hansen Foil Pro Soft Shell Jacket
This fantastically constructed and versatile sailing jacket from Helly Hansen offers exceptional weather protection while on board. The 4-way stretch outer material has a rubbery texture and provides ease of movement for comfortable maneuvering. HellyTech's professional three-layer fabric is guaranteed to be breathable and almost 100% waterproof. All water entry points, including zips and seams, have been completely sealed, so you remain completely dry while sailing, even in challenging weather conditions. Tiny drainage holes ensure that pockets remain moisture-free, and Stealth Cuff Waterstop construction keeps arms and sleeves fully protected. A storm flap and chin guard protects from wind and rain, keeping the warmth in and unfavorable elements out. The jacket's interior has a soft, warm feel and a discrete black over grey HH logo completes the design.
Helly Hansen Crew Insulator Jacket
This Crew Insulator jacket features Primaloft insulation and water-repellent fabric to keep out the wind and rain. The garment's quality construction is completed by the easy-to-grab, full-length Metalux zipper. Beautifully designed to provide maximum warmth and comfort, this jacket is perfect for chilly mornings or extended upwind sailing. The design features a Helly Hansen logo emblazoned across the collar and on the upper zipper flap. The recognizable HH is also visible on the right side of the front collar and rear left shoulder. Available in Navy Blue or Ebony Black with red detail. For a lighter look, the jacket comes in a Grey Fog color with black detail. For those with a marine lifestyle, this jacket can be combined perfectly with the Foil Pro Jacket, and may also be paired with the Crew Hooded Midlayer Jacket for an extra layer of warmth and protection.
A women's version of the Crew Insulator Jacket is available in Navy Blue or White and is constructed using the same Primaloft material featuring a diamond-stitched pattern. The jacket's styling follows a more feminine design and has the same wind and water-resistant properties as the men's. Elasticated collars and hems keep out rain and spray, and there are 2 zippered hand pockets to the sides.
Crew Hooded Midlayer Men's/Women's Jacket
For colder weather sailing, this Polartec fleece-lined jacket is guaranteed to keep you warm and dry. Waterproof and windproof, the sealed outer layer will bead away water droplets, and the fully sealed seams prevent ingress of moisture. Made with a 2-layer construction, the HellyTech fabric and Polar mid-layer provides maximum heat retention. The jacket's hip-length design features a one-handed drawstring for safe operation and has a full hood that folds neatly into the jacket collar when not in use. Taller people may find the jacket length slightly short, but overall this garment will provide warmth, rain protection, and full functionality for long days on the water. Store essential items easily in the water-sealed zip pockets, and display your race card in the rear, below the collar, ID holder.
The women's version of the Crew Hooded Jacket features the same excellent waterproof and insulation properties. It is designed using a light fresh grey and white material that is highlighted with red zipper cords, and neon flashes for a chic and eye-catching look. The Helly Hansen logo is featured on the rear collar again inside the front zipper flap. A black HH stamp has been added to the jacket's right upper arm and left back shoulder. For lighter summer days, the Women's Crew Hooded jacket also comes in a vest version that sports the same color palette as the full jacket and featured an interior mesh lining. 3 zip pockets are available, with 2 at the waist and one on the left side chest. The Helly Hansen logos are visible on the right collar, the inside zip flap, and across the inside waistband.
HP Hybrid Insulator
Also from the Helly Hansen Spring Collection is the stunning HP Hybrid Insulator vest featuring Sorona insulation from Dupont. The padded insulator jacket is durable and lightweight and designed with stitched padded sections that run the jacket's length and along the arms to ensure maximum insulation. Lightweight and flexible, the Hybrid Insulator has been constructed with thinner, lighter material beneath the arms to allow for full range movement. The insulator works exceptionally well with the Women's Crew jacket, though we would recommend before purchasing to try both pieces together for accurate sizing. Windproof, lightweight, and treated for water repellency, this jacket has been engineered to be race-oriented and long-lasting.
Women's Crew Insulator Jacket & Vest
This beautifully styled and padded insulator jacket is warm, soft, and lightweight. Made from recycled materials that are both wind-resistant and water repellant, this feminine classic vest features elasticated waist hems and armhole openings to ensure a secure fit. Designed to retain maximum heat, it is perfect for protecting sailors from poor weather conditions on cold or windy days. Primaloft insulation keeps in the warmth, and the padded front is detailed with contrasting piping for a modern, stylish look. The Women's Crew Jacket or Vest works beautifully combined with the Crew Hooded jacket to provide a higher level of insulated warmth and keep off water from rain or spray.
HP Ocean FZ Hoodie
A clean technical-looking sports hoodie with full zip and lined for warmth and comfort. Great for protection from cool or breezy weather conditions. The garments' outer layer is constructed using 74% Cotton, 19% Polyamide, 7% Elastane, which gives a lightweight neoprene feeling. The ribbed cuffs and raglan sleeves allow for complete freedom of movement, and 2 slant zip pockets are available for easy item storage. For colder days on the ocean, this hoodie can be combined perfectly with the Foil Pro jacket to provide waterproof protection and additional warmth. Using the hoodie with the Crew Hooded jacket is possible but not advisable due to garment friction that could restrict movement. Sporty and sleek this hoodie creates a cool casual look on or off the water, and the Helly Hansen Hydropower sailing logo is featured on the hoodie's arm.
Women's Crew Fleece Jacket
An insulated fleece top that provides excellent warmth retention with top-quality durability and comfort. The high-level collar keeps out wind and cold, and a handy chest pocket sits atop the 2 x zippered hand warmers. The slick face fleece construction helps to repel ocean spray, and this versatile jacket has enough room to wear on top of additional layers. The high-caliber construction allows full freedom of movement for active sailing days.
Riftline Polo
Designed using Tactel waffle pique fabric to keep it soft, light, and breathable, this classic short-sleeve polo shirt is perfect for active days aboard the yacht and will keep you cool and dry. With a rib collar and cuffs, this is the quintessential garment that all sailors should have in their collection. Great for a casual look on warm summer days, this polo shirt features a UPF rating of 50+ for maximum protection from the sun's rays. The 3-button front placket can be worn closed or open depending on the required look. This popular style shirt can be combined with shorts or a jacket for a stylish and casual appearance.
Women's Siren Polo
With a warm and inviting texture, this traditional women's polo shirt feels soft and warm to the touch. With a stylish design and classic look, this shirt will be perfect for warm and sunny days on deck. The quick-drying fabric deflects wind and light spray, and there is a 4 button placket to compliment the minimalist design. Comfortable and versatile, this polo shirt is available in 3 colors and will combine nicely with any outfit choice. The entire piece is lightweight and cool, and the HH logo is subtly nestled on the sleeve hem.
Men's HP Dynamic Short/Women's HP Dynamic Shorts
Available in both men's and women's versions, these Dynamic HP shorts are guaranteed to keep you cool and dry during high-performance sailing expeditions. These quick-drying technical shorts are reinforced at the seat for durability. The stretch fabric allows for full movement and functionality. 2 x slant hip pockets and 2 x cargo leg pockets allow for easy item storage, and there is a built-in D ring at the waistband. A UPF 40+ rating provides sun protection and the HH logo featured on the right leg. The women's version of the shorts has been designed using the same fabric and feature an adjustable waistband with belt loops, with 2 x hip pockets and 1 x zippered thigh pocket for carrying necessary items.
Gill Marine
Gill Marine's product line includes weather-resistant and durable clothing like the Men's Coastal Jacket, created using innovative layered fabric systems. Their Championship sailing gloves demonstrate their dedication to quality design with advanced pre-molded formation.
Men's Coastal Jacket
This solidly constructed bad weather jacket will protect you from even the most challenging weather conditions. Double layers, hand water blockers, velcro cuff fasteners, and reinforced elbow areas mean that this jacket is designed to keep the water out. An extended collar rises as high as the ears, and a fluorescent green hood provides maximum nighttime visibility. The same fluorescent green highlights the jacket's edge piping, and the Xplore 2 layer fabric system is lightweight and durable while retaining excellent waterproof and durability features. Stain-resistant, odor-resistant, and breathable, this jacket has been designed to provide the ultimate on-the-water protection for the most challenging sailing days.
Eco Pro Rash Vest
The Pro Rash vest has been constructed from yarn created by recycling PET plastic materials. The 4-way stretch fabric has been designed to sit close to the body, providing fully functional movement. It can be worn by itself or as a layer of insulation beneath other garments. The high neck long sleeve design fits like a second skin and has built-in UV protection. Comfortable and lightweight this vest is suitable for a range of pursuits and promises long-lasting durability even with continued use.
Race Shorts
Lightweight and flexible these Race Shorts will be the ideal item of clothing for spring and summer days on the water. Breathable and durable with a reinforced seat panel, versions are available for both men and women. The water repellent fabric is hardwearing and there is a cargo leg pocket with an additional zippered front compartment for safe storage of items. Perfect for summer sailing days these shorts allow for full movement and offer UV protection.
Sailing Gloves
For complete hand protection while on-board, these sailing gloves are light and durable. Made with reinforced Dura-Grip for enhanced security and long-lasting performance, these gloves are easily adjustable to ensure the perfect fit. Pre-molded to the hand's shape, there is a shortened cuff to allow maximum flexibility and range of motion. Offset seams reduce wear and pressure to key points, and the 60% neoprene helps with water resistance.
Offshore Boot
Providing a secure grip and a thermo-molded construction, the Gill Offshore Boot is designed for maximum traction in wet and dry conditions. The razor cut reinforced outsoles are supported by surrounding reinforcement to toe, heel, and instep, while an external gaiter deflects water and provides fast drainage. An elastic cord and hem gripper securely fasten for a watertight seal, reducing water ingress. The thermal neoprene upper offers impact protection and an interior thermal lining to keeps feet warm and dry even in heavy conditions.
MUSTO
Decades of engineering experience have given Musto the edge when it comes to high-speed competitive clothing. Advanced material technology creates top-grade protective outerwear like the LPX GORE-TEX Infinuim™Aero jacket, while the Flexilite Vapour collection highlights how recycled materials can be incorporated into high-performance sailing-wear.
LPX Gore-Tex Infinium Jacket
Designed from the lightest performance fabric available, the LPX Gore-tex jacket is made for high octane racing. Paclite+ fabric and taped seams ensure protection from rain and spray while the jacket remains breathable and comfortable. Ideal for cruising at high speeds, this performance garment is constructed with flexibility and functionality in mind, this comfortable waterproof jacket beads and wicks moisture away using Gore membrane technology.
LPX PrimaLoft Stretch Midlayer Jacket
Boasting a body-mapped design that promises the utmost in movement and flexibility, the PrimaLoft jacket has been designed to maintain warmth during cooler weather conditions. Inshore sailing teams that wear head-to-toe LPX when competing demanded a jacket to complete the LPX product range. Constructed to be exceptionally flexible and comfortable, the underarm gussets and articulated sleeves provide a full range of motion when on board. Perfect for competitive and extended sailing participants.
LPX Sunblock Dynamic T-shirts
Using Singtex Ice-Cafe yarn made partly from post-consumer coffee beans and provides a next-to-the-skin solution for sailing in warmer climates. The recycled yarn uses the cooling properties of Xylitol, which can lower the body temperature by 3 degrees. Also, the coffee beans help to combat odor and maintain freshness. For sun defense, the material is SPF 50 rated and protects the wearer from harmful UV rays. The classic T-shirt design can be worn alone or under other garments to create an additional layer. Cool and casual with an eco-friendly spin.
Flexlite Vapour:
The Musto Flexite Vapour collection has been developed in collaboration with the British Sailing Team and comprises seven pieces. The entire product line is created using post-consumer recycled materials and is designed to keep sailors at optimum temperatures in both hot and cold conditions. Construction of the garments included Ventiprenem, a highly breathable material that is four times more efficient than neoprene. Musto has also pioneered the use of water-based glue in their clothing which eliminates harmful compounds created by solvent-based lamination glue. The Flexilite product line features shorts, long johns, and tops that are all designed for high-performance sailing.
The clothing items featured for review have been selected for their quality, performance, and cutting-edge design characteristics. Each brand has an exceptional track record in terms of design, construction, and continued technological advancements in materials and weather protection, making them a top choice for competitive sailors.