Respecting the Elements.™

A complete what to wear guide and technical background to marine clothing.

By Nick Gill3rd Edition

Respecting the Elements.™

What to wear guide contents

2 Introduction

3 Fabric selection and testing

3 Why fabric is so important

4 How fabrics have changed

4 Types of fabrics

4 •Coatingsandlaminates

5 •Breathability

6 •Garmentbreathability

6 •Whatiswaterproof

7 •Micro-fibres

7 •Softshell

8 •Testing

10 •Layering

11 What to Wear

12 •DinghySailing

14 •KeelandSportsBoatRacing

15 •InshoreandCoastalCruising

16 •OffshoreandOceanSailing

18 •PowerandGeneralBoating

19 •ColdWeathersailing

20 •Technicalwarmweatherclothing

22 •CharterKitbagselection

23 Care and Maintenance

Introduction

Thisisthethirdeditionofmy“whattowear”guide.

EvenafterthirtyplusyearsintheindustryIamlearning

somethingnewonmaterialsandproductdesignalmost

everyday.Theseareexcitingtimeswithmanyadvances

infabrictechnology.Ispendmuchofmytimevisiting

factoriesandfabricsuppliersensuringweareup-to-

datewiththelatesttechnology.Ialsovisitandtalkto

customersregularlyandgetfeedbackonwhatcustomers

arelookingat.

MypassionisstillsailingandIliketogetonthewater

ateveryopportunity.Laboratoryanddesigntheoriesare

allverywellbutitdoesnotmatchusingtheproductin

reallife.Seeinghowitwearsonadailybasis,howisthe

comfort,warmthandbreathabilityetc.

Thefirstsectiondealswiththefabrics,whytheyareso

importantandhowtheyhavechangedinrecentyears.It

alsoexplainsinsomedetailtheconsiderableamountof

testinginvolvedatGillandeverythingwedotoensure

thegarmentsarefitforthehighseas.

The“whattowear”sectionsaresplitbetweentypes

ofsailingandthenwarmandcoolconditions.Italso

showswhatshouldbewornateachlayertoensure

optimumcomfort.

Finallyasectiononhowbesttocareforthegarments

toprolongtheirlife.

NickGill,May2008Nick Gill, May 2008

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Respecting the Elements.™

Fabric selection and testing. Why is fabric so important?

Therearetwokeyelementstosailingclothing,the

garmentdesignandthefabricitself.Thefabricrepresents

overfiftypercentofthecostofthegarment,andifthat

failsthensodoesthegarment.Thebestlookinggarment

intheworldisnotmuchhelpwhenyouarebattlinginto

awesterlygaleandsoakingwetting.That’swhyatGill

wetakefabricsoseriously.

Fiveyearsagowetookthedecisiontomoveawayfrom

highprofilebrandedfabrics.Notonlyweretheyadding

significantlytothecost,buttheyalsolimitedthechoiceof

materialswecoulduse.Mostbrandedwaterprooffabrics

wereoriginallydevelopedforthelargeroutdoorclothing

industry,sowhenitcametointroducingsailingwear

fabricsthechoicewaslimited.ForexamplewhenGill

introducedtheGore-Tex®Oceanrangein1997wehada

choiceoftwomaterials,heavyandnotquitesoheavy.

Wefoundthistoolimitingandwantedtheabilityto

adaptfabricsspecificallyforthemarineenvironment.

Ifyouareoutwalkinganditrainsyoucanonlygetwet

fromabove.Whenyouaresailing,wateriscomingatyou

fromallangles.Sprayorsolidwavesarecomingoverthe

bow,youaresittinginwateranditcouldberainingas

well.Thenthereisthewateritself,inmostcasesitissalt

water.Saltwatermoleculeshaveamuchlargersurface

areathanfreshwaterandhaveanabrasivepropertywith

it.Youareprobablybeginningtogetthepicturethatoff

theshelffabricsarenotgoingtodothejobaswellas

specificallyadaptedmaterials.

Confusing names and diagrams

Workingdirectlywithdifferentfabricsuppliersand

coaterswecankeepadaptingthefabricuntilitpassesall

ourstringenttests.Ifthewaterresistanceisnothigh

enoughafterartificialageingwecanaddanotherlayer.

Iftheabrasionresistanceontheoutsideisnotgood

enoughwecanchangethattoo.Forexamplewefound

thesoftertexturisedfabricswhichhadbecomeincreasingly

popularwerefineondecksbuttendedtofluffupwhere

hookVelcro®hadrubbedagainstitorwhereharness

webbinghadchaffed.Wecouldthenchangetheouter

fabrictoaflatteranddenserweavethatwouldresist

thistypeofabrasion.

3

Respecting the Elements.™

How have fabrics changed?

Fabricshavechangedenormouslyoverthelasttwenty

yearsorso.Iamnotjustreferringtothewaterproof

technologybutalsotheweight,handleandfeel.Inthe

daysofPVCcoatedfabrics,likethefishermenstillwear

today,thecoatingwouldbeontheoutside.Thematerial

wasprobablymadeupofeightypercentcoatingand

twentypercenttextile.Todayitisthecompleteopposite,

withlightercoatingsandatextilefabricontheoutside.

Thegeneraltrendistolighter,moretexturedfabricsand

thiswillcontinue.

Types of fabrics

Todayallfabricsarebreathablesothechoicecomesdown

moretothehandleandfeel.Thisinturnisaffectedby

theweight,densityoftheweave,andwhethertheproofing

isacoatingorlaminate.

Coatings

arethemoretraditionalapproach.APolyurethane

basedresinisspreadontoawovenfabric,abitlike

butterisspreadontotoast.Itfirsthastofillintheweave

undulationstosealitandthenbuildupalayerthat

coversitallevenly.

Coating profile

Laminate profile

Laminates

Amorerecentdevelopmentistheintroductionof

laminates.Alaminatedwaterprooffabricismadeby

spreadingthecoatingresinontoalongrollofnon

absorbentpaper.Thismeansthecoatingthicknesscan

befinelycontrolled.Thepaperandwaterprooffilmis

thenlaminatedtothetextilewovenfabricandthepaper

isremoved.Theendresultisafabricthatislighter,

whilstbeingjustaswaterproof.Itismoreflexible,softer

andmuchmorecomfortabletowear.

Two layers or three?

Conventionalwaterprooffabricsfallintotwomain

categories.TwolayerorThreelayer.Atwolayerfabric

isawoventextilewithalaminatedorcoatedfinishon

theinside.Inmostcasesthegarmentwouldthenhave

alining.Thisprotectsthecoatedsurfaceandmakesit

morecomfortabletowearasanunlinedfabricmayfeel

abitclammy.Theadvantageoftwolayerfabricsarethat

theyaregenerallylighterandlessexpensivetoproduce.

ExampleswouldbeInshore/CoastalSailingWaterproof

ClothingandDinghyWear.

Threelayerfabricstakethetwolayermaterialand

laminateandaddTricotScrimontheinsideofthe

fabrictoprotectthecoatedsurface.Inevitablyitmakes

thefabricalittleheavierbutthiscanbeoffsetbecause

thegarmentdoesnotneedalining.Itisamodern

misconceptionthatlinedgarmentsarebetter,theycan

reducebreathability,increaseweightandaddalayer

togetcaughtandsnagged.Threelayergarmentsare

considerablymoreexpensivetoproduce.Thespeedat

whichtheseamscanbesealedisslowerandthesealing

tapeitselfismuchmorecostly.

Examplesaregarmentswhereahigherdegreeof

durabilityisrequiredsuchasKeelboatracing,offshore

andoceangarments.

Coating

LaminateLaminatelayerliesontopoffabricmaking itmoreflexible,lighter&softer.

Wovenfabric

Wovenfabric

4

Breathability What is breathability?

Abreathablefabricisonethatallowsthewarmmoistair

createdbyyourbodytopassthroughthematerialrather

thanbuildupascondensationontheinsideofthegarment.

Therearevaryingdegreesofbreathability.Whether

condensationwilloccurcandependasmuchonthe

aerobicactivityofthewearerastheconditionsinwhich

thegarmentsarebeingused.Thereisnosuchthingasa

condensation-freefabric.

Withmoderateexertionourbodiesgiveoffabouthalfa

litreofmoisturevapourinonehour.Thisisthebody’s

naturalcoolingsystem.Topreventdiscomfortthis

moisturemustevaporateandnotbebuildupinsidethe

clothingsystem.

Themostbreathablematerialsaremicro-fibres,which

donothaveawaterproofcoatingonthem.Theyarewater

andwindresistantbecausethefibresaresofinelywoven.

Theyarenothowevertrulywaterproof.Forthatyouneed

awaterproofcoatingormembranetobeaddedtothe

basefabric.

How is it measured?

Fabricmanufacturerstendtousethetestmethodthat

suitstheirparticularfabricthebest.Microporousfabrics

forexample,workbestinlowhumidityandathigh

temperatures.Togetthebestresultsthesewillbetested

usingBS(DIN)31092orthe“SkinModel/Sweating

Guardedhotplate”testmethod,morecommonlyknown

astheR.E.Ttest.Thissimulateswaterprooffabricnext

totheskinandtestsat35°Cand40%humidity:Iinmy

experiencethesearenotnormallytheconditionsinwhich

wewearfoulweathergear.Ibelieveamorerealistictestis

BS7209whichteststhefabricat20°Cand65%humidity,

replicatingtheconditionsinwhichproductsareused.

Thetestmethodmeasurestheevaporationofdistilled

water over a given period by very accurately weighing a

controldishbeforeandafter.Thisisthenrepresentedasa

percentage.(Ibelieveeveryonecanrelatetoapercentage

whereasifwetalkabout6,000g/m2/per24hoursyou

arelikelytosay“sowhat?”).

AfabricisconsideredbreathableunderBS7209ifitis

higherthan50%.Inrealitynotmanycompaniesquote

percentagessoitisnotalwaysahelp.

Respecting the Elements.™

Air

Water Air

Direction of Vapour

Skin

MicroporousMembrane

HydrophilicCoatingDurable breathable surface fabric

Heat & humidityare the driving force forMicro Vapour Transfer

HydrophilicCoatingLayers Water molecules

move throughmolecule chain

Breathablefabricsaremadeintwoways.Microporousand

Hydrophilic.Microporousfabricsworkonthebasisthat

watermoleculesarelargerthanairmoleculesandaslongas

themicroporesarelessthan10micronsacrossairmolecules

canescapebutwatermoleculescannotgetthrough.

Hydrophiliccoatingsbreathethroughamoisture

absorptionprocesscreatedthroughamixtureof

hydrophobic(waterhating)andhydrophilic(water

loving)molecules.Themoistureisabsorbedthroughthe

chemicalchainandpushedtotheoutside

5

Respecting the Elements.™

Garment Breathability

Wheneveryouseeasailingjacketorsalopettesinashop

youwillseereferencetothegarmentsbreathability.

Bewarehowever,becausethisactuallymeansthe

breathabilityofthefabricthatthegarmentismade

fromasopposedthebreathabilityofthegarmentitself.

Thedesignofthegarmentiscrucialtothelevelof

breathabilityitoffers.

Breathabilityisreducedbyliningsandareasofdouble

thicknessoffabrics,suchaspockets,flapsoverzipsand

collars,reflectivepanelsetc.Sowhilstwemightstart

withaverybreathablefabricwehavealreadyreduced

itseffectivenessbythetimeithasbeenmadeupintoa

garment.Breathabilityisthenreducedfurtherbywhat

isbeingwornunderneath.Forexample,wearingchest

hightrouserscanresultinanextratwolayersoffabric

inthemiddleofthegarment.Underthesetherecould

beamid-layerandthermalunderwear.Allthislayering

istechnicallycorrecttomaintainbodytemperatureand

movemoistureawayfromthebody,however,atthesame

timeitreducestheoverallbreathabilityofthesystem.

Don’tbeputoffbyasimplydesignedgarment.Garments

withoutliningswillbemorebreathablethanthosewith

linings.Thefewerpocketsandflaps,themorebreathable

it will be.

Itisnotjustthegarmentdesignthatisimportantbutalso

thefit.Foragarmenttobreatheproperlytheairneeds

tocirculateasyoumoveabout.Thisisonereasonpeople

inveryhotclimateswearloosefittingflowinggarments.

Agarmentthatistootightontheotherhandcannot

movetheairsufficientlytoaidethebreathingmechanism.

What is waterproof?

Whenwetalkabouttheword‘waterproof’,arewe

talkingaboutthefabricorthegarment?Quiteoftenthe

manufactureristalkingaboutthefabricbutyoumeanthe

garment.Makingawaterprooffabricisrelativelyeasy,

butitdoesn’tendthere.Itmuststaywaterproofover

thelifeofthegarmentandthegarmentneedstobeas

watertightaspossible.

BS3546statesthatafabricmustresistwatertoapressure

of100cm.Thismaybesatisfactoryforwalkinginwet

conditionsbutnotfortheSouthernOceanorforthat

mattercruisingacrosstheEnglishChannelinanormal

summer.Oneofthebigdifferencesisthatonaboatyou

actuallysitinwateranditanditwillcomeovertheside

ingreenbucketfuls.

Wesetaminimumresistanceof500cmorfivetimesthe

minimumstandardforBS3546.

Havingselectedafabricthatiswaterproofandwill

staywaterproof,wethenhavetomakethegarmentas

watertightaspossible.Itstartswiththeseams,which

areliterallypuncturedbythesewingneedles.Theseare

sealedwithatapethatisappliedusinghotairtomelt

theadhesiveontoit.Thepictureaboveshowshowthe

garmentisfedbetweentworollerswiththehotairnozzle

aboveit.Thetapingmachinetransformedtheindustry

intheearlyeightiesimprovingbothwaterproofnessand

reducingmanufacturingtime.

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Respecting the Elements.™

Micro Fibre and Softshell Fabrics

Inrecentyearstherehavebeentwodevelopmentsin

fabricsthathaveaddedanewdimensiontotechnical

clothing.MicroFibresandSoftshells.MicroFibresare

fabricsthataresotightlywoventhattheyresistwindand

haveadegreeofwaterresistancewithoutusinganyform

ofcoating.Theadvantageofthisisthattheyaremuch

morebreathableandfeellesslikeanouterlayergarment.

MicroFibresareusuallycombinedwithsomeformof

insulatingmaterialsuchasfleeceorfibreinsulation.

Theymakeanexcellentmidlayerthatcanbeusedina

muchwiderrangeofconditions.

Softshellsastheirnameimpliesareasoftermore

comfortablefabricthanconventionalwaterprooffabrics.

Theyareasandwichoffabricsthatblockthewind,

trapwarmair,breatheandresistwater.Notaswarm

asafleecegarmentandnotaswaterproofasafullon

technicalsailingjacket.Theydohoweverofferaversatile

solutionsuitableforthemajorityofweatherconditions

andarequitesimplythemostcomfortablegarments

you can hope to wear.

7

Respecting the Elements.™

Testing

Gilldonotuseofftheshelfbrandedfabrics.Wefind

thattheyaretoorestrictiveandmoreoftenthannotthey

aredevelopedforanoutdoorenvironmentratherthan

marine.Wehavedevelopedourownmaterialsdirectly

withsomeofthemosttechnicalcoatersandlaminatorsin

theworld.Weselectthebestfabricfortheendusageand

adapt it accordingly.

Gillhasaveryelaboratesystemoftestingandageing

fabrics.Makingafabricwaterproofondayoneis

relativelyeasy.Itismoreimportanttoknowhowitwill

performafterseveralseasonsharduse.Sohowdowe

goaboutdoingthis?

Weuseacombinationofourownlaboratory,Leeds

UniversityTextileDepartmentandfieldtesting.Wehave

widerangingequipmentinourlaboratoryfortesting

waterproofness,abrasionofmaterials,artificialageing

andspraytesting.Theseresultsarethenindependently

verifiedbytheTextileDepartmentsofLeedsUniversity.

Theyhave30yearsexperienceintextiletechnology.

OurfieldtestingisusuallydoneonVolvoOceanRacing

boatsandtheScottishSailingCentreontheWestCoast

ofScotland.AlltheirinstructorswearGilldevelopment

garmentsandareinuseeverydayfromApriltoOctober.

Resistance to water pressure

Firstofallthefabricistestedforwaterpressure

resistance.TheBritishStandardsetsaminimum

hydrostaticheadwaterpressurebutatGillwehave

setourownminimumoffivetimesgreaterthanthat

standardinordertobeabsolutelycertainthatwecan

trustourfabricstoperform.

Thepictureontherighttestsgarmentsandfabricsona

dailybasistoensurestandardsaremet.

Machine wash and tumble dry

Wethenmachinewashandtumbledrythefabricfive

times.(morethanmostpeoplewoulddoinagarment’s

life)andtestthewaterpressureagain.Itmuststillexceed

ourminimumwaterpressuretopass.

Artificial ageing

Afterthatwewillartificiallyagethefabricwithflexing

andabrasion.Forflexingweuseatestknownasthe

Shildknechttest.Thissimulatesthetypeofrapidflexing

foundwhensailinginstrongwinds.(Ratherthanthe

walkingmotionflexingfoundinoutdoorclothing).

Againthefabricistestedforwaterpressureandmust

stillexceedourminimum.

Nextthefabricisagedinahighhumidityincubatorfor

168hoursat70degreesCandhighhumidity.Thiswill

simulateliterallyyearsofactiveuseinashorttimeandif

afabricisgoingtofailitwillnormallyfailhere.

Againthefabricistestedforwaterpressureanditstill

mustexceedourminimum.Mostfabricsuppliersdonot

recognizethistestasitisdeemedtooharsh,butitenables

ustosetabenchmarkofperformance.

8

Respecting the Elements.™

Fabric abrasion Coated abrasion

Thecoatingmustalsowithstand5,000cyclesofrubbing

withastandardworstedmaterial.Thiswillsimulate

thegarmentbeingrubbedagainstclothingwornunder

thefoulweathergear.Afterthistestthefabricmuststill

exceedourminimumofwaterpressure.

Tear strength

Finallyitwillbetestedfortearstrengthandmustexceed

45Newton’saslaiddownintheBS3424.

Ifyouwouldliketoseeashortvideoclipofaproduct

goingfrom“concepttowarehouse”andsomeofthe

thoroughtestingproceduresatGillcheckthelinkon

www.gillmarine.comhomepage,orclickonthislink.

Gill product design and development video clip

Thenexttestisforabrasiononboththefaceandcoated

surface.Thiswillsimulatethewearandtearfoundon

theseatsandkneesofgarments.Thefabricisabradedfor

6,000cyclesagainsta320gradestandardgritsandpaper.

Notunlikethedecksofmanyboats!Thefabricmust

withstandthe6,000cycles.

Morerecentlywehavedevelopedatestthatsimulates

abrasionandsnaggingfromhookVelcroandwebbing.

Manyoftoday’sfabricsaretexturisedwhichcanmake

thempronetosnagging.Thistesthasenabledusto

developfabricsthatareresistanttothis.

9

Respecting the Elements.™

The layering system

Much has been written about interactive layering

systems, three layer systems and moisture management

control. Whatever you might think about all the jargon,

the actual principle is very sound and is essential if you

are to make the most of your waterproof breathable

clothing.

With moderate exertion our bodies give off about half

a litre of moisture vapour in one hour. This is the body’s

natural cooling system. To prevent discomfort this

moisture must evaporate and not be built up inside the

clothing system.

Cotton clothing absorbs moisture - anything up to 25%

of its own weight in water. Damp air then transfers heat

away from the body twenty times quicker than dry air.

Sailing is a sport where you can be sitting still for long

periods then along comes a sail change or the need to put

in a reef, and all hell breaks loose for a few minutes. You

then sit down again. If you are wearing cotton clothing

next to the skin it will absorb the moisture and suck the

heat out of your body leaving you feeling cold

and clammy and tired.

However, if you are wearing a thermal

underwear base layer it can physically

wick the moisture away from the body

(polyester absorbs less than 1% of its own

weight in moisture), keeping you dry and

warm even after a burst of activity.

This first layer or base layer is known as the wicking layer

and its main purpose is to keep you dry next to the skin.

The second layer, often referred to as the mid-layer, is the

insulating layer. This is the buffer between the warm skin

and the cold air outside. It is important that this layer is

highly breathable and any moisture can continue its

journey into the great outdoors. Traditionally mid-layers

have been fleece based garments with or without a

windproof shell. More recently Gill has developed

mid-layers using ultra compact synthetic insulation.

The material is hydrophobic meaning water hating, it will

not absorb water and can keep you warm even if wet.

The outer layer is where the real protection against the

elements takes place and it must be completely water and

windproof. It should include a hood and collar system,

protective flaps over the front zip and adjustable inner

cuffs. In order to work most efficiently, the fabric should

be breathable, thus allowing the moist air that’s built up

inside the garment to escape.

10

Respecting the Elements.™

What to wear

Thisnextsectionisdesignedtohelpyouselecttheright

gearforyourparticulartypeofsailing.Manufacturers

tendtotryandpigeonholeeveryoneintoneatcategories

suchasInshore,Coastal,Offshoreetc.Ibelievethereality

isnotasstraightforwardasthat.

A lot will depend on where and when you intend to

sail.Doyouanticipatesailingovernight?Areyouan

occasionalweekendsailororadiehardallweathers,

allseasonstype?

IhavecreatedsomebroadcategorieswhichIhope

willcovermostofyourparticularsailing.

Whenconsideringyourselectionthinkaboutthe

crossoverpotentialforalotoftheproducts,particularly

baseandmid-layerswhicharesuchavitalpartofthe

layeringsystemandcanalsobeverysuccessfullyused

forskiing,cyclingandwalking.

InadditiontothemoreobviouscategoriesIhave

includedsectionsthatcoveranAtlanticCrossing,warm

andcoldweathersailingandtheidealCharterGear.

11

Respecting the Elements.™

What to wear Dinghy Sailing

WithinDinghySailingIbelievetherearethosewhomay

onlysailoccasionallyonholiday,regularclubsailorsand

theseriousraceronthechampionshiporevenOlympic

circuit.Whereveryousailthereisalwayssomethingyou

willneedifonlybuoyancyvestsandgloves.Thetable

belowseparatesproductsintolayersandseasonstohelp

youidentifytherightproducts.

Gillhasanextensiverangeofdinghyclothingand

accessoriesfromRashVeststoWinterSteamers.Below

Iamhighlightingafewofmypersonalfavouritesthatare

alwaysthefirstitemsinmykitbag.

Compressor Bouyancy Vest

Whilstbuoyancyvestsfordinghysailinghaveimproved

overthelastfewyearstheyhavestillbasicallybeentwo

chunksoffoam,frontandback,coveredinNylon.

ThenewCompressorVesttakesthebuoyancyvestto

anentirelynewlevel.Itiscompletelynonrestrictive,is

streamlinedandhasexceptionallylowbulk.

Themaindifferenceisthatitismadefromnofewer

than15premoldedfoamsectionsandthencoveredin

astretchyNeoprene.Thisgivesthewholeveststretch,

comfortandwarmth.

Thefrontsectionisspeciallyscoopedsoitcanbeworn

inconjunctionwithaTrapezeHarness.Havingworn

thecompressorVestduringdevelopmentandtesting

Iwouldnotwanttogobacktoaconventional

buoyancyvest.

Speedskin

TheSpeedskinwasfirst

developedforTeamGBRBritish

Olympicsailingteam.

TheSpeedskincanbeusedasa

summerweightwetsuitor

asamidlayerandundera

drysuitorbreathabledinghytop

andsalopettes.

Whatissospecialaboutthe

Speedskinisitscomfortin

allconditions.Firstofallitis

breathablewhereasNeopreneis

mostdefinitelynot.Itismade

fromastretchy3-layersoft

shellfabricwithawarmfleece

backing.Thematerialisalso

waterproofandwindresistant.

Theergonomiccutofthe

Speedskinisdesignedtofit

closetothebodywithout

impeding movement.

12

Respecting the Elements.™

Hurakan Winter Steamer

IbelieveGillwetsuitsareoneofthefewrangesavailablethatare100%

specificallydesignedfordinghysailing.Theyhavenotoriginatedfromasurf

ordivingbrandbuthavebeendevelopedwithoneobjectiveinmindwhichis

tomakethebestpossiblesailingspecificrange.

TheHurakanSteamerismadefrom5/3mmNeopreneinagluedandblind

stitchedconstruction.Therearenofewerthan5differenttypesofNeoprene

withinthesuitprovidingabsolutelytherightamountofwarmth,stretch,

movementandprotection.Forexample,TPMGravelSkinontheupperarms

fordurabilityandreducedwind-chill.Di-Guardseat,kneesandshinsfor

addedwearprotection.Manybrandswillforgetdinghysailorsactuallysit

in their boat.

WHAT TO WEAR DINGHY SAILING

LAYER WARM COOL

Base Layer Rash Vest Rash Vest i2 Lite Mid-Layer i4 Salopettes Speedskin i4 Salopettes Outer Layer Speedskin Drysuit Dinghy Smock Steamer Salopettes Dinghy Smock Glideskin Top Thermal Dinghy Top Short Arm Wetsuit Shortie Wetsuit Footwear Trapeze Boots Trapeze Boots Hiking Boots Hiking Boots Aquatech Accessories Deckhand Gloves Three Season Gloves Championship Gloves Extreme Gloves Pro Glove Neoprene winter Glove Grip Glove Grip Glove Luggage Cargo Bag Cargo Bag Rolling Jumbo Bag Rolling Jumbo Bag

13

WHAT TO WEAR KEEL AND SPORTSBOAT RACING

LAYER WARM COOL

Base Layer Tech Apparel Shirts i2 Base Layers i2 Base Layers Mid-Layer i3 Midlayers i5 Midlayers i4 Midlayers Outer Layer Soft Shell Race Jacket KB1 Racer Jacket Soft Shell Race Pants KB1 Racer Smock Pro Top KB1 Racer Salopettes Pro Salopettes Footwear Deck Techs Hiking Boot Breathable Boot Breathable Boot Accessories L/W Technical Socks H/W Technical Socks Deckhand Gloves Extreme Gloves Championship 3 Season Gloves Pro Gloves Neoprene Winter Glove Luggage Cargo Bag Cargo Bag Rolling Jumbo Bag Rolling Jumbo Bag Wet & Dry Cylinder Bag Wet & Dry Cylinder Bag

Respecting the Elements.™

Keel and Sports Boat Racing

During the last few years there has been a

rise in Keel and Sports Boat racing. You have

the thrill of fast close racing without the risk

of capsizing. You need clothing that has the

manoeuvrability of dinghy clothing combined

with durability of offshore gear.

Softshell Race Pants

The Softshell Race pant is a great “on and

off” the boat product. Warm and waterproof

enough for most conditions, it is smart

and comfortable enough to wear in the bar

afterwards.

KB1 Racer Jacket

The KB1 Racer jacket and salopette are perfect examples

of this. The cut of the garment has been designed to give

unparalleled freedom of movement. At the same time it is

stripped down to reduce unnecessary flaps and overlays,

both of which add weight and reduce breathability. The

collar height is lower than on an offshore garment so

hearing is not compromised. The trouser goes over the

shoulder using a stretch material over the shoulders and

upper back. This gives excellent body and leg protection

whilst keeping the arms free.

I would also not leave home without my Softshell Race

Jacket and Pants. Softshell, is a waterproof, highly

breathable fabric. As the name implies they are softer and

more comfortable than conventional waterproof fabrics.

I use the softshell in conditions where full on waterproof

clothing is not needed. It can also be worn as a midlayer

under my KB1 Racer Jacket and Salopettes.

14

Respecting the Elements.™

Inshore and coastal cruising

OS2 Jacket

It would not matter where I intended to cruise , the

product that does the job best for me is the Gill OS2

Jacket and Salopettes. Made from a highly breathable

3 dot fabric it has all the features you are likely to need

combined with an excellent fi t that makes it so easy and

comfortable to wear.

i2 Tec Base Layer

One of the most important parts of the layering system

is the base layer. The best foul weather gear jacket and

trouser in the world will not work properly unless

there is a good wicking base layer. I always opt for the

i2 Tec system. It is warm, has a natural feel and wicks

exceptionally well. This means after bursts of activity any

condensation is moved away from the body and you will

not feel the clammy chill left with cotton clothing. It also

has a anti microbial treatment which is particularly useful

on long passages. Another feature I like is it is smart

enough to wear as shirt in warm weather. The UPF 35 sun

protection factor ensures you cannot burn.

WHAT TO WEAR INSHORE & COASTAL CRUISING

LAYER WARM COOL

Base Layer Tech Apparel Shirts i2 Base Layers i2 Base Layers Mid-Layer i3 Mid Layers i5 Mid Layers i4 Mid Layers Outer Layer Inshore Sport Inshore Warm Inshore Lite IN4 Coast Sport Softshell IN5 Cruise OS2 Footwear Deck Techs Tall Cruising Boots Short Cruising Boots Tall Yachting Boots Breathable Boots Breathable Boots L/W Technical Socks

Accessories Technical Trainer Socks H/W Technical Socks L/W Technical Socks Extreme Gloves Deckhand Gloves Helmsman Gloves Championship Gloves 3 Season Gloves

15

Respecting the Elements.™

What to wear Offshore and Ocean Sailing

OC Racer Jacket

WhensailingacrossOceansyouhavetoexpectandbe

preparedforjustaboutanyconditions.Theclothingwill

bewornforlongerperiodsandsubjecttogreaterwear

andtear.TheGillOCRacerjacketandtrouserare

designedtowithstandtheworsttheSouthernOceancan

throwatyouwhilstbeingdesignedinawaytomakeitas

comfortableasmostinshore/coastalgarments.

Thisisachievedbyselectingadurable5dotfabric,which

being3-layerremovestheneedforalining.Oneofthe

fundamentaldifferencesindesignisthecollarheight.

TheOCjacketgivescompleteallroundprotectionand

withthechinstrapfirmlyclosedisverysnuganddry.

TherewasatimeinfoulWeathergeardesignwhenmore

wasbetter.Todaythatisnotthecase.Notonlyare

materialsmoreefficientbuttheprincipalthatevery

additionalpocketandflapaddsweightandreduces

breathabilityisunderstood.

Crosswind mid-layer

IwouldalsobesuretoincludeourCrosswindmid-layer.

Designedtobewornoverabaselayerandbeneath

awaterproofgarmentforthermalinsulation.Inlight

conditionstheCrosswindcanbewornasanouterlayer

asthewaterprooffabricisfullytaped.Itismadefromthe

latestgenerationlaminatefabricsthathighlybreathable

andextremelyflexibleandcomfortable.Thewarmthis

providedbyanultracompactsyntheticinsulationthat

willnotabsorbwaterandremainswarmevenwhenwet.

Combiningthesalopetteswiththejacketyouhavedouble

insulationinthemiddleofthebody.

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Respecting the Elements.™

OFFSHORE & OCEAN SAILING

LAYER WARM COOL

Base Layer Tech Apparel Shirts i2 Base Layers i2 Base Layers Mid-Layer i3 Mid Layers i4 Mid Layers i5 Mid Layers Softshell Outer Layer Softshell Ocean OS2 Atlantic Offshore OS2 Footwear Deck Techs Breathable Boots Breathable Boots Tall Yachting Boot L/W Trainer Socks L/W Technical Socks L/W Technical Socks H/W Techincal Socks

Accessories Champioship Gloves 3 Season Gloves Extreme Gloves Helmsman Gloves Luggage See Collection See Collection

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Respecting the Elements.™

POWER & GENERAL BOATING

LAYER WARM COOL

Base Layer Tech Apparel Shirts i2 Base Layers i2 Base Layers Mid-Layer i3 Mid Layers i4 Mid Layers Softshell Outer Layer Inshore Sport Inshore Warm Inshore Lite Deck Coats Softshell Footwear Deck Techs Short Cruising Boot Short Cruising Boot Accessories 3 Season Gloves Helmsman Gloves Luggage See Collection See Collection

Power and General Boating

Having been on a RIB at 20 knots I can vouch for the fact

that having the right gear can be just as important as on a

sailboat. Wind chill alone becomes a huge issue and

combine that with some spray and you will be very

grateful for something warm and waterproof.

If it is really cold out would come the Helmsman Gloves

perfect for steering at speed.

One of my favourite products on the RIB is the Crew

Element jacket. It is made from a highly breathable and

supple laminate fabric with Thermore® synthetic fi ll

insulation. It is really warm what ever the conditions. It

has a hood built into the collar should it be needed and

the water resistant chest pocket is useful for mobile phones.

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Respecting the Elements.™

Cold Weather Sailing

The number of times I have heard the reason for not

sailing on a particular day or time of year is “it is too

cold” is considerable. When I started sailing in the 60’s

the idea of sailing in the winter certainly sent a shiver

down your spine. Today it is a very different story and

there is absolutely no reason to feel the cold in just

about any condition.

The layering story is very relevant and is an essential

part of keeping warm. Included in my kit bag is i2 Tec

base layer, i3 mid layer and the most vital part of all,

the Convert Jacket and salopettes. This range uses a

Thermore® synthetic fi ll providing an excellent warmth

to weight ratio.

It compresses well and being Hydrophobic insulates even

when wet. The outer fabric is a breathable lightweight

rip-stop fabric that is windproof and has a water repellent

fi nish. You really are ‘snug as a bug’. One customer

recently reported back to me that she wore it on a mid

winter Atlantic crossing and kept it on for 3 weeks

straight. “It was like wearing my sleeping bag” she said.

Hands and feet always feel the cold and this is

another area in which Gill excels. Whether it be Super

Heavyweight Technical Socks or the Helmsman Gloves

we have a product to suit.

COLD WEATHER SAILING

LAYER COOL

Base Layer i2 Tec Thermals Mid-Layer i3 Micro Fleece Convert Jacket Convert Salopettes Crosswind Jacket Crosswind salopettes

Accessories Thermal Socks i3 Beanie Hat i3 Headband Arctic Neck Gaiter i4 Storm Hood Helmsman Gloves Neoprene Winter Gloves Extreme Gloves

19

Respecting the Elements.™

What to wear for Warm Weather Sailing

This article was originally written for the World Cruising

club magazine for entrants to the ARC (Atlantic Rally

Crossing from Tenerife to St Lucia).

A few years ago the idea of writing a technical article on

warm weather sailing clothing seemed a bit far fetched.

What was wrong with a pair of cotton T-shirts and a pair

of shorts? The short answer is lots. For a start, cotton

soaks up moisture like a sponge, anything up to 25% of its

own weight in water. Damp air then transfers heat away

from the body twenty times quicker than dry air, so whilst

you might start out feeling warm that can soon change.

So what has changed in the last few years?

When Gill set out to develop a range of warm weather

technical clothing most of the ‘so called’ technical

fabrics felt and looked very synthetic. I realised if we

were to succeed we needed to find fabrics that not only

performed technically, but felt like natural fibres too.

They needed to look good and be comfortable to wear.

It was a long process, but by continually researching and

developing materials we have managed to find many

different fabrics that meet our criteria.

These are the four main characteristics of the fabrics

we have selected:

• Quick drying

• Fast wicking (moves moisture away from the body)

• UV protection (SPF 50+)

• A natural feel

In addition, some fabrics where appropriate, have a

water-repellent finish. This stops fabrics absorbing

moisture from light rain or spray and gives wind

protection without impairing breathability.

20

Respecting the Elements.™

So what would I wear on a potentially very warm Atlantic crossing?Having talked to several ARC participants, they

mentioned that fi nding protection from the sun was

always diffi cult, particularly in the middle of the day.

As I mentioned earlier, cotton is out, so any cotton

T-shirts I had would remain below decks until I arrived in

St Lucia. Gill’s Technical Apparel Long Sleeve Tee or Polo

is ideal. There is a cool white colour option, it has SPF 50

sun protection and wicks moisture away from the body

so you avoid that stale feeling when you have worn a

cotton T-shirt too long.

For your bottom half, our Technical Apparel Shorts again

offer UV protection and are made from a natural feel

polyester and very quick drying. Sitting on a glass fi bre

deck for long periods can be very uncomfortable so there

is also a short with a facility to take a neoprene or foam

pad. For those who want total leg protection there is a

long trouser version.

Softshell is a relatively new development for marine

clothing. Gill softshells are made from materials that block

the wind, trap warm air, breathe and resist water. Not as

warm as a fl eece and not as waterproof as a waterproof

jacket, but offering a versatile solution suitable for the

majority of weather conditions. The fabrics usually have

more stretch than conventional fabrics giving better

freedom of movement. The Gill Softshell Jacket would

be perfect for warm weather sailing conditions. Offering

wind and spray protection.

There will undoubtedly be times when more protection is

required, either from wind or spray or just cooler evening

temperatures. The options here vary. The Gill Intrepid

Jacket is made from natural look quick drying polyester

which is windproof, water-repellent and again offers

UV protection. Not only does it work on the boat but

it is a smart looking jacket when ashore. An alternative

is the Gill Inshore-Sport Jacket. It is 100% waterproof

exceptionally light and highly breathable.

The fabric is a laminate rather than a coating which

means a higher degree of water- resistance can be

achieved with less weight. It is also has a breathability of

85%, higher than any other fully waterproof marine jacket

I am aware of.

I have included footwear and gloves in my list. Injuries to

feet and hands are the most common of all on boats and

it is always tempting, when the temperature allows, to

wander around on deck barefoot and with unprotected

hands when rope handling. Here I would suggest the

Decktech Shoe. It has exceptional grip with a very fl at and

low profi le sole that bends around the ropes and uneven

surfaces. This shoe is specifi cally designed for on the

boat use, and I have never felt more sure footed on my

baby Beneteau as I do in these. I have also received letters

from grateful customers who on long distance races have

caught fi ngers in winches and are only still in possession

of all their digits because they were wearing gloves.

WARM WEATHER SAILING

LAYER WARM

Base Layer Technical Apparel shirts i2 Lite Quick Dry Shorts Mid-Layer i4 Fleece Outer Layer Inshore Sport IN7 Inshore Lite IN10 Softshell Jacket Intrepid Jacket Footwear Decktech Breathable Boots Accessories Gloves Quick-dry peaked Sailing cap Polarized Sunglasses Luggage See luggage collection

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Respecting the Elements.™

What to wear on a Summer Charter and Sailing Holiday More and more people today are chartering or going on

dinghy sailing holidays either instead of boat ownership

or to provide beautiful weather and exotic locations.

Whilst one of the objects of this exercise is to be able to

leave the foul weather gear behind it is advisable to be

prepared with some lightweight gear and excellent UV

protective clothing.

During a recent holiday at the Sunsail Colonna Club in

Antigua I appreciated having UV Rash Vests and Quick

Dry Shorts. The sun on the water was so bright my

fl oatable polarized sunglasses were used all the time.

Having not sailed for a few months my hands had

softened up and I was particularly grateful to have

packed some gloves.

I would probably take the same on a Yacht Charter

holiday with the addition of a light weight jacket.

This would be the Gill Inshore Sport Jacket which is

made from the latest generation of laminated fabrics.

It is highly breathable, fully waterproof, has an

occasional use hood and is so fl exible you do not feel

you are wearing a waterproof garment.

Soft fl exible luggage is essential for easy storage on

board and there is a wide selection available. I

particularly recommend including the Gill Wash Bag.

It features a hanging hook and is perfect for use in the

cramped on board heads.

WARM WEATHER SAILING

LAYER WARM

Base Layer Technical Apparel shirts Rash Vests Quick Dry Shorts Mid-Layer i3 Midlayer Outer Layer Inshore Sport IN7 Intrepid Jacket Footwear Breathable boot Performance Shoe Accessories Gloves Quick-dry peaked Sailing cap Polarized Sunglasses Luggage See lugage collection

22

Respecting the Elements.™

Care and Maintenance

Washing and Repair Sailingclothinghasatoughlifeinatoughenvironment.

Gillclothingisdesignedtowithstandtherigoursof

sailing.Regularcareandmaintenancewillimprove

performanceandextendthelifeofyourclothing.

Saltwaterisparticularlyabrasiveandshouldalways

berinsedoffwithfreshwaterwheneverpossible.

Waterproof Products

Waterprooffabricsmaybemachinewashedatnomore

than40˚C.Werecommend30˚Cforimprovedenergy

efficiency.Itisimportanttouseadelicateprogrammeand

usemilddetergentsinsmallquantities.Itisvitalallsoaps

anddetergentsarethoroughlyrinsedoff.Thereare

specialistcleaningtreatmentsavailablesuchasNikwax

Techwashwhichworksreallywell.Thepriorityisthatno

residueisleftonthecoatedsurface.

Garmentsshouldbedriednaturallyandawayfrom

direct heat.

Garmentscanalsobetumbledriedonamediumsetting

for30minutestoreactivatethewaterrepellentfinishon

theoutsideofthefabric.

Base-layers and Technical Apparel

Thesemaybemachinewashedat30-40˚C.Itisvitalthat

nofabricsoftenersareusedasthiscanreducewicking

performance.Asthesegarmentsarequickdryingthey

shouldnotbetumbleddry.Hangtodrynaturallyanddo

not iron.

Repairs

Ifyourgarmentistornordamaged,repairkitsare

availablefromGill.Ifyouareunabletorepairyour

garment,weofferacomprehensiverepairsservicein

Nottingham,England.ContactGillCustomerServiceson

+44(0)1159460844orenquiries@gilluk.comfordetails.

Lifetime Guarantee

AllGillproductsareguaranteedfortheirlifetime.

ThismeansthatyoucantrustaGillproducttoperform

wheneveryouneeditto.TheGilllifetimeguarantee

coversagainstalldefectsinmaterialandworkmanship

foranyproduct’slifetime.Thismeansthatifafter

inspection,theproductisfoundtobedefective(other

thanwhatisregardedasfairwear&tearfromthenatural

lifeofthegarment)wewillrepairorreplaceitatour

discretion,freeofcharge.Thecompanydoesnotaccept

claimsforconsequentialloss.

Thisguaranteedoesnotaffectapurchaser’sstatutoryrights.

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Respecting the Elements.™

General Do’s and Don’ts

Alwaysrinseoutwaterproofclothinginfreshwater

aftereveryuse.

•Workallzips,andpopstudstoremovesalt.

•DON’Tleavegarmentssalty.Saltisacorrosiveagent

andfabricscoveredwithsaltwilldeteriorateovertime.

•Alwaysdrywaterproofclothinginfreshair.

DON’Tdrynearheat.

•Alwaysstoredriedgarmentslooselyfolded.

•DON’Tleavewetgearinsailingbagsorconfined

spacesforprolongedperiods.Thisencouragesmildew

toform,whichdoesnotwashout,encouraging

deteriorationofthefabric’swaterproofcoating.

Use

Makeyourselffamiliarwithyourgarmentbeforeuse.

Alwaysensurezippers,adjustabletabsandbucklesare

correctlyfastenedbeforeuse.Gilltakesgreatcarein

designingthemosteffectivewristandnecksealsand

theseshouldbeadjustedbeforethefirstwavecomes

over the deck.

NickGill,May2008Nick Gill, May 2008

24