How to choose the right sailing jacket?
How to choose your watch jacket
Coastal or offshore watch jacket ?
The choice of a watch jacket depends above all on the sailing program and the use you make of it. This is why it is important to distinguish between the 2 main families of jackets.
- A , oroffshore jacket,must be extremely efficient since it will be confronted with the worst conditions (heavy weather, violent winds, temperatures, spray, sea breezes...) No concession can be made! One will then privilege specialized brands such as , or . We recommend a watch jacket with at least a 3-layer membrane, as well as materials that are both breathable and waterproof, such as Gore-Tex® from Musto, Helly Tech® fabric from Helly Hansen, or the Yellow Dot® rating system from Gill.
- A will be lighter, because generally less provided in number of textile layers. The fabrics used, generally in 2 layers coating, must always be breathable and waterproof, but do not necessarily require the same level of technicality as for a program of navigation in high sea. The budget is less important and brands like , Gill, Musto, or Helly Hansen offer very good quality jackets, guaranteeing comfort and waterproofing at affordable prices.
Which watch jacket for my practice?
- A may be sufficient for a day trip to the sea if the weather allows it
- A or jacketinshoreThe inshore jacket, or inshore watch, will provide extra protection if the weather turns nasty or if your outing is prolonged. It can even be considered for a weekly regatta session or for a sailing course.
- We will privilege the in light sailing, dinghy or competition, or a watch jacket of the type " " (with a more tailored fit), for performance and comfort. Both are free of unnecessary accessories to avoid any risk of snagging on board.
- Finally, a or jacketoffshoreThe offshore jacket will provide you with the level of protection you need during a transatlantic crossing or even during a sabbatical year. Some models of watch jackets are also available in a regatta version for offshore racing. Lighter and more fitted, they offer total freedom of movement, while resisting the hazards of working on deck. Just like a classicoffshore watch jacket, a regatta version offers many features such as hand warmer and storage pockets, a high visibility hood, SOLAS compliant reflective inserts and a high collar that protects the neck and lower face in case of heavy swell.
Key functions of a watch jacket:
Your watch vest is the last bastion between you and the elements. From professional skippers to recreational sailors, all sailors know that the enjoyment of a successful sail depends greatly on the quality of the equipment you wear. Poor conditions can quickly ruin a cruise or a night watch. That's why it's imperative to be well equipped.
To ensure optimal comfort and protection, the quality of a watch jacket is based on 3 essential principles:
1) A watch jacket must be waterproof
Waterproofing is the ability of a fabric to prevent water penetration through it. The manufacturers we have selected have all succeeded in meeting the challenge of offering you quality material at attractive prices. It is now possible to fully enjoy your sea outings thanks to the different models of watch jackets offering a waterproofness that is beyond reproach. No matter the amount of sea breeze, rain or spray, you can now stay dry in any condition. No water entry is possible thanks to coated membranes, heat-sealed seams (heat bonding of fabric pieces), waterproof zippers, sleeves and other double-flap zippers.
2) A watch jacket must be breathable and windproof
In addition to keeping you dry, technical textiles also allow the body to breathe by letting perspiration escape. To avoid the condensation effect under your jacket during intense maneuvers in heavy weather, the combination of materials now allows water vapor (where H2O molecules are less bound than in liquid water) to escape while ensuring you stay dry. These same materials also provide a windproof effect, a characteristic found on technical textiles. Today, manufacturers use two types of membranes for the production of their jackets:
- Coated or water-repellentmembranes, where a protective layer is applied to the surface of a textile to make it waterproof and breathable. This process is generally used on coastal watches or deck jackets, as they are less subject to harsh conditions.
- Microporous membranes, where the best known example is the Gore-Tex® membrane which contains micropores 700 times larger than a water vapor molecule but 20,000 times smaller than a drop of water. A high-end coating, Gore-Tex® is more commonly found on offshore watch jackets. Other manufacturers such as Gill or Helly Hansen do not use Gore-Tex® membrane, but they have succeeded in developing similar processes in the laboratory.
3) A watch jacket must be comfortable
In sailing as in any other activity, the activity you practice must always remain a pleasure. The comfort provided by your equipment is therefore a step not to be neglected. Many people have made the mistake of prioritizing price over quality and have quickly found themselves with soggy clothes that are impossible to dry once at sea. In order to avoid this pitfall, the best quality/price ratio remains the essential , ancestor of the current watch jacket, made of coated canvas. Beware, an oilskin is neither warm nor breathable, but it will keep you dry in all circumstances. The most technological materials such asGore-Tex®allow today to combine lightness and performance. Lightness is a real guarantee of comfort. Someshift jackets are also equipped with stretch inserts at strategic points, guaranteeing superior freedom of movement.
What kind of overalls should I wear with my jacket?
Just like a jacket, the choice of your will be made according to your browsing program. The number of textile layers on a pair of watch overalls is equivalent to that of a jacket. Good to know:
- Consider a , or a , for occasional outings in the sea in good weather.
- Prefer a } during cruises of several days (from 2 days) in front of a rough sea, or even a big one, or if you practice sailing regularly
- Choose a } for offshore sailing in rough weather. It will give you the best possible protection in terms ofwaterproofing and breathability.
You will find 2 different cuts in our catalog. The classic cut, with adjustable straps for occasional use, and the Long John, or Hi-Fit, version with a design that covers the upper body and ends with elastane straps. This one is more comfortable and more fitted, especially for intensive practice or regattas.
For women, the Dropseat technology, developed by Helly Hansen, allows the integration of a watertight zip at the bottom of the back to facilitate trips to the toilet. The models , and } have them.
What to wear under a watch jacket?
To get the most out of ashift jacket, it's necessary to pair it with the right gear. Like many other outdoor sports, a 2 to 3 layer system is recommended for your sea outings. You should choosebreathable andinsulating clothing made ofsynthetic fibers that dry quickly.
- A in contact with the skin made of warm and breathable synthetic fabric composes the base of your equipment.
- A } of fleece or softshell type protects you from the cold, lets perspiration escape and dries quickly. It is the last link before the outer layer. The combination of a fleece and a softshell jacket, in addition to a technical underlayer, will give you excellent thermal capabilities.
How to maintain a watch jacket?
To preserve your watch jacket (or overalls), rinse with fresh water and clean by hand with soap. For drying, avoid storing it in direct sunlight. Drying on a hanger in the open air is recommended. Also, avoid storing your shift jacket in a place where temperatures exceed 30 degrees (like the trunk of a car in the summer, for example). For a machine wash, choose a soft program at 30 degrees maximum and a . Dry cleaning and tumble drying are absolutely forbidden as they can alter thecoating or the membrane of your jacket.
What about ski jackets?
Since the question is regularly asked... Some mountain jackets have the same characteristics as the best shift jackets except that they are not treated againsthydrolysis (alteration of any membrane or coated textile by the action of salt associated with humidity),abrasion and salt attack. Aging, or delamination, is therefore faster on a classic ski jacket than on a watch jacket.
Have a good surfing !
For any question or additional information, we are at your disposal at04.78.41.79.31.
For any request for a quote or customization of your equipment, please contact us by mail.
The Nautisports. com team
