Dubarry has an excellent reputation for sailing boots, so the chance to test a pair of the latest Fastnet range was very welcome. Dubarry claims that “this sailing boot, with Gore-tex insulated breathable inner lining, will give increased comfort and dryness in all conditions offering both durability and stylish appearance.”
I look for three things in a sailing boot. They must, above all, give good grip on a smooth, wet GRP deck. The Fastnet boot certainly scored well here. I was helming a Jeanneau Sunfast 37.5 in a force eight in the pouring rain during this test, so plenty of slip potential on a moving deck. But they held my feet to the wet, slippery deck very well indeed. This isn't just a matter of comfort, durability or style. It's a matter of safety. So I'm slightly surprised that Dubarry don't stress that more in their blurb.
Second, they must keep my feet dry. I admit, I didn't go paddling in them, but at the end of the day, they had done the job well. Which means that not only did they keep the sea and rain out, but the Gore-tex breathable inner lining did its stuff too. No nasty sweaty socks to offend other crew members at 'boots off' time, which is a real bonus.
And they were also comfortable. Compared with the old yellow wellies' that needed two pairs of socks just to keep my feet from freezing, the Dubarry Fastnet boot kept my feet as warm as toast with only a single, thin sock. For night sailing, warm hands and feet are a bonus that only those who have been there will fully understand.
I was less sure about the argument for an elasticated Lycra top section. Dubarry says it “ensures that the boot fits snugly around the calf to help prevent water coming in over the top of the boot, also offering the option to be folded down either inside or outside the leg, when not worn with foul weather pants.”
I instinctively wanted to wear them with the tops folded down. Dubarry provides two neat straps with finger holes on either side to help you pull the boots on. These were very necessary, because getting them on for the first few times required a firm pull (after a bit, they freed up and were easier). But the straps got in the way when I folded the tops down, preventing them from lying neatly.
|
My local chandlery has these boots on sale at £174.95p. That puts them in the expensive category, but apart from my one caveat about the elasticated tops, I would gladly pay the premium because I'm getting a first class pair of sea boots that give me increased safety, dryness, comfort and style. And I certainly felt a bit grander wearing them around the marina. After all, they are top-of-the-range Dubarry.
|
