“Everything we make and sell is technical. We are not distracted by the high street and fashion,” declared Nick Gill, chairman of the Gill marine clothing empire. Perhaps that helps to explain why he could add: “We have had a successful year. Sales are at an all time high despite difficult trading conditions.”
He believed some of the success could also be put down to a brand new purpose built research and development centre in Nottingham, where the company carries out design, testing, sample manufacturing and special projects on a bigger scale than ever before.
Nick was speaking at the launch of a range of new products which will be in the shops in time for Christmas, and on sale at London Boat Show in January.
Gill Coast Sport Jacket
He was particularly excited about the Coast Sport range: stylish, lightweight waterproofs which, despite his comments, would not look out of place on the high street!
“Long gone are the days when foul weather gear was heavy PVC clothing, only worn on a boat because you would not be seen dead in it off the boat!” he said. “Today huge advances in fabric technology mean designs can be much more contemporary. We are looking at products you can enjoy wearing around the town as a general purpose jacket.”
He compared the jacket with its predecessor in the range, which relied on a conventional waterproof coating. This had to be spread on the fabric “like butter on toast” to fill in the weave to make it waterproof.
“Feel the fabric - it is relatively crackly and stiff. The latest laminate technology, has a much softer and nicer feel. The fabric used for the Coast-Sport is a Gill 3-Dot laminate fabric. The laminate system has a paper-thin waterproof layer adhered to the textile. The end result is the same degree of waterproofing, but half the weight, less bulk, and more breathable, without compromising durability.”
The jacket is not just comfortable and stylish. It also has “all the features you expect on a sailing jacket,” said Nick: As well as “ocean grade fabrics,” it has a bonded micro-fleece lined high collar, with a waterproof hood stowed inside it, with very limited additional bulk, and hand warmer pockets toprovide comfort and warmth, also without making the garment heavy or bulky.
At £120 Nick believed it was the most competitively priced and most comfortable jacket in its class. It is designed for coastal cruisers and racers and power-boaters.
It comes with matching chest high trousers - the ladies' version features a drop seat - to create “a complete coastal suit, suitable for crossing English Channel.”
Gill Breathable Boots
Also new to the Gill range are breathable boots. “We managed to use a waterproof breathable membrane not used before - eVent. It is the most breathable on the market. They are significantly more breathable than other breathable boots currently out there,” said Nick.
There are two styles, one all brown leather, the other even more durable and stylish black leather and Kevlar. “All have the tried and tested Vibram sole, very sticky for good grip,” said Nick.
They are competitively priced, the classic leather boot at £125 and the Kevlar model, “far harder wearing than Cordura,” at £150.
Gill bags and wallets
Gill also unveiled an updated luggage range. “They are all designed with sailors in mind, with wet and dry compartments,” said Nick. “The navigator bag has waterproof compartments for laptop, GPS etc. They are all made from marine grade fabrics. Bags make great Christmas presents. Prices range from wallets at £7.50 to Jumbo bags at £75.”
The new luggage range has distinctive fluorescent detailing on a smart black/grey background. There are bags for every purpose, from the huge rolling jumbo bag to a backpack that can be used on or off the boat.
The Rolling Jumbo, Cargo and Compact Bags are of the same D-shape design in three different sizes. They have pockets at each end, one with drainage and ventilation suitable for wet boots. Inside there are wet/dry compartments to separate wet dirty gear from clean clothes. Finally, there's a compartment for mobile phone, wallet etc.
The Tarp Barrel Bag is made from tough PVC tarpaulin material for extra durability. A compact wash bag and a series of five stylish wallets complete the range.
