Not everybody who sails needs gear appropriate to face the Southern Ocean. So why should we bankrupt ourselves paying for the ultimate state of the art gear, designed for blasting through mountainous seas at high speed on a Volvo Open 70 in iceberg latitudes?
Technical clothing specialist Musto recognizes that there is a wider market - with its own specialist needs.
“While the sharp end of performance sailing continues to seek ever higher standards of performance, 90% of cruising - and many racing - sailors are happy to choose their weather and proceed at a comfortable 6-7 knots,” says the company, which claims to know “more about breathables than anybody else.”
As a result, “We went to the technical fabric industry and came back with two new breathable fabrics which will completely satisfy the market's needs - and at prices which are hard to resist.
The styling of the new BR2 and BR1 ranges mean that the customer still gets the colours, the design details and the high quality construction and finish which distinguish the Musto brand, says the company.
It describes BR2 as “simply the best protection one can buy in a non-Goretex range of foul weather clothing.” It is a two-layer, microporous membrane fabric, developed exclusively for Musto.
It is said to be waterproof, with higher breathability than any other products of similar price and also claims “outstanding durability - so often the shortcoming of some 'budget' breathables.”
Musto's BR2 range is designed to be suitable for sailing and powerboating up to offshore level. The BR2 Offshore Jacket costs £200 and the BR2 Offshore Trousers £150. Both are available in a range of sizes from S to XXL and colourways including red/dark grey, dark navy/dark grey, black/dark grey.
The BR1 range uses “a lightweight fabric with a fully effective hydrophilic coating which ensures the degree of breathability suitable for more relaxed times on the water, when there's little threat of severe conditions over a prolonged period.”
The BR1 range includes the Channel Jacket (for coastal sailing) and the Inshore Jacket and Inshore Race Jackets and BR1 Hi-fit Trousers in both unisex and women's colourways and sizes, “each with features appropriate to the activities suggested by their names.”
Despite the attractive price points, BR1 kit is strong on features to provide ease of movement, comfort and security, says Musto.
The BR1 Channel Jacket costs £150, the BR 1 Inshore jacket £100 and the
BR1 Trousers £90. The BR1 Inshore Race Jacket is £125, and is also available in women's sizes in a different range of colourways - with trousers to match.
There is also a Breathable Soft Shell Race Jacket at £125 and breathable Caribbean and Windward Jackets and Gilets.
Visitors to the London Boat Show at ExCel (January 11 to 20) are invited to pick up a free copy of Musto's new catalogue on the company's stand, to see what's new for 2008.
