We're all increasingly used to spending money on “technical” sailing kit to keep us warm during the colder months, from anti-microbial thermal base layers via wicking fleecy mid layers to breathable waterproofs.
But what do you wear when the warmer weather comes? All the big sailing brands are trying to tempt us out of our “old tech” T-shirts into something more scientific.
And the message is that you don't have to sacrifice style for practicality. Gill, for example, has unveiled its Technical Apparel collection for 2008 designed with performance at its core - everything is lightweight, wicking and breathable - yet designed to be just as at home in the sailing club as it is on the start line of the race.
There's style as well as performance, with good use of colour and even a hint of fashion, with lines designed specially for female sailors, as well as for the men.
The complete Technical Apparel range features UV sun protection to SPF 50+ and fast drying fabric technology, and includes T-shirts (from £25), shorts (from £40), trousers (from £50), jackets (from £75)and gilets (from £50), all designed to make the most of warmer conditions, on or off the boat.
