Waterproofing 1/2
We measure the resistance of a fabric to water pressure expressed in mm of water column (based on ISO 811 standard). The higher the water pressure withstood by the fabric, the more waterproof it is.
Here are the waterproofing ratings:
Component resistant to water pressure of 5000mm after ageing (5 washes). This equates to 5000 Schmerber - average pressure exerted by the water during rain.
The jacket's waterproof was tested in a rain shower with 100 litres of water / sqm / hour for 3 hours.
Waterproofing 2/2
High collar lined with a fleece
- Injection-moulded plastic zip to avoid salt oxidation
- Water-repellent components (water runs off the fabric).
- 100% taped seams.
- Central opening features a flap with a drainage channel for optimal waterproofing
HOOD
The hood does not pack down into the collar, it is attached. Its weight stops it from flapping in the wind.
Completely depth and height-adjustable hood.
Visor with a headband to provide a high level of protection and better maintenance.
The high neck effectively protects the lower part of the face.
Pockets
Two pockets accessible behind the cargo pockets, with a zip.
Two MAGNETISED cargo pockets on the jacket breast to store the VHF, sail tie, cap; etc. In the pocket on the right, there is a small interior pocket to store your knife or shackle key.
One exterior pocket on the right side of the chest to store your phone or other items closed with a zip
One inside pocket on the right side of the chest to store your phone or other items closed with a zip
WARNING: the pockets are NOT WATERPROOF
Front zip closure
Using a YKK zip on the entire jacket length with an interior flap that protects against the wind and water.
Two-way zip lets you open the jacket by the arms. For two-way zip at the front to work properly, make sure both sides are aligned.
Soft fabric flap on the top of the collar to protect the chin.
Protection - sleeves
Two cuffs per arm covering the wrist that are adjustable with a rip-tab to limit water ingress.
The first cuff is in a smooth and comfortable component to stop water ingress and so that it is comfortable against the skin. Adjustment with rip-tab.
The second cuff can be put on over a glove.
To easily remove the jacket, open the cuffs fully
Fabric breathability
To find out whether a fabric is breathable, we test its evaporate resistance or RET (ISO 11092 standard). The lower the fabric's resistance, the more moisture is evaporated, and therefore the higher the fabric's breathability.
We consider that if:
RET < 9 = very breathable fabric
9 < RET < 12 = breathable fabric.
The Sailing 500 vest’s RET is below 12.
Water-repellent properties information
A fabric is water-repellent when water slides off the surface of the fabric, without seeping in.
Your jacket does not become waterlogged and remains lightweight and breathable. The water-repellent properties are achieved with a treatment applied to the external side of the fabric, but in practice these properties can be altered.
The water-repellent properties can be reactivated by putting the jacket in a drier for 10 minutes at the lowest temperature.
How to wash your jacket?
To maintain the water repellent properties, infrequent washing is recommended.
Close all zips and flaps, empty all pockets and then turn the garment inside out to wash it. You can wash it on a synthetic cycle at 30°C or 40°C with your usual detergent. Do not use fabric conditioner, which could damage the existing performance of the garment, or bleach. Very important: choose a full rinse cycle or extra rinse.
HOW TO REACTIVATE THE JACKET'S WATER REPELLENCY
Drying is a crucial phase in reactivating the water repellent treatment.
We recommend that you lay your jacket flat on a clothes rack and leave it out to dry in the open. Caution: never dry your jacket directly on a radiator.
Then place it in the tumble dryer on a short synthetics cycle, i.e. 10 to 15 minutes, before turning it back the right way round. Caution: do not over-dry the garment.