ONBOARD
Lazarette Compiled by Guy Venables
Dressed for the Atlantic We gave Some foul weather gear to the skipper and crew of The Blue Peter to wear in the Panerai Transat Classique. This is how they got on:
1 Gill OC1 raCer jaCket and trOusers
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The first thing that Alex, Mat’s first mate (CB298, p74), noticed in his Gill OC1 racing trousers was delight that the back panel under the shoulder straps was sprung. In all previous dungareestyle sailing trousers, he’d felt anger build as the Velcro straps pulled apart every time he crouched down. Not so with these and small things like this really matter. They also sported inner-thigh grip for crawling along sprits and a toughened bum and knee. The jacket was equally impressive and kept out an ocean of water. Jacket £440, Trousers £325 www.gillmarine.com, Tel: +44 (0)115 946 0844
2 aeGis OCean smOCk and Hybrid bib Atlantis has taken an interesting approach to serious heavy weather foulies and come up with some great ideas and clothes. Firstly, they’ve given us wrist, waist and neck seals to totally combat a massive drenching and the smock style means you can “chest” a broaching wave without zip leak, even if it may take slightly longer to take off. They’ve made it less bulky than their rivals, you can choose what to wear underneath, and it’s easily stowed. It is, however, still warm and snug inside, plus there’s a handy watch window. Trousers, again, were easy to adjust and light, but tough. Mat, the captain, said: “I tested it in some savage Atlantic squalls (30 knots and driving rain) and it never let in a drop. I would certainly recommend it.” Smock £230, Bib £195
The unusual design of these twin-skin boots resembles a shoe with leg protection more than an actual boot, thus giving you full radial ankle movement. They also slip on and off with ease and proved very warm in cold weather and fine in warm. As a result, Mat admitted they were the most comfortable things he’d put on his feet. £210
www.atlantisweathergear.com, Tel: +1 877 333 7245
www.henrilloyd.com, Tel: +44 (0)161 799 1212
3 Henri-llOyd extreme WaterPrOOF bOOts
4 dubarry ultima bOOts Welcome to the iconic all-leather, waterproof and fully breathable sailing boot that seems to last for a lifetime (and if not, they can fix them). What Dubarry has always got spot on is the sole – it’s so flat it forms a sort of seal on the deck, which Alex found handy when heeled over in a Force 8. He also found them tough, very comfortable and pretty good looking too. £211
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CLASSIC BOAT MAY 2013
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www.dubarry.ie Tel: +353 (0)90 964 2348