oat show season means that manufacturers are busy launching the new gear they’ve been busy developing and testing on the water this season. With Cannes and then Southampton in quick succession, then the blockbusting Marine Equipment Trade Show set for November in Amsterdam, there’s plenty of new stuff just in. We walked the pontoons, aisles and marquees to pick out the best
Heatrub ultimate baselayer£55
Japanese performance clothing brand Zerofit has launched its products into the sailing world, with a range of insulating base layers that are ideal for winter sailors. Zerofit claims its baselayer is five times warmer than a standard garment, and has tested it with scientists in Osaka by way of proof. Where a normal garment might retain 10-14 per cent of your body heat, the Heatrub gear achieves a rate of 78 per cent. It is built from five different yarns, mainly acrylic, nylon and wool, combined in a soft, loose-fitting fabric that nevertheless stretches easily. The key to the garment’s extraordinary warmth is its double loop fabric which both insulates and very gently brushes the skin to generate warmth. It doesn’t rely on compression, which makes for greater freedom of movement. Offers optimum comfort between
-10 and +10 degrees C. Available in a range of primary colours, plus black, white and grey, in sizes from small to XXXL. Zerofit also offers matching leggings at £55.
zerofit.co.uk
Shakespeare dorsal antenna £94.40
Antenna-maker Shakespeare has developed a low-profile VHF antenna that draws on lessons learned in automotive design. The 5912-Dorsal does away with the familiar springy wire aerial and replaces it with a sleek dorsal fin, which entirely conceals the receiver. This approach has the advantage of protecting the antenna better, while the low profile cuts the likelihood of snagging. Obviously well
