Whether to keep up with the changeable conditions of summer afloat or something to wear whilst ashore, the most essential piece of kit for any person with an interest in sailing is the lightweight sailing jacket. Let’s look at the best buys.As important a fashion piece as a barrier against the sudden and changeable conditions of summer, the choices of a lightweight sailing jacket are vast. Many companies devote more effort into the lightweight sailing jacket than into the full noise offshore kit.
\nFor this buyers guide we shall look at the lighter weight sailing jackets, the ones suited to warmer summer days afloat and so not to concentrate on the offshore jackets with a deeper thermal lining, although there are a lot of similarities and crossovers to these warmer versions.
\nOur playground, even during the warmest seasons is changeable, so having an item of clothing which can protect against irritating weather is essential. They can be cumbersome to carry \u2013 so choosing a light and easily packable garment is important.
\nBut whilst protection against those showers and annoying waves is paramount, the fashion element is equally as important, so they must be as good on the rail as on the way to the restaurant. Let\u2019s take a look at what is great for the season ahead.
\nNote: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site, at no extra cost to you. This doesn\u2019t affect our editorial independence.<\/p>\n
North Sails \u2013 Inshore race Jacket
\nBest all-round lightweight sailing jacket
\nReasons to buy
\nGore-tex pro \u2013 the best
\nExternal adjustable cuffs
\nRemovable hood
\nUncluttered
\nReasons to avoid
\nHigher end price (but best materials)
\nNot the colour range of other brands
\nNorth Sails have really hit the ground running with their full-on assault on the performance sailing clothing market, and yet again they have come into their field on top.
\nOne of the only brands to have chosen to go with Gore Tex at this level, you know you\u2019ll be wearing the best, with many hours of experience from the many pro teams they have access to and the unmatched knowledge of Nigel Musto at the design helm.
\nThis sailing jacket offers more bells and whistles and fine details than any other inshore lightweight jacket.
\nThe removable hood is a great addition \u2013 there is nothing more distracting than having a hood flapping around on a dry but windy day. Even without the hood you know you have a fair amount of protection from the large collar.
\nAquaguard zips throughout make sure you and your pocket contents stay as dry as possible, so your social media status can be updated throughout the day.
\nIt really is a slim and uncluttered jacket, which is why we\u2019ve chosen it as our best buy. A women\u2019s version is also available.
\nBuy men\u2019s version at North Sails
\nBuy women\u2019s version at North Sails<\/p>\n
Code Zero \u2013 Waypoint Jacket
\nA great lightweight sailing jacket for the price
\nReasons to buy
\nAvailable in a wide range of colours.
\nNice price.
\nLots of input from pro teams
\nReasons to avoid
\nNot Gore-tex
\nThe people behind Code Zero are some of the biggest fans of the sport of sailing, as they have even named their company after a specialist racing sail.
\nWith members of the management team often seen at events around the world, they have a close relationship with the sport, sponsoring events and some of the most successful pro race teams to date.
\nAnd it\u2019s this association with the likes of the TP52 Quantum Racing and Mini Maxi Jethou that can be seen in these lightweight sailing jackets.
\nThere is plenty of attention to detail \u2013 foremost is the water repellant outer, which is great for those annoying waves that take you by surprise, and combined with breathable membrane layers, which also stop water ingress but just as importantly, let the inner moisture out.
\nThe cuffs have good velcro adjustment along with a storm hood, which can be reefed down in nastier conditions. The zips have a nice tight closure and are also backed up by a waterproof flap, and all the panels are really well taped. A women\u2019s version is also available.
\nBuy men\u2019s version at Code-Zero
\nBuy women\u2019s version at Code-Zero
\n\u00a0<\/p>\n
Henri Lloyd \u2013 Pro Tean Jacket
\nWorth a look
\nReasons to buy
\nStiff hood visor
\nAquaGuard zips
\nExternal velcro wrist adjustment
\nReasons to avoid
\nLimited colour choice
\nHenri Lloyd have been a force, especially in the inshore \/ day racing arena for many years, and their latest race-ready lightweight sailing jacket is the Pro Tean.
\nA breathable and multi-layered waterproof jacket, this will put up with the windier Cowes Week sea breeze days and also help ventilate the moisture from within of even the most active of bowmen.
\nA long term connection with the likes of Ben Ainslie and associates, these jackets do seem to boast a few unique and cunning additions \u2013 like the internal breeze clip, which limits jacket movement even when you are unzipped and cooling down.
\nThe seams are well taped and the hood has plenty of adjustment to synch it around the head. The slightly stiffer visor is also great at keeping the rain out of the eyes.
\nBuy at Henri Lloyd<\/p>\n
Musto \u2013 LPX Gore-Tex Infinium Aero Jacket
\nAlternative Gore-tex option
\nReasons to buy
\nMusto \u2013 an established name
\nGore-Tex the preferred material for outdoor activities
\nReasons to avoid
\nLimited colours
\nTowards upper price range
\nAnother clothing powerhouse and another Gore-tex offering, the LPX is a lightweight jacket with plenty of waterproof credentials and great breathability.
\nThis jacket is buried within Musto\u2019s massive and often confusing ranges of gear.
\nAs its Gore-Tex it is towards the upper end in budget of this category \u2013 but what price for the best level of kit?
\nThe zips are all of a good \u201caquaguard\u201d quality and the permanent hood is also light and easy to adjust to the head with a bunny pull cord.
\nGreat taping of the seams and the patterning means minimal seams in important and mobile areas, meaning a very comfortable jacket.
\nA good range of sizing is available but in limited colours. Well worth looking at.
\nBuy at Musto<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Helly Hansen \u2013 Mens Crew Hooded Sailing Jacket
\nGood all-round lightweight sailing jacket
\nReasons to buy
\nPackable hood
\nCheaper option
\nReasons to avoid
\nNot quite up to gore-tex levels
\nAlthough this jacket doesn\u2019t boast any fancy Gore-tex, it does use Helly Hansen\u2019s version, known as Helly Tech, which has been extensively tested and seems pretty good.
\nThis jacket is a lot cheaper than most competitors, and aside from the material, they are quite competitive as lightweight sailing jackets.
\nA packable hood may make the collar a little bulky but it is a handy addition, which will be much appreciated in those summer equals.
\nThe collar is also fleece-lined for added comfort, but the rest of the jacket\u2019s interior is lined with a quick dry mesh.
\nWaterproof, breathable and a trustworthy brand at a decent price, this jacket also offers a left-sided chest pocket, which is good for the right handers out there.
\nBuy at Helly Hansen
\nDidn\u2019t find what you\u2019re looking for? Head to Amazon\u2019s dedicated sailing page for more marine products.
\nThe post Best lightweight sailing jacket buyer\u2019s guide: 5 of the best options appeared first on Yachting World.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Whether to keep up with the changeable conditions of summer afloat or something to wear whilst ashore, the most essential piece of kit for any person with an interest in sailing is the lightweight sailing jacket. Let’s look at the … <\/p>\n