Dinghy development: Modern sailing gear

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Modern sailing gear

Printed From: Yachts and Yachting Online
Category: Dinghy classes
Forum Name: Dinghy development
Forum Discription: The latest moves in the dinghy market
URL: http://www.yachtsandyachting.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=12373
Printed Date: 07 Jul 25 at 10:19pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.665y - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: Modern sailing gear

Posted By: KazR
Subject: Modern sailing gear
Date Posted: 25 Apr 16 at 9:19pm

I'm looking for a bit of help. I'm used to fairly standard dinghy sailing gear of 3mm wetsuit, with or without dry top, in summer and drysuit when it's colder. I'm looking for some new gear for the season and see makes like Zhik and Rooster do things like micro fleece longjohns with really, really thin neoprene. I have had a Aquafleece before which was fine, but I didn't swim in that often but nothing as thin as this new stuff appears.

The question I have is - for an average-ish middle aged sailor in hiking singlehanders, would these new style garments with thin neoprene work for a northern UK season, without having to be super active in the boat? The ads show young, lithe, super fit sailors using them of course, but how are they for average sailors, especially if you take a swim. Not quite so sure my older physique would cope with one of the stretch fit tops tho.........

Replies:

Posted By: piglet
Date Posted: 25 Apr 16 at 9:40pm

I'm middle aged bordering on old git who sails 200's & Radials.
I've managed 2 soft southern winters in my 3mm Gull code zero long johns.
I like having 2 flock/pile lined rashies, pref one short sleeve & 1 lomg.
Rooster PP leggings and Aquafleece.
In the cold I wear my bouyancy aid under the Aquafleece, warmer.

Posted By: craiggo
Date Posted: 25 Apr 16 at 10:02pm

I generally wear hikers all year around. On colder days I wear a rooster hot-top then a musto aquafleece, as it gets warmer I switch the hot top for a normal rash vest, and when it's really warm I ditch the aquafleece.

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OK 2129
RS200 411

Posted By: turnturtle
Date Posted: 25 Apr 16 at 10:12pm

The super thin ones won't be enough, but both Neil Pryde and Zhik do a thicker winter grade material... That's good stuff, and loads better than your average hiker/pencil case/mouse mat grade neoprene of the lower end brands.

Posted By: Bootscooter
Date Posted: 25 Apr 16 at 10:44pm

I'm also middle-aged, verging on the arl-git, but racing a Finn all year round. My basic kit is the Rooster Race Skin with hikers over the top. In winter I put on a Rooster Hot Top and Hot legs underneath (not necessarily pretty in the changing rooms, but then I'm not Dave from MoneySuperMarket), and layer up with a thermal layer and a Gill Thermal Top when it's properly Baltic. Rooster stuff may be seen as a bit yoof, but it is extremely well priced, and very good quality (I'm still in the set I bought at the Dinghy Show 5 years ago).

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Posted By: fleaberto
Date Posted: 26 Apr 16 at 11:47am

I've been very surprised at how warm this 'new' thin neoprene stuff can actually be - when it fits properly.
I moved to Long John/Rashie or Thermal top / good spray top / socks and decent boots...... I've sailed my 600 over the winter in that kit and never really got massively cold (there's still a LOT of swimming going on!)- Magic Marine and Gill Long johns is what I'm using.

My best buy for a really comfortable time has been a Billabong foil steamer.... sailed the 600 for about 4 hours with 20 capsizes recently - and only near the end was any dampness starting to seep through.

Go for blindstitched and you'll be pleasantly surprised at how effective this layering concept can be.

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Lightning368 'All the Gear' (409), Lightning368 'Sprite' (101), Laser (big number) 'Yellow Jack', RS Vareo (432)'The Golden Rays'

Posted By: iiiiticki
Date Posted: 26 Apr 16 at 12:00pm

The way the weather has been recently it is warmer in the water than out!

Posted By: NickM
Date Posted: 28 Apr 16 at 8:51pm

I have just bought the Mike Lennon Year Round Dry System (at sale price!) Very impressed so far: warm and dry as stated. It's very soft rubber so it remains to be seen how durable it will be.

Posted By: getafix
Date Posted: 29 Apr 16 at 6:18am

Originally posted by NickM

I have just bought the Mike Lennon Year Round Dry System (at sale price!) Very impressed so far: warm and dry as stated. It's very soft rubber so it remains to be seen how durable it will be.

updates on this would be appreciated. Thought it was really nice when I saw some but same concern - will it last?

Posted By: jaydub
Date Posted: 29 Apr 16 at 8:01am

Age old problem with smoothskin neoprene. It keeps you warmer, but doesn't have the same longevity.

I've always gone for the longevity of double lined wetsuits.