The Hydrovision visor and hood have clear panels to maximise peripheral vision and a three-point adjustment system that makes for a perfect fit. ‘The visor is a key selling point for everyone who tries it on,’ says Rodgers, ‘and everything is very adjustable to make your jacket a bespoke fit, even down to adjustable wrist closures.‘ Despite the revolutionary nature
of the fabric, it’s neither thick nor heavy. It’s very lightweight, which helps to promote freedom of movement and comfort. 500D abrasion resistant panels in high wear areas are used strategically to maximise durability without adding unnecessary weight or bulk. Other features of the jacket
include an optimised external storm flap that protects the central YKK Vision anti-corrosion zip. Velcro wrist adjustment with neoprene inner seals prevent water flushing. A great deal of thought has also
gone into the provision of pockets, covering all eventualities without adding unnecessary bulk, weight or complication. Two large cargo pockets are idea for stowing essentials, while an arm pocket gives immediate access to smaller important items. There’s also a pair of fast drying hand warmer pockets for comfort in cold conditions, plus centralised chest pockets positioned for easy access even when wearing a lifejacket. Attention to detail extends to the heavy duty rear hang loop that is designed for dry or wet storage. Nevertheless, even the very best
jackets can’t cope with really extreme conditions offshore, when it’s possible for crew members to be regularly immersed in solid water. This very extreme weather is exactly what Zhik’s eVent OSF800 Smock was designed for. The smock is made of the same
latest generation fabrics as the jacket and has similar features, including the extremely effective collar and hood. However, the lack of
Above & right: Richomme gave the next generation of Zhik ocean sailing gear the toughest possible workout in the recent New York- Vendée Transatlantic Race
a front zip, along with effective waist and neck seals eliminate key routes through which solid water can find its way to the inside of the clothing system after prolonged exposure. Sustainability has always been an
important factor for Zhik and these products represent a significant step forward. This is baked in from the start of the design process to ensure the smallest footprint at the beginning of the product’s lifecycle, and the longest footprint in terms of durability. Importantly the OSF800 range uses environmentally friendly PFC free water proof coatings that don’t contain any damaging “forever” chemicals. Both the OSF800 jacket and
smock pair perfectly with Zhik’s OFS800 eVent Offshore Sailing Salopette and the very breathable Seaboot 700 Waterproof eVent Michelin Offshore Sailing Boot that won a coveted DAME Design Award last year. Zhik has always been at the
cutting edge of fabric innovation, but the eVent OFS800 range represents a revolution, with levels of waterproofness and breathability that were not available until now. At the same time the attention to detail and innovation that has gone into the many small individual
features is classic Zhik, while the fit is very ergonomic. When combined as a complete system, these products therefore provide an unrivalled clothing system that satisfies the most challenging needs in the world of offshore racing. Here’s what Richomme reported
after using the kit inmore demanding conditions thatmost of us can even imagine during the recent New York – Vendée Transatlantic race: ‘It's pitch black, the sun will rise in two hours, I've been sending it all night, I'm going downwind in 25-30kts. I'min my berth sleeping. In a big gust the boat accelerates to 34kts, jumps over a wave and buries the bow into the back of the next one. The rudders come out of the water and we go into a Chinese gybe, the boat is on its side with 70 degrees of heel. I quickly jump intomy OFS800 gear and I take a look outside to assess the damage, two broken battensmaybemore. ‘I send the keel to centre, release
the backstay and start gybing the gennaker onto the new side. Meanwhile waves are crashing over the deck and filling the cockpit. It'll take me 40 minutes of hard work to get the boat back on track. Thanks to my Zhik foul weather gear I'm dry and I can go straight back to sleep.’
www.zhik.com
❑ SEAHORSE 71
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100 |
Page 101 |
Page 102 |
Page 103 |
Page 104 |
Page 105 |
Page 106 |
Page 107 |
Page 108 |
Page 109 |
Page 110 |
Page 111 |
Page 112
