Keeping out, the wet

"You can't sail any real distance at sea without getting wet. It just doesn't happen. At the least opportune moment, the helmsman will lose concentration for a second and allow the combined motion of the boat and the next wave to dump half a ton of sea in the cockpit. 'Sorry fellas. Never mind, it's only water!' is the customary lame attempt at mollification." – All Piss & Wind by David Salter.

Necessity is always the mother of invention, but nowhere is this more apparent than with wet-weather gear, foulies, oilies and so on. Take the case of one wet and cold Norwegian sailor called Helly Juel Hansen. At the end of his tether in 1877, the soggy captain evidently invented an oiled canvas jacket - the 'oilie' - that worked so well, warding off the wet stuff like nothing before it, that crews on square-riggers plying the rugged trade routes lined up for a suit.

Therein, the wet-weather gear industry was born. Much later, in the 1960s, another cold and wet dinghy sailor, Nick Gill, vowed to produce better wet weather gear and, through the desire to stop the drip running down his back, the Gill brand came about. Later, in the 1980s, sailmaker Martin Burke promised his soggy crewmates that he would produce a premium range of wet weather gear that didn't leak and, soon after, the Burke Long Haul range was released. And in 1993, after a near drowning of a family member on the west coast of Tasmania, Helen Moore developed inflatable wet weather clothing and founded the brand Stormy Australia. Our editor wears one.

Today's wet-weather gear has evolved over the passage of time, many a stormy voyage and long, lonely times sitting on the rail or grasping the tiller. Due to the development of high-tech fabrics and better manufacturing techniques, wet-weather gear is now 100 per cent waterproof, windproof, highly breathable, and, well, expensive. But what price can you put on being dry, comfortable and safe at sea? If there's one place not to skimp it's with wet-weather gear. Cheap alternatives leak. So what exactly has changed? The big advances in recent years have been with the development of special coatings and semi-permeable membranes that, much like an eggshell, repel water on the outside while keeping you fresh - drawing out perspiration and maintaining dryness - on the inside. Features such as sealed and taped seams, anti-chaffing collars and fasteners, corrosion-resistant zips, drop seats (so you can straddle the head) and even Ipod (or EPIRB) pockets are all the rage. So, too, some pretty trendy cuts and Italian designs that wouldn't look out of sorts when you step out of your European sportscar to shop in Prahan, Mosman or Noosa.

But despite coming a long way since Captain Hansen's first unwitting foray into high (seas) fashion, manufacturers aren't resting on their laurels.

The top companies constantly recruit high-profile sailors to assist with the design and development of their gear. Champion sailor Russell Coutts provides invaluable feedback on the Italian-designed Slam gear he wears and, as a consequence, has had substantial input into its future design. In the 2006/2007 Volvo Ocean Race, the ABN Amro crew team wore Musto gear and, after sailing around the world, gave the company plenty of advice about how to build better wet-weather gear. Suffice to say, Musto took it onboard (as do we on our boat).

At the cutting edge of wet-weather gear, such fieldwork has resulted in jackets cut specially to fit the female form; stretch fabric across the shoulders, knees and seat; and more lightweight and streamlined designs that assist agility across the deck. All of which goes a long way to solving that age-old problem of being wet and miserable.

Whether you're circumnavigating the globe or just grabbing a mooring during a downpour after a mid-week yacht race, there's no more compelling argument for buying the best wet-weather gear than a dry one.

MATERIAL WORLD
Enter the exciting world of breathable fabrics. In the 1980s and 90s, manufacturers including Musto and Henri Lloyd changed the wet-weather world by using Gore-Tex. It was – and is - waterproof, windproof and highly breathable. But, contrary to popular belief, Gore-Tex is not the outer layer of your garment. Rather, it's the membrane laminated to or sandwiched between an inner layer or liner, designed to protect the membrane, and an outer layer treated with a waterproof finish or durable water repellency (DWR) coating.

It's important when buying wet-weather gear to understand how these membranes work. Gore-Tex, for example, transfers water in and out of the garment using a microporous structure containing millions of tiny holes. Each micropore is something like 20,000 times smaller than a drop of water, but 700 times bigger than a perspiration vapour molecule. Thus, no external moisture such as rain or seaspray can penetrate the membrane but perspiration can evaporate from your body. Gore-Tex fabrics are guaranteed to be completely waterproof, windproof and breathable for the life of the product. But there's more than one way to skin a cat...

Traditionally, wet weather gear made with Gore-Tex was superior to any other gear - and you paid for it. Now, however, there are loads of technical fabrics on the market that operate in a similar way but don't carry the premium price tag. Technically, Gore-Tex still outperforms many competing products, however, competitors say that 99 per cent of people wouldn't notice the difference and the savings in price far outweigh the benefits.

Gill is one manufacturer that has moved away from branded products to lower its garments' costs, while not strapped for choice with one material.

The UK company searches the world for the best fabrics, subjects them to rigorous field-testing and lab tests at a leading university. Most of the major brands have either developed or sourced their own waterproof breathable fabrics these days. Norwegian company Helly Hansen, always a leader in the development of high-tech fabrics, has been quick to design and manufacture its own line of HellyTech fabrics which, it says, are every bit as good as Gore-Tex. Italian company Slam is using Cordura, a DuPont fabric, which it believes is superior to competing products. Australian Burke has developed PB20 and CB10 breathable fabrics that are manufactured (in Asia) exclusively for the company, while Kiwi Line 7 uses AquaTec which is made to its demanding specifications.

So are you wondering, like I was, if Gore-Tex is still the bomb? From our survey of the industry it seems that: (a) Gore-Tex remains technically the most breathable and waterproof product on the market and the most expensive; (b) the competing products come close in terms of performance and are substantially cheaper; and (c) that practically speaking, most of us wouldn't notice the difference between garments made with Gore-Tex and those using other materials.

LAYER UPON LAYER
Layering is everything when you want to stay dry and warm these days. Helly Hansen claims to have developed the three-tier system that all brands (including ski-gear manufacturers) now advocate for optimum warmth and dryness. Layering involves wearing a wicking or base layer, a mid-layer and then an external layer which would be your wet weather jacket.

The base layer might be a t-shirt or lightweight thermal with UV protection and the ability to draw out perspiration. The mid-layer would be a microfleece that insulates and also draws moisture out. The third or outer layer provides serious protection from the weather, and should be waterproof and highly breathable.

Burke says a result of layering, is a trend to simplicity in wet weather gear. With the mix of layers providing warmth the jacket can be lighter and less bulky and, in essence, go back to its core function of keeping you dry.

All the major brands we surveyed offer a range of items for each layer. The base layers look good enough to wear on their own in mild weather, while the mid layers are the most comfortable winter threads you'll find. Each layer is made from highly developed smart fabrics and has the ability to keep you dry, warm and comfortable. Going one better, Slam even has a fabric made with real silver fibres to stifle the bacteria that gives rise to the dreaded body odour. According to its spokesman, Anthony (Jack) Young, the Meryl Fibres fabric will give you around nine to 12 hours until BO sets in, compared with about one hour with other products. This is welcome news for those who partake in long ocean races and ride out the off-watch time below decks.

WHAT TO WEAR
Most of the top brands offer a range of wet weather gear for offshore, coastal and inshore use. For most cruising and racing sailors the Offshore or Coastal range will suffice. The Coastal and Inshore ranges will suit less serious sailors, powerboaters and anglers. All ranges include vests, jackets, smocks (pullovers) and trousers.

When you're looking to buy wet weather gear ask yourself what you really need. The ocean ranges may be the best, but will you really be sailing in gale force winds with green water over the decks? If not, you will save yourself a lot of money by opting for the inshore range. If you're on a powerboat, a lighter coastal jacket is fine and the styling is so good that you can wear your gear to the club, pub or footy and still look the goods.

WHAT'S THE BUZZ?
High-tech is the buzz in construction as well as fabrics. Nowadays, many manufacturers are thermowelding seams rather than taping them for greater durability, and less bulk and weight. Slam uses laser cutting and thermowelding and, as manufacturing processes become more efficient, costs and retail prices will be reduced.

Evidently, field-testing is also popular; with all of the brands we surveyed constantly assessing their products. This has resulted in innovations such as stretch Gore-Tex being used across the seat and shoulders for a more comfortable fit, waterproof and specially sealed seams, ergonomic hoods, non-chaffing fastenings and non-corrosive zips.

At long last looks are starting to match performance and you won't have to banish your daggy sailing jacket to the locker when the race is over. In the fashion stakes, Slam's gear boasts slick lines from its Italian designers and, well, we would be happy to be seen anywhere (except perhaps a wedding) in one of Helly Hansen's funky jackets.

INFLATABLE CLOTHES
Then there are innovative safety products from the likes of Stormy Australia, which has won an Australian Medal for Contribution to Water Safety.

The company manufactures wind and waterproof vests, jackets and yokes (inflatable jackets) with an integrated CO2-activated inflation system that, when activated, transforms the garments into a PFD Type 1 lifejacket. Trade-A-Boat's editor Geoff Middleton was so impressed by the company's gear that he paid full-price for his kit. No questions.

CARING FOR YOUR WET WEATHER GEAR
The micropores in high-tech fabrics can become blocked by sunscreen and other substances, thereby reducing the breathability of the garment.

To prolong the life of the gear and ensure optimum performance, wash your garment regularly in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

Some gear should be cleaned in the washing machine with pure soap and then put in the tumble dryer to reactivate the properties in the fabric.

Some garments may need to be refreshed from time to time with a waterproofing product available from chandleries or outdoor stores.

If in doubt about how to care for your garments, always refer back to the manufacturer.

Don't put your wet weather gear away when it's wet.

Rinse your gear in fresh water, hang it and dry it in the shade.

BUYER'S GUIDE
Are you, too, in the market for some new wet-weather gear? To help with your search for the most suitable attire, we surveyed the top brands available in Australia. We didn't stand under a cold shower, sail to Hobart or fish in hell and high seas, so we can't give you a verdict on performance. But we did put each brand's representative through some rigorous questioning and, as such, save you a lot of legwork and shopping time. All prices quoted are recommended retails. See you on the water and stay dry...

Who?: Founded by Martin Burke, the eponymous Burke brand has been on the market for about 30 years and remains a family run and Australian-owned company. Production, however, moved to Asia six years ago.

What?: Burke offers offshore, coastal, harbour and dinghy ranges made from either breathable or non-breathable garments to suit all budgets.

How?: Burke keeps the water at bay by using coated waterproof non-breathable and breathable materials, including PB20 and CB10 made in China to the company's specifications.

Why buy it?: Because everyone else is - Burke claims to be Australia's best-selling marine gear and equipment brand, and offers a comprehensive range of well-priced and functional gear.

Who's wearing it?: Many of the crew at the local yacht club or any major race event, as well as QANTAS ground crew, NRMA, BHP, Australian Air Express and DHL.

How much?: A wide range of gear starting with entry-level jackets from $58 to top-level high performance breathable jackets for $454.

Warranty: Burke will replace or repair any product found to be defective due to faulty manufacture or materials.

See it at: www.burkemarine.com.au

Who?: Nick Gill established the company 30 years ago in the back of his father's lace factory in Nottingham, England, where the company is still based.

What?: Gill offers a huge range of gear including Ocean, Offshore, Offshore/Coastal, Inshore Racing, Coastal Inshore and Inshore.

How?: Gill uses three-layer highly breathable waterproof fabrics and water-resistant Riri Aqua pocket zips.

Why buy it?: Gill produces only serious high-tech garments. Good-looking gear designed and rigorously tested to offer full waterproof protection in the worst conditions.

Who's wearing it?: Gill is the official clothing supplier to the Australia Sailing Team during the lead up to the Beijing Olympics. Also wearing Gill are Alex Whitworth, who sailed around the world in Brolga 33; and the Volvo Ocean crew on Mini Transat.

How much?: Entry-level costs around $480 for a set of Inshore/Coastal jacket and trousers. Mid-level costs $699 for a Coastal/Offshore jacket and trousers. Top-level Ocean jacket and trousers set for a cool $1900.

Warranty: All Gill products carry a lifetime guarantee against defects in material and workmanship.

See it at: www.gillaustralia.com

Who?: Helly Hansen was founded in Norway in 1877. The company develops and manufactures its own materials and products.

What? Helly Hansen offers a wide range of products, from professional grade offshore sailing gear to powerboat jackets.

How?: All products are made using Helly Hansen's own highly technical fabrics such as Helly Tech, Helly Tech XP and Helly Tech 02.

Why buy it?: Helly Hansen is a leader in the manufacture and use of high-tech fabrics and boasts 128 years experience. Ergonomic designs, funky Scan' styling and cutting-edge materials. And cool features such as an Aquapac pocket in jackets.

Who is wearing it?: Sarah Blanck, Australian female sailor of the year for 2007, and many others.

How much?: Entry-level gear includes Point Jacket ($399.95) and Coast High Fit Trouser ($199). Mid-level range includes New Fjord Jacket ($599) and Fjord High Fit Trouser ($299). More, the top-shelf stuff.

Warranty: Lifetime warranty. See it at: www.hellyhansen.com

Who?: Henri Lloyd is an English brand established in Manchester in 1963. Its products are made in Europe and Asia.

What?: Henri Lloyd makes serious high-end sailing gear including the Gore-Tex Offshore TP3, TP2 and TP1 ranges in offshore, coastal and harbour weights, plus dinghy-sailing clothing.

How?: Henri Lloyd uses Gore-Tex and its own breathable fabrics TP3, TP2 and TP1.

Why buy it?: Because you want to take on the Southern Ocean. All gear is very comfortable, fully breathable, waterproof, long wearing and will withstand the worst conditions thrown at it.

Who is wearing it?: Sir Robin Knox Johnson, the crew on Wild Oats and more round the world race teams.

How much?: Entry-level jacket with TP1 fabric for inshore harbour use ($199). Mid-level is the Quest TP1 three-layer jacket for coastal use ($299). Top-level is the Offshore Racer Gore-Tex jacket with three-layer technical construction ($1100).

Warranty: Standard warranty against manufacturing faults.

See it at: www.henrilloyd.co.uk

Who?: Line 7 was established in 1963 in New Zealand. The top-level Ocean range is manufactured in NZ, but all other gear is made in Asia.

What?: Line 7 offers several ranges including Ocean, Offshore, Inshore, the Gulf and the Squadron.

How?: Line 7 products are made from its own AquaTec fabric, a highly waterproof and breathable material treated with either Durable Water Repellency or Super Durable Water Repellency.

Why buy it?: Highly engineered with attention to detail in neck and wrist closures, hood, pocket and zip features. Check out the new styling with an imminent relaunch in July.

Who is wearing it?: Line 7 has been a partner with Team New Zealand (now Emirates Team New Zealand) since 1995, and has been part of other America's Cup challenges from Courageous in 1977, to Australia II in 1983, Young Australia, and America One in 2000.

How much?: Entry-level Gulf Range jacket ($175) and trouser ($140). Mid-level Offshore jacket ($450) and trouser ($270). Top-level Ocean Range jacket ($1000) and trouser ($750).

Warranty: On faulty manufacture and fabric. See it at: www.line7.com/Line7/marine.aspx

Who?: Slam is an Italian company with all styling and designing done in Italy. Manufacturing takes place in a number of countries including Italy, Turkey, Indonesia and China.

What?: Slam's ranges include Offshore, Coastal Tech, Coastal Basic and Inshore. The Russell Coutts Range caters for harbour racers and coastal/one design.

How?: The Technical Range is waterproof, windproof and breathable, using the latest light, strong fabrics such as Cordura. Top level has thermo-welded seams.

Why buy it?: Slick Italian styling and great freedom of movement.

Who is wearing it?: Russell Coutts, Ichi Ban boats, Hooligan, Alfa Romeo and Skandia.

How much?: Entry-level Slam Racing New Jacket ($299) and Racing New Pant ($257). Mid-level Evolution Jacket ($520) and Racing Evolution Long John ($495). Top-level Ocean Waves Jacket SB ($1032) and Ocean Waves Pant SB ($845).

Warranty: Slam will replace any faulty item where the fault arises from fabric faults or manufacture impurities but not misuse.

Slam's first Australian concept store opening on Hamilton Island in time for Race Week.

Who?: Marlin Australia is an Australian company with offices in Sydney, China, USA and NZ. The company has been producing wet weather gear for almost 40 years.

What?: The range includes Rainbreaker, Mariner and Leisure jackets, Racer jacket and trouser, and Cyclone jacket and trouser.

How?: Gear is made from fully waterproof breathable fabrics. Seams are tape sealed and jackets feature polar fleece lining.

Why?: Well-priced wet weather gear from one of Australia's oldest brands. How much?: Prices not available.

See it at: www.marlin-australia.com.au

Who?: A Sydney-based importer that moved into wet weather gear about five years ago after proprietor Jim King, a keen sailor, commissioned a line of wet-weather gear that met his demanding requirements and those of his sailor friends. The attire is made in China to the company's specifications.

What?: Westcoast offers a range of waterproof, breathable gear including a lightweight Racing jacket, Offshore jacket and trousers, and Ocean jacket and matching pants.

How?: Products are made from Seratex fabric which is 100 per cent waterproof and extremely breathable.

Why buy it?: Westcoast says its product is the best value wet weather gear on the market, boasting many of the features found in more expensive products including articulated elbows and underarms, handwarmer pockets, reflective piping, inner and external wrist seals.

Who is wearing it?: Loads of people at your local yacht club, plus several crews competing in the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race.

How much?: N/A.

Warranty: The company will repair or replace any product found to be defective due to faulty manufacture or materials.

See it at: All leading ships chandleries or phone (02) 9979 5777 for stockists.

Who?: Ronstan is an Australian company established in 1953 in Melbourne. Its wet weather range was launched in 2002 and is made in China.

What?: Ronstan has several ranges of wet weather gear including Lightweight, Inshore, Heavy Duty Inshore and Coastal. Ronstan gear is ideally suited to leisure/day sailing or short-course racing in milder climates.

How?: Ronstan uses waterproof breathable R-tech fabrics. Garments have taped seams, durable plastic zips and are treated with DWR.

Why buy it?: Keenly-priced gear offering features available in more expensive products.

How much?: Entry-level includes breathable Lightweight Inshore jacket ($189) and Lightweight Inshore pants ($126). Mid-level includes breathable Heavy Duty Inshore jacket ($259) and Heavy Duty Inshore/Coastal pants ($220). Top-level includes breathable Coastal jacket ($320) and pants ($220).

Warranty: One-year warranty from the date of purchase. See it at: www.ronstan.com

Who?: Musto grew out of a partnership between Keith Musto, a silver medalist in the Flying Dutchman at the Tokyo Olympics and Edward Hyde, who joined forces as Musto and Hyde Sails in 1965. In the 1980s, Keith Musto branched out to concentrate on wet-weather gear. Musto is UK based. Products are made globally, but its Gore-Tex products are made in Poland.

What?: A wide range of wet-weather gear from the light Caribbean to the Breathable Range for more serious cruising and racing sailor. The Breathable Range includes specially designed trousers and jackets for each level of sailing including Inshore, Coastal and Offshore.

How?: Musto products are made from technical fabrics. They are 100 per cent waterproof with sealed seams. Top-level HPX and MPX are made with Gore-Tex.

Why buy it?: Because you can afford to. Top-level products have the Gore "Guaranteed to Keep you Dry" promise.

Who else?: Musto was worn by seven of the eight boats in the 2006/07 Volvo Ocean Race and sailors, including Dame Ellen MacArthur and Nick Maloney.

How much?: Entry-level Caribbean jacket ($250) and trousers ($175). Mid-level Breathable Coastal jacket ($460) and trousers ($299). Top-level HPX jacket ($1500) and trousers ($999).

Warranty: On defects in workmanship and materials during a 'reasonable working life'. Gore-Tex is covered by the "Guaranteed to Keep you Dry" Promise.

See it at: www.musto.com

Who?: Stormy Australia was founded in 1993 by Helen Moore. The company operates from a factory in Mornington near Hobart, Tasmania.

What?: Stormy makes wind and waterproof vests, and jackets with integrated CO2-activated inflation systems. Different styles are available to suit the professional and recreational markets. On activation of the flotation system, the garments are instantly transformed into PFD Type 1 lifejackets meeting Australian standard 1512.

Why buy it?: Because you are safety-conscious, and want integrated wet weather gear and a PFD1.

Who is wearing it?: Racing and cruising sailors including Trade-A-Boat's editor, professional and recreational fishermen, sea pilots, marine safety and rescue authorities, and enforcement agencies including water police and fisheries officers.

How much?: the range includes Stormy Vest ($315), Stormy Jacket ($425) and Stormy Long Jacket ($525).

See it at: www.stormyaustralia.com