There is an unusual amount of choice on the market when it comes to fitting or replacing a jib furler. Here’s a buyer’s guide to help you find whats right for you!

Headsail furlers

Where much of the sailing industry has seen brands consolidate, furlers are still made by some smaller entrepreneurial suppliers alongside the bigger names.

Costs for a manual furler typically run from around £500 to equip a dinghy up to £2-3,000 for a 40ft cruising boat, although some premium brands are closer to the £6,000 mark. Some also price the luff foil, furling line and fairleads separately, so take care to compare like with like when looking about. Options include a specific Ocean variant for Harken, race variants for several brands and through-deck systems.

While the idea of a through-deck unit nicely tucked out of sight may appeal, it is a fiddly business and one best done on the production line. None of the brands I approached could recall an example of a customer retrofitting under-deck furling. “It is unusual, as the bow locker of the boat has to accommodate the drum/motor unit,” says Steve Norbury, MD of Selden UK. “Most new boats now fit through-deck and were designed with this in mind.”

Think also about the sort of treatment your jib furler is going to get. If you’re a fair-weather yachtsman, then there’s no need for a heavily-built system designed for days of offshore sailing in a gale. But if the furler is close enough to your bow roller and anchor to be at risk from incidental boshes, you’ll be glad of a stout metal enclosure for it. Most people will get the sailmaker or rigger to fit the furler, but some, like Harken and Selden, provide instructions that a skilled owner could follow.

Jib Furler: Going electric

Labour-saving electric furling is another matter, and quite a common retrofit. Costs are naturally higher than a manual unit, so count on an extra £1000-£2000 for the motor, plus more for switches, remote control, wiring and installation. If you want the full push-button experience, you won’t see much change from £6-7,000 on a 40-footer, and it could be much more. Harken, Selden, Profurl and Facnor all offer an upgrade option that allows you to keep your existing jib furler and simply bolt on the motor unit. 

Luckily, it is usually unnecessary to install a dedicated battery, because the motor, though powerful, is only in use for a few minutes per day. As usual with power at the bow, it all comes down to a balance between running relatively heavy cables the length of the boat from the existing battery or placing a new one close to the furler with much lighter charging cables running aft. 

These days, an electric jib furler can be more reliable and safer than the manual equivalent, according to Norbury at Selden. “Electric Furlex can handle conditions up to the limit of the boat,” he tells me. “In some ways it is superior to a manual unit for distance sailing. The furling line is eliminated that is the most common cause of problems. They can slip in clutches so releasing the sail, become twisted along the deck and they can wear. We know from experience with in-mast furling that when the furling process is easier, sailors are more likely to adjust their sail area to the conditions making for safer, faster and more comfortable sailing.”

Easy upgrade

Most brands allow you to keep your existing forestay and simply slide the luff foils on over the top. And if you want to accommodate a turnbuckle or rigging screw to adjust forestay tension, the furling drum assembly is designed to fit neatly over it. That said, adjusting it can end up being a bit of a mission. All the brands offer an array of different toggles and brackets for fitting the furler unit higher or lower off the deck. Some sailors want every inch of luff length, in order to maximise sail areas, while others like a high-cut yankee that clears the guardwires. 

Only Furlex supplies a new headstay with every order. “By the time an owner needs a new furler, it is likely the forestay needs to be replaced,” explains Steve Norbury. “Also, once a furler is fitted, the lower swage (most likely to fail on old rigging) is hidden. As a mast maker, we do not believe new furlers should be fitted to old forestays.”

Furling: Race mode on

For true racing, where every gram counts, a jib furler is never going to appeal. Though the drum unit is located close to the deck level, there is the additional weight of the foil around the headstay, which can add 10-20kg high up in the rig, plus the halyard swivel unit and the halyard deflector. It all feels like a step in the wrong direction when you’ll be more interested in quick headsail changes.

Where a performance oriented furler comes in is on boats designed for fast cruising, or where the owner wants the flexibility to race from time to time. Look for a product with twin luff grooves in the head foil, enabling you to hoist and change sails quickly, and with a furling drum that dismounts easily to transform from furling mode to manual mode.

All the same, Selden UK’s Steve Norbury speaks for all manufacturers when he sounds a note of caution for racers. “Furlex can be converted to ‘race mode’ in which the drum is removed and a non-furling race sail can be fitted. However, as with all furling systems, the hoisting will be compromised compared to the usual TuffLuff solution. Do not expect a three-second hoist within three boats lengths of the mark; a 20-second hoist within 10 boat lengths is more likely.”

Profurl

Recognisable in the past for its yellow-green anodised fittings around a plastic drum, Profurl has switched to black anodising, which it says is better for the environment. Its systems are still found on boats the world over, and they come in cruising and racing variants, manual and electric, on deck and under deck. All units have a 10-year guarantee, and Profurl claims to be the only one on the market that can handle “severe loads” thanks to “specially designed mechanisms”.

Bearings are held in a waterproof grease bath and require no maintenance. Other specificities include a special arrow-shaped device at the top of the foil to prevent halyard wrap. And Profurl is about as flexible as they come in terms of fitting to the deck around existing headstays and rigging screws. Whether you prefer your sails close to the deck, or lifted well clear of anchors and even lifelines, there are fittings to suit.

All Profurl furlers from the C350 upwards (suitable for 11m boats) can be converted to electric operation using the NDE2 system. Power starts at a reasonable 400W  – equivalent to around 35 amps on a 12V system and giving up to 115Nm of torque (3-5 times more furling grunt than you can manage by hand). But to get the maximum 1,200W out of the larger motors, you’ll need a 24V system. Profurl says it has engineered its systems for low power consumption so they don’t require special batteries, and they have been fitted on the Amel 50 and the CNB 66.

Racing units look the same as the cruising ones, but there are a couple of important differences. First, the black foil extrusion is oval shaped for lower wind resistance and cleaner flow into the sail. The opening pre-feeder comes as standard, and the mounting options are slightly less comprehensive.

profurl.com

Facnor

Facnor has many years of building cruising furlers under its belt, but it also has a race variant and a small boat version of the same basic system. Its LS cruising jib furler is well designed with a high-load swivel to take the halyard and a deflector wheel at the top of the foil to minimise chafe. Its entry-level C260, good for sail areas up to 15sqm, has a built-in halyard which helps to reduce forestay sag – especially on fractionally-rigged boats.

The drum is made of plastic, with stainless steel arms to protect it and retain the furling line. A nice feature when it comes to installation is that the bottom section of the foil is telescopic, so you don’t have to cut any track to size. You can install the drum and track around an existing fixed headstay, or a rigging screw / turnbuckle.

The racing RX variant offers lighter, more aerodynamic foil sections. Depending on the size of the unit, you can save between 20 and 40 per cent of the foil weight – removing perhaps 5-6kg from high up in the rig of a 30ft boat. The RX furler also gives you the possibility of removing the drum to hoist a second racing jib or genoa. 

If you want to go electric, there’s a Facnor conversion kit from model LS 165 upwards, but it comes at a hefty price tag of well over £4,000. Power ratings are either 400W or 800W at 12V, or 1,200W at 24V for the larger units. The smaller unit contains multiple smaller motors to keep a lower profile. It fits over the existing stay, just like the manual unit, and there’s an endless line and lock-in pulley system to give an emergency override in case of power failure. Control options include a wired handset, buttons in the cockpit or a wireless clicker.

Distributed by Eurospars in the UK.

facnor.com

Harken MkIV: Headsail Furler

The MkIV is Harken’s answer to headsail furling, available in a standard or newer Ocean variant and five different sizes covering boats from 22ft to 80ft. The standard version is a performance-oriented product, with a split drum that can be easily removed for racing, twin track luff tube, and independent tack and halyard swivels (using no fewer than four Torlon bearing races) which allow the sail to start furling in the middle, where it has the greatest depth.

The MkIV Ocean uses the same robust alloy construction but with a heavier swivel and torque tube (the part that connects the foil and drum). The drum can’t be dismounted, while the foil is stronger and has just a single groove on the basis you won’t be whipping different jibs up and down. Harken is at pains to point out that its Ocean foils are not as ‘treetrunkish’ as they used to be. “They also have a round foil shape, which gives a nicer furling aspect for those big cruising jibs,” said project manager Steve McMahon.

All Harken units require a £140 toggle, in addition to any link plates, but the advantage is the ease of adjusting the forestay – just a few screws and you’re in. It also produces a handy electric conversion package for size 2 and 3 furlers, with hydraulic power for sizes above that. Harken describes the installation of the electric units as an “easy upgrade”. Both sizes use the same motor, which is rated at a powerful 800W on a 12V system or 1200W at 24V.

harken.co.uk

Selden Furlex

Furlex claims to be the world’s best-selling jib furling system with a full range of manual, under deck and electric furlers for dinghies, keelboats and yachts up to 65ft. They are ergonomically designed with stainless steel detailing and composite bodies, and you can remove the drum for racing. 

The foil sections have a light groove in the leading edge, said to improve air flow into the sail. And the headstay that passes through the foil is run through a plastic sleeve which ensures that it is kept central to the foil, insulated from chafe and corrosion, across its entire length.

Selden has adapted the Furlex to work on its new 42V Selden Bus system, which makes it easy to control from the cockpit and integrates well with the plotter. The motor has a relatively low current draw of some 10-25 Amps under normal conditions, but it packs sufficient torque (up to 135 Nm) to deal with furling in strong winds and heavy seas. There is also a cut-out if the load is too great and a manual override – just in case.

The smart thing about this system is that each motor in the network of winches and furlers has its own control unit, which means that there is no need for heavy cables running back to the house battery. You can also upgrade from an existing manual furler to electric for £2,200.

seldenmast.com

Schaefer

Priding itself on the strength of its gear, Schaefer jib furlers are built to be bluewater gale-proof and long-lived. They are machined in metal and have the added benefit that they fit over your existing headstay and turnbuckle, reducing the cost of installation. The cage is in stainless steel, while the drum splits in two for easy mounting. Torlon bearings in an open race are incredibly hard-wearing and maintenance free.

Schaefer furlers are always manually operated, and sized for boats from 16ft to 65ft. Director of sales and marketing Steve Majkut says there are clear advantages to staying manual for as long as you can. “Manual systems are great because if something is misaligned, such as halyard wrap, you will instantly feel it and know something is wrong,” he says. “My worst phone calls are when someone says, ‘I put the furling line on a winch and I heard a loud bang’.”  

Reliability is what makes his furlers stand out. “Our systems are designed to take you anywhere you want with no worries about your jib furler. Many competitors use injection-moulded parts to keep their systems light. Unfortunately they do not hold up to the abuse on the bow of a boat and break if hit with a spinnaker pole or being stood on. Our drum, torque tube assembly and our drum plates are all machined aluminium with three rows of Torlon ball bearings. They only need an occasional freshwater rinse – no need to grease the drum or upper swivel.”

Built in the US and available in the UK through Sea Sure.

schaefermarine.com

Reckmann

Reckmann is synonymous with superyacht furling systems, but its manual and electric ranges are also suitable for smaller boats from around 35ft LOA. They are very high spec, all in mirror-polished stainless steel jib furler drums and the choice between aluminium or carbon foils. Reckmann claims its aluminium foils are 25 per cent lighter than the average, while offering better torsion resistance. Like most of the systems detailed here, maintenance is absolutely minimal.

For a premium product, you pay a premium price, with the manual system costing the same as other brands’ electric model. It is, however, a thing of beauty and strength. “Above all, our systems are very powerful, reliable, compact and very durable,” says Reckmann CEO Marcus Schuldt. “Another advantage is that we have the possibility to adapt even standard systems to special requirements on the boats. We are very flexible in this respect.”

reckmann.com

CDI

This small Canadian concern specialises in furling devices for main and jib, with a fully manual range for boats with headstays up to 8mm (c40ft LOA). There are lots of unique features to the CDI furler, so it was a shame that the company wouldn’t return messages. Among its USPs is a plastic furling drum, and a luff foil made of PVC rather than the more standard aluminium. CDI trumpets the fact that PVC is both lighter and more flexible, but it is presumably more susceptible to damage as well. CDI has also found a unique solution to the problem of halyard wraps – building a dedicated halyard into the system. Fitting instructions were complicated, and it wasn’t clear how robust a solution this would prove. Pricing is similar to other units, but you’ll have to buy from Canada, which will entail additional tax and customs charges.

sailcdi.com

Show Me More:

• 37th America’s Cup: Key Info, Dates & How to Watch
• Boat Test: C-Cat 48
• Med Mooring Masterclass: How to Moor with Perfect Technique

The post Jib Furler Buyer’s Guide: Best Brands for Headsail Furling appeared first on Sailing Today.

One of the great joys of Southampton Boat Show is the plethora of kit available from sailing jackets, sunglasses and drybags, to high-end electric motors, protective paints and chandlery. We cast our eye over the new bits of kit available…

And don’t miss out Southampton Boat Show 2024 ticket discount below!

New Henri Lloyd Range

Henri-Lloyd’s new range of jackets and salopettes will be highly visible at this year’s autumn boat shows with the vibrant Biscay and Sail Jackets, with matching Coastal Hi-Fit salopettes on display. The Biscay Jacket’s design was inspired by Henri-Lloyd’s original Biscay model, the new Biscay reflects the bold stripe and striking colours in red or navy blue interlaced with white.  A true coastal/offshore companion born to withstand all conditions. 

For those who are planning coastal sailing, then the Sail Jacket may well be the perfect fit. The Sail Jacket has 15k waterproof rating with a mesh and taffeta lining to ensure all-day protection from unpredictable weather conditions.  Both Sail and Biscay Jacket can be used with the new Henri-Lloyd Coastal Hi Fit salopettes. You can visit the Henri Lloyd team on stand W000.

Biscay Jacket: £325 

Sail Jacket: £250

Coastal Hi-Fits: £250

henrilloyd.com

Lewmar Ultra Low Profile Hatch

Lewmar has designed and developed an ultra-slim hatch, combining practicality, aesthetics, and ease of installation. The corrosion-resistant lower frame features a silver anodised aluminium finish, providing excellent resistance even in harsh marine environments. Multiple seal profiles are used to guarantee compression and excellent watershedding capabilities.

The hatch also features a newly redesigned hinge system, and the friction lever mechanism ensures the lid is held open securely in any position up to 90 degrees. Whether you’re building a new boat or upgrading an existing one, this hatch provides a sleek solution. You can visit Lewmar on stand J261.

lewmar.com

Awlcraft 3000 paint

The latest launch from Awlgrip, Awlcraft 3000 is the next generation of high gloss premium acrylic urethane topcoats and utilizes the advanced AkzoNobel color platform delivering enhanced colour technology for truer, deeper, and more vibrant colors. 

Awlcraft 3000 maintains the trusted, proven, and versatile characteristics of Awlcraft 2000 that applicators rely on for being fast drying, easy to apply by spray application, able to be buffed and polished, and is repairable, if needed. 

 Awlcraft 3000 topcoat offers premium in-service performance with an up to 18 month warranty that is backed by extensive trials and testing, delivering the appearance, durability, and peace of mind you want from a premium topcoat.

awlgrip.com

Mitek Electric motors

Making its debut at the Southampton Boat Show, Mitek’s range of electric motors offer a fascinating new take on electrified propulsion. In addition to some standard electric replacements for outboards, Mitek’s revolutionary Revolve sterndrive will also be showcased.  This is the only sterndrive on the market that is able to rotate on its own axis to switch from on to off mode, reducing its dimensions almost to zero. It’s an innovative and elegant solution to completely eliminate the problem of mounting, dismounting and storing traditional outboard motors. The innovative product will be showcased on Electric Outboard’s stand, FO27, by the entrance to Hall 1 of Ocean Hall at this year’s boat show.

electric-outboard.co.uk

Southampton Boat Show: Tried and tested

Shore2Sea Dry Bag

Shore2Sea, set out on a mission to produce eye-catching, fun to use, top-quality dry bags writes Milly Karsten. The bag I tested had a capacity of 15 litres, affording me the luxury of taking everything I could possibly need on my salty, and often soaking, adventures. Shore2Sea’s range includes 5L, 15L and 20L dry bags, made from strong and durable PVC, and are available now for £22-£38. They also offer a 28L eco tow float with double chambers, which also comes as a rucksack. Happily, these are made from recycled plastic bottles. 

I have been testing the 15L dry bag by Shore2Sea for the last five months, during which time it’s come with me dinghy sailing, out on the paddle board, and on many occasions walking down to the beach, on both sunny and (typically British) rainy days. It’s sat in the sun, fallen in the water (with me), and has been tethered to the mast of a Laser on particularly windy and capsizing days. After 5 months of various seaside and boaty activities, the material feels waxy-new, and the adjustable straps remain reassuringly comfortable. With these roll-top dry bags the seal at the top always seems the first to show signs of wear and tear, but my Shore2Sea bag still rolls and seals perfectly, with no suggestion of wearing in the creases of the roll. I’m impressed. 

shore2sea.co.uk

Southampton Boat Show 2024: Key Info

13th-22nd September

Opening dates and times:

• 13 – 21 September 2024 – 10:00-18:00
• 22 September 2024 – 10:00-17:00

Shipyard Only: Music, food, sport & entertainment

• 14th & 21st September 2024 – 10:00-21:00

Show Postcode: S015 1BA

• The show entrance is located by WestQuay Shopping Centre.

Grab our Ticket Discount!

With our Sailing Today with Yachts and Yachting discount code you can grab an any-day adult general admission ticket to the show for just £19.99…

Simply go to the ticket website, select your tickets and enter this promo code at the bottom: STYY2024

And… up to 2 kids go FREE with every adult ticket.

Grab Your Tickets Now!

More about the show…

• Southampton Boat Show 2024: What to Expect
• Women in Sailing: Southampton Boat Show Women in Marine Day
• Southampton Boat Show 2024: Top 6 New Boats

The post New Gear at Southampton Boat Show 2024: Fresh Sailing Kit appeared first on Sailing Today.

This month, Tom Cunliffe muses on how sailing has been likened to standing under a cold shower ripping up £10 notes. It’s an outlook that occasionally has the ring of truth. Tom opted to take economising measures…

Listen to Tom Cunliffe’s Podcast Here!

Tom Cunliffe’s July Column

Like the rest of us, I’m always keeping a weather eye on my boating budget. I never begrudge a penny on sails and I won’t sell my engine short on filters, oil, coolant, belts and the rest. There’s no escape from the annual hit for antifouling, and if the propeller shaft starts wobbling in the cutless bearing, stump up I must. This year I’ve treated myself to one or two new lengths of Dyneema running rigging. It’ll be a joy all summer. It’s the safety equipment that sticks in my throat. I part with hundreds of pounds of the hard-earned and if Fortune favours my efforts I’ll probably never use the stuff. 

Take the liferaft: I’ve had the same one for ages and, every two years, here it is again demanding a service. I’m a hands-on sort of chap so two seasons ago I decided to tackle the job myself. There can’t be much to it, I thought. Because most of my sailing is around the coast these days I’m not particularly interested in the tins of biscuits, the cans of water and everything else that might be in the pack. The important thing to me is that when I throw it over the side and pull the ripcord it’s going to inflate, the canopy will open and the tubes haven’t perished from old age. With these priorities in mind, I imagined I could pull it out of its valise, open it up, scrutinise the tubes and check the gas cylinder that blows it up. If this was anything like the ones on my lifejackets, I thought, I’d reassure myself by unscrewing it, peering at the numbers stamped in the side to see what its weight should be and replacing it if it fell short. I could then check the various gadgets for firing it to make sure they were in good shape, examine the drogue and the blunt-nosed knife, perhaps replace the night-light battery and cram the whole thing back into the bag. I’d save myself two or three hundred pounds for what couldn’t be more than a morning’s work. 

How naïve can you get? 

It came out of the valise OK, but I soon discovered it was in a hermetically sealed plastic bag. This was not a promising start. Never despair, however. My raft is stowed in a place that, if it ever gets wet, the least of my worries will be that the inner bag has been damaged, so I pressed on and carefully worked my way in. Once I had the beast open on my front lawn, Plan A went smoothly enough until I started to re-pack it into the valise. I folded, re-folded, turned it this way and that, then upside down, getting hotter and more bothered as the sun climbed steadily up the sky. It was lunch-time when the thing finally sent me a message that couldn’t be ignored. I must have caught the painter under my foot, because the cylinder went off with a loud bang that brought the neighbours out in short order. Instead of witnessing the first terrorist attack in the history of our sleepy Wiltshire village, they arrived just as I disappeared under a fully inflated four-man liferaft. 

At this point I accepted defeat. I deflated the raft as far as I could then manoeuvred it with difficulty into the car and delivered it apologetically to Ocean Safety down in Southampton. I expected a thorough finger-wagging from the professionals, but to their credit they had a good laugh instead, then they scooped up the flabby remains and whisked it away. A week later I picked it up, duly tested, certificated and packed according to the Merchant Shipping Act, or some such guidance issued by our betters to protect the adventurous and foolish. I never tried that again.

A few months later a pal of mine who was also fed up with paying through the nose to save his hide confessed to a far worse mistake then mine. He also attempted the job himself – on a day so rainy there was nothing else he could achieve. He humped the canister into his shed and got stuck in. His shed was not big and when he reached the stage where I had come to grief, the raft went off just like mine, only instead of spreading itself on the grass for the amusement of the passers-by, it expanded rapidly, filling the available volume between the rough brick wall and the work bench. 

It was perhaps unfortunate that he was standing at the bench at the time. As the orange raft expanded, he found himself being swept off his feet and driven against the wall. It all happened so swiftly that he failed to grab his last chance of escape. When the monster went into its ‘exhale mode’, noisily blowing off any unneeded gas after fully inflating the tubes, he found himself pressed hard against the wall. The masonry showed no sign of giving way. He was trapped.

As it happened, the shed was out of earshot from the nearest human presence, so he didn’t bother to shout for help. Instead, he wrestled and wriggled and shoved for half an hour. He became intimately acquainted with a two-foot section of the tubing and its associated canopy area, but he gained no traction whatever. At this point he stopped for a breather and saw the supreme irony of his situation. Here he was with two thousand pounds-worth of gear on top of him that was meant to save his life. If nobody showed up for a week, he’d die of thirst and starvation instead of drowning like a gentleman. Since this seemed a poor trade-off, he did what any properly equipped sailor would have done. He groped in his pocket for the lock-blade knife he always carried. The blade clicked open and, after taking a long hard look at what he was about to do to his bank balance, he made the unkindest cut of all. The raft went down with a satisfying hiss, the pressure came off his tortured body and he sloped off in search of the rum bottle.  

Many of us do our sailing in the summer months on the continental shelf and choose our weather from the remarkable predictions available free of charge via the telephone screen. If ever we have to hop off the yacht, we won’t be in mid-ocean and we’ll surely take our phones and hand-held VHF with us. Even if the DSC Mayday we broadcast before stepping over the rail has gone wrong, we still have plenty of chance of attracting rescuers in reasonably short order. Of course, if we’re planning a cruise to Fair Isle by way of St Kilda and Rockall, this may not be the case, but it seems to me that for many people the standard liferaft is probably over-specced. It is also pretty heavy. My four-man unit is so unwieldy that my fit, agile wife can’t deal with it alone if I’m incapacitated. For all these reasons I am re-equipping this season with a lighter, lower-spec raft. It has a single tube with welded seams, a decent floor and an excellent canopy that self-inflates. It’s a two-man unit and anyone can manhandle the pack with ease. A number of these are on the market, but I’m going for aircraft industry quality. You’d think so simple a raft would be cheaper than the heftier equivalent. Perhaps because of low numbers it isn’t at the moment, but servicing is cheaper when the time comes because there’s no pack inside with things I don’t want. It’s so much lighter and smaller that I can stow the valise anywhere without compromising other gear. In short, it’s what I actually need and no more. It wouldn’t do off Cape Horn in hooligan weather, but I’m planning no such events. I’ve served my time in deep water with a full-on SOLAS raft, but these days my safety gear is a bit like my oilskins. I don’t really need bullet-proof, multi-layered outfits that cost a week’s stay at the Ritz. I’m happy with something to keep the water out, a flat cap and some comfy woollies that smell like an honest wet sheep if they ever get wet. That’ll do me!

More from Tom Cunliffe:

• How to Avoid Cabin Fever: Tom Cunliffe’s Column
• How to Prevent Food Waste at Sea: Tom Cunliffe’s Cooking Guide
• Tom Cunliffe: What to do with no Berths in Town

Show Me More:

• The WORLDSTAR 2026 Race: Circumnavigate in your Own Boat
• Southampton Boat Show 2024: What to Expect
• South Atlantic Cruising: Sailing Cape Town to Brazil

The post How to Sail on a Budget: Tom Cunliffe’s Column appeared first on Sailing Today.

Calling all sailors, swimmers, wind surfers, kite surfers, wave surfers… you’ll want to get your hands on this Splash Robe.

The post Gear Test: Splash Robe appeared first on Sailing Today.

The Southampton Boat Show 2024 is in our sights! Whether you’re on the hunt for new sailing gear, a serious boat buyer, a watersports enthusiast, a foodie and live music fan, or just looking for a brilliant family day out, here’s everything you need to know for your visit. AND… we’ve got a discount code for your tickets.

The 2024 Southampton International Boat Show

This all-rounder sailing show isn’t only for the serious racers of the yachting world. The Southampton International Boat Show caters to all, from dinghy club members, young enthusiasts, and classic boat lovers, to blue water cruisers and all out adventurers – it’s the perfect place to peruse the market, get to know some exciting brands, and hear about the latest boat designs, gear and technological advancements in sailing, while also being the perfect family day out… relaxing ashore listening to live music, trying some good food, and getting stuck in. As a proud media partner, our team will be there, and it’ll be great to say hello to some of you!   

Southampton Boat Show 2024: Key Info

We’ve got everything you need to know to plan your visit…

But first, make sure you put 13th-22nd September in the diary.

Grab our Ticket Discount!

To keep the good news coming… With our Sailing Today with Yachts and Yachting discount code you can grab an any-day adult general admission ticket to the show for just £19.99…

Simply go to the ticket website, select your tickets and enter this promo code at the bottom: STYY2024

And… up to 2 kids go FREE with every adult ticket.

Grab Your Tickets Now!

What to Expect at The Southampton Boat Show 2024

Something for everyone

This International Boat Show really is an event for all sailors and watersports lovers alike. The success of having zoned areas in previous years is to be repeated in 2024, with dedicated areas of different interests, so that you can easily find and the area of your core interest, before getting stuck into the wider show, wandering around in your own time. Similarly to last year, the show’s footprint in Southampton will stretch right into the heart of the city, making access and parking super convenient. Having such a large area has meant the show has, and will, accommodate all boating interests and far beyond. 

Chandlery, Kit & Gear 

In the days of the pandemic, clothing, kit and chandlery brands understandably steered clear of these events… but rest assured those days are over. Last year we saw the merchants return in full force, and with show offers popping up all over the place, it was the perfect day out for us bargain hunters. This year you can expect just as much excitement, safe in the knowledge that if you don’t go home with a new Benneteau or Jeanneau, you can certainly get your hands on a top quality foulie jacket, or new pair of sailing specific sunglasses.

Henri Lloyd, North Sails, Deck Shoe Shop, Hugo Boss sunglasses and Calvin Klein sunglasses, are just some of the exciting brands coming to the show this year. 

The Watersports Zone

At the Southampton Boat Show 2024, the Watersports Zone will have hundreds of exhibitors, a trove of expert advice, brand new attractions, interactive opportunities and the chance to get afloat. Whether you’re searching for fitness tips, guidance on how to dip your toe into the watersports world, or in depth expert advice on how to improve technique, you’ll get to know exactly what’s hot right now.

And… this year, the Towergate Watersports Lake is boasting 30% more activity sessions than at the 2023 show! It’s the perfect place to try a wide array of exciting watersports activities, and thanks to Rockley Watersports, they’re free!

The Marina and New Yachts

The Show’s purpose-built marina, housing hundreds of berths, will be filled to the brim with hundreds of prestigious sailing and motor boats and outstanding tender and chase boats. From exploring high-end sailing yachts, catamarans, motorboats, ribs and speed boats, to getting expert advice on logistics for boat transportation, or boat design and refits, visiting the Marina is a must.

Are you a dreamer or a serious buyer? Either way, you’ll understand our excitement at the yachts that are on show this year…

• Hanse 410
• Dufour 44
• Moody DS48
• Hallberg-Rassy 44
• Beneteau Oceanis 37.1

Along with many highly anticipated new yachts, this year, the Southampton Boat Show is hosting UK premiere of X-Yachts’ magnificent Xc47.

Dinghy Zone

Are you a leisurely dinghy sailor, or keen to get involved in the dinghy community and racing scene?

It’s not everyday you see sports and sailing dinghies, boat builders, cruisers, sailing clubs, trailer boats, holiday providers, high-performance equipment, and training options all in the same place, but at The Southampton Boat Show Dinghy Zone, they’ve got just that… Whether you’re a family of young dinghy sailors or looking for the latest cutting edge technology and designs, this zone of the show has something for everyone – any age, any ability. It’s also where you’ll find the chandlery of your dreams. Here, you can expect an unbeatable range of ropes, foils, sails, and other essential and specific supplies. 

Classic & Dayboat Zone

Our sister title, Classic Boat Magazine, is proud to be the sponsor for the Classic & Day Boat Zone this year. This area of the show offers a haven of varnished wooden decks, coloured sails on gaff rigs, traditional brass fittings and shiny sleek hulls… it’s a space for you to immerse yourself in beautiful craftsmanship and learn about traditional techniques. From modern boats inspired by traditional designs and skills, to remarkably restored classics, this zone is a real treat for devoted classics lovers and budding enthusiasts. 

You also won’t want to miss the live demonstrations in the Classic & Dayboat Zone. Throughout the show business professionals will be showcasing the craftsmanship and skill behind these beautiful maritime crafts, delving into the history and traditions of the tools, still used to this day. From knot masterclasses to monkey’s fist and rope fender workshops, the International Guild of Knot Tyers will have you covered… A wonderful opportunity to get stuck in and learn some traditional seaman skills. Don’t forget to say hello to our Classic Boat Team, they’ll be there! 

Live Music and More…

It’s not all boats! You can expect some festival spirit, with live music, entertainment and guest speakers on the stages. It’s all about showcasing the boating lifestyle, and this year the show’s line-up is guaranteeing a buzzing atmosphere, with DJ legend Chris Moyles headlining, and the likes of Symphonic Ibiza and DJ Chris Arnold keeping the party going… 

Want to visit the show but worried about missing the sport? The show will be live streaming the international cricket, Premier League, and America’s Cup Semi Finals, so that you can do both!

Make sure you head over to the Shipyard music stage, where you’ll find a brilliant live music scene, irresistible street food stalls and spots to sit down with a drink, to enjoy the food, music and show atmosphere.

We’re the kind of people who look at the menu before going to the restaurant… So, here’s a taster of the top-notch catering trucks you can expect this year:

• Chicken and Blues
• The Mac Shack
• Seawise
• The Duck Shed
• Grounded Coffee
• Bratwurst
• Greek Souvlaki
• Heard Burgers (founded by Michelin-star chef Jordan Bailey)

Sustainability

The show is continually searching for more ways to help the environment. Similarly to previous years, they are working with the exhibitors and partner agencies to reduce their carbon footprint and find innovative ways to achieve cleaner and more biodiverse waters. 

A large part of this is the Exhibitor Environmental Pledge which includes:

The mandatory exhibitor requirements (introduced last year)

• Use sustainable/biodegradable hand sanitiser and cleaning materials.
• Use public transport or car share (where viable) to get to the show.
• Spread the word – encourage environmentally responsible behaviour by your staff, contractors and customers.

Alongside the existing 2022 sustainability requirements:

• Promote good environmental practice & sustainability
• Ensure as much of your stand set-up equipment is reusable
• No single-use plastic water bottles on exhibitor stands, outlets and/or hosted events.
• No plastic straws on any stand, food outlet or hosted event at the show.
• Exhibitors to nominate a sustainability champion on their stand to oversee waste management and recycling at the show.
• Exhibitors to only offer sustainable and recyclable promotional giveaways.
• Exhibitors to use compostable, recyclable, or reusable plates, cups, or cutlery on their stand.
• All guest passes and tickets to your stand events or related activities, use E-tickets or QR codes wherever possible – if not, use recycled paper.
• Reduce use of single-use plastic for all show-related preparation and operations.
• Reduce paper use and printed materials at the show use QR codes.

And some optional requirements to go above and beyond:

• Enter the Exhibitor Sustainability Award.
• Organise or support a local waterside clean up in your area.
• Offset your hotel accommodation and travel for the duration of the show.

Grab a Ticket Now… with our Discount Code!

To keep the good news coming… With our Sailing Today with Yachts and Yachting discount code you can grab an any-day adult general admission ticket to the show for just £19.99.

Simply go to the ticket website, select your tickets and enter this promo code at the bottom: STYY2024

And… up to 2 kids go free with every adult ticket.

Grab Your Tickets Now!

Show Me More:

• Maiden & Tabarly Put Women at Top: Ocean Globe Race Results
• Boat Test: C-Cat 48
• Med Mooring Masterclass: How to Moor with Perfect Technique

The post Southampton Boat Show 2024: What to Expect appeared first on Sailing Today.

Looking for a top-quality, affordable and beautifully designed dry bag that will actually keep everything DRY? Here’s a tried and tested solution – Shore2Sea’s unique range of bright and sturdy dry bags…

• Durable and Strong
• Affordable (£22-£38)
• Unique, bright design

About Shore2Sea

The founder, Clementina, set out on a mission in 2022 to produce eye-catching, fun to use, top-quality dry bags and, with her background in pattern design and textiles (and love for the sea) she has achieved just that. Clementina and her family use these dry bags for any and all marine activities – they’re tried and tested, made with a full understanding of the needs of sailors, paddle boarders, swimmers (and more), and inspired by the ocean. 

The bag I tested had a capacity of 15 litres, affording me the luxury of taking everything I could possibly need on my salty, and often soaking, adventures. Shore2Sea’s range includes 5L, 15L and 20L dry bags, made from strong and durable PVC, and are available now for £22-£38. They also offer a 28L eco tow float with double chambers, which also comes as a rucksack. Happily, these are made from recycled plastic bottles. 

The Shore2Sea Designs

I’ve been using dry bags for years, but when I first came across Shore2Sea dry bag, at the RYA Dinghy and Watersports Show back in February, I was immediately drawn in by the beautifully bright designs and sturdy material. Their unique range of lobsters, wellies, puffins, and other seaside inspired patterns made it a difficult choice… thankfully the Shore2Sea founder, Clementina, was there to help. I headed home with a yellow lobster bag, making plans to get out on the water as soon as possible.

Not only could I now take whatever I wanted with me on my marine adventures, the design of the Shore2Sea dry bag, while being cheerful and sweet, was perfect for keeping safe out on the water. The yellow lobster design in particular, is recognisable and eye grabbing for when visibility is low, making it a kind of safety beacon, and unmissable if it ends up in the water, with or without you. Not to mention, it’s likely holding your water, snacks, keys, warm layers, and phone, safe and dry in case you get into trouble… or want to take a photo of a friendly seal.

Putting the Shore2Sea Dry Bag to the Test

I have been testing the 15L dry bag by Shore2Sea for the last 5 months, during which time it’s come with me dinghy sailing, out on the paddle board, and on many occasions walking down to the beach, on both sunny and (typically British) rainy days. It’s sat in the sun, fallen in the water (with me), and has been tethered to the mast of a Laser on particularly windy and capsizing days.

After 5 months of various seaside and boaty activities, the material feels waxy-new, and the adjustable straps remain reassuringly comfortable. With these roll-top dry bags the seal at the top always seems the first to show signs of wear and tear, but my Shore2Sea bag still rolls and seals perfectly, with no suggestion of wearing in the creases of the roll. I’m impressed. 

What Fits in My Shore2Sea Dry Bag

• Towel / light dryrobe
• Wallet & keys
• Sailing / swimming shoes 
• Water
• Suncream 
• Phone
• Warm jumper 
• Any emergency bits (epipen, waterproof plasters etc)

You can also keep up with their latest news on Facebook and Instagram.

Show Me More:

• Maiden & Tabarly Put Women at Top: Ocean Globe Race Results
• Boat Test: C-Cat 48
• Med Mooring Masterclass: How to Moor with Perfect Technique

The post Gear Test: Shore2Sea Dry Bag appeared first on Sailing Today.

We’ve done the work for you, and found the best Prime Day deals on Helly Hansen gear!

We’ve done some digging and found some amazing Prime Day deals for sailing, and this year’s bargains on Helly Hansen clothing is fuelling our excitement. Here’s 7 top products we can’t wait to get our hands on – they’re all on sale with 30-50% off!

We’ve done the bargain hunting for you, so that you can get to back to what we love… Sailing!

Don’t forget, you’ll need to be an Amazon Prime Member to get these deals – Start your Amazon Prime Membership now.

Prime Day Deals for Sailing: Our Top 3 Finds

• HH Mens Dubliner Jacket, Black – 40-50% off
• HH Mens Crew Hooded Midlayer Jacket, Black – almost 40% off
• HH Womens Aden Long Coat, Black – over 40% off

Prime Day Deals for Sailing: Here’s what’s in our basket

Helly Hansen Men’s Crew Fleece Jacket (M)

Helly Hansen Mens Seven J Rain Jacket, Ebony (M-XL)

Helly Hansen Mens Seven J Rain Jacket,  Navy (M-XXL)

Helly Hansen Womens Aden Long Coat, M, Black (XS-XL)

Helly Hansen Mens Dubliner Jacket, Black (S-XL)

Helly Hansen Mens Crew Hooded Midlayer Jacket, Black

Helly Hansen Mens Crew Insulated Vest 2.0, L, Navy (L-XXL)

On the market for more sailing gear?

Take a look at our Best Sailing Watches: 6 Top Picks from Racing to Adventuring.

The post Best Prime Day Deals for Sailing: Helly Hansen Gear appeared first on Sailing Today.

Our pick of the top sailing torches on the market…

We’ve been busy finding the best torches on the market, so you can get back to the fun part… sailing! Here’s a no-fuss, durable, sailing specific selection, so that you have one less thing to worry about when you head out on the water.

Exposure Lights RAW Pro Head Torch 2.0

This superior head torch has a long duration of 40 hours (red) and 20 hours (white), with an IPX8 water resistance (waterproof and fully submersible up to 1.5 meters for up to 30 mins). It also has a quick magnetic charging system, two years warranty and lifetime LED guarantee.

Davinci 3500 – Rechargeable

Ultra-bright, IPX7 waterproof rating and made from aircraft grade aluminium. This strong torch has a duration: 2/5/20 hours, and a distance of up to 131 meters.

Clu-Briter Sport.

The 1000-lumen, pistol-grip Clu-Briter Sport searchlight has a range up to 700m and is powered by a rechargeable 3,600mAh lithium-ion battery pack that can be charged via the mains, USB or 12V car adaptor.

Top Sailing Torches: Coast HP314

When looking at top sailing torches, its hard to ignore this one. The long-range HP314 spotlight torch from Coast is custom made for the marine industry and has a spot beam that can reach a distance of 693m plus a powerful, broad-view flood beam. The switch toggles between high (1060lu) and low (153lu), and it’s powered by four easily sourced ‘D’ cells, giving it an operational duration of Hi-2h 45m; Lo-92h.

BioLite Headlamp 425

The BioLite Headlamp 425 has an internal rechargeable battery (2400mAh, micro USB) with a life of 350/19/7 hours, and brightness 6/250/500 lumens. This model has two buttons plus touch sensor, brightness memory, precise dimming, flood and spot, red green and blue modes, strobe, control lock. IP67 waterproof level.

Plastimo Waterproof Floating Torch

This Plastimo torch has a waterproof rating of IPX7 (protected from immersion up to a depth of 1 metre). It has a 50 lumen LED bulb – 25 hr duration, with two AA batteries (sold separately). Distance: 20 metres.

Show Me More:

• Maiden & Tabarly Put Women at Top: Ocean Globe Race Results
• Boat Test: C-Cat 48
• Med Mooring Masterclass: How to Moor with Perfect Technique

The post Six Top Sailing Torches: Durable & Waterproof appeared first on Sailing Today.

Sam Fortescue looks at what’s new for 2024 when it comes to sailing safety equipment…

Sailing safety lines

There are broadly three types of line. First up, the traditional rescue quoit – a thin polypropylene line with a rubber ring as ballast for the throw. “They’re normally just seen in liferafts these days, because they are hard to throw accurately and the thin line often tangles,” says Jinks.

Throw bags are a better bet, and a strong arm can manage a good distance of perhaps 20-25m. The line is often slightly thicker and softer, but it does need to be packed correctly. Finally, there’s the rescue sling which doesn’t travel far, but can be used to lassoo people – picking them up in the bight. Buy a good one with thickish floating polypropylene safety line.

This article contains affiliate links. The products or services listed have been selected independently by journalists after hands-on testing or sourcing expert opinions. We may earn a commission when you click a link, buy a product or subscribe to a service – at no extra cost to you.

Crewsaver throwing line

Hold the bight in your non-throwing hand and then heft the hi-vis yellow pack towards the MOB. The basic 20m line is the easiest to throw; the 30m throwing strop does the same job but with a longer line and handy padded strop that runs under your armpits.

RRP: £45

Shop now at marinesuperstore.com

Plastimo rescue line

Combines 20m of floating line in a neat pouch with a stainless-steel rail mount system for easy stowing.

RRP: £62.95

Shop now at force4.co.uk

Seago Throw Bag

With 30m of hi-vis floating line and a stainless-steel mounting bracket.

RRP: £32.50

Shop now at Amazon

Recovery devices

When you get to a certain size and weight, throwing lines become rescue slings and cannot be thrown far. Instead, it works better to run out the line astern and tow the sling around the MOB.

They are generally available for less than £100, made of foam and floating polypropylene line in lengths of 20-30m.

If you plan to use the sling to raise someone from the water, you’ll also need to have a purchase system of blocks to make it easier. Reckoning with wet clothing, lifting weights of 100kg-plus are likely, so you’ll need at least a 4:1 purchase, if not an 8:1. Jimmy Green does a set for £129 or £279 respectively.

Also worth noting that Duncan Wells’ simple Lifesaver line (£17.95) can make the difference when you’re trying to catch and tether a MOB in the lee of the boat. You fix it in your lifejacket and it floats free on activation.

Crewsaver Rescue Sling, £80, marinesuperstore.com
Windward Rescue Sling, £74.95, force4.co.uk
Oscar MOB Rescue Sling, £99, jimmygreen.com
Baltic Rescue Sling, with a precise 38m of nylon rope, £149, crew-safe.co.uk
Kim MOB Rescue Sling, uses a helicopter lifting strop, £140, gaelforcemarine.co.uk
Jonbuoy Rescue Sling, the limousine of MOB devices inflates when it hits the water, from £189, andark.co.uk

YachtStrop is an open strop set up with throwing weights for lassooing and then lifting someone within 2-3m of the boat. It packs into a long, thin soft case designed for rail mounting. £299, seastrop.com

Seago Rescue Sling has a really well padded sling, £69, marinesuperstore.com

Parbuckling

This is a technique whereby you lash a net, sail or some other flexible material to the side, manoeuvre it under an incapacitated MOB and haul them aboard through a mix of lifting and rolling.

Lifeboats and SAR teams have expensive specialist equipment for this, but there are also options for leisure boats. And you could simply use a length of scrambling net bought online for a few quid. It’s recommended for avoiding

Ocean Safety Pickup Sail

Resembling a triangular mesh sail, the Pickup Sail is fastened at the foot around a pair of stanchions, with a halyard clapped on at the head. Lowering the belly of the sail into the water, you float the MOB in, then raise them using a halyard winch. No need for handy billies or extra purchase – you use the yacht’s existing systems.

RRP: £372
Shop now at suffolkmarinesafety.com

SOS Marine Recovery Ladder

Raise an incapacitated MOB and provide a safe way for an ablebodied casualty to climb back aboard with this two-in-one device. Four attachment points and profiled rungs make this easier to climb than some ladders, offering a safer alternative than the bathing ladder at a slamming stern. It may not be the most comfortable parbuckling sail, but it should still work using a halyard to raise it. Only hitch is that you must order from the Aussie manufacturer.

RRP: AU$244.50
Shop now at fawcettboatsupplies.com

MOBMat

This recovery device has a semi-rigid ‘floor’ to it, so that the casualty doesn’t get rolled or squeezed as they’re raised. You pull the whole thing up using a halyard. Battens keep the shape, then remove for more efficient stowage (60x80cm) in a rail bag or a locker.

RRP: £480
Shop now at adecmarine.co.uk

Jonbuoy

As an inflatable system, the Jonbuoy Recovery Module is both lightweight and efficient to stow. Heave it over the side in an emergency, and it quickly inflates to become a danbuoy, horseshoe buoy and lifting strop all rolled into one.

It does these last two jobs particularly well, providing lots of buoyancy for a casualty to hang onto as well as a comfy inflatable ‘seat’ which vastly improves the experience of being winched out compared to a simpler sling.

A retroreflective finish makes it show up better under torch- or searchlight, and it has a drogue pocket built in to stop it from blowing downwind. It comes in a hard container for rail mounting. Not cheap, but definitely a lifesaver.

RRP: from £255
Shop now at suffolkmarinesafety.com

Best PLBs and EPRIBs

As a highly regulated safety product, the function of these distress beacons is pretty similar across the board. They raise the alarm via satellite, and can confirm that your message has been picked up if you opt for one with the relatively new Return Link Service.

A new feature of some brands is the ability to communicate with an app on your phone to check battery health and status. Category 1 epirbs (attached to the boat) deploy automatically when they sense water, but even manual ones float and have a minimum 48-hour battery life. A personal locator beacon is smaller and will fit in a lifejacket. It can be semi-automatic, so the lifejacket triggers it when inflated.

Best Epirbs

RescueME Epirb 1, £547.32, amazon.co.uk
RescueME Epirb 3 adds AIS, return link and NFC, £799.95, suffolkmarinesafety.com
ACR GlobalFix V5 with AIS, return link and NFC, £825, amazon.co.uk
ACR GlobalFix V6 with return link and NFC, £699, acrartex.com
McMurdo Smartfind G8 AIS, £860, gtc.co.uk

Best PLBs

Ocean Signal PLB1, £355.16, amazon.co.uk
Ocean Signal PLB3 adds AIS, return link and NFC £582.55, amazon.co.uk
McMurdo FastFind 220, £330, amazon.co.uk
ACR ResQLink 410 RLS, £429, amazon.co.uk

Best AIS beacons

AIS beacons do a different job, and many argue that they are more helpful in a remote location when there are crew aboard the boat to help the MOB. Once triggered, they transmit the wearer’s position over a frequency which is picked up by any AIS-enabled vessel within a range of a few miles.

That means that someone on the boat you fell off can pinpoint your exact location and track back to find you. This will usually be faster than waiting for search and rescue to arrive. For obvious reasons, this approach doesn’t work if you are singlehanding.

ACR AISLink MOB, £332, amazon.co.uk
RescueMe MOB1, £331.87, amazon.co.uk
McMurdo FastFind Crew1, £264, amazon.co.uk
Weatherdock easy2, £299.95, easyais.com
Simy My_AIS, from €279, simy-beacons.co.uk

sMRT Alert AIS beacon

AIS beacons are the latest evolutionary step in MOB equipment, because they make it possible for the crew of the yacht to find you quickly. Wescom won a Dame Award for this little box of tricks at the METS trade fair in Amsterdam last year, and it is the first on the market that complies with new EU legislation.

The proliferation of AIS transmitters in maritime hotspots is congesting the airwaves, so regulators have agreed that AIS beacons will not in the future transmit on so-called “core channels”.

That is because AIS is intended as a tool for preventing collisions between vessels, not for locating MOBs. From the start of next year, therefore, new AIS beacons must only transmit on channel 2006. The upside is that so-called Class M requirements also mean that beacons must include a GNSS and DSC receiver, effectively making them two-way. The wearer can see when their signal has been acknowledged, and the beacon stops broadcasting its DSC alarm to all stations. Relief all round!

The sMRT Alert will trigger automatically when immersed for more than two seconds, informing the wearer that it is working with a strobe light and an audible ‘beep’. So you can fit it to your lifejacket and forget it. A smartphone app allows you to check the status and battery level of the unit for those times when you do remember it.

RRP: £270

Shop now at gtc.co.uk

Best liferafts

Usually only for deployment when the boat is irretrievably damaged, the liferaft could provide a useful way of securing the MOB if all else fails. You’re best to invest in a decent offshore liferaft, which must meet ISO standard 9650 Part 1. Choose the 24hr+ pack, which includes a little more drinking water and food.

Crewsaver 6-man canister (24hrs+)

RRP: £2,450
Shop now at marinestore.co.uk

Ocean Safety 6-man valise (24hrs+)

RRP: £2,661.08
Shop now at suffolkmarinesafety.com

Plastimo Transocean ISO 6-man container

RRP: £1,949
Shop now at suffolkmarinesafety.com

Lalizas ISO Racing liferaft, 6-man valise

RRP: £2,021.95
Shop now at force4.co.uk

Seago Sea Master Plus ISO 6-man valise

RRP: £1,199
Shop now at force4.co.uk

The post Sailing safety equipment: Your essential guide to staying safe at sea appeared first on Sailing Today.

Sam Fortescue explains the key features to look for when shopping for one the best lifejackets on the market…

This article contains affiliate links. The products or services listed have been selected independently by journalists after hands-on testing or sourcing expert opinions. We may earn a commission when you click a link, buy a product or subscribe to a service – at no extra cost to you.

Spinlock Deckvest 6D

Spinlock has been through several iterations of its ergonomic Deckvest lifejacket. Its offshore product is called 6D and offers 170N of buoyancy with a built-in harness, integrated pylon light and the smart Lume-On, which turns the whole bladder into a light for easier night spotting.

There is also an option for a harness release system, which allows you to detach yourself from a harness if, for instance, it was towing you along underwater or in another life-threatening situation.

RRP: £265
Shop now via Amazon

Ocean Safety Sport Pro ADV

Combines the comfort of a more ergonomic fit with all the options you need for offshore sailing. Featuring automatic firing and an integrated harness, it also has two loops (intended for a killcord), a sprayhood and an automatic light. So-called Wave Barrier technology turns you quickly on your back, and the lifejacket is ready for an AIS beacon too.

RRP: £214.27
Shop now on tradeinn.com

Baltic Force 190 Harness SLA

The Swedish brand has products pitched at all sailing levels, but if you want all the bells and whistles for offshore sailing, you’ll need the Force 190 SLA. It’s not cheap, but this gives you great design, plus a sprayhood, light and AIS pocket.

Baltic’s other product of note is a female-specific lifejacket called Athena.

RRP: £270
Shop now on trade-inn.com

Crewsaver Crewfit

The Crewfit 165N offers freedom of movement and long-term comfort, while twin waist adjusters ensure a proper fit. The heavy-duty cover has an indicator window for checking the status of the firing mechanism.

Crewsaver’s capable Crewfit 165 Sport is available in pink, with 100 per cent of the sales price going to Cancer Research UK. Available for a donation of your choice (over £100) at fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org

RRP: £99
Shop now on Amazon

Crewsaver Ergofit+ 190N auto

Ergofit introduced the idea of a lifejacket really contoured to fit your body, and its Ergofit+ has built on this further. It makes an ideal offshore lifejacket, with the Halo hood that protects your airways while keeping clear of your face. It also has slimline buckles for easy donning.

The inflatable bladder is carefully shaped and includes a chin support to help keep your airway open. It is also offers space to fit an AIS or PLB beacon. And most recently, Crewsaver has developed its Exolok system to warn you if the inflation cylinder could have worked loose.

RRP: £199
Shop now on crew-safe.co.uk

Mustang Atlas 190

Canadian sea survival brand Mustang Survival is trumpeting the revolutionary nature of its new Atlas 190 lifejacket. Designer Nigel Parkes went back to the drawing board to develop a system that is comfortable to wear but provides excellent turning power and airway protection.

It all comes down to the shape of the bladder itself, which provides a robust 190N of buoyancy and features a built-in 3D headrest and a spray barrier. The lifejacket comes in a standard (£210) and a DLX version (£230), which includes a sprayhood and a water-activated light – both vital for offshore sailing.

RRP: £210
Shop now on mustang-survival.co.uk

Seago 3Dynamic

Always good value, Seago’s flagship lifejacket is the ergonomic 3Dynamic. It packs 190N of buoyancy and comes with a cylinder locking device, a flashing LED light, a sprayhood and pocket.

RRP: £145
Shop now on crew-safe.co.uk

Seasafe I-Zip

This British manufacturer takes a slightly different tack by producing a range of jazzy fabric designs for its 170N lifejacket range. From liquorice Allsorts to camo and even a Union flag, you’ll stand out in one of these.

The spec is surprisingly good, too. They may not be that ergonomic, but you can add an AIS beacon, a sprayhood and even and NFC chip for identification. Best of all, you can get you and your boat’s name embroidered on it!

RRP: £110
Shop now on seasafe.co.uk

Spinlock Deckvest Lite

Spinlock’s Deckvest Lite is a lightweight, 3D-design, auto-inflate (manual optional) lifejacket with a single crotch strap and attachment points for safety line and other MOB devices such as the optional RescueMe AIS MOB1 beacon.

RRP: £165
Shop now on Amazon

Helly Hansen Sailsafe Coastal

Helly Hansen’s Sailsafe Coastal is an ergonomic, lightweight design with integral, contoured harness and a wide back panel for comfort. It has a UML automatic gas inflation mechanism and double crotch straps to stop it riding up the chest. .

RRP: £150
Shop now on tradeinn.com

Secumar Ultra

The Ultra 170 is a 170N lifejacket with integral harness and a fleece-lined neck for extra comfort. It is equipped with an easily fastened, click buckle, a bayonet-style gas cylinder, a viewing panel for the firing mechanism indicator and a single crotch strap as standard.

RRP: £150
Shop now on secumar.com

Baltic Legend

The Comfort Legend has additional buoyancy and is further out on the shoulders and neck than many other models.  An inspection window is fitted so you can check the two indicators are green and the gas cylinder has a retaining loop to stop it unscrewing over time.

RRP: £165
Shop now on baltic.se

Kru Sport

The Kru Sport has more buoyancy than the Kru XF, is equipped with a front buckle, side adjusters and is better shaped for comfort than others in the Kru range.

RRP: £79
Shop now via suffolkmarinesafety.com

Crewsaver Ergofit

The Ergofit 190 is a snug, 3D-moulded lifejacket offering numerous high-level features for offshore use, including an optional spray hood and light. Bladders feature chin support, location beacon attachment points and dual lifting beckets.

RRP: £199
Shop now via suffolkmarinesafety.com

The post 14 of the Best Lifejackets appeared first on Sailing Today.