At the London Boat Show - Part 5

Musto have added new high performance fabrics to their range

True to the background of founder Keith Musto, an Olympic Silver medalist in the Flying Dutchman class, Musto have always used the sports top performers as their testing facility - Ellen MacArthur, Yves Parlier, suppliers to the Volvo Ocean Race, New Zealand America's Cup Team etc etc.

This year Musto have launched several new performance jackets and trousers at the 2001 London Boat Show.

In their top-end jacket they have introduced a new 'stretch Gore-Tex' material in the Stretch HPX Offshore Jacket, in the back, shoulder and arm panels, allowing maximum freedom of movement while retaining the waterproof and breathable characteristics. This revolutionary fabric has an elasticity of 30%. and stretches in one direction allowing it to be incorporated in areas that are stressed but still retain its the shape.

Also introduced are two new jackets using the breathable Gore-Tex material - the MPX Offshore and the MPX Coastal.

The new jackets have a price range of £199 to £270, bringing the advantages of breathable material within the reach of the ordinary sailor who does not require the heavy weight specification of the HPX range but would like the added comfort.

These jackets are to the usual high Musto manufacturing standards and have several very neat features that make them just that bit different.

The drainage channels built into the front zip area and the hood, the adjustable double cuffs giving virtual drysuit protection, handwarmer pockets with pullout to dry fleece linings which are held in place by velcro. All together with the light weight and the high specification material it adds up to a top quality coat.

Also on the Musto stand are a range of hats, scarves and gloves. The new winter weight gloves with grip areas are available in three different types going right up to a full offshore mitt style just ideal for long spells at the wheel in freezing conditions - these will find a welcome by anyone contemplating the early spring series.