Sailing Jacket

Essential part of the navigation equipment the sailing jacket must be carefully chosen according to the frequency and intensity of your sailing, or your sailing program, coastal or offshore. Because it is the sailing enthusiasts who speak best about it, Picksea selects each season, in the collections of the best manufacturers, innovative products, perfectly answering the expectations of the sailors and navigators, whether their practice of sailing is occasional or regular.

Waterproofing and breathability are the two key words for a good watch jacket. Indeed, to provide maximum comfort during your activity at sea, the sailing jacket must allow the evacuation of water vapor emitted by the body during the effort, without letting water penetrate from the outside. These two objectives may seem incompatible at first glance, but they are in fact perfectly mastered by the brands present in this space, all selected for their technical know-how and their regular cooperation with the skippers of renowned races Musto, Helly Hansen, Slam, Guy Cotten or Zhik... All the brands selected by Picksea have adapted the cuts of their jackets to guarantee a great freedom of movement and developed specific textiles, from the least technical (1 layer) to the most elaborate (3 layers), perfectly answering this double objective.

Which sailing jacket do you need?

One, two or three layer sailing jacket? With or without reinforcements? You have questions about this technical garment. And you are right! In order to choose the "best" watch jacket, you should already start by targeting a few essential points. First of all, you should know that depending on your use, you will have to choose a particular model. Then, you are free to choose among the brands offering the jacket you need

The sailing jacket is first and foremost a marine and technical garment that must ensure a double functionality: waterproofness and breathability. Be careful, jackets are also quite light, and are not designed to provide heat. Indeed, its role is to offer the best possible protection against wind and water (pure waterproofness), while allowing perspiration to pass (breathable garment). It is then up to the user to play with the underlayers to ensure warmth. Depending on the season, you may or may not wear a fleece or a softshell jacket under your sailing jacket.

The choice of a sailing jacket is above all a question of sailing program: coastal or offshore sailing? For the day or for several days in a row? In spring or in winter? By motorboat or under sail? Depending on your program, you can choose from a multitude of jackets, from one to three layers, for cruising and racing or for offshore sailing. For example, if you want a watch jacket for year-round sailing close to the coast, with a high performance garment that does not fall into too high a price range, opt for products such as Marinepool's Hobart or Musto BR2 (2-layer watch jackets). On the contrary, if you are looking for a jacket only for sailing in clear weather, from spring to the end of September, you can opt for lighter, 1-layer watch jackets, like the Musto BR1 or the Helly Hansen Pier jacket. To go further in the choice of a watch jacket, Picksea also provides you with its complete guide available here: advice guide.

The Offshore Sailing Jacket

The best selection of protection against the spray and the elements in the most extreme conditions. The 3-layer technology called "membranes" corresponds to a more intensive use in boats, cruising, regattas or in regular use for the professionals of the nautical industry. The properties of the membrane (Gore Tex, Dremtech+ or other similar names) allow to reach a very high level of breathability and waterproofness in the duration. Indeed, the membrane, when properly maintained (regular rinsing of salt deposits), keeps its breathable properties for 5 to 10 years depending on the use. These offshore Sailing Jackets are those used for ocean races such as the Vendée Globe, the Volvo Ocean Race and the Route du Rhum.

The cruising or semi-cruising sailing jacket

The cruising sailing jackets or semi-high-tech fabrics with a 2-layer coating are the best in terms of waterproofing and breathability without the need for membranes (3 layers). The coating allows for very good performance for exposed sailings of about 3 to 5 days. These watch jackets are designed for cruising, regattas and leisure boating. Waterproof sleeves, high collar, high visibility hoods, reflective patches, all these models have the characteristics of offshore cruising jackets guaranteeing great comfort.

The coastal sailing jacket

The coastal sailing jackets 1-layer technology jackets emphasize lightness and comfort at a very affordable price. This is the first effective protection against rain and wind for occasional motorboating or sailing for day trips. As soon as the weather turns bad, you are dry in a breathable jacket. This level of protection is suitable for one-day sailing trips in the rain or when exposed to spray. For regular practice more exposed to the elements, you should choose a 2 or 3 layer jacket.

The women's sailing jacket

With a more ergonomic cut for women sailors, the women's sailing jackets are a good alternative. Also available in coating or membrane, these watch jackets have a more comfortable cut and are adapted for women and often offer more original colors. Often chosen for cruising, these perfectly waterproof, breathable and light jackets are also used for motorboating or other nautical activities such as fishing or walking along the sea.

To complete your equipment, discover all our sailing equipment such as sleeveless veststhe Softshellthe primaloft jacketsthe deck jackets as well as the oilskins and vests.

Do not hesitate to refer to our detailed product sheets and to consult our guide "How to choose your sailing jacket and to contact our team of experts at 02 97 11 80 95 who will help you to choose the most suitable sailing jacket for your practice and your budget.