Sailing this Winter?
by John Curnow, Editor, Sail-World AUS 8 Jul 2019 08:00 AEST
Jim Colley and Shaun Conner in the 49er putting their Vaikobi gear through its paces © Drew Malcolm
Not everyone is going to the tropics. Even if they are, most have to come back to work or get brownie points, or both. So if you are an OTB sailor, or on board something a bit or a lot bigger, then you could well be in need of some new gear from Vaikobi.
Born on the Northern Beaches of Sydney, the Aussie brand is kicking it worldwide now, with design still centred around the Australian base camp. Sailors in the Northern Hemisphere circuit right now are feeding in intel as a result of all of their testing, and this means the Vaikobi sail range development program on track. Look out for a big Summer in just a few short months' time.
Those very sailors, in many a class like Etchells, 49ers, Lasers, Nacras, O'pen Bics, Optis, 16-foot Skiffs and M32s, afford Vaikobi the kind of breadth of testing, in a multitude of conditions that will provide for the expansion of the product range with great tech gear, but also good cross-over apparel. That is of course, one of the Vaikobi hallmarks - just look at the board shorts for one example.
Pat Langley commented, "It has been a fruitful time over the last six months in terms of all of that product development. The design and evolution of the Vaikobi Sail Range will see some new additions to the range in time for the Southern Summer, which we will hit with full force."
"A recent new addition to the Vaikobi Sail Range includes our new VCOLD FLEX 2 Pant, which is a pant version of the popular VCOLD FLEX 2 Long John. This garment is designed to provide a versatile option for sailors training and racing in cool to warm conditions."
"This is an important piece in our range, as many sailors, particularly here in Australia, prefer the versatility of a pant to sail in that allows them to choose what they wear on the upper body without getting too hot."
"The most common feedback received from sailors testing our new VCOLD FLEX 2 range is that they are the most comfortable wetsuits they have ever sailed in. This is not surprising because this fabrication is an evolution of our existing VCOLD FLEX, which has been super popular with paddlers for the same reason. We are pretty sure that sailors are going to love them!"
"The Vaikobi Sail collection is all about keeping sailors comfortable and fast on the water, so now is the time to tack and take the shift to Vaikobi! Please explore our range to find the right garment for you. Equally, if you need more information or want to stock the Vaikobi Sail Performance range, then please email us.
Just six weeks to go and Whitsunday Holidays still have some accommodation left for Hamilton Island, so if you need anything from an apartment to a grand villa, then know this - all rates are negotiable as of now! Jump in by looking at it here.
On a very personal note, I would like to acknowledge Sports Editor Chris Barrett, and the Sydney Morning Herald for their work in helping to spread the word about the art of sailing. Also too, the tireless efforts of Nicole Shrimpton have to be recognised. If Isaac Newton were alive, he would develop a new theorem for her. Nicole's will is literally, quite phenomenal.
Right oh - here today there are some gems for you to review like Foiling Week, WMRT finale, Parasailing Championships, Dragons, Tokyo 2020, Lasers, the Clipper, Musto Skiffs, La Tour Voile, Mini Transat, RC44, Fastnet, Festival of Sails, The Ocean Race, the next Marine Auctions event, gear from Zhik, the Mirabaud, AC, The charming Jake Lilley nabs Bronze, GC32s, and certainly there is much, much more.
Remember, if your class or association is generating material, make sure we help you spread your word, and you can do that by emailing us. Should you have been forwarded this email by a friend, and want to get your very own copy in your inbox moving forward, then simply follow the instructions on our newsletter page, where you can also register for different editions.
Finally, keep a weather eye on Sail-World. We are here to bring you the whole story from all over the world...
John Curnow
Editor, Sail-World AUS