Offshore Pyjamas : The Musto Mid-layer Keeping Pro Sailors Comfy During The Ocean Race
by Musto 9 Jun 2023 09:00 PDT
HPX GORE-TEX INFINIUM PrimaLoft Middle Layer Salopette © Antoine Auriol / Team Malizia
As #TeamMusto's Ocean Race sailors head offshore once again, there's one item in their Musto kit bags that is a unanimous favourite - their HPX Gore-Tex Primaloft Infinium Middle Layer Salopette.
"They're my Offshore Pyjamas!" says Rosalin Kuiper, Co-Skipper of Team Malizia. "They're super comfy. There are some things you have to rely on when you're sailing - firstly the boat, but also your kit. If there's one thing I'm sure of, it's that my Musto kit is great. It keeps you warm, it keeps you dry. I'm a big fan of those mid-layers - it's like you're wearing your pyjamas for 35 days!"
Rival sailor, Charlie Enright, Skipper of 11th Hour Racing Team, agrees: "We couldn't do what we do without them. It's pretty hard making these IMOCAs comfortable, but these mid-layers are probably one of the comfiest things I've ever worn - definitely the comfiest piece of sailing kit. When it's champagne sailing in particular, they make you feel *almost* at home. I'm very fond of them!"
The HPX GORE-TEX INFINIUM™ PrimaLoft® Middle Layer Salopette provides exceptional warmth for sailors. The GORE-TEX INFINIUM™ outer shell protects from the damp and dew, while the PrimaLoft® GOLD Active+ insulation traps warm air into the body, blocking the cold wind from getting in - keeping sailors cosy onboard.
Built-in stretch shoulders and articulated knees offer optimised mobility, while the reinforced seat and knee panels deliver durability. Finally, in the spirit of maintaining optimal comfort, the open chest pocket is perfect for warming cold hands up.
French offshore superstar - and winner of Leg 5 of The Ocean Race with 11th Hour Racing Team - Charlie Dalin, can't get enough of them either.
"In every element of racing, we try to be the best. Whether that is boat design, foil design, or kit design," he explains. "When it comes to kit, Musto really knows what they're doing - and they have the best Offshore PJs on the market! Yes, the outer layer of HPX is super important because it gives you ultimate protection against the elements, but it's the mid-layer that's my favourite and, for me, makes the most impact.
"When I sail, I'm offshore for a very long time," he continues. "I need to be comfortable in order to do my best and make sound decisions on board. When I head back down below and take my HPX drysuit off, I still keep the mid-layer on. It's like coming home and changing out of your work clothes into something more comfortable!"
In addition to the Musto Midlayers, these sailors' 'Offshore Comfort Collection' wouldn't be the same without a few other favourites.
"I have to say, I do rather like the HPX waterproof socks too," adds Rosalin. "I'd never worn them before The Ocean Race, and I'm very glad I have them this time! Perhaps they are the equivalent of offshore slippers!"
Getting feet wet when sailing should be avoided at all costs; The Musto HPX sock is the last defence between water and your feet. The 3-layer waterproof fabric is highly breathable with built in stretch for comfort, and a long lasting, PFC free, DWR coating. This versatile product has proven its performance in the Southern Ocean, but it can also be worn inshore, under trainers, in order to keep your feet and socks dry for the day.
"Our ocean racing sailors face various weather conditions during their voyages, spanning thousands of miles and sometimes lasting for months," explains Lucy Davis, Musto's Sailing Product Designer. "To manage temperature and weather changes effectively, layering is essential. Our HPX clothing system consists of three layers - base layers, mid-layers, and foul weather outerwear - designed specifically for endurance racing, working in harmony with each other.
"Given the unpredictable nature of ocean sailing, which involves both changing weather conditions and periods of inactivity, followed by high-energy activity, the middle layer of our system plays a crucial role in thermoregulation. It needs to keep sailors warm when they are stationary while preventing overheating during physical exertion. Finding the right balance between breathability and waterproofness is crucial in creating optimal sailing mid-layers. I think we've definitely achieved what we set out to do.
"Creating a new product is always a team effort," she continues "Our ambassadors, technical partners, and the Musto team all work together, putting in a lot of thought, development, and spending a lot of time testing the gear. When the sailors start calling them their 'Offshore PJ's,' you know you've nailed it!"
For more information on Musto's all new HPX collection, visit www.musto.com