25,000 miles before lunch

You have to be confident in your product to let Yoann Richomme be the first to test your newest technical clothing in anger

Zhik, claims that its eVent OFS800 offshore clothing range, which is made using a next generation fabric, is the most innovative on the market and technically unsurpassed. During the development process, which included an astonishing 25,000 miles of testing at sea, the company took all the learnings from creating its OSF900 ocean gear and distilled them into a comprehensive offshore range that uses the very best of the latest fabrics available.

It’s an approach that high-ranking Imoca 60 skipper and Vendée Globe competitor Yoann Richomme says has produced gear that’s ‘way better than the previous kit. I like the fact that it is lightweight and very breathable. Sailing inside a dry and warm cockpit, I need to wear light and waterproof gear which allows me to quickly react and go outside for manoeuvres. I can very quickly go from warm inside conditions turning the winch handles to being soaked by a wave on deck a few seconds later.’

The new three-layer fabric has a bi-component membrane and was created in partnership with eVent Fabrics, a leader in military grade breathable membranes. It offers a class-leading waterproof rating of 24,000mm, along with a gamechanging 60 per cent improvement in breathability (with a RET rating of ET <5 m2pa/w), plus excellent waterproof durability.

Staying dry for long periods is not simply about waterproofing – if moisture can’t escape quickly from the inside of a layer of clothing condensation builds up. This is uncomfortable and makes it difficult to maintain optimal body temperature, with a risk of becoming too hot during periods of heavy activity and then too cold afterwards. Breathability to allow water vapour arising from sweat to escape through the fabric and into the atmosphere is therefore as important as good waterproofing.

As Yoann Richomme (above) explains, today’s solo offshore racers need to react very fast. They often go from energetic winching in a warm, dry cockpit to getting soaked by a wave out on deck just a few seconds later

‘Most people tend to ask for the most waterproof sailing jacket on offer and rarely think about breathability,’ says Zhik’s Johnny Rodgers ‘But that’s not the route to the most efficient and comfortable jacket – the eVent EVProtective membrane we use is the most breathable and waterproof one you can buy today.’ This alone makes a huge difference to comfort levels.

Nevertheless, achieving a perfect balance between waterproofness and breathability is a challenge that many in the industry have wrestled with for a long time. But according to Zhik the answer is not elusive when a multi-faceted approach is taken.

This starts, of course, with the best possible new generation breathable membrane, which will represent a huge leap forward in comfort levels. However, the eVent membrane’s marked improvement in breathability was not judged to be sufficient to deal with every situation. Zhik therefore also engineered ventilation zones into the garments. These are positioned in areas prone to the build-up of heat and perspiration such as under the arms and along the back. The enhanced ventilation in these areas helps to get rid of dampness much faster than breathability alone.

Strategically positioned moisture wicking linings also draw sweat away from the skin, further promoting dryness and comfort. In addition, these linings are used in areas where bare skin might touch the fabric such as the neck and cuffs, giving a soft feel and eliminating the risk of chafe, even on long offshore races in the most challenging conditions.

Despite the presence of the lining, the garments remain remarkably light to wear and don’t hinder freedom of movement. Comfort and efficiency of course don’t solely depend on the performance of the fabric – the garment’s cut, shape and detailing are also critical factors. Articulated arm panelling, for instance, gives the most ergonomic fit possible, without compromising freedom of movement.

Zhik’s designers also created a new high cut collar to maximise protection. This benefits from an active wicking Hydrobase lining and an adjustable face shield.

The Hydrovision visor and hood have clear panels to maximise peripheral vision and a three-point adjustment system that makes for a perfect fit. ‘The visor is a key selling point for everyone who tries it on,’ says Rodgers, ‘and everything is very adjustable to make your jacket a bespoke fit, even down to adjustable wrist closures.‘

Despite the revolutionary nature of the fabric, it’s neither thick nor heavy. It’s very lightweight, which helps to promote freedom of movement and comfort. 500D abrasion resistant panels in high wear areas are used strategically to maximise durability without adding unnecessary weight or bulk.

Other features of the jacket include an optimised external storm flap that protects the central YKK Vision anti-corrosion zip. Velcro wrist adjustment with neoprene inner seals prevent water flushing.

Above and below: Richomme gave the next generation of Zhik ocean sailing gear the toughest possible workout in the recent New York- Vendée Transatlantic Race

A great deal of thought has also gone into the provision of pockets, covering all eventualities without adding unnecessary bulk, weight or complication. Two large cargo pockets are idea for stowing essentials, while an arm pocket gives immediate access to smaller important items. There’s also a pair of fast drying hand warmer pockets for comfort in cold conditions, plus centralised chest pockets positioned for easy access even when wearing a lifejacket. Attention to detail extends to the heavy duty rear hang loop that is designed for dry or wet storage.

Nevertheless, even the very best jackets can’t cope with really extreme conditions offshore, when it’s possible for crew members to be regularly immersed in solid water. This very extreme weather is exactly what Zhik’s eVent OSF800 Smock was designed for.

The smock is made of the same latest generation fabrics as the jacket and has similar features, including the extremely effective collar and hood. However, the lack of a front zip, along with effective waist and neck seals eliminate key routes through which solid water can find its way to the inside of the clothing system after prolonged exposure.

Sustainability has always been an important factor for Zhik and these products represent a significant step forward. This is baked in from the start of the design process to ensure the smallest footprint at the beginning of the product’s lifecycle, and the longest footprint in terms of durability. Importantly the OSF800 range uses environmentally friendly PFC free water proof coatings that don’t contain any damaging “forever” chemicals.

Both the OSF800 jacket and smock pair perfectly with Zhik’s OFS800 eVent Offshore Sailing Salopette and the very breathable Seaboot 700 Waterproof eVent Michelin Offshore Sailing Boot that won a coveted DAME Design Award last year.

Zhik has always been at the cutting edge of fabric innovation, but the eVent OFS800 range represents a revolution, with levels of waterproofness and breathability that were not available until now. At the same time the attention to detail and innovation that has gone into the many small individual features is classic Zhik, while the fit is very ergonomic. When combined as a complete system, these products therefore provide an unrivalled clothing system that satisfies the most challenging needs in the world of offshore racing.

Here’s what Richomme reported after using the kit in more demanding conditions that most of us can even imagine during the recent New York – Vendée Transatlantic race: ‘It's pitch black, the sun will rise in two hours, I've been sending it all night, I'm going downwind in 25-30kts. I'm in my berth sleeping. In a big gust the boat accelerates to 34kts, jumps over a wave and buries the bow into the back of the next one. The rudders come out of the water and we go into a Chinese gybe, the boat is on its side with 70 degrees of heel. I quickly jump into my OFS800 gear and I take a look outside to assess the damage, two broken battens maybe more.

‘I send the keel to centre, release the backstay and start gybing the gennaker onto the new side. Meanwhile waves are crashing over the deck and filling the cockpit. It'll take me 40 minutes of hard work to get the boat back on track. Thanks to my Zhik foul weather gear I'm dry and I can go straight back to sleep.’

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