Gear

Gear for the Sailing Season 2014

Check out CW's picks for summer 2014.

By Cruising World Staff

Updated: June 6, 2014

Musto LPX Jacket

The new Musto LPX jacket is made for warmer-weather sailing — perfect for summer when you want breathable protection from the elements. The LPX features a lightweight Gore-Tex shell with Kevlar reinforcements for longevity and is waterproof, packable and stylish. Check it out at www.musto.com

Gill Pro Racer Performance Trainer

These shoes belong on deck — the Gill Pro Racers feature a very grippy sole with multi-direction siping for fast water dispersal, non-absorbing and fast drying uppers and a removable, dual-density insole that offers extra impact protection. The integral lace cover reduces snagging. More info at www.gillna.com.

Seafever Dopp Kit

The recycled sails “dopp kit” from Seafever Gear is available in either Dacron or Kevlar (shown) and is just the right size for dad’s shaving kit. It’s washable and water and mildew resistant. Available at www.seafevergear.com.

Costa Fantail sunglasses

The Fantail style from Costa sunglasses is a medium-sized frame made out of a heavy-duty nylon with integral stainless-steel hinges. They offer 100% UV blockage, are polarized and come in both glass or plastic lenses. Check them out at www.costadelmar.com

Waterline Design mosquito net

Perfect for those summer nights when the bugs are out — now there’s no need to close up the boat! These innovative mosquito nets by Waterline Design fit over open ports, regardless if they open in or out. Take a look at www.defender.com

Boye Boat Knife

Every sailor needs a good knife, and a Boye Boat Knife definitely fits that bill. The Basic 3 features a dendritic cobalt blade that’s available with either a rounded or pointed tip. It’s perfect for high-tech rigging or fouled props. Available at www.boyeknives.com

Spinlock Deckvest Lite

The USCG-approved Deckvest Lite from Spinlock is an ultra-lightweight inflatable lifejacket that’s perfect for inshore sailing. It has a low-profile design, easy side entry and automatically inflates (or can convert to manual inflation). More details at www.spinlockusa.com

Telescoping Magnetic Flashlight

It slices, it dices! Well, not really… but close enough! The telescoping magnetic flashlight from Impeltronics may just become the most useful thing on board, especially after dropping the screwdriver into the bilge… again. Check it out at www.impeltronics.com

Dubarry Crosshaven sailing boot

The Crosshaven from Dubarry might just be the ultimate sailing boot. The boot thermally insulated and designed to meet the rigors of offshore sailing. Gaiter section of the boot is made with a lightweight high abrasion water repellant fabric with an adjustable draw-cord collar that secures foul weather gear and prevents wash back. The inner leg of the boot is constructed with Cordura® and Dubarry DryFast-DrySoft™ leathers. Visit www.dubarry.us for more info.

Fusion Ultimate Stereo Pack

Give Dad the gift of tunes with this bundle from Fusion. The stereo pack includes the ultra-compact FUSION MS-RA205 stereo, the MS-UNIDOCK Universal Media Device Dock, MS-BT100 Bluetooth device and a DIN sized mounting plate. The MS-RA205 delivers AM/FM radio, is SiriusXM ready, receives Marine VHF and features innovative Multi-Zone Technology that allows users to adjust the volume, balance and subwoofer in areas throughout a boat independently or in relation to one another. The system’s UNI-Dock supports an array of smartphones, media players and USB devices. Check it out at www.fusionelectronics.com.

Harken Spectrum Gloves

The 3/4 finger Spectrum gloves from Harken are designed for active line handling. They are lightweight, low profile and flexible, and they feature Black Magic palm material for superior grip. Check them out at www.harken.com

Steiner Navigator

The Navigator 7x30c binoculars from Steiner offers exceptional performance for the price with many of the features found on the premium Steiner marine binoculars. The Navigators offer fogproof clarity in all conditions, are auto focus, are waterproof and have an integral stabilized compass. More info at www.steiner-optics.com.

Barz Floater sunglasses

Know someone who drops things overboard often? They might appreciate the Floater model from Barz Optics. The glossy, carbon fiber frame gives the frames a racy look, and the the melanin-infused polycarbonate lenses offer complete protection. Check them out at www.barzoptics.com.

ECOROX Bluetooth speaker

Made for summer days on the boat, the ECOROX is a Bluetooth speaker that will play tunes from any Bluetooth-equipped device such as a smartphone. It’s waterproof, floats, is mountable and has an impressive 10-hour battery life. Take a look! www.ecoxgear.com

Hatch Hoodie

Don’t suffer in a stuffy cabin during a rain storm! The Hatch Hoodie from Banner Bay is a waterproof wind-scooping awning that keeps the rain out and the air in! It’s available at www.bannerbaymarine.com.

Mast Climber

Need a lift? The Mastclimber from ATN is a simple system that allows someone to climb the mast singlehanded and even reach over the top of the masthead. New features include the ability to use an existing halyard and a kit that allows you to use your own bosun’s chair. Available at www.atninc.com

SternPerch

Cruise in comfort! The SternPerch from Zarcor is custom designed for each model of boat (a list of boats is available here) and attaches to the stern rail for additional seating. Add rail cushions for even more sundowner comfort! Take a look at www.zarcor.com