Musto has unveiled its MPX Impact Gore-Tex Pro sailing jacket and trousers, which are made with D3O pads in the elbows, hips and knees—a technology reportedly used by US Special Forces and Formula 1 racing to help prevent impact injury, cuts and abrasions.
Offshore racers are the target market for this line, which prints the pads onto mesh that is then bonded onto the fabric. The technology allows for a low-profile, lightweight, flexible pad that is waterproof without lessening the fabric’s breathable properties.
“D3O absorbs and dissipates the energy from impacts, reducing the amount of force that gets transmitted to your body compared to standard forms,” Mostyn Thomas, D3O global brand director, stated in a press release. “Each one of the broad range of D3O technologies is tailored to solve a specific problem or need in sport, motorcycle, electronics, defense and industrial workwear. We are delighted to have worked with Musto on designing MPX Impact, especially as we know offshore sailors can be dealing with some of the most brutal and hostile conditions on the planet.”
Armel Le Cléac’h, the French captain, navigator and solo, nonstop around-the-world racer, played a key role in the product’s design. “We go from 20 to 40 knots in just a few seconds. Accelerating this quickly and at these speeds means you are often thrown around on the boat, and that’s why impact protection is so important,” Le Cléac’h stated in the press release.
“Developing MPX Impact with Musto has enabled me to try and test various solutions in real ocean conditions, and we’ve worked together to design what I believe to be the ultimate offshore impact kit. It’s the first of its kind.”
Will Harris, co-skipper of IMOCA Team Malizia, tested the MPX Impact jacket and trousers on The Ocean Race and the Transat Jacques Vabre. He said: “With high-speed reaching in modern yachts, the slams and forces you have to deal with are multiplied, and protection all over the body is important. The jacket has all the features I need to be able to quickly jump on the deck during a maneuver while feeling protected from both the elements and the boat itself. The number of bruises I come back with afterwards being drastically reduced.”
The jacket has other cool features too: There’s an easy-access waterproof phone pouch with a touch-sensitive window on the forearm. Laser-cut pocket drainage prevents pooling. YKK Vislon AquaGuard zippers provide rain and windproof closures. Chest and hand pockets are trimmed with reflective details for higher visibility in darker conditions. The hood can pack away into the collar, and there is a hanging loop for stowage.
Where to learn more: go to www.musto.com.
