For the past year, Tribord has been looking to feminise its range of technical clothing in line with its brand strategy. To do this, a new technical partner has just joined the brand, alongside Tanguy de Lamotte (IMOCA) and Ian Lipinski (Mini 6.50). Nolwenn Cazé - also a Ministe - shares her ocean racing experience with Tribord, to improve and develop products adapted to the female gender.
A complete outfit for the regular sailor
Tribord offers 3 types of habitable sailing clothing ranges: 100, 500 and 900. The first is intended for the occasional sailor and the last one offers technical clothing for offshore sailing.
The Ocean 500 range, designed for the regular sailor, consists of a watch jacket and overalls inspired by the Ocean 900 range for men. The component is different from the 900 range since here, the water-repellent fabric, is composed of 2 layers with a hydrophilic membrane (as opposed to 3 layers for the 900 range), capable of resisting up to 10,000 mm of water pressure (about 4 hours of heavy rain).
Compared to the previous version (Tribord is constantly improving its products thanks to feedback from its technical partners and boaters), the jacket has been lightened, the inner lining has been changed to allow better air circulation and the component is more stretchy to make the jacket more fitted, and therefore more feminine. In this sense, the jacket is already fitted and it is still possible to re-fit it by pulling on two elastics.
On this jacket, we find elements borrowed from the Ocean 900 men's jacket (which will be released in July 2017). For example the tightening of the cuffs with the double sleeves adjustable in a single gesture. A really innovative trick, not yet proposed by the brand's competitors.
There are two fleece chest pockets to keep hands warm, as well as two cargo pockets with sewn side flaps for waterproofing. However, this protected pocket is still difficult to access, especially since it is equipped with gloves.
It closes with a zipper, resistant to salt oxidation. On the chest, a hidden pocket is located right next to the double zip, protected by the two flaps.
The tulip fleece collar (inside) is very high (17 cm on the back) and provides effective protection from the cold and wind, while remaining soft around the lower face. The hood is stowed in the back of the collar, is lined with mesh and can be adjusted in 2 dimensions and has the same tightness as the Ocean 900 men's jacket with an inner first hood. Tightening the hood is easy thanks to the drawstrings on each side of the zipper on the front of the jacket. Loosening it is a little less intuitive, since you have to pull the same cords, but at the collar.
These two elements (collar + hood) are also inspired by the Ocean 900 men's jacket, except that the collar does not have the metal nose protection found on the offshore model.
The Ocean 500 jacket is available in two colours: grey and pink for a more fashionable side or red for a more regatta/crew side.
Ocean 500 dungarees are also waterproof and water-repellent (up to 10,000 mm water pressure, about 4 hours of heavy rain). On this new version, Tribord offers a system that makes it easier to undress to go to the toilet, the "drop seat".
At the back of the garment, there are two zips on the side which, combined with the soft fabric, allow this part of the garment to be removed while bending down. On the front, two polar fleece hand warmer pockets communicate. Reinforcements are installed on the buttocks, knees and lower legs, which is adjustable.
The outfit provides good protection from the cold and wind (around 18 knots on the day of our trial) and remains comfortable and pleasant to wear, without hindering movement. We particularly appreciate the large high collar lined in fleece on the jacket, or the "drop seat" system of the dungarees. Finally its two colors will allow everyone to find his style (rather fashion or regatta).
Price of the jacket: 99.99 euros
Price of overalls: 89.99 euros
