Since December 2017, I have been sailing exclusively with the Activ' jacket and overalls developed by Plastimo. For a very affordable price (359 euros for the oilskin and 259 euros for the dungarees), the brand offers a set full of practical details worthy of top-of-the-range clothing.
Made of a 3-layer membrane, the garments are waterproof and breathable, yet flexible and light enough not to impede movement. Tested and approved for Mini 6.50 manoeuvres! Of course, we find the traditional reinforcement zones: knees, elbows, buttocks... in Cordura - a very resistant anti-abrasive fabric.
A jacket designed for navigators
Among the clever details, I would note the neoprene sleeves. They make it possible to dispense with the traditional velcro that often has to be tightened tightly to ensure a watertight seal at the wrists. On the other side of the coin, you have to remember to take off the gloves to be able to put on the jacket.
I also appreciate the nose patch on the collar, which is itself very covering. Combined with the transparent windows in the hood, you're protected without missing visibility.
Finally, the gaiters at the bottom of the jacket ensure a good waterproofness, and limit the upward movement of water and cold air infiltration. It can easily be unzipped if necessary. But personally, I never had the use to take it off.
Modular dungarees
On the dungarees side, the most notable innovation is of course the removable breastplate. Worn close to the body, it keeps you warm and breathable and provides additional waterproofing. But during daytime action, when body temperature rises, it can be easily removed to turn the overalls into trousers.
Another detail that may seem trivial: the fly. It is often not present enough on overalls. No need to go into detail to understand its usefulness and practicality.
Finally I also liked the large textile loop to pass the finger through the zippers of the jacket. It's an insignificant detail, but so practical that I would have liked to find it also on the zipper of the fly. To make up for this lack, I used the one on the bottom zip of the jacket (which I rarely open) to put it over the fly.
A ruthless attempt
I've been using only this set for more than 6 months now. It has accompanied me during the winter trainings, during the cold nights in convoy, and of course on all the races of the season. Day and night, they hardly ever leave me. After all this time sleeping on the floor in the cockpit, rubbing against the non-skid deck, jacket and overalls still keep me dry.
