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On a dinghy, the crew is exposed. Little protection, lots of movement, and abseiling phases that put as much strain on the sailor as on his or her equipment. Musto's new Championship Collection is designed for just such a situation
A range designed for modern dinghy racing
Our core target is Optimist, ILCA, 29er and equivalent series sailors. These are the types of boats where the races are short, intense and take place over a full day.
The collection includes neoprene tops and long johns, hiking pants, gilets and a hooded jacket. The collection is designed for regular use in training and competition. Crews from the British Sailing Team and P&B Race Team took part in testing throughout 2025, with feedback on cuts, padding and reinforcement zones.
The challenge is clear for clubs and hope centers: to offer a coherent range of equipment for young runners from the age of 8 all the way up to seniors. The segmentation by thickness - 1 mm for summer, 3 mm for winter - meets this progression logic.
The positioning remains performance-oriented. For occasional leisure use, the package may appear oversized.
Thermal protection and mobility between 12 and 18°C
The 12 to 18°C range corresponds to the shoulder seasons, which are common on French waters. Too cold to sail in simple lycra, too soft for a thick integral wetsuit.
The neoprene parts incorporate a thermal lining located on the torso and back. The aim is to maintain core temperature without blocking shoulder rotation or hip mobility. Flatlock seams limit excess thickness and chafing, a sensitive point during repeated turns.
Gussets under the arms and ergonomic panels accompany helm and sheeting movements. On an ILCA or Laser, where sail work is constant, this detail makes all the difference over time.
Hiking and abrasion resistance, a key point in dinghies
In dinghies, abseiling wears out the equipment. Thighs rub on the liveboard, knees on the cockpit floor, seat on the thwarts or listons.
The Long John Championship features targeted reinforcements in the thighs, knees and seat. The laser-cut drainage system evacuates water and prevents weight gain at the end of the sleeve.
Périne Milleret, member of the Pôle France in ILCA 6, committed to the 2028 Olympic Games, underlines this aspect:
" Thanks to the reinforced thighs, I'm really at one with the boat, especially when abseiling. With a winter and a summer version, it's become my must-have. "
Durability for intensive club use
Youth regattas mean hours on the water, repeated launches, and wetsuits that dry quickly between two races. The question of longevity is central to families and training structures.
Flat seams, reinforced zones and the choice of soft but dense neoprene are designed to limit premature wear. Quick-drying features are a must for a day's training or a championship.
Then there's the question of the budget for a complete crew, top, long john, jacket and hiking pants. For a young, fast-growing sailor, the investment needs to be anticipated. But on an intensive program, equipment is an integral part of performance, just like rig tuning or sail choice.
Recommended retail price :
- Men's Long John 3 mm suit - ?225
- Women's Long Jane 3 mm jumpsuit - ?225
- Men's 3 mm neoprene top - ?155
- Women's 3 mm neoprene top - 155? (?155)
- Men's Long John 1 mm suit - ?175
- Women's Long Jane 1 mm jumpsuit - ?175
- Men's 1 mm neoprene top - ?130
- Women's 1 mm neoprene top - ?130
