Gul Vigo Coastal
Jacket £185 Salopettes £150
It might not be the first name that springs to mind for yachting waterproofs but Gul have been making wetsuits, dinghy gear and waterproofs for years. Their Vigo Coastal jacket and salopettes represent the top of the line for their yachting kit and are well worth a look. Without breaking the bank, this suit punches above its weight with the number of features it includes, representing a serious set of oilskins.
Jacket
Gul’s GCX2 waterproof and breathable fabric has a soft feel to it. With more traditional styling that other suits, the red and navy colour is nicely understated. The jacket has an easy fit that left room for an extra layer or two underneath. It closes with a two-way zip and an outer storm flap, as well as a chin guard over the top of the zip and wider storm flap at the top to seal the collar. It has two large cargo pockets with fleece-lined handwarmer pockets behind, and additional waterproofzipped pockets above these. There is an elasticated hem adjuster and reflective patches on the shoulders and chest.
It is one of the few jackets to feature lifejacket loops either side of the zip. Inside, we liked the warm brushed mesh liner.
For a coastal jacket, the fleece collar is high and warm, with a roll-away hi-vis peaked hood inside zipped stowage. The sleeves has double cuffs with an inner rubberised cuff to seal.
Salopettes
The women’s salopettes have a drop-seat design to make calls of nature easier, while the men’s have a two-way zip protected by a Velcro storm flap. Both sets of trousers have a nylon lining and a zipped inner pocket, as well as two large thigh cargo pockets. The ankles close with a narrow Velcro fastening, shoulder straps elastic with Velcro fastening.
test verdict
We liked the amount of space the jacket has and the articulated sleeves for easier movement. In the water test, only a small amount got in through the neck and none through the cuffs. It has a great level of detailing and felt like a serious sailing jacket that would stand up to most weather. Some of the stitching appeared slightly weak though.