SPINLOCK DECKVEST VITO

The Vito is a brand new lifejacket from Spinlock based on the developments for the Volvo Ocean Race crews. The key innovation of this jacket is the Harness Release System; a pull handle will release the main harness attachment point to avoid injury by dragging a man overboard alongside the hull. Once pulled, however, the man overboard is no longer attached to the yacht.

IN USE

Uniquely, the main body of the jacket is a continuous loop with a side-closing buckle. This makes it a simple and very sleek jacket with very few snagging points while having a wide range of adjustment. Bulk is kept to a minimum by stowing the hood in its own pocket on the back of the harness. It comes with Hammar inflation with the Spinlock standard parachute style rip handle. It has a single, wide crotch strap with a stowage pocket at the back for when it’s not wanted.

IN THE WATER

This was one of the quicker jackets to inflate and performed well in the rotation test. It’s freeboard wasn’t as high, however, coming eighth and ninth.

As with the 5D the combination of the pylon light and Lume-on bladder lights worked well. Finding and securing the hood was thanks to the strap to the front of the jacket. The hoop in the hood kept the fabric away from the head which helped with hearing.

The harness release system took a moment to find as it’s tucked under the front of the jacket – you have to know how to use it beforehand. A sharp tug of the handle released the harness quickly, leaving the MOB free-floating. It was effective, but is a drastic choice to have to make.

The Vito’s back panel contains the hood and a pocket for the wide crotch strap The harness back has a rough adjustment, and then the side buckle offers fine adjustment The lifejacket can be converted to include the harness release system

The hood was simple, but the pylon light remains clear of the visor

The tether attachment loop is released by pulling the blue toggle