Insulated midlayers • Nextgen beacons • AIS radio • Security camera NEW GEAR
Toby Heppell picks the best of the latest new gear and gadgets on the market this month
GILL OS INSULATED RANGE MID-LAYER SUIT
British clothing manufacturer Gill has released a new range of their OS insulated products for use on cold days under your oilskins. They feature super-light ‘down-feel’ synthetic insulation with an excellent warmth-to-weight ratio. The range includes base and mid-layers with the mid-layers consisting of a top and salopettes and the baselayers in a top and trouser combination. www.gill.com
ACR RESQLINK NEXT-GEN PLB
ACR Electronics is launching its nextgeneration of Resqlink Personal Locator Beacons (PLB). This latest offering was designed with first-hand feedback from survivors who have activated the beacons in real-life emergencies, so functionality should be good if you ever need to use it in an emergency situation. www.acratex.com
KLEAN KANTEEN REUSABLE BOTTLE
Using reusable bottles is one way that sailors can reduce the amount of plastic we dispose of, and many marinas are now introducing drinking water stations. Drinks bottle manufacturer, Klean Kanteen, has launched a brand new product, the Tkwide, to add to its range of stainless steel re-useable bottles. The new line offers wider caps and award-winning Climate Lock double-wall vacuum insulation, keeping drinks cooler or hotter for longer. It is available in five sizes (355ml, 473ml, 592ml, 946ml and 1900ml) and comes in 10 colours. www.kleankanteen.co.uk
B&G V-60 B VHF WITH AIS DATA
B&G has announced the release of its V60-B mid-level VHF radio, the first B&G VHF radio with the capability to send and receive AIS position data. The V60-B has a large screen, intuitive interface, built-in AIS Class B Transceiver, a front-mountable, mechanical design for easy installation and optional H60 wireless handsets. www.bandg.com
NAVIONICS AIS ADDITION AIS DATA ADDED TO APP
Vesper Marine’s AIS data from its smartais transponders can now be displayed on the popular Navionics apps. The app enables sailors to view Class A and Class B vessels and Aids to Navigation (Aton) overlayed directly on the app’s nautical charts. It’s especially useful during low visibility and in heavy-traffic areas on smaller boats that may not have an AIS screen or chartplotter at the helm. www.navionics.com
CAMBOAT APP-BASED SECURITY
Camboat is a simple to use and install security camera designed with boat owners in mind.
The Camboat is accessed via Wi-fi allowing owners to view the live video and audio feed at any time using the Glomex app. Because it’s completely private with one-to-one encryption, they’re the only ones who will see and hear the device. It has an 80° field of view and night vision capability. An integrated motion sensor records onto its built-in SD card for 24/7 surveillance.
Measuring 89mm in diameter it should fit in anywhere if it can be wired into a 12V DC power supply. www.zigboat.com
CHATHAM AEGEAN MODERN DECK SHOE
This new shoe from Chatham attempts to reflect the classic look of a deck shoe with modern materials and construction methods. The shoe itself is made from premium, quick-drying materials and features Chatham’s Thread+ system, which the makers claim provides confident and assured grip in even the most demanding or wettest of conditions. It also has open cell foam and drainage holes, which should increases air flow to stop your feet getting too hot. They are finished with the brand’s proprietary Aqua-go rubber and Latex sole, offering maximum flexibility and cushioning. www.chatham.co.uk
VULPES HEATED JACKET ONBOARD WARMTH
All sailing clothing aims to keep you warm, broadly by using thermally insulated materials and linings to retain body heat. However, if you want to be really cosy on a night passage, it might be worth considering a heated jacket. This lightweight and waterproof jacket allows you to heat your body and adjust the temperature thanks to an app installed on your phone. The jacket has been created as part of the Worth Partnership Project, which aims to help get product ideas from small businesses off the ground. www.worthproject.eu