NEW GEAR

Recyclable tarpaulin • NMEA terminator • Winch load meter

TYPHOON CYCLONE HAT FLEECE-LINED CAP

This new peaked cap with ear warmers from Typhoon should keep you warm during colder sails. The Cyclone hat has a thermal fleece lining, ear protectors, and a adjustable chin strap to hold it on your head in gustier weather. The jury might well be out on how cool you’ll look in it, but it looks to be a pretty practical cold-weather accessory. www.typhoon-int.co.uk

BIO GREEN RAINEXO EN VI ROME NT ALLY FRIENDLY TARPAULINS

These new Rainexo tarps from Bio Green claim to offer an entirely new ‘high-tech approach’. Rainexo tarpaulins are produced using a cross laminated process and the 100% waterproof membrane is sandwiched between the top and bottom layers creating a material that is totally water-, frostand chemical-resistant as well as being tear- and puncture-resistant, flexible and 100% recyclable. Made-to-measure Rainexo tarps can be ordered to protect vessels when stored outside for winter, either afloat in marinas or on land. In transparent form they provide the perfect temporary shelter when working on boats in inclement weather. www.biogreen.world

HENRI-LLOYD SEA JACKET OLD-SCHOOL STYLE

Since its rebirth, Henri-lloyd has been looking back at the past and its heritage for its new high-tech sailing kit. The first clothing we saw from it was a set of foulies that were inspired by the America’s Cup teams of the 1980s – though using totally modern materials.

The retro theme continues in its latest launch, the sea jacket. This jacket is fully waterproof and breathable with taped seams, whilst the outer has a waterrepellent finish that is fluorinefree. The ‘Eco Bionic’ waterproof finish is a new, sustainable and ecologically advantageous technology. www.henrilloyd.com

ACTISENSE SMART CONNECTOR MULTI-USE NMEA CONNECTION

If you experience problems with your NMEA 2000 network on board, it can be hard to diagnose the problem - a faulty connection, lower power, or other issues. The new Actisense TER-U is the first Smart Universal NMEA 2000 micro-terminator; an LED light will show red if the bus voltage is too low, and green if it is okay, helping you diagnose problems.

This smart universal micro-terminator can also be used as either a male or female terminator or even as an in-line terminator for applications at the top of masts, making it easier to accommodate spine-drop cable junctions. Like all Actisense A2K products, it is fully over-moulded (IP67) and utilises Metal Coupling Nuts, making it rugged and reliable. www.actisense.com

EWINCHER HANDLE LOAD-SENSING ELECTRIC WINCH HANDLE

Electric winches and winch handles can overload rigging and sails if not used carefully. Ewincher, maker of the electric winch handle, has now launched a new colour – a slightly more low key black and white – as compared to the previous bright yellow option, but more importantly, also added a feature on their app, which allows users to see in real time the tensions they have on their lines. It’s a particularly useful feature if you are relying on electric winching where you get less feedback about loads. www.ewincher.com

CHARGEMETRIX REMOTE MONITORING

Chargemetrix is a new remote battery monitoring and location tracking device (£49.99) for boats. The device monitors battery voltage, battery temperature, cabin temperature and location every 15 minutes. The data is then sent in real time via an included SIM card (which operates on all networks) to the company’s servers. Data is then easily accessed on any internet connected device.

Automatic voltage and temperature prompts are sent via email when levels are too low or outside operating range, providing warnings that batteries should be charged before failure. It is not a GPS device, but does provide location information that is within 100m, and similar if moving. www.chargemetrix.com

SEASAFE LIFEJACKETS COLOURFUL COVERS FOR KIDS

For some years now, Seafsafe has been offering interchangeable lifejacket covers in a variety of colours. Now, however, the company has launched a new range of brightly coloured and patterned lifejacket covers for kids’ lifejackets.

The covers are interchangeable via a zipped front and can be washed, changed or updated to a different style. They fit over Seasafe’s Junior 150N lifejacket – suitable for a weight range of 15-40kg. The jacket itself is £79 while the cover cost varies and can even be designed by yourself or your child. Anything that encourages kids to want to wear their lifejacket is a positive, we say. www.seasafe.co.uk

VEETHREE ENGINE MONITOR DIGITAL GAUGES

Veethree Technologies has launched the first fully round, edge-to-edge digital engine gauge display. The company was nominated for a prestigious DAME award at METS trade show at the tail end of 2019 for the innovation. As the details on its supplied imagery shows, this is probably aimed closer to the power boating end of the market than to cruisers, but it’s still a pretty nifty bit of kit. The screen is glare-free and the display functions can be completely customised to represent old style analogue gauges or something more modern. You’re probably not going to rush out to the shops to pick this one up but having customisable engine displays does allow for a little more flexibility in control than a standard analogue gauge, if you should wish to stick to a specific speed or RPM. www.veethree.co.uk