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Mid-Size Keelboat/Crossover

Number of Crew: 8 **Racing venue and conditions: **mixed (warm/cold); twilight racing; occasional inshore regatta Budget: $3000-$4000 ($375-$562)
Sailing World

Atlantis Microburst Aegis Hybrid Bib

Atlantis Aegis Hybrid Bib For a mid-size boat and this type of racing, the salopette is the most important and versatile piece of gear a crew can have.  The downside of a salopette is that the torso lenghts are fixed, so if one crewmember ha sa different combination of inseam and torso length than the models the manufacturer used to design the piece you’re out of luck when it comes to fit.  The Hybrid Bib ($295) addresses this with an adjustable shoulder-strap system.  The Atlantis-developed three-layer laminate has waterproofness and breathability, and a woman’s version is available – without a leak-prone drop seat. Courtesy of Atlantis
Sailing World

Gill Race Jacket

Gill Race Jacket The new Race Series is streamlined gear for the mid-sized keelboat, where maximum freedom of movement and speed are essential – it’s all you need to call shots from the cockpit of tend the halyards a the mast.  The Race Jacket ($259)  is the lightest Gill product yet, and is easily layered with a Race Mid-Layer ($89). Include the Race Waist Pant ($219), and the crew will be comfortable all day long. Courtesy of Gill
Zhik Isotak Salopette

Zhik Isotak Salopette

Zhik Isotak Salopette With a streamlined cut, these new waterproof and breathable salopettes ($395) are designed for high-activity, high-performance racing. Seams are glued and taped, and there’s heavy-duty Cordura in high-wear areas. Stretch materials in the shoulder panels help with flexibility. Courtesy of Zhik
Musto MPX Salopettes

Musto MPX Salopettes

Musto MPX Salopettes These are the must-have item for every mid-size keelboat racer. How many days have you needed to wear your gear when it wasn’t raining? A lot, we’d bet. The salopettes ($445) are the answer for these days as they are a vest and hi-fit trousers in one. Salopettes offer tons of protection and warmth with such easy comfort you will not want to take them off back at the dock.  Made from Gore-Tex Pro Shell Laminate, this gear is built to be durable and extremely comfortable under any conditions. Courtesy of Musto
Helly Hansen Koster Jacket

Helly Hansen Koster Jacket

Helly Hansen Koster Jacket The Koster Jacket ($275) has waterproof, breathable protection in a comfortable two-layer construction. Cooler-water teams will appreciate its high, fleece-lined collar and pockets, and fully adjustable high-visibility hood, especially when the squall line hits. The companion bottom is the Koster High Fit Trouser ($175), and when combined, you’re still under budget. Courtesy Of Helly Hansen
Henri Lloyd TP2 Alpha Shadow Spray Top

Henri Lloyd TP2 Alpha Shadow Spray Top

Henri Lloyd TP2 Alpha Shadow Spray Top Using TP2 Alpha Fabric, a highly breathable, windproof, and waterproof laminate fabric, this gear is more than a spray top: it’s a douse top, too. The fabric is unlined to speed up drying time, reduce weight, and reduce inter-layer binding ($225). Octane Windstopper Shorts ($120) made with Gore-Tex Windstopper fabric would be the most technical shorts the crew could ever have: welded side pockets with water-resistant zips, and Cordura seat reinforcement take them well beyond standard pair of shorts. To ensure the crew is not sun-drained by mid-afternoon, add in a wicking Atmosphere technical T-shirt ($29) with UV 50 protection. Courtesy of Henri Lloyd
Puma OD Spray Top

Puma OD Spray Top

Puma OD Spray Top The PUMA One-Design Spray Top ($180) is your all around dinghy and OD racing piece. Made of three-layer U.S.P. (Ultimate Sport Performance) with taped seams, it’s breathable and waterproof. Adjustable Velcro seals with a zip-down front allows for great temperature control once you get moving. A large chest pocket can be accessed without taking your lifejacket off; it’s perfect for racing instructions or stashing your lunch money. Courtesy of Puma
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