img6009Douglas Gill has been making specialty sailing apparel since the company was founded in the back of an English lace factory in 1974. The company has introduced many innovations to sailing wear, they pioneered hot air taping, breathable fabrics and "smocks" for keelboat and dinghy sailors. Part of the company's strength comes from its reliance on world class sailors for design input and testing. Gill outfitted the British Olympic Team at the Sydney 2000 Games, and while their dominance of the medals was due to talent and coaching, having the right 'kit' on couldn't have hurt!

The latest smock design is their Dinghy / OD. Used by both the U.S. and British Sailing Teams in Sydney, as well as Gavin Brady's top ranked Match Racing Team, this breathable lightweight smock is ideal for dinghy and one-design keelboat racing.

One of the smock's smartest features is a self-draining front pocket -- with two diagonal zippers on either side of the chest. You can open the pocket with one hand, either one, while the other holds the tiller, sheet or both.

Star crews that have no discernible necks will find the velcro adjustment collar quite comfortable, there are velcro closures on the wrists, too.

The Dinghy OD Smock is available in two color combinations: Yellow / Navy or Navy / Silver. Sizes from XS to XXL. List price is $129 but is usually discounted to about $119.

Available from foulweathergear.com