Description
The Gill OS23 Jacket is a high performance sailing jacket made from Gill’s 3 Dot, 2-layer, laminated fabric making for a highly durable, waterproof and breathable sailing jacket. Gill have added some great new technical features to the OS23 offshore sailing jacket making it even more functional in all but the most extreme weather and sailing conditions.
Note: this is the older OS23J version
Colours Available: Red | Lime | Graphite | Blue
Gill Mens OS2 Offshore Sailing Jacket – OS23J
The Gill OS2 Offshore Sailing Jacket is a versatile performer capable of standing up to the toughest offshore and coastal conditions whilst keeping you dry and comfortable. Made from Gill’s durable 3 Dot„¢ fabric, creating an incredibly waterproof, windproof and breathable protective shell. The Gill OS23 Jacket first launched in 2017 and is incredibly stylish and Gill have equipped this latest version with a full range of technical features making it even more functional. The NEW OS2 range features a stylish new Blue colour option as well as the reliable Graphite, Red and Lime and is everything that an offshore coastal sailing jacket needs to be, great for a days cruising or a week-long regatta, this versatile jacket is the perfect companion for your next sailing adventure.
Gill OS23J Offshore Sailing Jacket | Features
- High cut thermal collar provides comfort and warmth with full face protection.
- Thermal fleece inner collar and chin guard.
- Fully lined hi-vis hood with a 3-way adjustment system volume adjustment and internal fleece lined cord channel for a secure, comfortable fit.
- Adjustable outer cuff with PU inner seals for watertight comfort.
- Hand warmer pockets protected by YKK Aquaguard® water resistant zips and internal security pocket.
- Deep cargo pockets with secure closure with hand warmer pockets behind.
- 2-way zipper protected by a double storm guard.
- Zippered internal security pocket.
- Heat-formed prismatic reflectives in an exclusive Gill design.
- Fully lined with mesh drainage panels.
- Adjustable shock cord hem.
Gill Mens OS2 Offshore Sailing Jacket – OS23J | Technology
- 2 layer laminated fabric, creating an incredibly waterproof, windproof and breathable protective shell.
- Fully taped seams for a waterproof seal.
- Laminated moisture-management fabric technology with a durable water repellent outer finish.
- Advanced composite waterproof fabric featuring a combination of Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic technologies that efficiently transport moisture away from the skin whilst keeping the wearer 100% protected from the elements.
GIll OS23 Offshore Jacket | Function and Uses
- Offshore and Coastal Sailing
- Outer: 100% Nylon, Main Lining: 100% Nylon, Mesh: 100% Polyester, Fleece: 100% Polyester
The Gill Fabric Grading System, Dot System
When it comes to waterproof and breathable fabrics you may well be confused by numerous technical sounding names, not to mention being confronted with a host of fancy swing tickets all claiming to be the best. At Gill they choose not to use high profile branded fabrics as they not only add to the cost of the garment but limit the choice of both quality and suitability of materials available to Gill. Gill search the world for the best fabrics to suit the end use and then test them to destruction. If a fabric needs an additional coating to withstand the rigours of the Southern Ocean then Gill give it one. Gill’s tests are carried out in their laboratory (see video Fabric testing.) They are then corroborated independently. Gill test their fabrics not just as new but after artificial aging to simulate years of use. Finally they are put out into the field for further testing. There is always a product some where in the Southern Ocean under test. When the testing is complete Gill rank the fabric according to end usage and classify it according to our renowned Fabric System„¢. These tests are not one off tests but are repeated before each production batch. This attention to detail ensures that the Gill fabrics perform as well if not better than anything in the market today and ensures the quality of our products remain at the highest level.
Gill Fabric Technology
Why Is Fabric So Important?
There are two key elements to sailing clothing, the garment design and the fabric itself. The fabric represents over fifty percent of the cost of the garment, and if that fails then so does the garment. The best looking garment in the world is not much help when you are battling into a westerly gale and soaking wet. That€™s why at Gill we take fabric so seriously. In 2002 Gill took the decision to move away from high profile branded fabrics. Not only were they adding significantly to the cost, but they also limited the choice of materials we could use. Most branded waterproof fabrics were originally developed for the larger outdoor clothing industry, so when it came to introducing sailing wear fabrics the choice was limited. Gill wanted the ability to adapt fabrics specifically for the marine environment. If you are out walking and it rains you can only get wet from above. When you are sailing, water is coming at you from all angles. Spray or solid waves are coming over the bow, you are sitting in water and it could be raining as well. Then there is the water itself, in most cases it is salt water. Salt water molecules have a much larger surface area than fresh water and have an abrasive property with it. Off the shelf fabrics are not going to do the job as well as specifically adapted materials. Working directly with different fabric suppliers and coaters Gill can keep adapting the fabric until it passes all their stringent tests. If the water resistance is not high enough after artificial ageing Gill can add another layer. If the abrasion resistance on the outside is not good enough Gill can change that too.
How Has Fabric Changed
Fabrics have changed enormously over the last twenty years or so. I am not just referring to the waterproof technology but also the weight, handle and feel. Gill have gone from stiff heavy PVC and neoprene coated fabrics to lightweight woven fabrics with the latest membrane technology.
Types Of Fabric
Today all fabrics are breathable so the choice comes down more to the handle and feel. This in turn is affected by the weight, density of the weave, and whether the proofing is a coating or laminate. Some of us still refer to wet weather gear as €œOilies€ or €œOilskins€. As the name suggests these were canvas type materials with fish or linseed oil rubbed into it to make it water proof and used by the early fishermen and sailors alike. Whilst the process has improved enormously over the years, it is still a case of spreading a coating of polyurethane onto the fabrics. Today this is done on the inside of the textile fabric so it is protected from external damage. The element that makes water bead up and run off is an invisible durable water repellent finish, usually Teflon®. This is not relied on for waterproofness but prevents the fabrics from absorbing water. {About Gill
