Big Pimpin’
When you’ve absolutely, positively got to stay dry and warm, accept no substitutes. Musto HPX is the very best there is.’ So might that straight-shooting film star Samuel L Jackson say if he were to play an offshore sailor in a movie. And he’d be right, except Musto’s MPX range does a pretty good job too. MPX is one substitute that even Vendée Globe and Volvo Ocean Race veteran Sam Davies accepts, and in some cases prefers. ‘HPX is bulletproof. But when you’re singlehanded sailing in particular, there’s a lot of up and down the stairs,’ says Davies, whose CV includes three circumnavigations and 24 transatlantic crossings. ‘MPX is more flexible, and still does an incredible job of keeping you warm and dry.’
Musto have worked closely with Gore-Tex for more than 20 years to develop the best possible offshore sailing kit. It has been a gradual, evolutionary process based on close relationships with top sailors such as Volvo Ocean Race skippers Sam Davies and Ian Walker, who are always very clear about what works in tough conditions, and where they believe improvements can be incorporated. While HPX is the flagship line in the Musto range, the more affordable MPX benefits from many HPX develop – ments a few years down the line.
The past 10 years have seen big advances with a collection that is every bit as waterproof and durable as previous generations, but with less bulk. The problem is, says Musto’s lead designer for sailing Shane Rhone, perceptions take a while longer to catch up with the new reality: ‘We responded to a demand for lighter garments that still deliver the highest levels of waterproofness and breathability. And we did that, and won some industry awards for innovation.’ Read on.
