<h3>Helmets</h3>
<p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/01-casque-catamaran.jpg" alt="" width="1184" height="730" /></p>
<p>We can never repeat it often enough: protection – foul weather gear, gloves, lifejacket – in a boat is essential. And if you sail foilers, you will also need a helmet. Forward WIP, Groupama’s and Team France Jeune’s protection partner during the last America’s Cup, has perfected, with their crew, this new X-Over helmet, which meets the SkiCE standard, required by the Cup, where high speeds mean impacts can be very violent. Light, aerodynamic and protective!</p>
<p><a href="http://www.forward-wip.eu">www.forward-wip.eu </a></p>
<h2>Lifejackets</h2>
<p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/02-gilets-catamaran.jpg" alt="" width="1184" height="730" /></p>
<p>Spinlock has been chosen to equip the fleet of monohulls which will be leaving for a fully-crewed round the world trip in the Volvo Ocean Race, with lifejackets. When racing, as when cruising, safety is essential. As well as being easily forgotten when wearing it, a lifejacket must be easy to put on, and perfectly operational if the need arises. In the case of the Volvo, it also has to be exceptionally tough, to resist 8 months’ racing in the worst possible conditions.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.spinlock.co.uk">www.spinlock.co.uk</a></p>
<p> </p>
<h3>USB charger</h3>
<p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/03-chargeur-usb-catamaran.jpg" alt="" width="1184" height="730" /></p>
<p>Aboard blue-water cruising boats, the number of pieces of equipment requiring recharging via USB has multiplied over the last few years. With this brand-new waterproof charger presented by Scanstrut (Rokk Charge+) you have two connected sockets for charging your devices up to three times faster than a standard charger.</p>
<p>Retail price: €34.99</p>
<p><a href="http://www.tcmar.fr">www.tcmar.fr</a>– <a href="http://www.scanstrut.com">www.scanstrut.com</a></p>
<h3> </h3>
<h3>Batteries</h3>
<p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/04-batterie-catamaran.jpg" alt="" width="1184" height="730" /></p>
<p>Here is a new lithium battery called the Super B Epsilon. A battery which has an estimated life span of 5,000 charge/discharge cycles, and which allows use of high power inverters. Finally, an internal battery management system allows you to know at all times how much energy remains, on the dedicated app available on your smart phone or tablet.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.super-b.com">www.super-b.com</a></p>
<p> </p>
<h3>Solar panels</h3>
<p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/05-panneaux-solaires-catamaran.jpg" alt="" width="1184" height="730" /></p>
<p>SunWare is a German company which for over 28 years has been producing 12V or 24V solar panels for boats, which can be stuck onto decks or adapted to fit on canvas work. Solar panels which equip many catamarans cruising in the West Indies, attracted by the quality of their manufacture.</p>
<p>From 12 to 200W in 12V, and from 50 to 200W in 24V.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.sunware.de">www.sunware.de</a> </p>
<p> </p>
<h3>Installation center</h3>
<p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/06-centre-montage-catamaran.jpg" alt="" width="1184" height="730" /></p>
<p>It’s often complicated to get (good) internet prices and the (good) services of a pro to install the equipment you have bought for your boat. However this is what Orange Marine is now offering on over 35,000 references. You order, then have the equipment delivered to an approved professional located near your boat, who will install the part you have purchased. Afterwards, all that remains is to go sailing...</p>
<p><a href="http://www.orange-marine.com">www.orange-marine.com</a></p>
<p> </p>
<hr />
<p><strong>On test</strong></p>
<h3>The Helly Hansen Aegir suit</h3>
<p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/07-test-hellly-hansen.jpg" alt="" width="1184" height="730" /></p>
<p>We had the opportunity to test the Aegir suit from Helly Hansen, consisting of the brand-new Race Jacket (€550 inc. tax) and the Ocean Trouser (€800 inc. tax). The Race Jacket is a product intended for semi-offshore racing and regattas; the Ocean Trouser is also suited to the ¾ Ocean Jacket (€1,200 inc. tax), optimized for even tougher ocean conditions. The product test took place in two parts – during a timed runs outing aboard the trimaran Pat’s, over a windy half day (30 – 35 knots, 20°C, 15 knots boat speed), then aboard the Saona 47, the latest boat from Fountaine Pajot, during a wild test (35 – 45 knots, 21°C, 8 – 14 knots boat speed).</p>
<p>The Race Jacket appears to be both robust and lightweight; made in HellyTechR material (3 waterproof, breathable layers with composite membrane). It allows great freedom of movement and proved to be very pleasant to wear. The handwarmer pockets as well as the fleece-lined high collar (with a neoprene storm flap) are appreciable, as is the waist adjustment, in strong winds. The large cargo pockets are equipped with waterproof zips, but the central zip is not waterproof (this accessory is reserved for the Ocean jacket). The waterproof/breathable feeling of these new membranes is really amazing; all you have to do is adapt the technical undergarment layers to adjust the internal comfort according to the outside temperature. The trousers are generously reinforced (with rubber patches) at strategic places (seat, knees protected by neoprene padding). The belt adjustment is effective and the (fluorescent) shoulder straps of very good quality. The zipper fastener is reinforced and waterproof.</p>
<p>This suit is elegant and pleasant to wear, the technical qualities are good, and the 3-layer polyamide membrane is coated with a long-lasting waterproof protection. The price of the jacket is comparable with products of the same level from other major manufacturers; the trousers are more expensive, but designed for even more demanding use.</p>
<p>Information: <a href="http://www.hellyhansen.com">www.hellyhansen.com</a></p>
