Race Men’s Yacht Racing Softshell - Corporate Red

What is a Softshell?

The softshell component is a high-tech fabric made of 3 materials: a breathable and windproof microporous membrane sandwiched between the water repellent outer layer and the warm and comfortable fleece inner layer. This technical material provides thermal comfort, breathability, lightness and ease of movement thanks to the warm stretch fabric that also provides protection against 30 minutes of fine rain.

What does water repellent mean?

Not to be confused with waterproof! Its functionality is achieved by applying a hydrophobic water repellent treatment to the fabric. This process prevents the adhesion of water to the surface of the fabric. This limits its ability to absorb water. When movement is added to the equation, water glides over the fabric. This means the fabric is water repellent. Thanks to the water repellent, the water does not soak through the outer fabric. It remains light, does not retain moisture & dries faster.

What is breathability and the RET index?

The breathability of the fabric corresponds to its ability to let out the water vapor generated by the body (perspiration). It can be measured using the RET index (Resistance to Evaporative Transfer). The RET is a resistance index; the lower the value, the greater the breathability of the garment. RET between 6 and 12: very breathable; RET between 12 and 20: breathable; RET above 20: not breathable. Our products are very breathable, with a RET between 6.2 and 12.

How important is windproofing?

Protection from the wind is critical, as wind can chill the body significantly whether you are active or at rest. According to the windchill model, which measures how the air temperature feels when factoring in the wind and cold: at a temperature of 5°C combined with winds of 30 km/h, the apparent temperature will be 0°C. If the air temperature is 0°C and wind speed is 30 km/h, the temperature felt will be -6°C. The materials used in our products help to counter the windchill effect.

What is the hood like?

The hood of this product has been designed so as not to get in your way as you sail. The positioning of its seams are such that the hood follows the movements of your head. Its adjustment point at the top lets you adjust it to the right height. Its additional adjustment points at the collar let you modify the width to help stop the wind and cold from getting in. The hood has been tested to be worn with and without a waterproof jacket on top.

Water repellency maintenance:

To regenerate the water repellency of the fabric thus optimising the performance of your garment throughout its life, you can use a re-waterproofing spray or liquid water-repellent reactivator. The waterproofing of the Race softshell jacket lasts 5 washes. After that, we recommend reactivating the waterproofing treatment to ensure performance.