We mostly expect developments in sailcloth
to be aimed at the top end of the market- racing fl eets and large yachts. However,
the latest product from Bainbridge is
aimed squarely at the mainstream cruising
market and club racers.
HSX-P is a double ripstop woven
polyester cloth that’s intended to be a step
up from the company’s conventional
polyester HSX product, with lower stretch
yarns and updated fi nishing techniques. It
also incorporates some of the advantages
of Bainbridge’s HSX-V, which incorporates
Vectran fi bres. The company says the
combined effect is a clear strength and
performance advantage over conventional
plain weave polyester cloth.
Price: POA.
■ bainbridgeint.com
SECTION
New Gear
Rupert Holmes reviews the latest marine gear
Many everyday items we take for
granted have the potential to be
signifi cantly improved. Shurhold has
done exactly that for the humble
bucket, optimising it to be more
ergonomic, stronger and for more
effi cient stowage – an important aspect
on a small boat.
The result has a 20-litre capacity and
a double braid rope handle in place of
the usual metal hoop that’s prone to
rust. A non-marking rubber base makes
it less liable to slide around on decks
that aren’t level and there’s a
removable caddy for storing bottles of
cleaning fl uid and utensils.
Even better, two measuring cups are
built into the bottom to facilitate adding
the correct amount of soap or other
cleaning solution. There’s also a
padded combined lid/seat that’s strong
enough to stand on.
The only
downside? It’s a
lot, lot more
expensive than
your average
plastic builder’s
bucket.
Price: £95.
■ shurhold.comOptimised
Tilley hat
A number of new
products have
been added to the
extensive range of
Tilley hats. These
include the TP100
Polaris (pictured),
which has a
fold-away sun shield
to protect neck and
shoulders, plus a concealed pocket for
valuables and a Velcro tab to hold
sunglasses when not being worn.
It’s made of a water repellent
polyester material with a UPF50+ sun
factor specifi cation. Thick foam in the
brim is intended to ensure it will fl oat.
Price: £80
■ tilley.comHow-to videos
Barton Marine is compiling a series of
videos that explain how to maintain and
service the company’s blocks, mainsheet
travellers, winches and clutches. All
feature global sales manager Christian
Brewer stripping down each item for
service and are mostly three or four
minutes long.
Price: Free.
■ bit.ly/BartonMarine-YouTubeNext generation
sailcloth
‘The Ultimate...’ Amazing, must-have marine items Ð at a price
Not a builder’s bucket