May 7, 2020

Zhik’s design team created their award winning, Hydrovision® Adaptive Hood and detachable visor as part of its Isotak X Offshore range for the Dongfeng Race Team. This radical innovation in yachting garment design is now being adopted by sailors. Sailing schools, charter organizations, instructors and coaches around the globe are all now looking at adapting how they work as the lockdown restrictions are starting to be eased in many countries.

Finding facial protection and PPE to use afloat is an increasingly important part of this new vital equation.

Adaptive hood & visor was originally designed to give facial protection from extreme ocean spray, the Hydrovison Adaptive Hood features a removable rigid face visor. Anti-fogging and made from a clear rigid plastic, the visor gives 110° vision and comes fitted to the Isotak X Offshore Jacket and Smock. When combined with the high cut, ergonomically-shaped face shield, the sailor is completely protected from spray, wind and unwelcome moisture droplets. The entire hood can be unzipped from the smock and interchanged with other headwear.

As well as the Isotak Smock, the Hydrovision Adaptive Hood and visor is available as an accessory and zips onto Zhik’s Aroshell Smock. This light, highly versatile top is optimised for breathability and high activity afloat. Fully taped, with adjustable ReziSeal neck and wrist seals for a comfortable watertight seal, the smock is designed with reduced seams to keep weight down and aid maneuverability. The option to add the Adaptive Hood and visor means one garment can offer a wide range of protection across a variety of conditions. For this reason, it’s been selected by Alex Thomson to use in the Vendee Globe Race 2020.

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