{"title":"Gill - Brand","description":"\u003ch2\u003eGeneral \u0026amp; Selection\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n    \u003ch3\u003e1. What is the difference between Gill’s OS1, OS2, and OS3 jackets?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eThese designations refer to the conditions the gear is designed for:\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cul\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOS1 (Ocean):\u003c\/strong\u003e Built for the toughest conditions. 4-layer fabric, high collar, heavy-duty protection for ocean crossings and extended use.\u003c\/li\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOS2 (Offshore):\u003c\/strong\u003e The best-seller. Perfect for coastal cruising and offshore passages. It balances high protection with better mobility and comfort than the heavy OS1.\u003c\/li\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOS3 (Coastal):\u003c\/strong\u003e Designed for inshore sailing and coastal hops. Lighter, more breathable, and styled to look good on shore as well as on the boat.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n    \u003ch3\u003e2. I sail a dinghy. Should I buy a 'Zenith' top or an 'OS' jacket?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eFor dinghy sailing, you generally want the \u003cstrong\u003eZenith\u003c\/strong\u003e or \u003cstrong\u003eVerso\u003c\/strong\u003e ranges. These are \"smocks\" or \"dry tops\" with neoprene or latex neck seals to stop water getting in when you capsize. An \u003cstrong\u003eOS jacket\u003c\/strong\u003e is a \"yachting\" jacket; it is loose-fitting and has an open neck, so if you capsize in a dinghy while wearing one, it will fill up with water and weigh you down.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n    \u003ch3\u003e3. How does Gill sizing compare to other brands?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eGill is a British brand, and their sizing tends to be \"true to size\" or slightly athletic compared to some American brands.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cul\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMen:\u003c\/strong\u003e If you are between sizes, size up for layering room.\u003c\/li\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWomen:\u003c\/strong\u003e Gill’s women’s fit is tailored specifically for a female shape, not just a smaller men’s cut.\u003c\/li\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eTip:\u003c\/em\u003e Always measure your chest and waist and check the size chart before buying.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n    \u003ch3\u003e4. What is 'XPLORE®' fabric?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eXPLORE® is Gill’s proprietary 2-layer and 3-layer fabric technology. It is fully waterproof and windproof but highly breathable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cul\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eXPLORE:\u003c\/strong\u003e Reliable waterproof\/breathable performance (found in OS3).\u003c\/li\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eXPLORE+:\u003c\/strong\u003e Higher durability and breathability for harsher conditions (found in OS1 and OS2).\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n    \u003chr\u003e\n\n    \u003ch2\u003eFunctionality \u0026amp; Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n    \u003ch3\u003e5. Which Gill gloves are best for rope handling?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n    \u003cul\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eChampionship Gloves:\u003c\/strong\u003e The standard for dinghy sailors. Excellent grip (Dura-Grip), durable, and available in short or long fingers.\u003c\/li\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePro Gloves:\u003c\/strong\u003e Made with \"Proton-Ultra\" fabric on the palm which is tougher than the Championship glove. Better for larger boats with heavier loads.\u003c\/li\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThree Seasons:\u003c\/strong\u003e Neoprene gloves for warmth in colder weather.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n    \u003ch3\u003e6. Do Gill jackets have sustainable credentials?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eYes. Gill is a leader in sustainable marine wear. Their \u003cstrong\u003eOS3 Coastal\u003c\/strong\u003e range, for example, is made with \u003cstrong\u003eXPEL® technology\u003c\/strong\u003e, a plant-based water repellent finish that avoids harmful PFC chemicals. Many of their fabrics are now made from significant percentages of recycled plastic bottles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n    \u003ch3\u003e7. Why do I need a 'Hydrophobe' top?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eHydrophobe\u003c\/strong\u003e range is thermal protection designed to be worn under a wetsuit or on its own in summer. Unlike a standard rash vest (which just stops chafing\/UV), a Hydrophobe top repels water and has a soft thermal lining to keep you warm, even when wet. It is essential for UK dinghy sailing!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n    \u003chr\u003e\n\n    \u003ch2\u003eMaintenance \u0026amp; Care\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n    \u003ch3\u003e8. How should I wash my Gill waterproofs?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eSalt is the enemy of breathability.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003col\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003eRinse with fresh water after every sail.\u003c\/li\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003eMachine wash (check the label, usually 30°C) using a specific cleaner like \u003cstrong\u003eGrangers Performance Wash\u003c\/strong\u003e or \u003cstrong\u003eNikwax Tech Wash\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDo not\u003c\/strong\u003e use biological detergent or fabric softener, as these clog the breathable pores and strip the water-repellent coating.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003c\/ol\u003e\n\n    \u003ch3\u003e9. My jacket is wetting out (absorbing water). Is it broken?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eNot necessarily. The fabric is likely still waterproof, but the outer \u003cstrong\u003eDWR (Durable Water Repellent)\u003c\/strong\u003e coating has worn off. This is the coating that makes water bead up and roll off. You can restore this easily by washing the garment and then applying a reproofer spray (like \u003cstrong\u003eGill Reproofing Spray\u003c\/strong\u003e) or a wash-in treatment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n    \u003ch3\u003e10. How do I look after the zip on my Gill drysuit?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eThe zip is the most expensive and fragile part of a drysuit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cul\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eClean:\u003c\/strong\u003e Rinse the teeth with fresh water to remove salt and sand.\u003c\/li\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLubricate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Regularly use a beeswax stick or zip lube on the teeth to keep the slider moving smoothly.\u003c\/li\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStore:\u003c\/strong\u003e Never force the zip, and leave it fully open or fully closed (depending on type) during storage to prevent kinks.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003c\/ul\u003e","products":[],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0898\/9068\/5269\/collections\/gill_brand_sq.jpg?v=1770039501","url":"https:\/\/sailboats.co.uk\/collections\/gill.oembed","provider":"Sailboats.co.uk","version":"1.0","type":"link"}