What To Look For When Buying Top Quality Spray Tops

It is inevitable that when sailing at some point the spray of water from the waves will wet you

. If conditions are treacherous, it can become life threatening as hypothermia may set in. Spray tops, an essential part of any sailor's wardrobe, prevent this from occurring, and must be purchased only after careful consideration of their level of water proof and breathability, design features and fabric construction.

Spray tops will differ with respect to the amount of water droplets they permit through the fabric. This level of waterproofing is laboratory tested by determining the quantity of water that can be held over the material before it penetrates it. Obviously the higher the value in millimetres, the more waterproof it is with materials having 5000 mm classed as average while higher quality textiles claim 20 000mm.

A spray top must not only keep out a certain level of water, it must also permit some water vapour to be lost to the atmosphere via sweat. Similar to waterproof levels, breathability is tested in the laboratory and is defined as how fast this water vapour moves through the material. The higher the value in terms of grams of water vapour per square meter of fabric per 24 hours, the more breathable it is. Materials that have values near 5 000 g/m2/d are standard while those having 20 000 g/m2/d are of a superior class.

Both of the above features are of no use however if the design of the top allows for water penetration to occur. Hence the neckline, cuffs and waistline must be manufactured to avoid this. A top quality spray top will have the wrist and waistbands finished with polyurethane covered Lycra and neoprene respectively. Both produce a tighter seal and a wide neoprene band holds the top in place when moving the top half of the body. The neckline should likewise provide a tight close but also permit easy opening for ventilation when appropriate. The location of the closure should also prevent material from gathering under the chin and restricting movement. Taped seams in addition decrease the chance of water infiltration.

The design, while allowing tight seals at some places must also allow for freedom of movement in others. This will be a direct result of the cut and manufacture. Terms such as performance or action cut incorporate articulated arms and elbows for such movement.

Lastly fabric construction can have two choices, both with advantages and disadvantages of their own. Two-ply, the more cost effective and less heavy option is nylon treated with a durable water repellent on the outer surface while the inside is covered with either polyurethane or a membrane. The effect of this is to waterproof the fabric while allowing it to breathe. It can cause the wearer's skin to feel chilly which the laminate, consisting of three layers, overcomes. This is a membrane placed between two pieces of nylon and coated with Durable Water Repellent making it hard wearing.

Whether you are an amateur or professional, sailing for recreation or competition, you will always look and feel like an expert sailor with the right choice of spray tops.

by: Lawrence White

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