MPX IMPACT TAKES THE HARD KNOCKS SO SAILORS DON’T HAVE TO
Engineered in collaboration with pro sailor Armel Le Cléac'h, and tested by Ocean Race standout Will Harris; the new MPX Impact Collection combines 60 years of Musto innovation with the latest D3O impact technology, to deliver the first offshore impact protection sailing suit to the market. Built for maximum performance against the impact of rigorous offshore racing, the Gore-Tex Pro Sailing Jacket and Trousers provide optimised breathability and the ultimate GUARANTEED TO KEEP YOU DRY™ promise - for waterproof protection.
Working with long-standing Musto ambassador Armel, our meticulous designers, Ocean Engineers and fabric specialists set out to solve the ultimate challenge – how do we protect offshore sailors against the increase in micro-impacts onboard, reducing skin abrasions and breakages?
‘On the ULTIM, we go from 20 to 40 knots in just a few seconds. Accelerating this quickly and at these speeds means you are often thrown around on the boat and that’s why impact protection is so important.’
ARMEL LE CLÉAC’H, SKIPPER, BANQUE POPULAIRE VII
Of course we still also need to protect our offshore sailors from the volatile weather conditions they experience. Our most advanced MPX product to date, the new MPX Impact Collection also combines 30 years of extensive testing, feedback and development with our partners at Gore-Tex, to deliver the ultimate waterproof fabric, capable of withstanding our planet's most hostile environment – the Southern Ocean.
But back to impact protection - for that extra layer of armour, we went to our partners D3O, to create bespoke and specialised impact protection pads.
D3O is used in the most demanding situations – from US Special Forces combat helmets to Formula 1 cars and MotoGP racing suits. Starting life in the D3O Lab in London – a state-of-the-art innovation centre where they ensure everything matches their commitment to making the world’s best impact protection – D3O’s expert team of chemists combine advanced polymer chemistry with cutting-edge design to produce a soft and flexible material with no compromise on comfort, but strong enough to protect in the harshest environments.
Revolutionary advancements enable the flexible D3O impact pads to be printed directly onto mesh materials, which are then bonded onto the Gore-Tex fabric, across the elbow and hip area to cushion knocks to these highly targeted areas, without compromising the garment's superior waterproof and breathable performance. Special 3D shaped knee pads, constructed from thicker D3O polymers, are encased in our MPX Impact Trousers, to help withstand against bigger knocks and falls onboard, where sailors are most vulnerable.
And the end result? A sailing suit that protects against extreme weather conditions experienced when offshore racing, whilst also being able to withstand knocks onboard when sailors move around on deck.
‘The MPX Impact has been a fantastic asset to my offshore racing kit bag. With the high speeds reached in modern yachts, the slams and forces you have to deal with are multiplied and protection all over the body is important. The jacket has all the features I need to be able to quickly jump on deck during a manoeuvre while feeling protected from both the elements and the boat itself. The number of bruises I come back with afterwards being drastically reduced! Armel and Musto have done a fantastic job designing this product, putting years of experience into practice and keeping their kit at the forefront of the offshore racing world.’
WILL HARRIS, ONE OF UK’S LEADING OFFSHORE SAILORS AND RECENT OCEAN RACE SAILOR
