CR100+ W Jacket, Ultra white TRIBORD

What does a "waterproof" jacket mean? It's a fabric's resistance to water penetration. This is measured using an approved water pressure test. Since the average pressure of rainfall ranges from 1000mm to 2000mm, we consider a fabric to be waterproof from 2000mm onwards. Our products are able to resist a pressure which varies from 2000 to 10000 mm. They are, therefore, extremely waterproof and suited to all weather conditions while our products in the 900 range are especially adapted to withstand even the most extreme conditions.

What is a waterproofing test or "shower test"? Approved test where the garment is placed in a shower simulating different weather conditions. All our products are certified 100% waterproof having been tested for 4+ hours in rain of 100l per hour/m² to 450l per hour/m² depending on the product use. To put this into perspective, the highest recorded precipitation ever was in the USA in 1942, when 174l per hour/m² fell over 4.5 hours (NOAA). The average rainfall in Paris is 2l per hour/m² (www.Paris.fr)

What are sealed seams or strips? These are seams that are sealed (or taped) using thermally-sealed watertight strips. They are placed behind the seams and are essential to making the garment watertight as they prevent water from penetrating the fabric by capillary action (water penetration through absorption by the threads and/or stitching holes).

What is a waterproof and breathable HYDROPHILIC membrane? The membrane works in stages to wick away perspiration. Firstly, the fabric absorbs water vapour until it is saturated.Then, due to the difference in pressure between inside and outside the jacket, the fabric disperses the water vapour outwards. The main advantage of the hydrophilic membrane is that it does not contain pores; consequently, there is no need to constantly rinse the fabric to wash off any salt water crystals. Breathability therefore remains constant over time.

What is hydrolysis? Hydrolysis is a chemical process whereby a membrane or standard coating is broken down by salt present in sea water and sea spray. All Tribord membranes and coatings use a technology which halts hydrolysis, allowing the garments to retain their essential properties for long periods of time. The garments don't degrade and remain watertight and breathable for a long time.

What is water repellency? This quality is achieved by applying a hydrophobic, water repellent treatment to the fabric. This process prevents water from sticking to the fabric's surface, thus limiting its ability to absorb water. When movement is added to the equation, water glides over the fabric. This is characterised as water repellency. Thanks to its water repellent properties, water does not soak into the outer fabric; the jacket remains light and dries more quickly.

What is breathability and the RET index? A fabric's breathability is its ability to disperse water vapour produced by the body (perspiration). It can be measured using the RET index (Resistance to Evaporative Transfer). The RET is a resistance index; the lower it is, the greater the breathability of the garment. RET between 6 and 12: very breathable; RET between 12 and 20: breathable; RET above 20: non breathable. Our products are very breathable, with a RET between 7.2 and 12.

Why do we use RET (resistance to evaporative transfer) to measure the breathability of our components instead of MVTR (moisture vapour transmission rate)? MVTR is an index that quantifies the amount of water vapour that can pass through a fabric over a long period of time. We don't use this measurement, as it's irrelevant to know whether a jacket can transfer 20L of water vapour within 24 hours since people do not sweat at a steady rate over such a long period of time. On the other hand, RET measures a fabric's immediate resistance to water vapour penetration. This is far more relevant, particularly when struggling to take down the spinnaker!