Be the James Bond of the high seas

It's sailing season, once again. West Coast Marine tempts you to test the waters with their range of cool, imported marine gear. Here are our picks guaranteed to make you sail in style

Be the James Bond of the high seas

It's sailing season, once again. West Coast Marine tempts you to test the waters with their range of cool, imported marine gear. Here are our picks guaranteed to make you sail in style

Gone are the days when you were good to go on a sailing trip in a T-shirt and a pair of shorts. The picture is changing fast, what with technological advances that have resulted in superior marine gear being made available to Mumbai's budding sailors.

West Coast Marine, a city-based leisure boating company established in 1994 by yachtsman Aashim Mongia, offers imported sailing clothing and accessories for dinghy, cruising, power boating and yachting. These accessories are designed by UK-based company Gill, which specialises in waterproof sailing clothing and sailing equipment that can keep you comfortable in all conditions.

On offer are sailing jackets, gloves, boots, tops, luggage and accessories. The gear is designed after consulting sailors and has been tested in the lab and on water to ensure the kits deliver. "Over the years, I have witnessed the sport undergo a 360 degree transformation. More people are pursuing sailing and the market for marine gear has opened up. In a few year's time, sailing is poised to become the next golf as it's associated with a certain lifestyle," says Mongia.

As a yachtsman who represented India at the Asian Games and other world-class sailing competitions, Mongia admits that the kind of gear you use makes a huge difference. "When you feel good, your performance levels improve, significantly," he concludes.

Top 4 gear essentials for sailors
Wetsuits
The special Wetsuits are constructed to maximise flexibility and movement. They are unobtrusive so you can focus on sailing. These are made from high tenacity materials, making them resistant to wear generated through contact with the boat.
Cost: Rs 5,000 onwards

Sunglasses
If you are touchy about losing your shades in the sea, Gill's sunglasses are the best bet for your sailing trips. They float in the water thanks to integral flotation technology, offer protection from ultra violet rays and are 100% glare-free polarised lenses, specifically designed for use on the water.
Cost: Rs 2,200 onwards

Waterproof bags
While at sea, the last thing you should be worried about is if your cell phone, iPod, camera or wallet will remain dry throughout the trip. The range of waterproof bags by Gill will take care of your belongings and keep these dry, as they are air locked and float in water. Their bags can accommodate an entire sailing kit and, have wheels and a retractable handle for easy transportation.
Cost: Rs 400 onwards

Hydrating smocks and sailing shorts
If you are touchy about losing your shades in the sea, Gill's sunglasses are the best bet for your sailing trips. They float in the water, thanks to integral flotation technology, offer protection from ultra violet rays and are 100% glare-free polarised lenses specifically designed for use on the water.
Cost: Rs 1,200 onwards for smocks and Rs 2,200 for sailing shorts

Email sales@westcoastmarine.co.in; Call 22856127 / 22831495