INTEGRA
Technologically advanced, Lightweight Spray Jacket for Performance Dinghy Sailing
Performance “dinghy” sailing has been a growing competitive sport and hobby around the world. This kind of sailing also is dependent on the weather and primarily with the wind, of course with precautionary measurements to avoid accidents. That’s why sailors are required to wear appropriate gears for security and for total performance. They need a protective gear against extreme winds and splashes of water – so as the use of Spray Jackets. They’re a utilitarian piece of clothing and are very essential in any sailors’ kit. They should be durable, thermal, light weight and most importantly comfortable.
There are two ways on wearing the spray jacket, wearing it under the vest or over. However different parameters should be considered since body types aren’t universal, also weather constrictions and differences of places. With these different factors to be approached, majority of the Spray Jackets today are bulky, ruins perfect performance and limits upper body movements.
In challenging both opposing norms, I am looking for solutions on making Spray Jackets as an integrated piece of clothing for overall protection. The objectives of this study is to be able to create a spray jacket specifically for performance dinghy sailing, to analyze body movements to further understand form and pattern making, and also functionality and right sizing, lastly is to design a jacket that is true to its function and word – lightweight, breathable, waterproof and has freedom of movement.
Integrated - Formed or united into a whole. Since the product is to make everything as one, or as it is the product that will be the overall protection of the sailors thus the product - An integrated piece of clothing.
The nature of the study, being new and experimental, relied mainly on ergonomical and material research and exploration to define the structure of a lightweight, advanced and functional jacket.