Is the Musto BR1 Inshore Sailing Jacket the only jacket you need? Affordable, waterproof, breathable and stylish - we think the answer may well be yes! If you swap between shore, yacht, sailing and simply relaxing outside, there are few genuinely good and sensibly prices waterproof jackets that are up to the job.
A crew jacket such as the Musto Classic Snug is the obvious shore to boat choice. Warm cosy and that nice fleece lining makes it feel like a blanket. The Musto BR1 sailing jacket though could actually make more sense. It is a genuine sailing jacket, designed to be worn at sea, it breaths, is shower proof (rated for persistent downpours) and crucially has a hood, a proper hood.
The BR1 inshore jacket still has some style and flair about it (especially actually the ladies version) but is more practical as a jacket yet for little if any more money than a crew jacket or dare we say it a fashionable high street offering. For that comfort feeling, there is a fleece lined collar, the cuffs are fully adjustable and it has two external and one internal pockets.
Where it really wins is this jacket is tougher and reinforced in the areas a sailor may require, so the seat and hems and the general fabric is more resilient. The main body is mesh lined which makes the jacket more comfortable on slightly warmer days or when you are exerting yourself a little more - walking the dog on the beach for example or rowing your tender out to a mooring.
The Musto logo on the rear is reflective and there is a thin high vis style strip around the collar but, these are subtle touches and as a result, this is a sailing jacket that does not look out of place when worn in a bar, climbing a mountain or even in the high street. Five minutes later you can be stepping on to a boat in the same jacket and not had to change clothing.
Musto BR1 is a full sailing range and does also include BR1 Trousers or Salopettes as they are often called. These are also breathable and waterproof but maybe not quite so versatile as they will look a touch out of place in the supermarket. They are however excellent value for money and whilst, maybe best kept on a boat rather than land only help to make the Musto BR1 jacket a true all-rounder, becoming on part of a sailing suit with ease.
Musto BR1 is available in store at Captain Watts in Mayflower Marina or online and we think represent excellent value for money.