OFS900™ Offshore Sailing Smock

When building ocean sailing gear Zhik decided to start from the ground up. This process takes more time but allows complete freedom when working with new technology. As a result, the OFS900™ range is packed full of some of the most progressive and innovative fabric technology. These technologies evolved out of victories in prestigious offshore sailing events such as The Volvo Ocean Race.

The OFS900™ fabric features 5 separate layers laminated together. The outer layer provides durability while the three middle layers work together to create an all-new waterproof and breathable membrane that offers our highest level of protection. The final inner layer ensures additional durability against internal wear over extended periods of use. Optimal fit and coverage is achieved through our unique Ocean cut. This provides extended length in the jacket, height in the collar and space for layering under all the OFS900™ range.

A waterproof item is only as good as its weakest point and in foul weather gear that’s almost invariably the seams. Taking a ground up approach Zhik developed an in-house unique seam sealing system called Qulock. This double sealing process creates a durable waterproof seam that has been rigorously tested in the world’s toughest ocean races.

Taking Zhik’s advances in fabric technology and applying them to the OFS900™ range we independently verified our ocean gear to be four times more waterproof durable than the leading ePTFE Ocean Fabric. This ensures longer lasting gear that works harder, needs replacing less often and generates less overall waste in the long term.

Besides the fabric, Zhik looked to tackle a range of issues known to offshore sailors. Our Hydrovision hood system provides a totally clear visor that acts as a windshield in the most brutal conditions. This fully protects the wearer from spray while providing double the normal vertical field of vision in a hooded ocean jacket.

In house neck and wrist seals have been developed which are tear and UV resistant (a standard weakness of latex seals) to ensure even during the most frantic of changes in the harshest conditions our seals won’t let you down.

Biomotion reflective detailing has also been added in key areas so that under torchlight you can quickly identify crew positioning for optimal communication and safety in low light conditions.

Proven in some of the most demanding sailing environments on earth, OFS900™ is our ultimate expression of high performance sailing gear.