Winter Sailing Apparel

Mustang unveils gear aimed at the professional sailor.

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Mustang Survivals EP 6.5 Racing Dry Suit is part of an impressive line of EP 6.5 apparel and gear including dinghy smocks, dry bags, and foul weather gear designed for the professional racing sailor.

Based on a dry suit system designed for the US Coast Guard and military personnel, the EP 6.5 is similar to the other high quality one-piece dry suits weve tested like those from Gill and Ocean Rodeo (see PS march 2009, November 2014, and February 2016). The Mustang suit has multiple adjustment points, integrated suspenders and a waist cinch, so you can sail for hours in warmth and comfort without feeling confined.

Engineered using a fabric Mustang calls Mil Spec 6.5 and breathable Gore-Tex, and reinforced with Cordura 1000D, this suit should last as long as you sail. Details we liked were the high-visibility hood, breathable socks, and adjustable neoprene seals at the wrist and neck. Though the price is high ($2,000 MSRP), it will score among temperate climate who demand on top-of-the line protection. Our testing last fall on Lake Superior-confirmed what we concluded back in 2009-a drysuit that can be worn all the time can make the difference between life or death for the cold water sailor when he or she winds up in the drink.

Darrell Nicholson
Practical Sailor has been independently testing and reporting on sailboats and sailing gear for more than 50 years. Its independent tests are carried out by experienced sailors and marine industry professionals dedicated to providing objective evaluation and reporting about boats, gear, and the skills required to cross oceans. Practical Sailor is edited by Darrell Nicholson, a long-time liveaboard sailor and trans-Pacific cruiser who has been director of Belvoir Media Group's marine division since 2005. He holds a U.S. Coast Guard 100-ton Master license, has logged tens of thousands of miles in three oceans, and has skippered everything from pilot boats to day charter cats. His weekly blog Inside Practical Sailor offers an inside look at current research and gear tests at Practical Sailor, while his award-winning column,"Rhumb Lines," tracks boating trends and reflects upon the sailing life. He sails a Sparkman & Stephens-designed Yankee 30 out of St. Petersburg, Florida. You can reach him at darrellnicholson.com.