Gill, the iconic British marine brand, trusted for their technical sailing clothing for over 40 years, unveiled a new creative direction for its 2019 line of products. Our team decided to put the updated version of the popular OS2 Offshore/Coastal Sailing jacket to the test.

The jacket, which retails for around $284-350 (depending on where you purchase), is the next gen of a model the jacket beloved by day cruisers as well as those enduring a week-long regatta. The high cut thermal collar provides comfort and warmth with full-face protection. Given this season's brutal conditions that was a welcome feature both on and off the water.

Gill's 2019 season (S119) includes 60 new garments spearheaded by the company’s highly-regarded Race Ocean System.

Because this jacket is meant for punishment we tested it with our review team and then handed one over to Old Dominion University Sailing Coach, Big Blue Sailing Academy Director, Mitch Brindley in Norfolk, Virginia.

Brindley owns a much older version of the same jacket and was happy to put this upgrade through the grueling paces his team demands of its gear on and off the water.

“I wore it for four weeks, through rain, cold, out on the water, racing – it’s great," Brindley reports. "I didn’t want to take it off. It made me realize that I have to replace the one I have.”

He particularly appreciated the addition of two sets of front pockets with handwarmers which were “nice and warm and soft.” A big relief out on the coach boat.

“Also, the fleece-lined collar and Velcro strip to protect your face are really great,” he adds.

When it comes to tweaks, small changes make a big difference. Case in point, the little plastic treatments on the wrist tables that make it so much easier to make adjustments on the fly without the tab slipping through cold, wet, fingers.

Special features our testers applaud include:

• Thermal fleece inner collar and chin guard.

• Handwarmer pockets protected by YKK Aquaguard water resistant zips and internal security pocket.

• Anti-corrosion YKK zippers with lightweight molded sliders. Zippered internal security pocket.
• Fully lined hi-vis hood with a 3-way adjustment system volume adjustment and internal fleece-lined cord channel for a secure, comfortable fit.
• Deep cargo pockets with secure closure with hand warmer pockets behind. Adjustable shock cord hem.
• Adjustable outer cuff with PU inner seals for watertight comfort. 2-way zipper protected by a double storm guard.
• Heat-formed prismatic reflectives in an exclusive Gill design.
• The jacket is fully-lined with mesh drainage panels.

According to Gil CEO Jamie Tunniclife, “We’ve been working towards this new look for the last few years as it starts with product development, which is two years ahead of product hitting retail."

The company has also upped its digital game this year with a much more detailed, fresh and navigable online presence.

About Gill

Gill was an idea first born on British waters in 1975 by founder Nick Gill, a keen sailor who wanted to create a range of sailing products without compromise; the best fabrics, the best features, the best quality.

Gil is distributed around the world to 37 countries and more recently through a global e-commerce platform.

Gill remains the number one marine glove brand. We may test their gloves this season as well.

Our Rating System:

Burgee ratings: We demonstrate the products we test for a minimum of five testers plus our News Editor, Lisa Suhay. Each person either rates the product by either giving a Burgee to pass or no Burgee to fail.

A product must gain at least three Burgees to get a full Welcome Aboard rating as highly recommended. Two Burgees gets a medium rating. One Burgee low rating.

Whistle Blow = A product not up-to-snuff, meaning it got zero Burgees out of a possible six (5 testers, plus our editor). Nobody blew the whistle on Gil.

The upgraded, refreshed ocean line is looking great and feeling better than ever. Overall our panel awards a full Six Burgee rating to the popular OS2 Offshore/Coastal Sailing Jacket. This versatile jacket is the perfect companion for your next sailing adventure.