The Spinlock Volvo Ocean Race lifejacket was a purpose-built, custom PFD developed for the 2017/18 Volvo Ocean Race, engineered specifically for extreme offshore sailing rather than adapted from an off-the-shelf product. Volvo approached Spinlock to develop the next generation of lifejacket for its teams, building on Spinlock's Deckvest heritage to deliver marginal gains in both safety and on-the-water performance.
The Volvo Ocean Race lifejacket at a glance
| Aspect | Standard off-the-shelf PFD | Spinlock Volvo Ocean Race lifejacket |
|---|---|---|
| Design intent | Meet a general safety rule | Purpose-built for one race, crew and sailing type |
| Development driver | Broad-market compliance | Team-specific functionality and performance |
| Performance role | Compliance item, can hinder crew | Enhances crew performance, delivers marginal gains |
| Heritage | Varies | Built on the Spinlock Deckvest lineage (introduced 2007) |
How did Spinlock get involved with the Volvo Ocean Race?
As a leader in lifejacket innovation, Spinlock set a new standard in PFD design when it introduced the Deckvest in 2007, and has since built a track record of developing game-changing lifejacket safety products for sailors across the sport. The Land Rover BAR PFD flotation project is one recent example, where Spinlock took a product specified by ACRM and developed it into something the LBAR team actually wanted to wear and that was technically more advanced, potentially giving the crew an on-the-water gain.
Spinlock had supplied equipment used by Volvo teams in the past, but for the 2017/18 edition Volvo approached the company directly to develop the next generation of lifejacket for the teams. Volvo has an interest in developing race technology that benefits the teams and later filters out into the wider market. Because Volvo sailing operates at the extreme, this was an opportunity to develop a product for a specific race, a specific type of sailor and a specific type of sailing, rather than relying on the off-the-shelf products used in the past.
Why develop a custom lifejacket instead of using a standard one?
The Volvo Ocean Race is a unique event with unique conditions and special demands placed on the lifejacket, in both functionality and performance. Developing custom equipment allows crews to enhance their performance rather than treating the gear as a hindrance or as mere compliance with a safety rule. A purpose-built product can add to a team's performance and deliver marginal gains.
The boats keep getting faster and more demanding, loads are higher, and crew numbers are reduced. Equipment has to let teams perform better while providing a higher level of safety than standard products, and it has to consider the whole team rather than just the individual.
What does a custom PFD add for a professional crew?
Custom development means the lifejacket is optimized around how the crew actually works the boat, not around a generic wearer. That can translate into freedom of movement, better integration with harnesses and foul-weather gear, and safety features tuned to the real hazards of high-speed offshore racing. The goal is a product the sailors want to wear, so the safety benefit is actually realized on the water.
Frequently asked questions
What was the Spinlock Volvo Ocean Race lifejacket?
It was a custom lifejacket Spinlock developed for the 2017/18 Volvo Ocean Race teams, built specifically for extreme offshore racing rather than adapted from a standard, off-the-shelf PFD.
Why did Volvo commission a custom lifejacket?
Volvo wanted equipment tuned to the race's unique conditions and crew demands, giving teams a performance advantage and a higher level of safety while also developing technology that could later benefit the wider market.
What is the Spinlock Deckvest?
The Deckvest is Spinlock's lifejacket line that set a new standard in PFD design when it was introduced in 2007, and it forms the heritage behind Spinlock's custom race products.
What was the Land Rover BAR PFD project?
It was a flotation project where Spinlock took a product specified by ACRM and developed it into a more technically advanced PFD the LBAR team wanted to wear, potentially giving the crew an on-the-water gain.
Can I buy Spinlock safety gear from MAURIPRO?
Yes. MAURIPRO Sailing carries Spinlock safety and marine gear, including lifejacket service parts, re-arm kits, dry bags and offshore crew accessories.
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