Choosing your buoyancy aid vest
A buoyancy aid keeps the sailor on the surface after falling overboard. It must be adapted to the sailing area, the type of activity, and the wearer's body shape. Here are the 5 points to check.
1. Buoyancy and standards
50N buoyancy aids (ISO 12402-5 standard) are intended for people who know how to swim and are sailing near shelter, with assistance nearby: dinghy, catamaran, board, kayak. This is the case for the Magic Marine Racing Buoyancy Aid or the WIP FLOW NEO VEST 50N. For cruising and offshore sailing, a life jacket with higher buoyancy is appropriate, for example the Besto 165 N automatic life jacket. Always check the equipment required by regulations for your sailing area.
Magic Marine Racing Buoyancy Aid
2. Freedom of movement
In a dinghy or catamaran, the buoyancy aid must not get in the way when moving under the boom or accessing the trapeze hook. A high-cut design clears the waist: the Rooster Diamond offers access to the harness hook and the Magic Marine Wave Fzip reduces bulk around the midsection. A thin back, like that of the FLOW NEO VEST 50N, makes tacking easier.
Rooster Diamond buoyancy aid
3. Entry style
Front-zip buoyancy aids go on like a jacket. Overhead models, without an opening, have fewer snag points. Side-zip models combine both. Compare, for example, the Wave Fzip (front zip), the Rooster compact regatta neoprene vest, and the WIP KOMPACT VEST 50N.
Magic Marine Wave Fzip buoyancy aid
4. Impact protection
On fast boats and foiling craft, falls happen at higher speeds. Some buoyancy aids incorporate denser protective foam on the chest and back, such as the WIP IMPACT VEST 50N with its high-density thermoformed foam. Pair it with a suitable helmet.
WIP IMPACT VEST 50N
5. Size and fit
The buoyancy aid must stay in place when pulled upwards by the shoulders. Size is chosen based on the weight and chest circumference indicated on the product sheet. Children have dedicated models, like the Rooster Diamond Junior. For recreational or beginner sailing, the Besto Dinghy 50N buoyancy aid features a short cut. Adjustable side straps and reflective strips, found on the Racing Buoyancy Aid, complete the fit and visibility.
Rooster Diamond Junior buoyancy aid
Find all our models in our buoyancy aids and life jackets collection.