Nautical attire of yesteryear

MoodyNick said:
You guys were all spoilt ! We were still wearing Arun sweaters and yellow plastic oilskins in the 70's !
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I still have a smashing Arun sweater. I have not worn it or any other sweater for ages though as I prefer fleeces now.

SWMBO spoilt it a bit by washing it ... just because I was seasick over it!
 
We collected genuine Guernseys bought from their factory shop on the Island or their market stall. At one time I think we had one of every colour they had and SWMBO even had a cardigan version, plus we had the hats too. We paid only a few pounds for each of them as 'seconds', but with most of them you could never find the fault. They seem to have gone out of fashion these days, but no matter as mine ceased to fit years ago and found a new home.:mad:
 
As a kid I used to have a white jumper, the kind with patterns knitted into it, made of really thick heavy wool that felt coarse and slightly greasy like it does while still on the sheep. It was my usual attire for dinghy sailing except in very warm weather, completely windproof and pretty good against water too. The thing was still in a drawer under my bed for years after I outgrew it - probably until my parents replaced my bed to sleep guests while I was away at Uni - so I think my memories of its thickness etc are accurate.

I'd love to have one of those again (albeit a bit bigger!) but can't find one anything like as substantial. All the "traditional fishermen's ganseys" are much thinner and finer, and I don't think they use the same less-processed wool.

Pete
 
Javalin it was indeed. I acquired a replacement from a chandlers about 10 years ago. Much superior to modern "fleeces". Also found a new black long PVC oilskin coat (as issued in the RN) which keeps the wet out much better than these "breathable" jobbers. Unfortunately I have failed to locate a source of short black wellies - dunlop magister boots. Another excellent product that fashion has exterminated because they were too popular.
 
prv said:
As a kid I used to have a white jumper, the kind with patterns knitted into it, made of really thick heavy wool that felt coarse and slightly greasy like it does while still on the sheep. It was my usual attire for dinghy sailing except in very warm weather, completely windproof and pretty good against water too. The thing was still in a drawer under my bed for years after I outgrew it - probably until my parents replaced my bed to sleep guests while I was away at Uni - so I think my memories of its thickness etc are accurate.

I'd love to have one of those again (albeit a bit bigger!) but can't find one anything like as substantial. All the "traditional fishermen's ganseys" are much thinner and finer, and I don't think they use the same less-processed wool.

Pete
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I had a Norwegian one that was 'multi coloured'. Mum washed it one day and it was never the same, even after re-proofing. I have not found the equivalent, though I have not looked very much. General wear on board is the mordern fleece that dries quickly.
I still have my original Javlin that 'bobbles'. The later one that was wind and shower resistant has recently been binned after the layers came apart and the zip corroded. I hadn't worn either jacket much over the last few (15?) years.

Edit bit - Just tried the Javlin on and it has shrunk since I last wore it !
 
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