Conference unifix::sailing

    I don't have any hard info with me but my investigations have led
    me to an English model (don't remember the name).  You might do
    better on price in France.   I think it might be Lirikis.  I've
    probably butchered it horribly.
    
    Anyway this is an inflatable with built in harness.   American made
    flotation gear does not go in for inflatable so much.  I think because
    the U.S.C.G. does not approve inflatable PFDs.  I prefer to think
    that a properly made and maintained inflatable is best because you
    are more apt to wear it than something which is bulletproof but
    uncomfortable as hell to have on all day.
    
    I'll try to get more data tonight.

Henri-Lloyd (English??) makes a wonderful (and $$$!) top-of-the-line 
jacket with built-in harness, if you like those things.  Personally, I 
find a separate, dedicated harness easier to wear, and that makes the
jacket underneath much lighter and more comfortable, too -- good harnesses
are rugged and rather heavy, so jackets incorporating heavy webbing and
hardware add several pounds and some stiffness in design, too.  Their stuff
is in many stores, but they have a strict no-discounting policy -- 5-10%
off retail at boatshows only, for dealers who display their stuff.  West
Products supposedly has a grandfathered deal with them to offer H-L at 5%
off in their catalogs, but I haven't checked.  H-L is (I believe) imported
to the U.S. by MRC, Box 1039, Manhasset, NY 11030, 1-800-645-6516 (or if
you're in NY or outside the US, 516-883-8450.) 

Another much-respected option is the Mustang jacket, or even the Mustang 
one-piece suit for those who believe in ultimate protection.  It's
Canadian, but I don't have info at hand.  This line of gear evolved from a
long-term hypothermia study done in Canadian and Alaskan waters in the
1960's, and the university that sponsored it sold rights to a company to
produce gear designed on what they learned.  For instance, it's the only
jacket to offer an insulated "diaper" that unrolls from behind and straps
in front to provide hypothermia protection around the crotch, where a lot
of heat is lost.  They have special hood and collar designs, too, and more. 

J.

RE: .1,

Survival Technologies Group (STG) in Florida (out of state 1-800-525-2747, 
instate 1-800-833-5116) is committed to producing and selling top-quality 
inflatable vests and other gear, even if the USCG doesn't yet accept the
wisdom of them.  Call them up and ask for a copy of "Newswave", their 
more-or-less semi-annual newsletter and catalog.  It's quite a complete 
line of well-designed and made high-tech survival and safety gear.  STG is 
apparently equally committed to educating the boating public on how best 
to use their gear, too.

The catalog in my hand includes:  Man Overboard, Personal Bouyancy (both 
inflatable and rigid), Signaling/Lighting, Medical, Navigation, Storm 
Tactics, Damage Control (fire, flood, other), and Abandon Ship sections.
They carry Mustang coats, too, I just noticed!  (Ref. previous reply.)

BTW, for those who recall the Deerfoot 74 "Maya" at Annapolis or NYC, STG 
did all the safety gear and systems on board that vessel -- it was 
featured in the last "Newswave".

And FWIW, I now carry a small STG inflatable ring (22 lbs bouyancy) on my
belt many times when on the water, particularly in small boats (rowing) on
open seas. 

J.

	Thanks for the excellent pointers - I will follow up

	Regards.  Jim.