European launch of the new Spinlock Deckvest VITO lifejacket at METSTRADE in Amsterdam

by Spinlock 8 Dec 2018 09:00 PST

New Spinlock Deckvest VITO lifejacket © Spinlock

Spinlock's European launch of the new-generation VITO lifejacket for the leisure community took place at METSTRADE.

Derived from the tried and tested custom Deckvest VOR 170N lifejacket worn by Volvo Ocean Race teams, the VITO is the first Lifejacket Harness to include a revolutionary Harness Release System: HRS™. The option to quickly release a safety line can be lifesaving, recognised by the Offshore Special Regulations requirement to carry a knife. However, knives can be inaccessible and hard to use in an emergency. The Spinlock HRS™ is concealed, yet easy to find and simple to operate, an industry first in design that gives a consistent release, opening the harness connection point and releasing the user.

Lightweight and compact, the VITO boasts the latest technology to offer sailors the ultimate in comfort and tailored fit. Easy to adjust to size, its structured shape means the VITO will not tangle and can be put on quickly and easily, even in the dark. Fitted with the latest Spinlock Buckle System and a Coarse and Fine size adjustment, it ensures a secure and comfortable fit every time it's put on, even with cold, wet and tired hands.

Latest technology

In 2017 Spinlock developed the new Custom VOR 170N lifejacket for the Volvo Ocean Race teams. Volvo wanted the latest technology for the development of a custom lifejacket, designed to meet the specific requirements of the sailors. With feedback from the crew and analysis of the lifejackets, Spinlock has created a new generation of lifejacket for 2019 – the Deckvest VITO, offering all the features, technology and development from the Volvo Ocean Race.

The tough and rugged yet attractive outer cover conceals the latest 170N lifejacket bladder with technology refined and enhanced based on the Volvo team's experience and feedback. The spray hood is structured and fitted with a large window for improved visibility which also reduces any feeling of claustrophobia. The lifting strop is highly visible, easy to locate and simple to use, with MOB AIS devices easily fitted and managed. Activation of the 170N bladder uses the robust Hammer Hydrostatic pressure system, with Spinlock's own, extra small CO2 cylinder to further reduce bulk.

Spinlock's James Hall comments, "The Deckvest VITO is a development of our Volvo Ocean Race Deckvest following testing over 45,000 miles in the world's toughest ocean race. Meeting the challenge of designing and developing new products which enhance and benefit sailors' enjoyment and performance on the water has been exhilarating. Working with the Volvo Ocean Race has been a wonderful experience which has allowed us to punch through new design boundaries to create stunning new design features to benefit the wider leisure community."

VITO features at a glance: