Fastnet 2019, Innovation, Lauren Mead - August 02, 2019

Make More Change Happen

Tomorrow is the start of the Fastnet race, the biggest event in the UK offshore sailing calendar this year. There are record breaking numbers of boats going around the rock – nearly 3000 sailors in total are going to be taking on the 600nm course and there is an excited sense of anticipation building around the Yacht Haven in Cowes as the count down to the start gun gets closer.

It’s been a madly busy couple of weeks for TeamO as we have been sending lifejackets out day and night to teams who are competing. It has been quite humbling to see how many more sailors are choosing to put their trust in our product compared to when we first launched BackTow lifejackets a couple of years ago. Back then we were the unknown new kids on the block, trying to tell people about the danger of existing lifejacket/tether combinations. Now people are much more aware and actively seeking out better safety solutions to prevent front-tow MOB accidents. Watching someone weigh up all their options of good lifejackets out there in chandleries and stores, and then they pick a TeamO lifejacket to keep them safe at sea? That’s quite a hard feeling to describe.

Passion for sailing is what got us in to business, but fighting to establish a business is hard work, it grinds away at your motivation. Seeing teams come together to prepare their boats to tackle this great race this week has given us fresh incentive, a purpose to fight for and keep fighting for. We’ve got a good team and good ideas. Our biggest drive is that we have been given a chance to make a change, to use this company to make a difference to people’s lives and keep them safe in any condition that the environment can throw at them.

I’ll be out on a rib tomorrow with Oscar, watching all of the starts and spotting crew wearing TeamOs. It’s the start of the race but it also feels like the start of a new chapter, something bigger for our business. We’re going to make more change happen.

Photo credit: Alan Roberts Racing

1 comment

Gaye Mayger August 05, 2019

I have a bucket list….1…to do the Round the Island……..2 to compete in the Fastnet! No pressure then!

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Offshore 170N

Fits very well, I was able to make all the adjustments necessary to fit me. The instructions are good so read them. I have not deployed the jacket yet. I also have worked out how to attach the MOB1. The tether works as expected and attaches to the jack lines with the clips. All in all, I am very pleased and recommend buying this life jacket.

Good choice

Would prefere any EU shop, customs and Vat procedure is boring :)

Excellent lifejacket

I purchased this life jacket in January and, although I have (fortunately) not had the opportunity to use it in a real emergency, I have used it several times. The materials and workmanship are excellent and the jacket is very comfortable to wear, despite being an offshore jacket, which is bulkier than many other “coastal” items (the jacket has a light, a built-in hood and can easily accommodate a PLB). For a more in-depth analysis, look for the Yachting Monthly review published in 2022.
There are only two “issues”: the backtow system does not appear to be all that easy to be repacked if the jacket has been activated and the system deployed. The manual is not very clear on this and the videos on the TemO website refer to older and different versions. I hope TeamO will address this by publishing an updated video for the current system. Otherwise, it would probably be a wise idea to open the jacket and record a video showing how the system is packed for future reference.
The second issue is due to Brexit: if, like me, you plan to buy this life jacket from abroad, be prepared to pay very high customs duties. It's not TeamO's fault, clearly (they seem to try to keep prices low), but if you end up paying 30% more than the listed price, other products might become more interesting. Of course, you'll have to give up the backtow system as TeamO is the only manufacturere to offer a similar solution.

I had a chance to use my new vest this October on 14 days offshore sail. It fits very well no problem to wear it many hours and the materials seems good and durable. Considering my heigh almost 2m i would appreciate even longer straps between legs (always easy to shorten than other way). I haven't fall over yet but once it happens, I will write the second part of review.

Excellent Jacker

I agave taken this jacket and repacked it with accesories. It is comfortable to wear and easy to understand how to rearm and repack with a clever method of turning you around in the water. I've used it for one 750 mile journey and found it stood up well

Make More Change Happen

Photo credit: Alan Roberts Racing

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