Musto Awarded Special Prize for Outstanding Innovation at the Genoa Boat Show 

- Musto’s MPX Impact GORE-TEX Pro sailing gear picked up a Special Award for Outstanding Innovation at the 64th Genoa International Boat Show.

- The MPX Impact GORE-TEX Pro sailing jacket and trousers launched in March this year, provide the ultimate offshore protection using D3O®  technology.

- This is the first time the D3O technology has been used in any sailing apparel. Musto placed bespoke D3O pads to key areas, using the most advanced impact protection material in the world to help prevent injury.

- The MPX Impact GORE-TEX was developed in collaboration with leading French offshore solo sailor, Armel Le Cléac’h.

At the annual Design Innovation Awards at the 64th Genoa International Boat Show, Musto were presented with a Special Award for Outstanding Innovation for their MPX Impact GORE-TEX Pro sailing jacket and trousers. The international jury selected Musto’s MPX Impact for the Special Award, citing ‘a unique and ground-breaking design which looks beyond conventional solutions; applying innovative materials and methods for impact protection in extreme sailing conditions’.

“It is fantastic to receive this recognition for our innovation only six months on from the launch of MPX Impact kit,” said Nick Houchin, Musto Marketing Director. “Musto is the only sailing brand in the world to harness this new D3O impact protection technology and the kit is a significant addition to the MPX collection.”

D3O® is used in the most demanding situations – from US Special Forces combat helmets to Formula 1 cars and MotoGP racing suits.​ Every D3O product and material starts life in the D3O Lab in London - a state-of-the-art innovation centre where they ensure everything matches their commitment to making the world’s best impact protection.​

"We are delighted to have partnered with Musto to create the award-winning MPX Impact collection,” said Mostyn Thomas, CMO at D3O. “This recognition highlights the strength of D3O’s advanced protection materials and shows a highly effective collaboration between Musto and D3O. Together we are pushing the boundaries of safety and performance, offering sailors a level of impact protection that gives them a subconscious advantage.”

To produce the MPX Impact kit, new technology, exclusive to Musto, was developed which allows the pads to be printed onto mesh, which is then bonded onto the fabric on the elbow areas to cushion knocks to these joints, whilst the 3D shaped knee pads are housed in an inner pocket so they can be adjusted to suit the wearer. The technology allows a low profile, lightweight, flexible pad that is waterproof without impacting the fabric’s breathable properties.​

Armel Le Cléac’h (FRA), skipper, Ultim Banque Populaire, the fastest man to sail solo and non-stop around the world in the notoriously rigorous Vendée Globe, commented: “Developing MPX Impact with Musto has enabled me to try and test various solutions in real ocean conditions; and we’ve worked together to design, what I believe to be, the ultimate offshore impact kit. It’s the first of its kind.”

The MPX Impact kit not only helps protect against impact injuries and abrasions but also provides resistance, comfort, and dexterity of movement.

■ Contact: Musto www.musto.com