Maglificio Ripa helps create new Beijing sailing top
Italian technical textiles producers Aquafil and Slam have launched Area 51, a new top designed for the Italian sailing team to wear at the Beijing Olympics in August, in conjunction with circular knit fabric producer Maglificio Ripa.
Made with what is reportedly the lightest microfibre in the world, it is breathable, abrasion resistant, ergonomic, contains UV ray protection and offers an advanced moisture management system. Maglificio Ripa assisted in the creation of the top, which features its Missouri, a fabric designed for use in extreme sports.
Those who carried out tests on the product claim to have felt dry 30 minutes after finishing the test when wearing the ‘Beijing top’, particularly compared with the sensation 30 minutes after wearing an alternative top made from cotton, when wearers felt sticky and wet.
Slam, official sponsor of the Italian sailing federation has been focusing on the effect weather conditions will have on the sailing team, which will include high temperatures (25-38°C), high humidity and light winds.
