It’s All About the Zipper! A Review of the Go There Shorts From Gnara for Women Who Sail
In response to my article “Pee Equity” (September SpinSheet 2022) about having conversations with your racing crew about giving women privacy and/or systems for peeing while racing, many women have said that my article gave them the confidence to talk about where and when they were going to use the bathroom on the boat. Several boat owners have thanked me and told me that their crews are better after learning about how women can be more comfortable onboard.
Because of this response, SpinSheet provided me with a pair of the Go There shorts to review. The company website says, “Now going on the go is discrete and comfortable in all seasons.” These shorts have a fly that goes from the front all the way around to the seat, with the zipper hidden by fabric. A person wearing them can open the zipper to the back, use the bathroom, wipe, close the zipper, and never have to pull their shorts down, making these shorts convenient for sailing or any athletic pursuit.
One slight drawback is that you can't (easily) wear underwear under them. The first time I wore them, I had underwear on and quickly realized that with the Go There fly, it doesn't really work. Once I realized I had to go commando, I thought, “Wow! Is this what it’s like for a man? So quick and easy!” (Note: the website states that you should pull the underwear aside as with a one-piece bathing suit.)
The shorts’ fabric is sturdy but stretchy and comes in four colors. It is thick but doesn't hold heat, making it perfect for wearing on hot days on boats. The shorts don't restrict movement and are comfortable even when running an asymmetric spinnaker back and forth. It also handles nonskid decks better than other fabrics I have used. I’ve now worn them for a regatta, a practice, and a day instructing. They have held up well. I’m looking forward to wearing them many more times.
To learn more, visit gnara.com.
By Jordan Hecht
