Rick and Mary, I have a reversable down vest with a two way zipper. Why a vest has a two way zipper I don't know, but the side with pockets has the zipper on the right. I find it slightly harder to get started on the left. I would think that any major manufacturer of quality gear, would exchange the product if the zipper was on the left, unless it was sold as a second, or was advertised that way. And I would expect them to deal directly with the customer, so that you/ any retail seller wouldn't have to. I am right handed, though I have been known to favor the left sometimes in politics! Let us know how it works out! And YES I need to go sailing! Won't be for months now though...