World Sailing signs with Zhik - New Zhik store opens in Victoria Park

by Sail-World.com NZL on 11 May 2016 World Sailing has announced that Zhik, the global leader in marine apparel, will be its 'Official Technical Clothing Partner'.

Founded in 2004, Zhik bring an innovative approach to the sailing market and continue to develop and evolve their range for on the water and around the dock, combining performance with style.

The five-year sponsorship agreement between Zhik and World Sailing will run until the end of 2020 and will see both partners work collaboratively to further develop and market the sport in new and existing territories.

World Sailing Staff and Race Officials will be provided with Zhik clothing to wear at World Sailing's family of events and World Sailing will launch a retail range of branded Zhik clothing later this year which will be available for purchase at all of World Sailing's events and online.

On the announcement World Sailing CEO, Andy Hunt said, 'Zhik offers World Sailing's Staff and Race Officials the technical clothing required for them to perform both on and off the water.

'Their innovation in the sailing market has resulted in unrivalled popularity at some of the world's premium sailing events. We are excited about working with Zhik, the global leader in marine apparel, over the coming years.'

Malcolm Page, Chief Marketing Officer at World Sailing and two-time Olympic gold medallist added, 'Zhik's technical clothing was crucial to my performance as an athlete and now it's just as key for the World Sailing team to deliver exceptional output.

'The Zhik brand is well regarded within the sport and they are the perfect fit for World Sailing to attract a new wave of fans and followers.'

Simon Payne, Zhik Global Sales Director said, 'Zhik is thrilled to be partnering with World Sailing, the governing body for the sport. We have good history of supporting the leading sailors across multiple areas of our sport, from offshore yacht racing, kiteboarding and dinghy racing.

'Supporting those that govern and officiate sailing will allow us to further enhance our reputation within the industry.'

Brian Connolly, Managing Director of Zhik, concluded, 'We are honoured to be the apparel choice for World Sailing. This new alliance is symbolic of our journey to be at the podium of the sport.'

Find out more about Zhik at www.zhik.co.nz and www.zhik.com for the international site