Zhik’s Isotak® Ocean- Pushing boundaries in the Route du Rhum!

by Liz Rushall on 1 Nov 2014 Zhik’s range of Isotak® Ocean foul weather gear will be protecting two rising stars in the Class 40 fleet in the 2014 Route du Rhum, the most famous and most demanding of all the transatlantic races.

Bertrand Delesne and Arnaud Boissières, who gained their colours in the Mini 650 and Figaro fleets respectively, have both chosen Zhik’s Isotak® Ocean range for their Route du Rhum campaigns, which starts this weekend.

Zhik’s philosophy brings a new revolution in thinking when it comes to designing and creating Ocean gear to keep sailors drier and more comfortable in their quest to win. Zhik’s R&D team set about creating a material, design and construction process to provide the toughest, lightest, most durably waterproof ocean kit available.

The result is Isotak® Ocean, made from a multi-layer composite membrane fabric that is four times more durable than the market leading ePTFE ocean fabrics. Its reduced bulk and lightweight is easy to wear and enhances agility. And, in addition to all the key protective features, the hood is designed to be a compatible fit with a lifejacket and can be easily stowed with one hand.

Isotak® Ocean also introduces the proprietary Zhik Qulock™ seam sealing system that is carefully tuned to the inner fabric lining to maximise waterproofness. Every Isotak® Ocean product is individually pressure tested, so that you can be guaranteed an extremely rugged and durable waterproof seal. As well as their Ocean suits, the sailors have a full range of Zhik gear, including Zhik’s Seaboots with gators, Isotak Reziseal smocks and warmwear.

Bertrand Delesne, skipper of Teamwork40, started sailing in Optimists and joined the 650 circuit in 2006, and won the 2010 Les Sables - The Azores - Les Sables, and subsequently broke the 300m / 24 hour record, solo in a 650! Bertrand says 'Zhik’s dynamic and innovative approach to clothing design is a great discovery. We push the boundaries in the design of our Mach40, and it is great that Zhik are doing the same in foul weather gear!'

Arnaud Boissières, who finished eighth in the Vendee Globe 202 and is skipper of Aerocampus du Rhum au Globe, says 'I’m delighted to be wearing Zhik Isotak® Ocean on the Route du Rhum. Being completely dry and comfortable means I can perform my best 24/7, and totally focus on my race.'

Check out the full Zhik range on their website