Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race - One two for Henri Lloyd

by Henri Lloyd on 7 Jan 2015 In the 2014 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race it was an epic battle right from the starter’s gun with Comanche, the new and very sexy US built 100-foot supermaxi, leading the fleet out of the heads in record making speed. History-maker Wild Oats XI, hotly rebranded with Audi Australia sponsorship, was quick on the chase and held a tough pursuit for much of the race bringing it home strong to take her eighth line honours win in a decade. Comanche finishing in second place only 50 minutes later – a massive effort for this debutante beauty of a boat.

And on board both of these majestic machines was Henri Lloyd wet weather gear, protecting the crew from all the elements ocean racing throws forward. Needless to say this was a proud moment, not only for these amazing crews, but also for world renowned marine technical brand Henri Lloyd.

Over almost a decade long partnership with Wild Oats X and XI, Henri Lloyd wet weather gear has been there to protect the crew right across their 8 line honours wins and a bunch of history making results in RSHYR and their many other pursuits. Fran Hahlos, brand manager of Henri Lloyd in Australia, commented that 'it is such a huge honour to be able to work with these amazing boats and inspiring crews. These guys really know how to push the limits'. These partnerships demand high performance and innovative technology. The crews need strength, ultimate protection, ease of moment, reduced weight and of course comfort to which Henri Lloyd has stepped up to the plate to provide the top of the range gear.

During 2014 Henri Lloyd launched the highly innovative Elite Offshore range which is the lightest, most breathable offshore gear on the global market. It exclusively utilises a unique extreme performance Gore-Tex fabric that is 30% lighter and 20% more breathable than any best of class predecessor. This is real game-changer technology, the reduced weights and increased breathability are not just laboratory jargon but can be sensed by the wearer. Fatigue can be lessened and performance enhanced through the fabrics technological achievements.

And by transferring the Gore™ Micro-Grid technology from Ocean garments the garment is not only tougher and more abrasion resistant but due to the low topography of the woven lining the outer layer glides easily over mid layers to reduce 'interlayer grab' which makes donning and doffing easier and reduces fatigue in wear. Throw in exclusive Henri Lloyd features such as the Optivision Hood in which the transparent TPU windows allow wider peripheral vision without compromising protection for the face, and you end up with a must-have offshore racing or cruising garment. This is the new phase of marine garment technology and it is exclusive to Henri Lloyd.

Paul Strzelecki, CEO of Henri Lloyd explained, 'Our core mission is Intelligent Innovation, at Henri Lloyd our focus is on enhancing comfort and therefore performance on the water. The new Elite Offshore range sets new standards in both of these areas, it is the culmination of years of intensive development and we are proud of this range and are certain it will become the benchmark for high performance sailing equipment.'