Clipper Round the World Yacht Race - Henri Lloyd entry revealed

by Ruth Harrington on 1 Sep 2013 Clipper Round the World Yacht Race Team Sponsor Henri Lloyd christened their first ever yacht entry in the nine-race history this morning. The yacht, part of the new state of the art fleet of ocean racers debuting in the 2013-14 edition of the Clipper Race, was christened Henri Lloyd - 50 Years of Pioneering Spirit.

Founder and chairman of the Clipper Race, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, and CEO of Henri Lloyd, Paul Strzelecki officially named the yacht in St Katharine Docks, London, ahead of the 40,000-mile, 11 month race which starts tomorrow. (Sunday, 1 September)

Sir Robin, who was a lifelong friend the late Henri Lloyd clothing founder Henri Strzelecki, who he first met in 1968 at Earl’s Court Boat Show in London, where he purchased a set of foulies for his solo circumnavigation, said: 'It’s a great honour to be here today to be a part of the christening of Henri Lloyd – 50 Years of Pioneering Spirit.

'Henri Lloyd has continued to pioneer the development of all modern technical sailing clothing for the 50 years, that’s why we have chosen them to provide the foul weather gear to the Clipper Race crew for the past 10 years. Henri Lloyd is used to being at the top of their game and I wish Team Henri Lloyd – 50 Years of Pioneering Spirit, the best of luck and a safe journey.'

Henri Lloyd, celebrates 50 years as one of the world’s leaders in sailing and lifestyle apparel this year, has been the Official Technical Clothing Partner of the Clipper Race since the 2005-06 edition, but this marks the first time UK company has sponsored their own entry in the Clipper Race.

Paul Strzelecki, Joint CEO of Henri Lloyd explained 'The name 'Henri Lloyd – 50 years of Pioneering Spirit' was chosen to reflect the relationship between Henri Lloyd and the individuals who over the past five decades have taken on the challenges of this type of adventure. To undertake this type of voyage successfully an individual has to possess inventiveness, resourcefulness and sheer strength of character. At Henri Lloyd we constantly pioneer technological advances in foul weather gear to enable sailors compete more safely and effectively.

'We are so proud to be able to support the boat and be associated with her crew and wish them all well on their amazing voyage!'

During the 40,000 mile, 11 month adventure Team Henri Lloyd will be a flagship for the brand and will promote Henri Lloyd’s specialist Marine Clothing and Lifestyle Apparel for which they have become renowned.

The Clipper Race departs from St Katharine Docks, London tomorrow on Sunday 1 September and will return there the following July after racing more than 40,000 miles around the world visiting 14 ports on six continents. More information can be found on the Clipper Race website.