US Sailing and Zhik announce strategic partnership to support US Sailing Team athletes
by US Sailing 13 May 22:22 AEST
US Sailing and Zhik announce strategic partnership to support US Sailing Team athletes © US Sailing Team
US Sailing, the national governing body for the sport of sailing in the United States, is proud to announce a new multi-year partnership with Zhik, global leader in high-performance water wear.
As the Official Technical Apparel Supplier for the US Sailing Team, Zhik will provide cutting-edge gear designed to enhance athlete performance on the water, with a focus on innovation, comfort and endurance.
Following the US Sailing Team's bronze medal success at the 2024 Paris Olympics, this landmark collaboration will elevate the team's global presence, offering dynamic activation opportunities throughout the next Olympic quad, culminating at the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles. This partnership also marks a significant step in Zhik's US market strategy, where the brand has seen strong growth, supported by their extensive trade network and close collaboration with key strategic partners like West Marine. This expansion in brand awareness and reach ensures sailors across the US can benefit from Zhik gear, staying warm, dry, safe, fast, and enjoying more time on the water.
US Sailing is committed to athlete development by strengthening the performance pathway that connects Youth Sailing, the Olympic Development Program (ODP), and the US Sailing Team. This unified pathway ensures a clear and supported progression for athletes as they advance through each stage of their sailing journey.
In partnership with Zhik, US Sailing Team athletes will benefit from the brand's innovative performance products, Olympic experience, research and development. Further, Zhik is committed to extending this collaboration beyond the US Sailing Team to all US Sailing development and pathway programs, creating exciting engagement opportunities for ODP and youth athletes and leveraging the shared resources of Zhik and US Sailing to support the next generation of American sailors and future champions. The partnership ensures that US Sailing athletes - from Youth Sailors to Olympians - will be supported with access to the best possible equipment as they develop their skills and progress along the pathway.
A key component of the partnership is Zhik's ability to support the growing participation of women in sailing. In 2024, Zhik launched a full-performance women's dinghy range; technical, tailored, and critical for success.
Marcus Lynch, High Performance Director at US Sailing, praised the partnership:
"Zhik's partnership with US Sailing is a powerful step forward in our mission to support Olympic athletes and elevate the sport of sailing. Their innovative gear and shared values of excellence make them a perfect fit for our team, and we are excited to work together to showcase the best of the sport."
Johnny Rodgers, Zhik's Head of Marketing/Partnerships and Global Sponsorship Manager, added:
"Partnering with US Sailing aligns perfectly with our commitment to pushing boundaries on the water. We're excited to support the US Sailing Team as we build momentum toward the 2028 Games in Los Angeles. Our gear is the best in the world, and through this partnership, we'll deliver the highest level of performance and innovation to US sailors at every stage of their journey."
As the Zhik brand grows across the US, it will endeavour to support the full scope of US Sailing and its community, through broader association with constituents ranging from race officials to instructors, members to athletes, and everyone who loves sailing.
Zhik's backing will extend to major sailing events, such as the Sailing Leadership Forum, where US Sailing brings together industry leaders, key stakeholders and volunteers to advance the sport and nurture the US Sailing community.
Charlie Enright, CEO of US Sailing said: "This partnership with Zhik is about more than just providing our athletes with top-tier gear, it's about pushing the sport forward across the country. Zhik's reputation makes them an ideal partner as we continue to support our sailors in their pursuit of excellence. With Zhik we're not only equipping our team for success but encouraging sailing at every level as we build momentum toward 2028."
Mat Belcher, CEO, Zhik added: "As both an Olympian and now CEO of Zhik, I know first-hand the impact world-class gear can have on performance. We are thrilled to partner with US Sailing and the US Sailing Team as they build on the success of Paris 2024 and look ahead to a home Olympics in Los Angeles 2028. Our deep technical expertise spans all Olympic classes, and this partnership will empower American athletes with the most advanced apparel on the planet, while also inspiring the next generation through shared innovation, and purpose."
Zhik is a leader in sustainability-focused innovation, with a wide range of products manufactured using pioneering sustainable methods and recycled materials. With a mutual focus on sustainability, US Sailing and Zhik will expand Zhik's ReZHIKle program across the US, offering a powerful alternative to sending wetsuits, made of neoprene that can take over 100 years to decompose, to landfill.
The partnership is set to activate ahead of the 2025 racing season, with major initiatives building toward the 2028 Olympic Games.