Henri-Lloyd Joins BMW Oracle

Marine clothing company Henri-Lloyd has been appointed an official technology partner to the BMW Oracle Racing team at the 32nd edition of the America’s Cup, which begins in Valencia in 2007.

The three-year partnership will see the group provide its custom-made clothing and footwear to the entire BMW Oracle team, while a range of luggage and apparel will be given to the shore crew and administrative staff. In addition, a special line of clothing will also be available in retail shops throughout Europe from March 2005 onwards.

“Based on the positive experienced we had with Henri-Lloyd at the last America’s Cup in New Zealand, I am very happy that we will continue working together,” says NZ skipper Chris DICKSON, CEO of BMW Oracle Racing.

“It is a real challenge to develop the right gear for each of the 17 crew, as the bowman faces a different set of conditions than the helmsman.

“Grinders certainly require flexibility of movement and breathability of product. When these requirements are captured in the technical design, we are dry and comfortable with freedom of movement which ultimately enhances our performance on board.”

Henri-Lloyd currently sponsors several members of the Team GBR Olympic sailing squad, including gold medal winners Ben AINSLIE, Shirley ROBERTSON, Sarah AYTON and Sarah WEBB.

Last month, the group became the first official partner of the RYA’s Onboard sailing programme when it signed a three-year deal to supply its range of clothes to the scheme’s instructors and participants. Henri-Lloyd is also the official technical clothing supplier to the RYA Team GBR Olympic Classes Squad.

Founded in Manchester in 1963, Henri-Lloyd designs and manufactures a wide range of technical marine clothing, including base layers, fleeces, dry suits and foul weather jackets for ocean sailing. It also sells its own line of luggage and footwear.