New Henri Lloyd protection for next generation of Clipper Race crews
by Amy Grealish, Henri Lloyd 11 Nov 2014 10:40 GMT
11 November 2014
Henri Lloyd - Clipper 15-16 Race OptiVision Hood © Henri Lloyd
Henri Lloyd's heritage in foul weather protection goes back to the very early days of ocean sailing and racing, in fact Clipper Race Founder Sir Robin Knox-Johnston wore Henri Lloyd when he became the first person in history to sail single handed and non-stop around the world in 1968/69.
Quality, attention to detail and innovative design has been perfected across five decades of product development which when combined with new technologies and fabrics create garments at the pinnacle of performance. Following the 2013-14 race, the Clipper Race and Henri Lloyd took onboard the valuable feedback from the crew members and to set out to enhance the Smock and Hi-Fits which will be worn by the next generation of race crew.
Both the Smock and Hi-Fits are constructed from GORE-TEX® Pro Shell, a 3- layer construction which has been built for extremely demanding conditions and to enhance durability. GORE-TEX® Pro Shell offers 100% wind and waterproof protection as well as optimised breathability.
Both the Smock and Hi-Fits worn by the Clipper Race crews have all the qualities you'd expect for extreme ocean racing, but new for 2015-16 crew members will be the introduction of a women's fit.
Certain design features have been introduced for the women's Smock which takes into account the smaller stature of the female figure; the arms are further articulated and are shorter and more slender, whilst the shape of the Smock takes into account the female stature. The design of the Hi-Fits incorporates the drop seat pant facility, whilst the shape contours the female figure for additional comfort and protection.
Built to withstand the worst conditions imaginable, the Smock design for all of the crews now incorporates innovative and safety design features including the Optivision Hood; exclusive to Henri Lloyd the transparent TPU windows allow wider peripheral vision without compromising protection for the face.
As with all Henri Lloyd Smocks, the design also includes a fast draining large centre stow pocket, the pocket has been altered to include side access hand warmer pockets (which offer easier access when crews are wearing a lifejacket), and the shape of the pocket has been adjusted to accelerate drainage. The Neoprene hem band and Dartex internal cuff & neck seals minimize water ingress, whilst the spume visor offers further comfort and protection to the face. Other important features include an EPIRB pocket, Cordura on the seat to increase durability and reflective strips on the arms and chest for safety.
The Hi-Fits have been designed and contoured to reduce windage, whilst their features increase comfort,fit and durability. The fully adjustable elasticated shoulder straps and bat wing waist adjusters to offer a more personalised fit, whilst the high impact knee and seat areas are reinforced with Cordura for increased durability. Other features include external ankle Velvo closure mechanisms which significantly reduce water ingress and fast draining, quick access Rentex mesh lining hand warmer pockets with water resistant zips which offer ease of access for everyday items.
Henri Lloyd has been the technical clothing partner to the Clipper Round the World Race since 2002 and the 2015-16 edition of the race will be the 7th race that we have provided technical clothing to the Clipper crews. Our experience over the past 12 years of working with the Clipper Race ensures that future crew members will be kept warm, dry and protected from the elements that they are going to encounter when they race around the planet.
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