Henri Lloyd and Spinlock launch the kit of champions!
by Amy Grealish, Henri Lloyd 26 Feb 2016 20:07 GMT
26 February 2016
British marine technical apparel specialists Henri Lloyd and Spinlock have been working in partnership for the past 18 months to design a range of elite technical products for Land Rover BAR, the British Challenger for the 35th America's Cup. Drawing together our design and innovation assets and using feedback from the team have resulted in the design of race apparel which offers the most technically efficient results and will give the team every possible competitive advantage.
The kit worn by the sailing team incorporates the latest in fabrics, design and new technologies which allows the sailing team the flexibility, agility and comfort to focus on winning whilst also providing the protection required when racing in the extreme inshore racing environments of the America's Cup, where boat speeds can reach up to 50mph, resulting in the chilling effect of constant high apparent winds combined with a deluge of very fast moving spray.
Land Rover BAR crew member Nick Hutton comments, "Crew equipment and performance is a critical part of our R&D process, so a close relationship and good communication between the Spinlock and Henri Lloyd developers and the sailing team has been vitally important in the product development process. We're really happy with the new Spinlock BAR T2 vests and Henri Lloyd technical apparel"
The design of the new Spinlock BAR T2 vest focuses on four core design elements that have been identified by the team. These elements allow them to perform at the highest athletic level on these foiling multihulls, be as efficient as possible in their movement and contribute to the aerodynamic performance and efficiency of the boat, whilst ensuring the highest levels of safety.
Flotation
The Spinlock T2 vests provide 50N of Buoyancy. Ultra soft compliant foam is cut and shaped to ensure the minimum interference with the crew's activities on the boat, but gives secure flotation when needed. Dry coated materials ensure the product absorbs minimal water, keeping the team as light and fast as possible.
Impact
Due to the high speeds and the potential for collision and capsize, the Spinlock T2 vests features D30 ™ motorbike grade, shock absorbing body armour. This unique flexible material is incorporated into the body of the flotation vest allowing the wearer complete flexibility, but on impact the molecules lock together to absorb and disperse energy, before instantly returning to their flexible state.
Aerodynamics and Fit
The PFD is sculpted and tailored to integrate with the Henri Lloyd Team Sailing Kit, with high stretch sleeves and skirt, to further maximise the aerodynamic profile of the sailor as they work on top of these multihulls sailing at speeds of over 40 knots. The shape and panelling of the product has in turn been designed around the crew activity on board, reducing any interference. Whilst close fitting and snug to wear, the jackets must also be easy to remove. In the event of a capsize it is essential that crew can remove and discard the flotation device within 10 seconds if required.
Accessories
The America's Cup Class boats are at the limits of technical development in this new category of sailing, so there is a need for additional crew safety items on these training vests. Recessed in to the back of the jacket, to minimise bulk and reduce aerodynamic drag, is an emergency air cylinder, used if trapped under an upturned hull to give vital extra minutes. On the front of the jacket, accessible with either hand is a recessed rescue knife, providing quick release from any entrapment.
The Henri Lloyd technical products worn by the Land Rover BAR sailing team have been designed by a dedicated panel from Land Rover BAR who worked alongside Henri Lloyd. The range of products that have been put together will allow for the varied climatic conditions that the America's Cup World Series will be visiting. The technical range includes cold weather tops and long johns in 2mm super stretch double lined neoprene; rash vests and warm weather pants in nylon spandex, with a matching 1mm neoprene super stretch top.
The key to performance is in the design details with liquid silicone used on blind stitched seams for increased durability, comfort and less friction in movement. It's for the same reason that wherever possible seams have been designed to only traverse low movement areas. Abrasion resistant reinforcements have been added to all the high wear areas.
The kit has received some great accolades from the team.
"I have been wearing wetsuits all my life and I can honestly say the Henri Lloyd wetsuit is the best I have ever worn" commented Land Rover BAR sailor Freddie Carr.
The Spinlock BAR T2 Vest and the Henri Lloyd technical apparel will be worn by the Land Rover BAR sailing team when they compete the in ACWS in Oman this weekend.