ELITE OFFSHORE Technical Briefing: the science behind the facts
by Henri Lloyd 11 Mar 2014 11:51 GMT
11 March 2014
Henri Lloyd Elite Offshore - Close Up © Henri Lloyd
Henri Lloyd launched the new ELITE OFFSHORE range of foul weather sailing gear in November 2013, using new fabrics and new technologies to bring you the lightest most breathable sailing garments ever.
"Best-Ever" wearer comfort and performance were the driving forces behind the conception of the New Elite. By significantly reducing weight without compromising the durability of waterproofness the wearer enjoys a host of tangible benefits. Movement is less restricted (a benefit further enhanced by Slide-Glide Technology) and so by definition the wearer becomes less fatigued and mobility across the deck is improved.
Fact: 30% lighter
Elite Shell garments incorporating GORE-TEX® Technology are 30% lighter than the best in class predecessors. An individual wearing an Elite Offshore 3 layer system would be carrying around the equivalent of a 1Kg bag of sugar less, so fatigue is lessened and performance enhanced.
Fact: 20% More Breathable
Elite garments are 20% more breathable than existing best in class garments. This significant change creates the only Offshore garment in the world that can be classified as "Extremely Breathable" – this is no laboratory phenomenon and can really be sensed by the wearer.
Fact: Without Compromise
What makes Elite Offshore such a game changing technology, is that through the science of developing specific performance characteristics of the yarn at molecular level combined with advanced weaving and finishing techniques, these benefits have been achieved without compromising the durability of waterproofness.
Lighter weight, higher breathability whilst maintaining durability... How?
The solution has been found through the innovative application of both the face fabric and the liner within the 3 layer laminate. The GORE-TEX® membrane which is sandwiched between the outer and the inner elements of the laminate remains unchanged and so retains all of its existing waterproof characteristics.
The fabric technology is not the end of the story though; Henri Lloyd's innovative design, attention to detail and quality of manufacture are just as important to the end result. All the garments boast articulated ergonomic design for comfort, advanced taping process and the design and placement of seams all play their part, as well as the way the garments are designed to work together as a complete system.
Three layers of garments combine to provide the optimum comfort and protection. The beauty of the three layer system is that you can mix and match to suit the climate and conditions too, the outer shell provides perfect protection on its own as a summer weight jacket, or use the waterproof mid layer as your outer when you don't need full protection from the elements, and choose whether to add your thermal base layer depending on the ambient temperature.
The ELITE OFFSHORE System
PROTECT
Elite Offshore Shells have been engineered as the outer protective layers of an integrated clothing system for Offshore Sailing. A range of jackets and salopettes for men and women are engineered to the highest Henri-Lloyd standards in our own factories and feature the innovative Optivision Hood System.
MICRO-CLIMATE
The New Elite Therm layer is 22% lighter than its predecessor but delivers equal warmth with less weight and bulk. This is thanks to the high loft Primaloft® insulated wadding which is engineered for warmth, compressibility and softness. Fine fibres form tiny air pockets to trap body heat and keep the cold out. These fine fibres are engineered for permanent water resistance and create tight surface tension that resists moisture penetration. The Micro-Climate that is created below the outer layer ensures wearer comfort is protected by a waterproof yet highly breathable shell that keeps wind and water out whilst allowing moisture vapour to escape.
THERM
Therm is the layer upon which a wearer's comfort is based. The H-Therm base layers are constructed from high wicking stretch polyester impregnated with silver ion anti-odour technology. The reverse is brushed for insulation and to encourage dissipation of moisture over a wide surface area to assist wicking and keep the skin dry.
In the testing conditions of Offshore Sailing crew performance and comfort is all important. By significantly increasing comfort and mobility by the reduction of weight and increased breathability there are a number of additional benefits that come from selecting Elite Offshore Gear.
WEIGHT
Not only is the reduction in weight a benefit to the individual (each set is over 1kg lighter) it makes a significant contribution to weight saving when multiplied by the number of crew on board.
FATIGUE
By carrying 1kg less and by reducing bulk, movement and dexterity are improved. Couple this with Slide-Glide Technology where there is less resistance between layers and the end result will be less fatigue and higher crew performance.
SAFETY
There is a number of safety benefits derived from Elite Offshore:
- Increased peripheral vision from the Optivision Hood.
- Less fatigue means more alertness and so better decision making.
- Should the worst happen and a crew member is immersed, lighter more flexible gear will increase mobility in the water and aid recovery.
As they say the proof of the pudding is in the eating – so we put the garments to the test on real sailors in real conditions, including during the gruelling Fasnet race. Here is what our testers said about the Elite Offshore foul weather garments....
"TOUGH, AGILE & LIGHTWEIGHT"
"Three words I would use to describe the new Henri-Lloyd Elite product. After wearing it for two weeks in tough conditions and open to the elements I felt the protection it provided. Above all, the connectivity I had with the gear meant I could move more quickly and precisely. This is very good essential equipment and there a lots of reasons why I would pick it over bulky heavy gear"
Charles Matthews
Professional Skipper (Clipper Round the Word Race)
"The fabric feels soft and malleable – helps you move more easily.... Which is really important on a long offshore race that you feel comfortable... (with this) you don't get worn out and you keep your energy levels up"
Gez Grandcourt, Super yacht Designer, Olesinski Ltd
Sailing in Fastnet 2013 on Xinska
"really good, nice lightweight and robust" "easy to move in – got all the nice adjustments"
"wore it in the rain quite a lot – didn't leak at all – its done its job!"
Juan Coetzer, professional Skipper, Clipper Ventures Ltd
Sailing in Fastnet 2013: Skipper Clipper -Edinburg Inspiring Capital
"it was excellent. Dry which is very important, flexible, great hood and collar"
"it seemed to breathe better than other gear"
Peter Greenhalgh, professional Sailor, (former British Sailing Team member 49er, Xtreme 40's) Sailing in Fastnet 2013: Pace
Henri-Lloyd – 50 years of Originality
In 2013 this proud family run company celebrated half a century as the market leader in technical sailing gear and as a premium lifestyle brand. Henri-Lloyd's track record of innovations have paved the way for all modern foul weather clothing, setting the standards throughout the generations for performance and comfort.
Founded in 1963 in Manchester, England by the late Mr Henri Strzelecki and managed by his son's Martin and Paul since the 1980's, this British specialist clothing brand has pioneered the development of modern foul weather clothing technology and design. Starting from the very early days with Mr Henri the company introduced a number of design firsts which are now accepted as industry standards including; the first ever Bri-Nylon® garment with hand taped seams, the first integral safety harness, the first non corrosive zip and the use of Velcro® as a closure on garments to name but a few.
Henri-Lloyd's association with the world's sailing elite includes working with the early pioneers of solo circumnavigation and exploration Sir Francis Chichester, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, Sir Alec Rose, Sir Ranulph Fiennes and over the past twenty years with Sir Ben Ainslie, quadruple Olympic Gold Medallist. Henri-Lloyd are also proud to have had gear worn in almost every major Round the World Race over the past five decades, allowing Henri-Lloyd to stay at the forefront of intelligent innovation.
Henri Lloyd is also proud sponsor of an entry in the Clipper 2013-14 Round the World Race. The Clipper 70 "Henri Lloyd – 50 Years of Pioneering Spirit" will be the flagship for Henri Lloyd carrying the brand around the world during this epic voyage.
Henri Lloyd are the Official Clothing partner for the Clipper 2013-14 Round the World Race and provide foul weather clothing for all the participants.
Henri-Lloyd's strong international presence sees the brand represented in over 50 countries worldwide.
www.henrilloyd.com