Helly Hansen: the official clothing partner to the Ericsson Racing Team

See the VOR team kit on stand N59A at the London International Boat show

Technical sportswear brand Helly Hansen was chosen by Ericsson to kit out its crews for the Volvo Ocean Race, a demanding challenge for the Grand Prix of offshore racing. The Spring/Summer 09 collection from Helly Hansen was the perfect match - technical features that promised and delivered incomparable protection, warmth, dryness, comfort and style - so much so that the only special features required were Ericsson’s corporate colours.

David Wiley, UK sales Director at Helly Hansen, says, “The message is clear, their gear is the same as your gear, and it’s clothing you can trust with your life.  The Ericsson Racing Team is wearing the same technical spec kit we’re selling to sailing enthusiasts.  The only difference is that one leg in the Volvo Ocean Race is equivalent to 10 years of normal wear and tear!

He adds, “Their choice of kit clearly demonstrates the Helly Hansen three layer philosophy, which we’ve been pushing since the 1970s, the ability to layer up from the inside out, from base layer through to the insulating thermal layer, to the protective outer layer, for different levels of activity, weather and temperatures”.

Helly Hansen: the official clothing partner

The VOR is putting the professional grade Helly Hansen Ocean Race collection through one of the toughest challenges in offshore sailing, it’s a rugged, real life experience. From head to toe, crucial features for the Ericsson Racing Team include the must-have extended ocean collar which gives full protection, engineered with full fleece lining for maximum comfort and warmth; inner neoprene arm cuffs provide a watertight seal, to keep water out when working with raised arms; and super durable seat and knee reinforcements for heavy duty usage in demanding on-deck conditions.

In the VOR the Ericsson Racing Team is wearing the following Helly Hansen technical pieces:

·         Ocean Racing Jacket: a professional grade, fully fitted, ¾ length jacket.  The waterproof, breathable stretch fabric gives protection, ideal for adventurous sailors and serious racers when battling huge waves and heavy winds on high seas.

·         Ocean Racing Trousers: light and durable with an unlined bib, combining great protection with great mobility.

·         Racing Mid Layer Jacket: for added protection in brisk winds, a water resistant, breathable mid layer jacket that provides the right amount of warmth.  The insulating mid layer helps store body heat and supports the base layer by moving moisture out to the protective outer layer jacket.

·         Racing Mid Layer Salopette: a thermal layer sailing bib for cruising in cold conditions.  It’s waterproof below the waist so can be used as an outer layer when the weather permits.

·         Layering pieces: include the Helly Hansen Dry Stripe Crew which works as a second skin.  It’s an adaptable base layer for all conditions and the close body fit enhances the movement of moisture out to the mid layer during high action sailing.

·         Helly Welly: a knee high, completely waterproof sailing boot.  Features include gaiters; support for the foot; exceptional grip for protection and safety; Helly Tech XP membrane for breathability and freedom of movement; and reflective elements for safety.