Henri Lloyd sign up to compete in world’s longest ocean race

For the first time in its nine-race history the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race will feature a Henri Lloyd sponsored yacht after coming on board as a Team Sponsor for the 2013-14 edition of the world’s longest ocean race.

British company Henri Lloyd, the Official Technical Clothing Partner of the Clipper Race will sponsor one of the brand new 12, 70ft ocean racing yachts competing in the Clipper 13-14 Round the World Yacht Race.

The Founder and Chairman of the Clipper Race, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, first met the late Henri Lloyd clothing founder Henri Strzelecki in 1968 at Earl’s Court Boat Show in London, where he purchased a set of foulies for his solo circumnavigation of the world. He said: “I am really pleased to welcome Henri Lloyd to become part of the Clipper Race.

“They have pioneered the development of all modern technical sailing clothing for 50 years and have provided foul weather gear to the Clipper Race crew for the past 10 years. On a more personal level the relationship with Henri Lloyd goes back many years with its founder, the late Mr Henri Strzelecki and his son Paul when I put my trust in Henri Lloyd foul weather gear for my own voyages and circumnavigations.”

Henri Lloyd, who celebrate half a century as one of the world’s leaders in sailing and lifestyle apparel this year, has been the Official Technical Clothing Partner of the Clipper Race since the 2005-06 edition. During the 40,000 mile, 11 month adventure Team Henri Lloyd will be a flagship for the brand and will promote Henri Lloyd’s specialist Marine Clothing and Lifestyle Apparel for which they have become renowned.

Paul Strzelecki, CEO of Henri Lloyd, explained: “We know from the past 50 years that there is no greater test for foul weather gear than a global circumnavigation to demonstrate its true quality, but this is the first time we have taken the title sponsorship of a Round the World Race Yacht and supported an individual crew on an entire voyage.

Skipper

Today it was announced that Canadian yachtsman Eric Holden, 33, former Weather Forecaster for the Canadian sailing team at London 2012 Summer Olympics has been chosen to skipper the Henri Lloyd yacht entry, said: “I’m extremely pleased to be chosen as the skipper of Henri Lloyd. The company has an excellent reputation and is a leader in their field. Henri Lloyd supported my sister's solo racing program and I am privileged to renew that association.”

The Clipper Race will depart London on 1 September and will return there the following July after racing more than 40,000 miles around the world visiting 14 ports on six continents. More information can be found on the Clipper Race website www.clipperroundtheworld.com