Sir Robin pays homage to “Mr Henri”

Clipper Race Founder and Chairman, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, paid homage to Henri Lloyd and the company's late founder Henri Strzelecki yesterday evening at an event to celebrate the clothing company's 50th Anniversary.

“In 1968, I was actually in the UK and I went to the boat show because I was planning on trying to sail around the world non-stop and I needed some clothing,” explains Sir Robin.

“I was introduced to rather a delightful man, Henri Strzelecki, who had a stand on the first floor and I bought a pair of foulies for £18!”

Henri Strzelecki, co-founder of Henri Lloyd, passed away on Boxing Day after building the company into one of the leaders in the marine clothing industry.

“He was a wonderful character and one of the things everyone will remember was that he was always smiling. For what he did for boating and the British clothing industry, he is going to be so sadly missed.”

Henri Lloyd has been the official technical clothing partner for the Clipper Race since the 2005 edition of the world's longest yacht race.

The first Clipper 70 is currently at St Katharine Docks, London until Sunday 20 January. If you would like to preview the first ocean racer from the newly commissioned fleet, the open boat times are:

Tuesday 15 January 10:00-19:00
Wednesday 16 January 10:00-15:00
Friday 18 January 10:00-12:00
Sunday 20 January 12:00-18:00