Henri Lloyd announces foul weather kit updates for 2015-16 race crew

Henri Lloyd has been the official technical clothing partner to the Clipper Race since 2002 and the 2015-16 edition of the race will be its seventh time providing foul weather protection to our race crew.

As part of the eye catching Clipper Race wardrobe, 2015-16 Henri Lloyd crew kit includes a GORE-TEX® Ocean Pro Smock, GORE-TEX® Ocean Pro Hi-Fit trouser, red Rio crew jacket, and a Cyclone soft shell jacket.

Following the last race, we’ve worked closely with Henri Lloyd to take onboard valuable feedback from past crew in order to enhance both the Smock and Hi-Fits and ensure future crew are kept warm, dry and protected from the tough elements they will encounter as they race around the planet.

Both the Smock and Hi-Fits have all the qualities you’d expect for extreme ocean racing, but new for 2015-16 will be the introduction of a women’s fit.

Certain design features have been introduced for the women’s Smock which takes into account the smaller stature of the female figure; the arms are further articulated and are shorter and more slender, whilst the shape of the Smock takes into account the female stature. The design of the Hi-Fits incorporates the drop seat pant facility, whilst the shape contours the female figure for additional comfort and protection.

Built to withstand the worst conditions imaginable, the Smock design for all of the crews now incorporates innovative and safety design features including the Optivision Hood; exclusive to Henri Lloyd the transparent TPU windows allow wider peripheral vision without compromising protection for the face.

Both the Smock and Hi-Fits are constructed from GORE-TEX® Pro Shell, a 3- layer construction which has been built for extremely demanding conditions and to enhance durability. GORE-TEX® Pro Shell offers 100% wind and waterproof protection as well as optimised breathability.

As with all Henri Lloyd Smocks, the design also includes a fast draining large centre stow pocket, the pocket has been altered to include side access hand warmer pockets (which offer easier access when crews are wearing a lifejacket), and the shape of the pocket has been adjusted to accelerate drainage.

The Neoprene hem band and Dartex internal cuff & neck seals minimize water ingress, whilst the spume visor offers further comfort and protection to the face. Other important features include an EPIRB pocket, Cordura on the seat to increase durability and reflective strips on the arms and chest for safety.

The Hi-Fits have been designed and contoured to reduce windage, whilst their features increase comfort, fit and durability. The fully adjustable elasticated shoulder straps and bat wing waist adjusters to offer a more personalised fit, whilst the high impact knee and seat areas are reinforced with Cordura for increased durability. Other features include external ankle Velvo closure mechanisms which significantly reduce water ingress and fast draining, quick access Rentex mesh lining hand warmer pockets with water resistant zips which offer ease of access for everyday items.

Click here to view Henri Lloyd's brand new Clipper 2015-16 Race kit wardrobe.

2015-16 crew will receive their official kit from the race team during Level 4 training. Click here to view kit images and descriptions, and download order forms which you can send directly to Race Office Manager Rob Carter at [email protected].

Please note that the deadline for ordering your Clipper Race issued crew kit is 1 March, 2015.