Partnership with Hyde Sails enters new decade

Clipper Round the World Yacht Race has renewed its partnership with British sailmaker Hyde Sails. The two race deal will see the partnership enter a new decade as it extends into its sixth and seventh consecutive editions of the global endurance challenge for the 2019-20 and 2021-22 races.

Since its debut as Official Sails Supplier for the Clipper 2009-10 Race, Hyde Sails, which prides itself on being at the forefront of sail technology, has designed, developed and produced bespoke blue water sail wardrobes for the Clipper Race fleet.

IMAGE: Clipper Race fleet during the 2009-10 edition when Hyde Sails made its debut as Official Supplier

Nigel Grogan, Managing Director of Hyde Sails, said: “Being an Official Supplier to the Clipper Race over the past 10 years has offered Hyde Sails a unique marketing platform and global showcase for our brand and I look forward to continuing to leverage this partnership and international opportunities throughout the 2019-20 edition.”

Each edition has seen continual improvements and modifications to the sails and this edition is no different. The biggest improvement in the new 2019-20 edition sails is the development of the flyaway spinnaker containment tabs fitted on the luff of the downwind sails as a sustainable alternative to wool. This system is reusable consisting of shock cord and also Velcro which is used to ‘wool’ the sail for hoists so that it remains permanently attached to the sail.

In addition, subtle changes have also been made to the fore and aft sails, along with small construction changes on the spinnakers, which will help aid performance and longevity.

Nigel Grogan added: “The challenging 40,000nm race route enables Hyde Sails to continually test and develop our sails in the most extreme conditions and translate the learnings into other products across the business.”

With endurance and performance at the forefront, the bespoke sails, including main sails, foresails, spinnakers and storm sails, are equipped to take on the challenge of long distance ocean racing and all that Mother Nature can throw at them. During the 2017-18 edition, the sails proved to withstand the harshest of conditions as the fleet raced through hurricane-strength winds and phenomenal sea states across the North Pacific Ocean.

IMAGE: Clipper Race fleet ahead of the start of the 2017-18 edition kitted out in full wardrobe of Hyde Sails

On the partnership renewal, Clipper Race Chairman and Founder Sir Robin Knox-Johnston said: “As a global sailing race the importance of our sail supplier is crucial to the performance of our yachts and the success of each campaign. Hyde Sails proven record of quality, durability and level of professional support to the Clipper Race team over the last ten years means that our relationship continues to grow and I look forward to another exciting edition being powered by Hyde Sails.”

Hyde Sails will continue to provide unmatched support in the form of sail care training for Skippers and crew. And the expert sailmaker will also offer global operational event support, ensuring each wardrobe of sails remain in top racing condition, no matter the conditions, throughout the 11 month race and beyond.

For the information on Hyde Sails and to discuss you sail solutions visit HydeSails.co.uk.