As the days draw in, sailors are now planning their Autumn and Winter sailing and racing campaigns, or for some, heading off on long distance expeditions, such as the ARC.
Elite offshore racing and sailing requires having the very best gear available to cope with all conditions. Henri-Lloyd’s Elite Offshore range is designed to exactly meet those needs with outerwear designed to cope with colder and wetter conditions, and suitable for all uses from round-the-cans winter racing to transatlantic voyages.
The Elite Offshore range is made from Henri-Lloyd’s innovative 3-layer DRI PRO fabric, ensuring it provides full protection in even the most extreme conditions. Available in 3 colourways - black, orange and navy - the Elite Offshore range is cut to fit both Men and Women, enabling boat crew and racing teams to be kitted out in matching gear.
Backed with over 60 years of innovation and created in conjunction with some of the world’s top racing sailors, the Elite Offshore Jacket is designed to last. Key features include Cordura reinforcement on the jacket tail drop to ensure maximum durability, a high collar with fleece neck lining for all round protection and comfort and an Optivision hood, an innovation pioneered by Henri-Lloyd in the 00s, that offers superior peripheral vision whilst still providing full protection from the elements. The central storm flap also ensures no wind or rain will drive through the zip area. The cuffs have both an internal adjustable Dartex cuff and external adjustable cuff for added protection from wind and water and a seven-pocket design offers ample storage, with hand warmer pockets, cargo and accessory pockets. For safety and 360-degree crew visibility, the Elite jacket features reflective Union Jack patches with photoluminescent backing on the throat tab, cuffs and rear as well as reflective detailing on pockets, seam edges and logos. The Elite Offshore Jacket retails at £525.
The Elite Offshore Hi Fit trousers are also available in Men’s and Women’s sizes, with the Women’s style featuring a drop-seat bottom for ease of use. Key features include heavyweight non-corrosive Vislon AquaGuard centre zip, with back waist adjusters to ensure a customized fit, along with adjustable ankle straps. The 3D cushioned mesh shoulder straps offer increased comfort and are breathable and chest hand warmer pockets with Rentex mesh lining and water drainage system are paired with leg cargo pockets with envelope closures and drainage holes, as well as a handy internal pocket with brushed dot-mesh to prevent water absorption. The Elite Offshore Hi Fit trousers retail at £403 and come in black, navy and orange.
For racers, especially those on foredeck, the unisex Elite Offshore Dry Top is available in sizes XS to 2XL. Available in orange and black, it features dry-seal neck and cuffs to prevent any cold water ingress, plus a full neoprene waist with hook and loop adjustable flex-straps engineered from medical tape to provide superior protection and a snug fit. Advanced raglan sleeves reduce the number of seams, and redirects water away from the body. There is a large kangaroo front pocket with envelope closure and drainage hole, with fleece lined side entry hand pockets helping keep hands drier and warmer, next to the body when on long passages. A zipped arm pocket is ideal for radio/EPIRB storage, and an internal pocket with brushed dot mesh that prevents water absorption also features. With safety in mind, reflective Union Jack patches with photoluminescent backing are applied to the chest and arms, alongside reflective detailing on pockets, back of sleeves, seam edges and logos, offering extra visibility in low light or night sailing environments. The Elite Offshore Dry Top retails at £403.
Also available only in Power Orange, , there is the Elite Ocean Smock, retailing at £770. Constructed from advanced DRI PRO fabric for maximum weather protection and breathability, it features durable latex seals at the cuffs and collar to block out water under extreme conditions. A detachable collar and hood system offers flexibility during physical manoeuvres, which can be easily reattached when needed.
