Henri Lloyd Announced as Clipper Race Team Sponsor

The 2013-14 edition of Clipper Round the World Yacht Race will feature a Henri Lloyd-sponsored yacht for the first time, after the leading sailing and lifestyle apparel company was named a Team Sponsor.

Henri Lloyd has been the Official Technical Clothing Partner of the Clipper Race since the 2005-06 edition. The brand will sponsor one of the twelve new 70ft yachts that will compete in the world’s longest ocean race.

Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the founder and chairman of thr Clipper Race, initially met the late Henri Lloyd clothing founder Henri Strzelecki at Earl’s Court Boat Show in 1968, 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.”

During the 11 month race, Team Henri Lloyd will promote the brand’s specialist Marine Clothing and Lifestyle Apparel.

Paul Strzelecki CEO of Henri Lloyd added: “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.”