BMW Oracle choose clothing

Arrangement sealed with Henri-Lloyd

British clothing company, Henri-Lloyd, has been appointed as Technology Partner to BMW Oracle Racing for their challenge for the America’s Cup in Valencia in 2007.

The three year partnership, announced in Valencia yesterday, will involve a joint development programme to provide custom technical clothing and footwear for the BMW Oracle Racing team and a merchandising collection which will be distributed worldwide. In addition, Henri- Lloyd will also supply all the apparel and luggage for the shore crew and the team’s administrative staff.

Chris Dickson, CEO of BMW Oracle Racing commented: “Based on the positive experiences we had with Henri-Lloyd at the last America’s Cup in New Zealand, I am very happy that we will continue working together and we see Henri-Lloyd as an integral part of our team. The clothes are extremely functional, the very best for all types of weather. Our sailing experience, together with the specific know-how of Henri-Lloyd, will make an excellent combination. It is a real challenge to develop the right gear for each of the 17 crew, as the bowman faces a different set of conditions than the helmsman. Grinders certainly require flexibility of movement and breathability of product. When these requirements are captured in the technical design, we are dry and comfortable with freedom of movement which ultimately enhances our performance on board.”

Henri-Lloyd have a dedicated team working directly with BMW Oracle Racing’s Clothing Technology Committee made up of crew members David Brooke (mast), Craig Monk (grinder) and Ross Halcrow (sail trimmer). They are providing detailed insights to Henri-Lloyd into the requirements of technical clothing for specific crew roles on the race boat. The team’s schedule also takes them to a variety of climates, which will necessitate appropriately adapted innovative technical garments and products.

Paul Strzelecki, Joint Chief Executive of Henri-Lloyd, welcomed the opportunity to work with BMW Oracle Racing. “The America’s Cup is the pinnacle of sailing. It is typified by the need to optimise performance through the application of innovative materials and constant fine tuning to gain the winning edge - these same principles equally apply to the clothing systems that we will develop. We also fully understand the importance of a strong team identity and the pivotal role that clothing can play in achievement of that.

“As an organisation our aim is to provide the very best that technology and design will allow, in order that the individual can optimise their performance. Stamina, power and the ability to maintain concentration in a range of climatic conditions all have to be taken into account.”