Helly Hansen, the renowned global sailing apparel brand, has announced an exciting partnership with the Germany SailGP Team for the upcoming SailGP Season 5, set to unfold over 2024-25. As the Official Clothing Supplier, Helly Hansen will outfit the German team with high-performance, professional-grade sailing gear as they compete in one of the most thrilling and demanding events in competitive sailing.
Thrills and Speed Await in SailGP Season 5
SailGP is a high-adrenaline global sailing series where national teams face off in identical F50 hydrofoiling catamarans capable of reaching speeds of nearly 100 km/h. Season 5 will take the competition to iconic international locations, starting with the Emirates Dubai Sail Grand Prix on November 23, 2024. The series will span 13 cities worldwide, culminating in an intense Grand Final in November 2025.
Gabriele Galaverni, Helly Hansen’s Brand Partnerships Director, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, noting, “SailGP is unlike any other regatta, pushing sailing’s top athletes to their limits. We’re thrilled to partner with the Germany SailGP Team and are committed to providing world-class technical gear that offers a competitive advantage.”
Preparing for the Elements with Helly Hansen Gear
Helly Hansen’s expertise in crafting durable and high-performance apparel for extreme weather will play a pivotal role for the Germany SailGP Team. Competing in varied weather conditions, from scorching heat to storms, the team faces intense environmental challenges. Tim Krieglstein, CEO of the Germany SailGP Team, commented, “SailGP is the world’s most exciting on-water race, demanding adaptability to diverse weather conditions. With Helly Hansen as our outfitter, we’re confident in facing these challenges head-on with top-quality gear.”
The partnership also fosters collaboration on gear design. Helly Hansen’s design team will work closely with the German sailors to refine and adapt equipment tailored to their needs. Erik Heil, the team’s driver, highlighted this synergy, saying, “Developing the equipment alongside Helly Hansen allows us to create gear precisely suited for racing. This partnership blends Helly Hansen’s technical sailing expertise with our on-water experiences.”
The Germany SailGP Team: A Rising Force in Sailing
Since joining SailGP at the beginning of Season 4, the Germany SailGP Team has made a powerful impression. Led by Olympian Erik Heil, the team comprises seasoned sailors, including wing trimmer Stuart Bithell, flight controller James Wierzbowski, and U21 World Champion strategist Anna Barth. Backed by notable figures like Thomas Riedel, president of Riedel Communications, and former F1 World Champion Sebastian Vettel, the team is well-positioned for success.
Helly Hansen’s High-Tech HydroPower Collection
As the Official Clothing Supplier, Helly Hansen will equip the German team with its cutting-edge HydroPower collection, including items like the Foil Shell Smock and HP Foil Pro Bib. These high-tech garments are engineered to withstand the rigours of high-speed sailing while offering maximum comfort and aerodynamic benefits. Helly Hansen’s ongoing collaboration with the team will allow them to test and refine new designs, ensuring each piece meets the demands of SailGP’s intense competition.
Looking Ahead to the Emirates Dubai Sail Grand Prix
The Germany SailGP Team will launch their campaign for victory on November 23, 2024, in Dubai. This season promises fierce battles, with teams from around the globe vying for the ultimate prize in this winner-takes-all format. With Helly Hansen’s advanced apparel, the German team aims to push boundaries and achieve new milestones in competitive sailing.