“American Magic” sailors inspire new Helly Hansen HP Foil Pro collection
With more than 140 years of innovation and design in technical clothing, Helly Hansen has developed professional-grade fabrics and gear for the unpredictable seas since 1877. For Summer 2020, the brand introduces a collection of racing kit fit for sailors competing in the most prestigious of races, America’s Cup.
Last year (2018), Helly Hansen was announced as the official apparel sponsor of American Magic, one of the challengers in the 36th America’s Cup. Through many hours spent with one of the best sailing teams in the world, Helly Hansen’s designers combined their years of development in technical apparel and a unique seam-welding process to create a jacket, smock top, and short as aerodynamic and performance-driven as the boat the sailors will compete on.
Øyvind Vedvik, Helly Hansen’s Sailing Category Managing Director, says, “Look at the direction of the lines on the jacket compared to those on a racing sailboat. The collection was directly inspired by the engineering and technical construction of high-speed sail and powerboats. The design team has pushed the limits of our manufacturing and materials, to come up with a collection that is highly technical and unique to the market.”
The HP Foil Pro Jacket highlights the series using Helly Tech® Professional waterproof, windproof and breathable materials in a 3-ply construction. The Ultrasonic welded and double sealed seams ensure water will never seep through and a new stealth waterstop construction on the cuffs allows complete use of the hands without any worry of water going up the arms. The clean design provides easy mobility and clear visibility, thanks to its lower collar design.
Helly Hansen has developed two additional garments to support American Magic’s efforts. The HP Foil Pro Smock Top incorporates all the technical benefits of HP Foil Pro Jacket into a smock top, built for long days of training on the water – including a neoprene adjustable waist, and adjustable PU skin neck and cuff seals. The HP Foil Pro Shorts offer a 3-ply fabric construction, large stash pockets, waterproof seat reinforcement for extra durability and an articulated fit for function and comfort during all-day use.
Whether you’re racing for the America’s Cup or powerboating to enjoy a sunny day outside, the HP Foil Pro series will keep those on-water fit to move fast without compromising protection, agility or visibility. All of the new products, including an American Magic capsule collection of sportswear, will be available for purchase online and in-store from Spring 2020.
To learn more about Helly Hansen’s latest collections, visit www.hellyhansen.com.