The Elite offshore range from Henri-Lloyd is now available in store and online. Rachel Hodgson, Head of Product at Henri-Lloyd, explains to PBR the thinking behind the latest range of offshore boating garments, aimed fairly and squarely at the powerboat market.
‘Using experience spanning seven decades now and engineered from the latest ultra-reliable, durable fabrics, the Elite Offshore Range is designed to meet the demands of maritime professionals and passionate enthusiasts alike,’ explained Rachel Hodgson. ‘The revolutionary three-layer DRI PRO fabric used to create the new range employs the strong, functional colourways of black and orange, but critically, it’s 100% waterproof, windproof and exceptionally breathable – attributes, no doubt, readers of PBR will regard as being essential to their time on the water, particularly in open-boat scenarios. The new range includes the Elite Jacket and Elite Hi-Fit Trousers, and importantly they are designed for both men and women. In addition, there is the unisex Elite Dry Top, ideally suited to the harshest and wettest conditions, such as rough-water RIB use. Here at Henri-Lloyd we’re very excited about these new products, which we’re confident are going to be really appreciated by the high-speed and offshore powerboat and RIB community.’
Let’s take a closer look, then, at each of these garments individually to gain a better understanding of their attributes.
Elite Jacket
The Elite Jacket is unlined, quick-drying and refreshingly lightweight, making it comfortable to wear in all weathers. It features Cordura reinforcement on the tail drop for maximum durability and protection. The high collar has a fleece neck lining for all-round protection, warmth and comfort, and the Optivision hood offers superior peripheral vision, while still providing full protection from the elements. The central storm flap ensures no wind or rain will drive through the zip area, and there is both an internal adjustable Dartex cuff and an external adjustable cuff for added protection from wind and water.
The seven-pocket design offers ample storage, with hand warmer pockets as well as cargo and accessory pockets. Each one is edged with fluorescent taping, thereby increasing crew visibility and aiding quick access to pockets even on the darkest nights. Additional safety features for providing 360-degree crew visibility include reflective Union Jack patches with photoluminescent backing placed on the front centre of the chest, rear of the collar and back of the arms, in exactly the right position to be seen if waving for assistance from the water.
Elite Hi-Fit Trousers
The Elite Hi-Fit Trousers are designed for performance and protection, making them the perfect choice for offshore sailing in all conditions. Key features include a heavyweight, non-corrosive VISLON AquaGuard centre zip, with back waist adjusters to ensure a customised fit, along with adjustable ankle straps. Designed to last, there are large Cordura knee patches and Cordura lining on the hem at the bottom of the leg to protect against scuff damage. Designed for active movement as well as comfort for long passages, the 3D cushioned mesh shoulder straps offer increased comfort and are breathable, maintaining the integrity of a superior breathable layering system. There are chest hand warmer pockets with Rentex mesh lining and holes to ensure water drainage, and handy leg cargo pockets feature envelope closures and drainage holes, with a useful internal pocket designed with brushed dot mesh to prevent water absorption. For women, there is also a drop-seat bottom for added convenience and ease of use.
Prices & purchasing
The Elite Dry Top retails at £575, with the Elite Jacket costing £750 and the Elite Hi-Fit Trousers £575. The entire range can be seen in chandleries and retailers throughout the UK, as well as in Henri-Lloyd stores in Dartmouth, Salcombe, Lymington and Cowes, and of course online at www.henrilloyd.com
Elite Dry Top
The Elite Dry Top is the ultimate top for those placed in the wettest conditions, including keelboat and even dinghy sailing where combining being dry with rapid and extensive movement is critical. The dry top is engineered from medical tape, using FlexStrap to ensure a comfortable fit. The raglan sleeve design enables easy arm movements and reduces the number of seams to ensure complete waterproof integrity, and the latex collar and cuffs prevent cold-water ingress. The neoprene waist with hook and loop adjustment tabs ensures a snug fit around the waist, while the inner lining features slide-glide technology allowing the Elite Dry Top to be easily put on and taken off. There is a large kangaroo front pocket with an envelope closure and drainage hole outlined with a fluorescent strip to aid visibility in low-light conditions, and a zipped arm pocket ideal for radio/EPIRB storage.
60 years in the making
Established in Manchester, England, in June 1963, Henri-Lloyd stand as a testament to the pioneering spirit of their founder, Henri Strzelecki MBE. With a steadfast commitment to challenging conventions, ‘Mr Henri’ (as he became known because people struggled to pronounce his surname) revolutionised protective, waterproof clothing, and today the brand remains at the vanguard of responsibly produced waterproof apparel that protects against the harshest of conditions while striving to reduce its impact on the environment. For over six decades, the brand has enabled remarkable people to explore the unknown and achieve extraordinary feats. Henri-Lloyd’s revered heritage is marked by innovations that have since become industry norms, from the hand taping of seams to the creation of a non-corrosive nylon zip and the use of Velcro on clothing, to name but a few. In 2022, the Henri-Lloyd brand was acquired by the Monte Rosa Sport Group, based in Oslo, Norway. This change heralds a new chapter in the brand’s evolution, with investment in, and a focus on, world-class design, quality and offshore applications.
The entire range can be seen in chandleries and retailers throughout the UK, as well as in Henri-Lloyd stores in Dartmouth, Salcombe, Lymington and Cowes, and of course online at www.henrilloyd.com