You gotta love any kind of love the clothing industry gives sailing. And when they give it to as unique and epic a race as the Van Isle 360, all the better. I’m not sure of how all the details are going to pan out, but this sounds intriguing. Getting partnered at random with a couple other boats as a team – that could make things interesting and keep everybody engaged on the water. And who knows, the winners might get something cozier than a plaque. Anyways, here is the release from our friends at Van Isle, Jeffrey and Sylvia Motley.
Van Isle 360 International Yacht Race and Helly Hansen announce the Team Challenge for the 2019 VI360 race.
The Van Isle 360 International Yacht Race and Helly Hansen are pleased to announce a team challenge for yachts competing in the 2019 race.
“Since the race moved to nine legs from ten in 2015, the inside legs have become very busy with long days on the water and little time to socialize amongst boats” said Sylvia Motley, “The intent of team challenge is to create the opportunity for immediate social interaction amongst the crews, and create a fun atmosphere for inter boat camaraderie during the race”
Enter the Helly Hansen Team event. Teams will be chosen from all yacht divisions by random draw at the opening reception in Nanaimo. Teams will consist boats from every division, and the team with the lowest total corrected time will win the leg. A running total will be kept so that an overall team winner will be announced at the closing ceremonies in Nanaimo on June 15th.
“Helly Hansen is very pleased to partner with the Van Isle 360, one of the Pacific Northwest’s most demanding yacht races. Our Helly Hansen apparel has been developed specifically for the world’s harshest weather, something we experience and know a thing or two about living in the PNW. Our sailors and outdoor enthusiasts require the highest quality gear and we’re proud to offer them just that.” said Damien Etchaubard, Marketing Director for Helly Hansen Canada. “Helly Hansen is looking forward to offering this new twist on the classic yacht race and the Team Challenge in 2019 will encourage social engagement and an added layer of fun. See you on the water”.
About Helly Hansen
Founded in Norway in 1877, Helly Hansen continues to develop professional-grade apparel that helps people stay and feel alive. Through insights drawn from living and working in the world’s harshest environments, the company has developed a long list of first-to-market innovations, including the first supple waterproof fabrics more than 140 years ago. Other breakthroughs include the first fleece fabrics in the 1960s, the first technical base layers in the 1970s, made with Lifa® Stay Dry Technology, and today’s award winning and patented H2Flow™ temperature regulating system.
Helly Hansen is a leader in technical sailing and performance ski apparel, as well as premium workwear. Its ski uniforms are worn and trusted by more than 55,000 professionals and can be found on Olympians, National Teams, and at more than 200 ski resorts and mountain guiding operations around the world.Helly Hansen’s outerwear, base layers, sportswear and footwear are sold in more than 40 countries and trusted by outdoor professionals and enthusiasts around the world. To learn more about Helly Hansen’s latest collections, visit www.hellyhansen.com.
Kurt grew up racing and cruising in the Midwest, and has raced Lasers since the late 1970s. Currently he is a broker at Swiftsure Yachts. He has been Assistant Editor at Sailing Magazine and a short stint as Editor of Northwest Yachting. Through Meadow Point Publishing he handles various marketing duties for smaller local companies. He currently is partners on a C&C 36 which he cruises throughout the Northwest. He’s married to the amazing Abby and is father to Ian and Gabe.