26 August 2009

High Profile Yachtsmen and Women (What gear do they use)

Yachtsmen

The most high profile yachtsman in the country currently has to be Ben Ainslie. Ainslie started sailing when he was 8 years old and fell in love with the sport. He has been competing professionally since 1995, and, since 1996, he has been sponsored by Henri Lloyd. Since the start of his career, Ainslie has won 4 Olympic gold medals and the Finn gold cup 5 times, beating the previous record of 3 times by Jorg Bruder between 1970 and 1972. Ainslie has won the British yachtsman of the year 4 times and has been named world sailor of the year 3 times. Ainslie is set to become the greatest British yachtsman of all time, being backed by Henri Lloyd all the way, who have pledged to sponsor him until 2013.

Ainslie’s involvement with Henri Lloyd is more than a poster boy; he has designed a range of junior sailing gear for the brand to encourage young people to get involved with the sport. The range is designed to kit out the young sailor from top to toe; waterproof clothing and buoyancy aids provide comfort and safety. To make sure that, even in the worst weather, the young ones get out there sailing, he has designed some cool but practical hats and gloves to protect against the elements. Ainslie has also become the face of the autumn clothing range, which has been designed with the stylish sportsman in mind.

Yachtswomen

Probably the most high profile yachtswoman in Britain is Dame Ellen MacArthur. Her profile rose significantly when she beat the previous single handed circumnavigation record in 2005. Her video diary was watched by millions when it was aired in a documentary on the BBC. Such was the excitement surrounding MacArthur’s success that the documentary was brought forward in date and the programme was extended from a half hour slot to a 1 hour special. She became the youngest person to single-handedly circumnavigate the globe and in the fastest time for a woman.

Ellen MacArthur was sponsored by Musto when she did her circumnavigation of the globe. Musto provided Ellen and her crew with clothing when they sailed round the British Isles, and are a top British brand established by Keith Musto. We are proud at Sailing Clothing Store to provide the same great brands that have been helping our top sailors to victory and success on the high seas.

During the 2004 and 2008 Olympics, the sport of Yngling came into the public eye, partly due to the crew’s success and partly because of the 3 yachtswomen who became known as the 3 blondes in a boat. Although the team changed between the two games, the nickname stuck and the 3 blondes in a boat, Sarah Webb, Sarah Ayton and Pippa Wilson achieved a gold medal. Pippa Wilson replaced Shirley Robertson who was part of the 2004 gold winning Athens team.

You can buy the same great gear at Sailing Clothing Store and keep your fingers crossed that some of their sailing magic helps you and your sailing!