Helly Hansen, the Norway-based global leader in sailing, today announced its partnership with New York Yacht Club American Magic, the U.S. Challenger for the 36th America’s Cup, the highest prize in international sailing. With more than 140 years of innovation and performance-driven apparel trusted by professionals around the world, Helly Hansen will create sailing apparel for American Magic, sharing the goal of winning back the America’s Cup and bringing the “Auld Mug,” the oldest trophy in international sport, home to the United States.
“A warm, dry and comfortable sailing team is one that can perform at its best,” said Terry Hutchinson, Executive Director and Skipper of American Magic. “Having a partner that has been innovating in marine apparel for well over a century gives us a lot of confidence. The America’s Cup is all about pushing the limits of technology, and we’re excited to wear such well-engineered Helly Hansen products both on and off the water.”
Since 1877, Helly Hansen’s commitment to innovation and producing professional-grade apparel for the harshest conditions on the planet, has resulted in lasting partnerships with some of the top athletes and maritime teams competing today. New York Yacht Club is already a partner of Helly Hansen, having recognized Helly Hansen’s expertise in 2014 when they joined forces for the Resolute Cup. After winning the first America’s Cup in 1851, the New York Yacht Club, supporting American Magic’s new challenge for the Cup, held the Cup until 1983; recognized as the longest winning streak in sports history. As the successors of the historic New York Yacht Club sailors that defended the cup 24 times over 126 years, American Magic brings renewed passion and spirit to the upcoming events.
Skipper Terry Hutchinson will lead the charge with a crew of 11 on a foiling AC75 monohull, a new design created for the next America’s Cup. American Magic will compete during several America’s Cup World Series regatta over the next three years, which will culminate in the Prada Cup, (the Challenger finals) in early 2021. The winner of the Prada Cup will face the Defender, Emirates Team New Zealand, in the America’s Cup match, to be held in Auckland, New Zealand, in March 2021.
By combining award-winning apparel and technologies from Helly Hansen with experience and insight from one of the world’s top sailing teams, American Magic plans to challenge the Defender and bring the America’s Cup back to the U.S. Helly Hansen and American Magic will work together to create sailing apparel with maximum performance in mind, while supporting the US-based team’s identity.
“Helly Hansen’s history in creating performance apparel for the world’s sailing professionals is second to none,” said Paul Stoneham, CEO, Helly Hansen. “Every fabric, seam, panel and zipper makes a difference in enabling crews to execute their responsibilities to perfection on deck in such a fast-paced environment. It’s an honor for our brand to work with the American Magic team to help them achieve their dream to bring the cup home.”
To stay updated on the partnership between Helly Hansen and the New York Yacht Club’s American Magic, visit hellyhansen.com and americanmagic.com. A supporter apparel collection will be available through the Helly Hansen website starting in 2019.