Norwegian outdoorwear retailer Helly Hansen has scored an official apparel partnership with the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (CYCA) and the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.
The partnership will see Helly Hansen and CYCA branded merchandise available at the CYCA in-club shop and online store. Selected Helly Hansen retail stores will also carry the CYCA branded merchandise.
Helly Hansen operates nine retail stores in Australia - four in Victoria, three in New South Wales, and one each in Brisbane and Adelaide.
The partnership with CYCA comes as the brand rolls out its latest sailing and marine lifestyle collections in the Australian market. It includes organic cottons, Bluesign manufacturing and recycled ocean-bound materials.
Helly Hansen’s AU/NZ chief sales officer Cameron Mahoney said the partnership comes as the brand develops its national footprint.
“With our shared passion for sailing and commitment to excellence, this partnership represents the coming together of two storied institutions dedicated to excellence in sailing,” Mahoney said.
“Helly Hansen's long-standing heritage in technical sailing gear aligns perfectly with the CYCA's rich history and dedication to the sport. We are excited to provide the CYCA members with our innovative and performance-driven apparel.”
Helly Hansen was initially founded as a sailing outfit brand in 1877 and has since included general outdoorwear and skiwear to its collections, as well as accessories across categories.
Its ski uniforms are worn by more than 55,000 professionals globally and is sold and worn at more than 200 ski resorts and mountain guiding operations around the world, including Perisher and Falls Creek in Australia.
CYCA commodore Arthur Lane said the deal was based on the brand's history in marine apparel.
“They are a company with over 145 years’ experience providing sailors with exceptional marine clothing and sailing gear and have been at the forefront of technical and sustainability initiatives that are so important to our club,” Lane said.
“We are delighted to offer our members access to their extensive range of sailing, outdoor, urban and ski gear and to work closely with their local team to develop ranges of core CYCA and Rolex Sydney Hobart merchandise.”
The partnership will also include collaborations on events and activations, as well as apparel design.