While many established businesses in the boating industry are struggling to pull through the economic crisis, there are also some success stories emerging from the shake up. Until very recently, Patrick Langley headed the marine products division of Line 7, and now he finds himself taking the lead for Zhik New Zealand, delivering a fresh outlook on technical sailing apparel.

“With the sad demise of Line 7, it is refreshing to now be part of a fresh new brand with such a focus on innovation,” said Patrick Langley.  “The designers at Zhik derive products for the racing sailor and I am very confident that this will be embraced.  It is very much out with the old and in with the new.”

To date the Zhik brand has mostly been known only by the top sailing athletes, however with Patrick at the helm for Zhik New Zealand, there is a great expectation that this will change. Coincident to this announcement is the arrival of a new range of wet weather gear, ready to take on all aspects of sailing. Zhik sponsors an elite set of international sailors on its team, six of which are currently ranked number one in the world in the respective Olympic  class.  Recently joining this team from New Zealand are sailors Jo Aleh and Olivia Powrie, who won the 420 World championship and are now competing in the Olympic 470 class. Another  top sailor from New Zealand to join the team is Michael Bullot, competing in the single handed Olympic Laser class towards London 2012.

While other businesses in the boating industry are having trouble with the downturn in new boat sales, a new innovative business like Zhik can still thrive as it picks up market share, extending its dealer network, and builds its product range.

“As Zhik is a relatively new company, we can be nimble in our marketing strategy, fast on our feet, and quick to make positive decisions on how to accelerate our growth on a global scale,” said Brian Conolly, managing director of Zhik. “Our decision to place Pat at the head of Zhik New Zealand right now is an example of exactly that. It is also an example of our attitude that breeds rapid success of the Zhik brand”.

Pat announces the release of the Isotak line of gear from Zhik today, with some very interesting new technical aspects.  Isotak is a three layer fabric with a modern internal membrane to give the material a very high waterproof and breathable specification. Other three layer fabrics used in the industry use a middle layer that is perforated with tiny holes, so it can still ‘breath’ water vapour while remaining waterproof.  These membranes are based on the original discoveries of Gore back in the 70’s. In Isotak, however, the membrane is a modern polymer that is non-porous and yet it will still breath to high specification using a hydrophilic action.

“Isotak has no holes,” said Pat,”so no salt will get clogged and the three layer material remains more durable, and more waterproof.  It’s definitely more modern than the perforated stuff of the 70’s”