Technical clothing company Zhik announced today its lead sponsorship of two key summer sailing events - the Etchells NSW and Etchells national championships.

Zhik is an Australian grown company with a strong commitment to high performance sailors whether they are dinghy and Olympic class, keel boat or offshore sailors. The company's support of the Etchells class through sponsorship of the NSW and national championships will help to further grow brand awareness within the Etchells class.

In announcing the sponsorship today sales manager Pat Langley said, "Zhik has worked with the world's best Etchells sailors over many years to develop Zhik's keelboat sailing range. Sailors such as John Bertrand and Andrew Palfrey have been extremely hands-on in the product development process and as a result Zhik is now worn by the top Etchells teams around the world. 

"With all the major Etchells events coming to Sydney, the home of Zhik, it was natural for Zhik to become involved." 

Zhik released for sale online from today its smart-looking event merchandise. The company will also support the events through the on-site services of local Zhik dealer, NB Sailsports, which will carry supplies of competition wear including the specially developed Deckbeaters. "Andrew Palfrey has helped us develop a couple of products which are very specific to Etchells sailing, one being the Deckbeater short which a lot of the sailors are already wearing," Langley said.

The first of the Etchells events, the NSW Championship, hosted by Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club from 17 to 20 November, is attracting entries from around Australia and overseas. Current and past world champions Bill Hardesty, Cameron Miles and John Bertrand will be competing alongside national and state champions, and Australian teams still seeking qualification for the Sydney worlds. 

Zhik technical wear and event merchandise is available for purchase now via the web shop, go http://www.zhik.com/ProductList.aspx?element=61&category=1&CategoryID=288

For more information on the Zhik Etchells NSW State Championship 2011, go http://www.rpayc.com.au/etchells-states