Zhik are delighted to announce they are back as the Technical Clothing Partner for AkzoNobel Ocean Racing for The Ocean Race Europe 2021, the prelude to The Ocean Race 2022-23.

The team, headed by ocean racing veteran Chris Nicholson, will be wearing Zhik’s new OFS800 offshore garments ahead of their market launch in September. The team will run full complements of Zhik mid, base and active layer combinations along with the yachting footwear range.

The Ocean Race Europe sets off from Lorient, France at the end of May and finishes in Genoa, Italy in June, with stop overs in Cascais and Alicante en route. A new event, the Ocean Race Europe is designed to showcase top level, competitive ocean racing between the best international teams and to engage European audiences with the ambitious sustainability programme that builds on the previous round the world race.

Skipper Chris Nicholson who has participated in six editions of The Ocean Race comments, “I’m very excited to be working with Zhik again. The product innovations and new designs Zhik created for the last race were groundbreaking for the very wet Volvo Ocean 65 yachts. Just like competing at top international level you cannot stand still, and having the latest clothing technology on board is all part of propelling our team to success.”

Zhik CEO Piet Poelmann adds, “We are very excited to support AkzoNobel Ocean Racing once again and join them on this incredible journey. The Ocean Race is one of the toughest sailing competitions in the world and perfect conditions for our gear and this team to excel. Both AkzoNobel Ocean Racing and Zhik are committed to top level performance and challenging the best in the world.”

The Ocean Race Europe is set to bring many of the world’s best ocean racers together with AkzoNobel Ocean Racing and Zhik set to impress.