Helly Hansen becomes official clothing sponsor to RYA Sailability and OnBoard programmes

Helly Hansen - RYA OnBoard Sailability Sponsor © RYA

The RYA is delighted to announce Helly Hansen, the global sailing brand founded in Norway in 1877, as the official clothing supplier to the RYA Sailability and OnBoard programmes.

As official clothing sponsor, a wide range of Helly Hansen's professional grade gear, worn by world-class sailors across all five oceans, is now available for RYA OnBoard and RYA Saliability registered clubs and training centres. The clothing is available in a choice of men's and womens' and includes: Pier 2 pants, Pier jackets, tops, fleeces, polos, smocks, vests and t-shirts, as well as buoyancy aids, racing bags, riders and rider vests. All merchandise will be branded with the relevant RYA Sailability or RYA OnBoard logo.

As a long term partner of RYA OnBoard, this new partnership expands Helly Hansen's support of the RYA's OnBoard initiative. Alistair Dickson, director of sport development at the RYA said: "We're delighted that Helly Hansen has expanded its commitment and offering to the RYA. The Helly Hansen brand has an outstanding reputation based on the performance of its products in the world's most challenging environments. Helly Hansen's support to RYA Sailability and RYA OnBoard clubs and training centres now allows us to help provide top level clothing to our committed volunteers and staff."

Emma Russell, Marketing Manager for Helly Hansen in the UK, Ireland and Benelux, adds, "Helly Hansen is delighted to announce its partnership with the Royal Yachting Association on its Onboard and Sailability programmes. As the RYA is the national body for all forms of boating, it provides Helly Hansen with the perfect platform to showcase our commitment to sailors. Our latest collection offers sailors technical and stylish kit, and is designed in conjunction with some of the world's leading sailing professionals - enabling sailors to perform at their best on the water."

The new range of RYA Sailability and RYA OnBoard logo branded merchandise can only be purchased for employees and volunteers at RYA OnBoard clubs and training centres, and RYA Sailability clubs and training centres. For more information visit here.

Run by the RYA, the OnBoard programme offers young people, aged 8 to 18, the chance to learn an exciting new sport in a safe environment. Being on the water creates multiple situations where young people are challenged as they learn how to sail and windsurf. From problem solving, and decision making, to leadership and teamwork, young OnBoarders will learn valuable life skills, all whilst having fun and making friends on the water.

OnBoard provides a safe structure for this to happen and a great environment to help them develop, stimulate and strengthen both mind and body. For more information about how to get involved visit rya.org.uk/go/onboard.

Sailability is the national programme run by the RYA which gives people with disabilities the chance to try sailing and to take part regularly. The British network of more than 200 RYA-approved Sailability sites have boats and facilities to cater for people across the whole spectrum of abilities. To find out more about sailing opportunities for disabled people, or those that need specific support to get on-the-water visit rya.org.uk/sailability.

Love Boating? Then why not join the association that promotes and protects, safe, successful and rewarding British boating. Join today and support the RYA in protecting your boating rights and freedoms. Take advantage of free advice and support on all aspects of your boating, as well as enjoying a range of fantastic personal member offers. Find out more by calling 02380 604 159, email member.services@rya.org.uk or visit rya.org.uk