SUMNER, WA. (October 25, 2018) — Helly Hansen, the Norway-based global leader in sailing, today announced its partnership with New York Yacht Club American Magic, the U.S. Challenger for the 36 America’s Cup, the highest prize in international sailing. With more than 140 years of innovation and performance-driven apparel trusted by professionals around the world, Helly Hansen will create sailing apparel for American Magic, sharing the goal of winning back the America’s Cup and bringing the “Auld Mug,” the oldest trophy in international sport, home to the United States.

“A warm, dry and comfortable sailing team is one that can perform at its best,” said Terry Hutchinson, Executive Director and Skipper of American Magic. “Having a partner that has been innovating in marine apparel for well over a century gives us a lot of confidence. The America’s Cup is all about pushing the limits of technology, and we’re excited to wear such well-engineered Helly Hansen products both on and off the water.”

Since 1877, Helly Hansen’s commitment to innovation and producing professional-grade apparel for the harshest conditions on the planet, has resulted in lasting partnerships with some of the top athletes and maritime teams competing today. New York Yacht Club is already a partner of Helly Hansen, having recognized Helly Hansen’s expertise in 2014 when they joined forces for the Resolute Cup. After winning the first America’s Cup in 1851, the New York Yacht Club, supporting American Magic’s new challenge for the Cup, held the Cup until 1983; recognized as the longest winning streak in sports history. As the successors of the historic New York Yacht Club sailors that defended the cup 24 times over 126 years, American Magic brings renewed passion and spirit to the upcoming events.

Skipper Terry Hutchinson will lead the charge with a crew of 11 on a foiling AC75 monohull, a new design created for the next America’s Cup. American Magic will compete during several America’s Cup World Series regatta over the next three years, which will culminate in the Prada Cup, (the Challenger finals) in early 2021. The winner of the Prada Cup will face the Defender, Emirates Team New Zealand, in the America’s Cup match, to be held in Auckland, New Zealand, in March 2021.

By combining award-winning apparel and technologies from Helly Hansen with experience and insight from one of the world’s top sailing teams, American Magic plans to challenge the Defender and bring the America’s Cup back to the U.S. Helly Hansen and American Magic will work together to create sailing apparel with maximum performance in mind, while supporting the US-based team’s identity.

“Helly Hansen’s history in creating performance apparel for the world’s sailing professionals is second to none,” said Paul Stoneham, CEO, Helly Hansen. “Every fabric, seam, panel and zipper makes a difference in enabling crews to execute their responsibilities to perfection on deck in such a fast-paced environment. It’s an honor for our brand to work with the American Magic team to help them achieve their dream to bring the cup home.”

To stay updated on the partnership between Helly Hansen and the New York Yacht Club’s American Magic, visit hellyhansen.com and americanmagic.com. A supporter apparel collection will be available through the Helly Hansen website starting in 2019.

About Helly Hansen

Founded in Norway in 1877, Helly Hansen continues to develop professional-grade apparel that helps people stay and feel alive. Through insights drawn from living and working in the world’s harshest environments, the company has developed a long list of first-to-market innovations, including the first supple waterproof fabrics more than 140 years ago. Other breakthroughs include the first fleece fabrics in the 1960s, the first technical base layers in the 1970s, made with Lifa® Stay Dry Technology, and today’s award winning and patented HFlow™ temperature regulating system.

Helly Hansen is a leader in technical sailing and performance ski apparel, as well as premium workwear. Its ski uniforms are worn and trusted by more than 55,000 professionals and can be found on Olympians, National Teams, and at more than 200 ski resorts and mountain guiding operations around the world.

Helly Hansen’s outerwear, base layers, sportswear and footwear are sold in more than 40 countries and trusted by outdoor professionals and enthusiasts around the world. To learn more about Helly Hansen’s latest collections, visit www.hellyhansen.com.

About the New York Yacht Club

The New York Yacht Club was founded in 1844 when nine New York yachtsmen met aboard John Cox Stevens' yacht and a year later its original clubhouse was built in Hoboken, N.J. The Club's Annual Regatta was first run in 1845. The Club was the keeper of the America's Cup from 1851 to 1983, and it organized the first transatlantic race in 1866. The Club maintains two exquisite clubhouses, on 44th Street in the heart of New York City, known for its Model Room and extensive nautical library, and Harbour Court in Newport, R.I., which annually hosts some of North America's most prestigious sailing events, including the Annual Regatta, Race Week at Newport presented by Rolex, the Rolex New York Yacht Club Invitational Cup and the Queen's Cup. www.nyyc.org

About New York Yacht Club American Magic

Formed in October 2017 by Bella Mente Racing, Quantum Racing and the New York Yacht Club, New York Yacht Club American Magic brings together two highly successful racing programs with one of the foremost yacht clubs in the world, all with the shared vision of launching a campaign for the 36th America's Cup competition, reconnecting the American sailing base with sailing's premier event and elevating the quality of competitive sailing in the United States. The syndicate intends to develop and support a team that will participate in the America's Cup competition and the Challenger Selection Series competitions that lead up to it. American Magic is a recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. www.americanmagic.com