Team SCA, the first all-women’s team in a decade to tackle the Volvo Ocean Race, departed Auckland today to undertake the dreaded Auckland-Itajaí leg of the race. Faced with 20 days of continuous sailing and fierce Antarctic wind conditions, Team SCA will run the constant risk of hitting bus-size chunks of ice and migrating whales until they reach Brazil’s southern coastline.

All 12 female sailors will depend on their Helly Hansen women’s-specific offshore ocean survival suits and ocean boots day and night to survive this notoriously dangerous race leg. The 137-year-old Norwegian company worked closely with Team SCA to create sailing apparel and outerwear strong enough to withstand everything from deep-sea conditions to the risk of rogue waves and cold storms.

Helly Hansen’s Aegir offshore racing series is named after the mythical Norse god of the sea and is built to endure weeks away from port. It will be available to the public January 2015.

Helly Hansen and Team SCA developed the Aegir Ocean Dry Suit to deliver maximum protection and performance in Southern Ocean conditions. The Aegir suit’s fleece-lined collar and adjustable hood provide extra insulation while its waterproof breathable socks ensure feet stay dry while battling constant waves and heavy winds. Made with Helly Tech® Professional fabrics, the waterproof and breathable one piece is fully seam sealed to protect against the elements. The suit features a waterproof YKK zip, an EN471-approved visibility hood, and reflective double cuffs for unmistakable visibility at sea.

The high-performance Aegir Ocean Boot Gaiter rounds out the Aegir collection. These knee-high boots are fully waterproof and are built with a rubber upper and a protective, abrasion-resistant gaiter. The flexible and lightweight Helly Grip® sole provides great multi-traction performance on slippery decks.

Aegir Ocean Dry Suit

A one-piece dry suit for unparalleled stormproof protection - its fleece-lined collar and adjustable hood provide warmth while its waterproof breathable socks ensure feet stay dry. The brightly colored, reflective hood guarantees visibility at sea.

  • Helly Tech® Professional
  • Waterproof and breathable
  • Fully seam sealed
  • Durable Water Repellency (DWR)
  • Full suit
  • High collar
  • Polartec® fleece-lined collar
  • Adjustable hood
  • EN-471 high visibility hood
  • YKK waterproof Zippers
  • Adjustable double cuffs and waist
  • Large cargo pockets at chest and thigh
  • Articulated sleeves
  • Seat and knee reinforcements
  • Removable padding in knees
  • Adjustable leg ends
  • Adjustable inside suspenders
  • Hanger loop

Aegir Ocean Boot Gaiter and W Aegir Ocean Boot Gaiter

A high-performance sailing boot for the professional sailor in need of best-in-class weather protection, grip, insulation, and comfort. The boots are fully waterproof, with a protective and abrasion resistant gaiter. The sole is flexible and lightweight with Helly Grip® rubber for great multi-traction performance.

Upper:

  • Multi-compound rubber upper construction
  • Abrasion-resistant CORDURA® mesh gaiter with speed-lace closure

Midsole:

  • Premium molded EVA sock liner
  • Serdio Clarino

Anti-Bacterial treatment

Outsole:

  • Multidirectional grip system

ABOUT HELLY HANSEN

Founded in Moss, Norway, in 1877, Helly Hansen continues to protect and enable professionals making their living on oceans and mountains around the world. Their apparel, developed through a blend of Scandinavian design and insights drawn from living in some of the harshest environments on earth, helps provide the confidence professionals need to step out into the elements and complete their jobs. The company invented the first supple, waterproof fabrics more than 130 years ago, created the first fleece fabrics in the 1960s and introduced the first technical base layers made with LIFA® Stay Dry Technology in the 1970s. Today, Helly Hansen is the official uniform partner for more than 60 ski resorts and mountain guiding operations and has outfitted more than 33,000 mountain professionals. The brand’s outerwear, base layers, sportswear and footwear for winter, outdoor and water sports are sold in more than 40 countries. To learn more about Helly Hansen’s latest collections, visit www.hellyhansen.com