Here’an announcement from the British foul-weather gear firm Henri-Lloyd that will be of interest to all offshore sailors. Foul weather gear is an essential part of any offshore sailor’s sea bag and represents a significant investment. One of the issues with offshore foul-weather gear is the bulk and weight of jackets, pants and salopettes. Getting rigged to go on watch in bad weather is like suiting up in chain mail and armor for a medieval battle.
Herni-Lloyd serves the blue-water sailing community and spent three years engaging with their brand ambassadors and a broad spectrum of customrs to redefine the essential elements of offshore quality foul-weather gear. The new OceanPro line that is being introduced this week at the huge marine gear and equipment show Metstrade in Amsterdam is the result.
The gear is built of an all new weather-proof fabric that is 17% lighter than conventional material –Goretex, for example– and is both more flexible and has a higher degree of “breathe ability.”
“Ocean PRO represents a major leap forward in offshore protection,” says Knut Frostad, Executive Chairman at Henri-Lloyd. “It’s not just built to withstand the ocean – it’s built to empower sailors to perform at their peak, sustainably and comfortably, for longer than ever before.”
PRESS RELEASE
Henri-Lloyd Launches Ocean PRO, a revolution in Survival-Grade Performance Offshore Apparel
Henri-Lloyd is set to unveil its latest new offshore range, Ocean PRO – a revolutionary new range of professional sailing apparel engineered for survival-grade performance, comfort, and sustainability on Stand 03.520/03.512 at Metstrade.
Shortlisted for the Dame Award 2025, Ocean Pro is designed to meet the needs of professional offshore racing teams, long-distance cruisers, and committed adventurers. Its innovative features and use of new fabric and design technology completely redefines what modern extreme-weather gear can achieve at sea.
Developed by the Henri-Lloyd team over three years in collaboration with its ambassadors including Vendée Globe and Ocean Race sailors, Ocean PRO introduces the world’s first 4-Layer Hybrid Membrane Stretch Fabric — a breakthrough in waterproof, breathable, and flexible protection. With survival-grade waterproofness (35K), exceptional breathability (14K), and a 17% weight reduction compared to traditional offshore gear, the Ocean PRO range delivers uncompromising performance in the harshest conditions on the planet.
“Ocean PRO represents a major leap forward in offshore protection,” says Knut Frostad, Executive Chairman at Henri-Lloyd. “It’s not just built to withstand the ocean – it’s built to empower sailors to perform at their peak, sustainably and comfortably, for longer than ever before.”
The Ocean PRO range includes:
- Offshore Jacket (men’s & women’s): Maximum protection with superior movement, featuring the Optivision Hood System, removable face mask, and photoluminescent safety details. The cropped storm flap on the jacket enables freedom of movement without compromising weather sealing, and the removable inner jacket neoprene skirt prevents wind and water ingress in extreme conditions, and can be removed in milder weather.
- Hybrid Smock (unisex): The world’s first fully-zipped offshore smock with removeable collar – combining the protective seal of a smock with the ventilation and accessibility of a jacket, making it easy to put on and remove, without the inconvenience of having to pull it on and off over the head
- Hi-Fit Salopettes (men’s shown on left & women’s, right): Reinforced with Cordura stretch panels, EVA foam cushioning, and articulated design for lasting comfort on long passages. The female design is tailored with lowered side pockets for comfort when wearing a PDF, and with a drop seat featuring heavyweight, waterproof non-corrosive AquaGuard® zips for easy and durable closure and convenience.
Fabric and Construction:
The Ocean PRO range builds on the unencumbered freedom of movement achieved in the Dynamic Range, which received a Special Commendation at the 2024 Dame Awards. The new and pioneering 4-Layer Hybrid Membrane Stretch Fabric technology enables Henri-Lloyd to utilise precision pattern cutting with ergonomic tailoring, resulting in sailing apparel that combines modern minimalism with superior functionality.
Key features include:
- 100% recycled Polyamide Face Fabric with 20D tricot backing
- Microporous coating and hydrophilic membrane – PFOA-free and PFC-free, this ensures waterproofness and breathability even after long exposure to salt, oil and sweat
- Double PFC-free C0 DWR treatment for superior water repellancy
- Bias-cut Y panels across the back enhances stretch and manoeuvrability and articulated sleeves and knees ensure unrestricted movement
- Cordura stretch reinforcements at the seat, knees and tail-drop zones for durability
- Heave duty AquaGuard® zippers, taped seams and drainage holes
- EVA (2mm) foam cushioning at seat and knees to reduce impact and fatigue.
- 360° reflective patches ensure high-visibility at night and in low light conditions for safety and endurance.
The Ocean Pro range is unlined and weighs in at 17% lighter than competitor products. Lightweight and compact, it makes it much easier to pack and carry, to store onboard and also enables much faster drying. The advantage of being unlined enables users to choose their own level of personalised layering.
Sustainability at the Core:
Henri-Lloyd continues to lead the way in sustainability in marine apparel, minimizing environmental impact through the removal of PFOA, PFOs and all other “forever chemicals” without compromising the fabric’s durability or technical performance.
Ocean PRO’s face fabric and mesh backing are sourced through pre-consumer recycling and verified by the Global Recycling Standard (GRS).
Tested and Proven at Sea:
The Ocean PRO range was extensively tested by professional sailors across multi-day ocean passages to ensure intuitive use and endurance. Feedback confirmed that its stretch mobility, ergonomic cushioning, and photoluminescent safety detailing significantly reduce fatigue while improving onboard performance and comfort.
Commenting on the Ocean PRO range, Vendee Globe sailor Sam Goodchild said: “I’m very proud to be a part of the Henri Lloyd team who have a great heritage and experience in Offshore Sailing. It is great working with the team who are all enthusiastic and motivated to get Henri-Lloyd back to the top of the offshore race world. I’m excited to be part of this ambitious adventure!”
The Ocean PRO range is being launched to the international marine trade at Metstrade and will be available to purchase from March 2026.
NOTES TO EDITORS:
For high res images please click here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/17x0NoLcXOeaRivp3mumuZpXD7Gvn-ISY?usp=sharing
Henri-Lloyd: Born in Manchester, England in 1963, Henri-Lloyd’s mission was to create the very best weatherproof protection in the world for the then-pioneers in sailing and exploration, those who were determined to explore the unknown and push the boundaries of what was possible.
This pioneering spirit that defined the brand then still endures today, creating exceptional clothing for all conditions, supported by a commitment to sustainable practices.
Henri-Lloyd is more than a sailing clothing brand – it’s a lifestyle, a mindset and an invitation to enjoy the best days of your life.
In 2022, the Henri-Lloyd brand was acquired by the Monte Rosa Sport Group, based in Oslo, Norway. This change heralds a new chapter in the brand’s evolution. With investment and focus on building a leading sailing apparel brands with world class design, quality and operations.
Other quotes available for use:
Cal Finlayson: Founder of Team Solan, Double Handed International Offshore Race Champion
“It’s a fascinating process to be involved in the development of this next generation of offshore gear. This is equipment I use every week and somewhat take for granted. So it’s insightful to see the level of detail design that goes into each item and to be able to contribute a few ideas during the testing phase. It’s a pleasure to work with the Henri-Lloyd team who have a real drive to create the best possible range of sailing gear. They are not afraid to test out new ideas and very receptive to hearing what works and what doesn’t. Just as with sailing, the only real way to progress is through the hours and miles spent on the water.”
Maggie Adamson: Founder of Team Solan, Double Handed sailing champion
“The Henri Lloyd women’s Ocean Pro high fit is a very good product. Features like the padded knees and seat and the two deep pockets on the front with separated compartments for storage are excellent. The fit is comfortable and snug but does not limit your movements. Adjustments at the ankle, waist and shoulder straps help with comfort and also a front zip makes getting in and out of them in a rush very easy.
The Ocean Pro Jacket is a very good fit and not too bulky. The style of anti-snag Velcro works well. Great features on this jacket include the good-sized hood with window panels along with the high collar, mean you can get completely out of the weather. The flared opening at the wrist means the inner cu can be adjusted easily for a better seal. Plenty of easy access pockets and good-sized hand warmer pockets make this jacket a great design.”
Andreas Heide: Norwegian sailor, adventurer and marine biologist
“When sailing and interacting with the ocean, it’s always about pushing limits and striving for perfection – ultimately for a better experience, better results and a deeper connection with the sea. For me, the Henri-Lloyd Oshore Series embodies this very spirit.”
Holly Manvell: Founder of Clean Sailors, activist and sailor
“The Henri-Lloyd Ocean Pro Offshore Hi-Fit for Women is soft, quiet – just a pleasure to wear and easy to slip on and off, whatever the conditions. Love the deep navy colour and attention to details – from the hanging hook to pocket placements. I haven’t come across a softer, lighter, better-looking off-shore kit. Their Ocean Pro Offshore Jacket has all the essentials for heavy weather sailing and with strong regard for the little things that make cold, wet and windy more bearable – cosy pockets for your hands and a high cosy neck to hide in from the elements. Great colour and details, too.”
