Australian sailing brand Zhik has announced its partnership with the Germany SailGP Team as official Technical Apparel Supplier.

“This is another exciting partnership for Zhik as we solidify ourselves as a top brand in one of the highest and most competitive series in the sailing world,” says Mat Belcher, Zhik CEO and triple Olympic medallist.

“Zhik is working to continually expand its reach in the sailing market globally and showcase the quality of our sailing equipment, so being able to support the Germany SailGP Team as they look to take on the world’s best is a great fit. We work very closely with many water sports stores across Europe including Germany, so working to build the Zhik brand in their customers region is a win for both.”

Led by two-time Olympic bronze medallist and Zhik Team athlete Erik Heil, the newly formed Germany SailGP Team made its debut at the Rolex United States Sail Grand Prix in Chicago in June (2023). The team is backed by some strong business and sports individuals, including entrepreneur and investor Thomas Riedel of Riedel Communications and four-time F1 World Champion Sebastian Vettel.

Erik Heil, Germany SailGP Team Driver, comments: “It is great to be able to have support from Zhik as I and the Germany SailGP Team embark on this journey.

“I have been partnered with Zhik for some time now so, when we needed to find a brand to supply technical clothing this was an easy choice.”

Zhik says its presence in the German sailing scene is growing with a strong connection to many trade partners, including wholesaler Peter Frisch GMBH, along with a group of the country’s top sailing individual athletes and teams.

Johnny Rodgers, Zhik Global Sponsorship Manager, adds: “Over the years Zhik has built some very strong relationships across many sailing disciplines and competitions. So, to be able to continue supporting and working with a previous Zhik athlete, Erik Heil, as he progresses and builds this world class team is a very exciting endeavour.

“The partnerships that we are forming with all the SailGP teams directly impacts and supports the development of Zhik as a brand and the technical gear that Zhik is able to produce for sailors all over the world.”

Earlier this year, Zhik launched an equity crowdfunding campaign to raise AU$4m (£2.29m) to drive future growth following one of its most successful years, with sales growing 40 per cent in the financial year ending June 2022.

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