The Chandlery, working in conjunction with Henri-Lloyd Australia, has announced a formal partnership with the Short-Handed Sailing Association of New Zealand (SSANZ) as the exclusive technical clothing partner for the 2025/2026 season. The arrangement covers both the Lewmar Triple Series, which got underway this month, and the 2026 Doyle Sails Round North Island race.
Under the partnership, The Chandlery is supplying high-performance technical gear and custom-branded merchandise to SSANZ members and race entrants, along with prize support and pop-up activations at key events throughout the season.
"It's an absolute pleasure to welcome Henri-Lloyd by The Chandlery to the SSANZ family as an official partner for 2025/2026. Their reputation for technical excellence and commitment to quality aligns perfectly with our mission to support shorthanded sailors. This collaboration will enhance our SSANZ events with exceptional clothing for our sailors - keeping our sailors warm and dry while sharing the love of the ocean that we do," said Harri Wren, SSANZ PR & Communications.
Shorthanded sailors have no say over the conditions they race in, and the gear backing them needs to reflect that reality. The opening Lewmar Triple Series race on 12 July demonstrated exactly what these events demand, with conditions shifting from clear skies to mayhem within minutes. To meet that challenge, The Chandlery is equipping competitors with Henri-Lloyd's Dynamic, Elite, Biscay, and Coastal Hi-Fit ranges, complemented by layering essentials built for sustained endurance across whatever the weather delivers.
The Elite Range draws on six decades of fabric and product development, built around 3-layer DRI-PRO construction and engineered to handle extended and extreme time on the water. It is aimed at sailing professionals and committed enthusiasts who need gear that performs when conditions turn serious. The Dynamic Range pairs exceptional waterproofing and breathability with a clean, streamlined aesthetic, delivering freedom of movement and outstanding performance in demanding conditions without sacrificing style. For inshore and coastal sailors logging longer days at sea, the Coastal Hi-Fits paired with Biscay Jackets offer technical protection and all-day comfort, with optional drop-seat designs available in women's versions. Base layers manage moisture and temperature regulation, while mid-layers such as the Aktiv Stretch and Smart-Therm deliver warmth without bulk, particularly valuable during winter races or night watches when staying warm directly affects performance.
The range as a whole is designed around how sailors actually move and what they genuinely face out there, whether that is a 60-nautical-mile sprint or a full circumnavigation leg.
"When you are offshore you cannot just nip into the local and grab another jacket/warm layer, you need to leave the dock with the correct gear for the conditions. A sailing kit should include warmth and protection layers suitable for the time and conditions you may (not wish for) encounter. Plan the gear for the worst possible conditions and you will be warm, happy and able to perform in any conditions experienced," said Warren Haslip, CEO of The Chandlery.
Alongside the technical sailing gear, The Chandlery has developed a line of custom-branded merchandise that works just as well at the prizegiving or the bar as it does on the water. These are pieces built for comfort, durability, and a low-key race-day pride that needs no announcement.
The collection spans three core items. The Dri Fast Polo is a moisture-wicking, quick-dry polo with UV protection, made from recycled polyester and suited to warm-weather wear or layering under a jacket. The Dri Fast Tee, available in both short and long sleeve versions, doubles as a practical base layer with odour control, UV protection, and a look that holds up off the boat. The Breeze Jacket is a lightweight, windproof shell with water resistance and a mesh lining, equally at home handling spray on the rail or a wet walk through the city.
Every piece in the collection can carry event-specific branding across SSANZ, the Lewmar Triple Series, or the Doyle Sails RNI 2026, making them relevant for both active racers and supporters following along from the shore.
SSANZ members and registered racers receive exclusive discounts through The Chandlery, and selected items are feeding directly into the prize pool. A limited-edition early bird prize pack for RNI 2026 includes two custom Breeze jackets, each carrying the SSANZ, RNI2026, and team logo, along with goodies from Doyle Sails. Winners will be drawn from those who register by 1 August.
The Lewmar Triple Series currently has 114 boats entered, and interest in the Doyle Sails RNI 2026 is building steadily, with 19 boats registered and a target of 40. SSANZ continues to draw sailors who want genuinely demanding races backed by a tight-knit, supportive community.
For The Chandlery, this partnership goes well beyond having a logo on a banner at the dock. It means prize support, direct access to technical gear, and showing up at events in person. Warren has raced the Triple Series himself, and Evita has spent considerable time on the organisational side of events, giving both a clear sense of what it takes to sustain races that run on volunteer effort and genuine passion.
"We're not a big corporate retailer, but a couple based in the Bay of Islands who believe in the gear we sell because we know what it's like to need it. We want more Kiwi sailors to experience the quality and comfort Henri-Lloyd gear offers, so they can stay out there longer, feel more confident (and comfortable), and keep showing up for the kind of racing it's intended to be," said Evita Zarina, The Chandlery's brand and partnerships lead.
