Inside a warehouse. Multiple shelves stocked with goods from VDM-Reya, Henri-Lloyd French distributor

Henri-Lloyd has appointed VDM-Reya as its exclusive distributor in France. This means the clothing company’s full range of yachting and boating garb will be on show at two major boat shows: Cannes Yachting Festival and Grand Pavois at La Rochelle.

Simon Payne, CCO, says that France is a very important sales area for the company.  “Sailing is a hugely popular activity in France; both the Vendee Globe and La Solitaire du Figaro are iconic offshore races, and the country is also the home of premium yachting regattas like Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez,” he says.  “This year we also have the Olympics where sailing takes place in Marseille.  Of course, there are also thousands of French people who prefer cruising adventures, and all this means that the market is of great importance to Henri-Lloyd. With VDM-Reya we believe we have the best partner to deliver our range of yachting and boating apparel to the French market.”

“Henri-Lloyd has been synonymous with excellence and innovation in the nautical apparel industry for decades,” says Jean-Nicolas Barral, VDM-Reya‘s MD. “Its commitment to producing high-quality clothing designed to ensure safety and comfort in diverse maritime conditions aligns perfectly with VDM-Reya’s values. As a distributor of boat equipment, we have always strived to offer our customers the best products available, and the Henri-Lloyd range allows us to continue this tradition of excellence.”

Headquartered near Toulon, VDM-Reya employs over 120 personnel with a dedicated 25-strong sales team, and represents leading brands including Jabsco, JL Audio, Magma and Sierra.

A sailor in red and white apparel adjusts the boat

Henri-Lloyd’s strategy to offer a comprehensive and long-lasting collection in a limited range of key colours enables their regionally based sales representatives to better support stockists and the end customer, believes Olivier Carayon, marketing and purchasing director of VDM-Reay. “We appreciate Henri-Lloyd’s eco-responsibility by offering a repair service, reflecting its intention that their clothing should be long-lasting and bought for a lifetime of use.”

The latest collection incorporates some highly technical features, including PFC free and recycled waterproof and water-resistant fabrics. There’s also four-way stretch and ergonomically designed garments, taped seams, all-round vision hoods, high visibility patches and UV protection.

Henri-Lloyd says its clothing has been chosen by yachting legends including Sir Francis Chichester, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, Sir Ranulph Fiennes and Sir Ben Ainslie over the years. INEOS’ Britannia British Sailing team will be wearing Henri-Lloyd clothing for its challenge in the 37th America’s Cup.

Yesterday MIN reported that quadriplegic adventurer Geoff Holt, founder of Wetwheels, has completed a circumnavigation of the UK. Holt was supported by Henri-Lloyd, took 26 days and covered some 1,880 nautical miles.

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