HENRI-LLOYD LAUNCHES ‘SAIL FREE’ INITIATIVE TO MAKE SAILING ACCESSIBLE FOR ALL | SS26
HENRI-LLOYD LAUNCHES ‘SAIL FREE’ INITIATIVE: Henri-Lloyd has equipped some of sailing’s greatest pioneers for more than 60 years. From supporting legends like Sir Francis Chichester and Sir Robin Knox-Johnston to modern elite racers like Sir Ben Ainslie, the heritage brand has always been at the pinnacle of technical innovation. However, the future of the sport depends on more than just high-performance apparel—it depends on getting more people out on the water.
Today, Henri-Lloyd officially launches ‘Sail Free’, a groundbreaking new initiative designed to break down the barriers preventing people from experiencing sailing for the first time. Created in partnership with Royal Yachting Association (RYA) training centres across the UK, ‘Sail Free’ aims to make the sport more accessible, more inclusive, and significantly easier to get into for anyone curious about life on the ocean.
HENRI-LLOYD LAUNCHES ‘SAIL FREE’ INITIATIVE – Breaking Down the Barriers to Entry
The benefits of sailing extend far beyond the sport itself; time on the water builds confidence, resilience, independence, and a deeper connection with the natural world. Yet, for many, it still feels elite, expensive, or difficult to begin.
Research commissioned by Henri-Lloyd reveals a massive untapped interest: more than 7.2 million people in the UK are interested in learning to sail, while 13.2 million would be likely to try a beginner lesson. However, cost, lack of awareness, and uncertainty about where to start remain major obstacles. These findings are backed up by joint research from the RYA and British Marine, which identified perceived accessibility and financial costs as key hurdles.
‘Sail Free’ has been created to change that narrative completely. Through the scheme, customers who purchase qualifying Henri-Lloyd products will receive a £300 voucher redeemable against recognised RYA sailing courses. This allows participants to complete an RYA Start Yachting two-day introductory course entirely free of charge, or use the voucher towards more advanced qualifications, including Competent Crew and Day Skipper courses.
HENRI-LLOYD LAUNCHES ‘SAIL FREE’ INITIATIVE – A Shared Vision for the Future of the Sport
Chris Hammond, CEO of Henri-Lloyd, explains that the project is rooted in the brand’s core values:
“Henri-Lloyd has always existed to support people who want to go further on the water. ‘Sail Free’ is a natural extension of that belief. If we want sailing to thrive, we need to make it easier for more people to experience it for themselves.
“This initiative isn’t about selling jackets. It’s about opening doors, creating opportunities, and helping the next generation discover the freedom, adventure, and wellbeing that life on the water can bring. By removing some of the barriers to entry, we hope to inspire more people to take that first step.”
Knut Frostad, Chairman of Henri-Lloyd and former professional sailor, echoes this sentiment:
“Some of the most important lessons I’ve learned in life have come from time spent on the water. Sailing teaches resilience, confidence, and teamwork in a way few other activities can. Everyone should have the opportunity to experience that, regardless of their background or experience.”
Prometheus Sailing, based in Portsmouth, is one of the primary sailing centres already signed up. Managing Director Simon Boulding comments:
“Henri-Lloyd’s ‘Sail Free’ initiative is a fantastic idea. Giving people the opportunity to invest in quality sailing apparel while also taking their first steps into the sport is an innovative and inclusive approach. We share Henri-Lloyd’s vision and are excited to welcome participants onto our yachts.”
Sail Free – How It Works
The initiative offers a direct route from buying gear to getting on the boat. Here is how customers can get involved:
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Qualifying Products: The offer applies to a wide range of premium gear, including the Mav Lite 2.0, Ocean Pro Smock, Ocean Pro Jacket, Dynamic Jacket, Breeze Jacket, Smart Therm Pro Jacket, Ocean Pro High-Fit Salopettes, Smart Therm Pro Salopettes, Dynamic Salopettes, and Breeze Salopettes.
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The Voucher: Upon purchasing any qualifying product via a Henri-Lloyd retail store or online at henrilloyd.com, customers receive a £300 discount voucher to code when booking with a participating RYA centre.
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Participating Centres: There are currently two active hubs launching the programme—Prometheus Sailing in Portsmouth and UKSA in Cowes, Isle of Wight.
As the programme generates publicity, this list of coastal training hubs is expected to grow rapidly, with a number of RYA-approved centres currently in the process of joining.
By reconnecting with its Manchester roots and looking forward to the next generation, Henri-Lloyd is reaffirming that its commitment goes beyond equipping elite sailors—it is about growing the community from the ground up.
RYA approved centres interested in joining the Sail Free programme can contact Henri-Lloyd at ross.partridge@henrilloyd.com for further information.
www.henrilloyd.com/pages/sail-free
