For more than 60 years, Henri-Lloyd has equipped some of sailing’s greatest pioneers. But the future of the sport depends on more than technical innovation and performance apparel – it depends on getting more people on the water.
Today, Henri-Lloyd launches Sail Free, a new initiative designed to break down the barriers preventing people from experiencing sailing for the first time. Created in partnership with RYA training centres across the UK, Sail Free aims to make sailing more accessible, more inclusive and easier to get into for anyone curious about life on the water.
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 people, sailing still feels inaccessible, expensive or difficult to begin.
Research commissioned by Henri-Lloyd reveals that 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 sailing lesson. However, cost, accessibility and uncertainty about where to start remain significant barriers to participation.
Henri-Lloyd’s findings are supported by research from the RYA and British Marine, which identified cost, lack of awareness and perceived accessibility as key obstacles preventing more people from getting involved in sailing and watersports.
Sail Free has been created to help change that. Through the initiative, customers who purchase qualifying Henri-Lloyd products will receive a £300 voucher redeemable against recognised RYA sailing courses. Participants can complete an RYA Start Yachting two-day introductory course free of charge, or use the voucher towards more advanced qualifications including Competent Crew and Day Skipper courses.
Chris Hammond, CEO of Henri-Lloyd, says: “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 and experience sailing for themselves.”
Knut Frostad, Chairman of Henri-Lloyd and former professional sailor, adds: “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. That’s why I’m proud Henri-Lloyd is helping more people take their first step into the sport.”
Prometheus Sailing, based in Portsmouth, is one of the first sailing centres signed up to participate in Sail Free. Managing Director Simon Boulding says: “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 of introducing more people to sailing and are excited to welcome participants onto our yachts and training courses.”
The Sail Free initiative will give Henri-Lloyd customers the opportunity to gain their first RYA qualification and begin their sailing journey, or continue developing their skills through more advanced courses. Sailing centres across the UK are being encouraged to join the Sail Free programme, helping more people access recognised training and experience the benefits of life on the water. Those RYA approved centres interested in getting involved can contact Henri-Lloyd (ross.partridge@henrilloyd.com) for further information.
Sail Free – How it Works
- Qualifying Henri-Lloyd products included in Sail Free are 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.
- Upon purchase of a qualifying Henri-Lloyd product via a Henri-Lloyd retail store on henrilloyd.com, the customer will receive a discount voucher to be quoted when booking with one of the participating RYA centres (discount value of £300).
- There are currently two actively participating sailing clubs in the UK. Prometheus Sailing in Portsmouth and UKSA in Cowes, Isle of Wight. This list will likely grow as the programme generates publicity. A number of RYA approved centres are in the process of joining.
