BMF - British Marine Federation
BMF - British Marine Federation
03/13/2026 | News release | Distributed by Public on 03/13/2026 05:18
Spring/Summer 2026 sailing launches from Helly Hansen
13 March 2026
Helly Hansen's New Ægir Ocean Smock Top Delivers Upgraded Performance for Extreme Offshore Sailing
For nearly 150 years, Helly Hansen, the leading global sailing brand trusted by professionals around the world, has been driven by innovation and shaped by extreme environments. Working closely with professional offshore sailors, the Norway-based brand takes inspiration from their experiences and leverages their feedback to continually elevate and refine their designs. Developed with ocean racing professionals, including round the world record breaking sailor Thomas Coville, and launching in Spring/Summer '26, the new Ægir Ocean Smock Top features upgraded fabric and enhanced performance, built to withstand even the harshest ocean conditions.
With waterproof, windproof and breathable HELLY TECH® Professional fabric construction, the smock top guarantees the highest level of protection without compromising comfort, making it ideal for high-intensity offshore racing. Helly Hansen's designers, materials and R&D teams, and pattern makers worked together closely to deliver the brand's most waterproof fabric construction and a more refined articulation of the smock top, maintaining durability while allowing for improved freedom of movement.
The advanced HELLY TECH® Professional 4-ply fabric construction features a multi-layered composite membrane that is highly protective and fully waterproof. By using premium quality recycled nylon yarns originating from recycled fish nets, the fabric is also sturdier and promises sailing-grade performance.
With added waterproof protection from the latex-sealed neck and cuffs as well as an adjustable neoprene storm skirt that prevents water from seeping in, the Ægir Ocean Smock Top also features a secure, zipped waterproof pocket to keep essentials dry. CORDURA® reinforcement fabric on the elbow, lower back and hem delivers durability while SOLAS reflective elements and neon colour details enhance visibility and safety while sailing offshore.
Photo: Helly Hansen Ægir Ocean Smock Top (Men's)
Working with professionals like our long-term partner Thomas Coville allows us to test and validate our designs in the most demanding real-world conditions, while also giving us insight into how the sport continues to evolve. As sailing progresses, our gear must evolve with it, and with this feedback, we're confident our products continue to deliver protection and performance that sailors can rely on in the harshest waters.
Sarah RandallProduct Manager for Sailing at Helly HansenHelly Hansen is my family because they listen to what I need when I go extreme sailing, with the pressure of the water, cold, wind and extreme conditions. We are always thinking about improvements together, and it's why we as a team are at the top-of-the-top today.
Thomas CovilleProfessional offshore sailorAdditional features of the Ægir Ocean Smock Top include articulated sleeves and elbows for optimal mobility and an adjustable elastic bottom hem for customised fit and protection.
The Ægir Ocean Smock Top will be available for purchase online and in-store starting Spring 2026. To learn more about Helly Hansen's proprietary technologies and the entire Ægir offshore collection, please visit https://www.hellyhansen.com/en-gb.
Helly Hansen launches New Koster 2.5L Jacket delivering durable protection in a marine-inspired design
For nearly 150 years, technical outdoor brand Helly Hansen has been trusted by professionals around the world to create gear they can rely on in the harshest conditions. Rooted in a rich sailing heritage, the Norway-based brand merges technical performance with marine-inspired style. For Spring/Summer '26, Helly Hansen introduces the new Koster 2.5L Jacket - a fully waterproof and breathable rain jacket that brings modern function to a classic nautical design.
Photo: Helly Hansen Koster 2.5L Jacket (Men's)
The Koster 2.5L Jacket will be available in both men's and women's specific designs in-store and online starting Spring 2026. To learn more about HELLY TECH® technology, please visit https://www.hellyhansen.com/en-gb.
Featuring HELLY TECH® Performance fabric construction, the jacket guarantees waterproof, breathable protection in a timeless design that's ideal for everyday wear. It's also highly durable, with a front zipper designed for easy removal and replacement - extending the product's lifespan without compromising waterproof performance.
Additional features of the Koster 2.5L Jacket include an adjustable hood and elastic cuffs and bottom hem, and it's built with recycled and certified fabric.
Helly Hansen was founded nearly 150 years ago by a sea captain who wanted to protect his crew from the harsh Norwegian elements. That commitment to protection and performance has driven our innovation ever since and it's why we continue to be trusted by professionals around the world today. With this jacket, we wanted to bring that trust and technical expertise into a design built for everyday wear, while also paying tribute to our maritime heritage.
Synne Alida LandbakkProduct Manager for Lifestyle at Helly Hansen
BMF - British Marine Federation published this content on March 13, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on March 13, 2026 at 11:18 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]