Zhik appoints top offshore sailor as distributor for New Zealand

by Richard Gladwell/Sail-World.com NZL on 5 Oct 2015 Zhik, the leading sailing clothing designer and manufacturer have appointed a New Zealand distributor.

The brand is now represented in New Zealand by Simon Hull’s Multihull Ventures, trading as Zhik NZ.

Simon Hull is well know as one of the country's high profile offshore and high performance sailors, through his racing exploits first on the TP52, V5, and more recently the ORMA60 TeamVodafoneSailing - which has set numerous race records in New Zealand and Australia.

The ORMA60 was the first to be owned and raced in the Southern Hemisphere and was formerly Geant - the twice trans-Atlantic race winner, sailed by Michel Desjoyeaux.

'Simon Hull has a perfect combination of business and sailing skills that will help direct Zhik into an expanded world for water sports“ said Brian Conolly, Managing Director for Zhik. “It’s time for our growing brand to be properly supported through local distribution. Local retailers and consumers will enjoy this change.”

Director of Zhik NZ, Simon Hull added, “The brand is very well known for its dinghy products, and also its brilliant new range of yachting gear. The apparel is “made for water”, and we are looking forward to getting out and spreading the word into new areas geographically, and into new water sports. It is great to be involved with products we use, know and love in the sailing world, and we look forward to growing our New Zealand presence, working with our established network of stockists, and also through developing new areas.”

Zhik is busy expanding its product offering to include new performance paddling products, and increased Apres on-shore apparel. Taking knowledge gained from the demanding elements in the sport of sailing, and applying it to other water sports, will see more stores carrying Zhik gear in New Zealand.

“We will take direction from Zhik NZ to help build an international case for a more expanded participation of the Zhik brand in water.” said Brian. “I know Simon has the presence, and energy, to help us develop product to suit New Zealand’s needs, and we look forward to that innovation.'

Although best known for its racing dinghy race clothing, Zhik also design and produce off the water clothing as well as a full range of offshore and ocean racing gear. n New Zealand the range is available through retail outlets such The Water Shed.

The Zhik line is known for its outstanding selection of materials and innovative design to give sailors the very best clothing experience and protection.