“At its core, Sail Racing is driven by performance through innovation,” says Rob Crawford, Sales Manager, Sail Racing. “We’re constantly pushing the boundaries of what technical clothing gear can be, with garments designed to stand up to the most demanding conditions. Sail Racing creates technical gear that’s built for purpose, but always with a modern aesthetic that transitions well from deck to dock.” With the Sail Racing team gearing up to return to The Whitsundays as a proud partner of Hamilton Island Race Week, we chatted with Crawford about their collections, recent technical innovations, and plans for Race Week.

Please share some background about Sail Racing.

Sail Racing was founded in Sweden back in 1977 and has built a solid reputation as one of the world’s top technical sailing brands. From day one, the focus has been on performance gear designed for the most demanding sailing conditions. We are always working closely with elite sailors to refine and evolve our gear. Sail Racing was relaunched into Australia and New Zealand in 2019 and we’ve seen incredible growth here – thanks to a combination of innovation, premium quality, and that unmistakable Sail Racing style.

What sets Sail Racing apart from your competitors in the market?

What makes Sail Racing unique is the focus on high-performance sailing apparel and how this strengthens the rest of the products in the range. Every product is tested by professional athletes and everyday sailors alike, with direct feedback driving constant refinement, ensuring the gear meets real-world demands. We also blend innovation with style, so our gear is as functional offshore as it is wearable onshore. The brand prides itself on its quality and not cutting corners.

Talk us through Sail Racing’s range and how the different collections cater to the needs of sailors.

Sail Racing has three key collections, each designed to meet the specific demands of different environments and customers’ needs:

  • Reference & Orca Series – These are our top-tier collections, developed for offshore and high-intensity conditions. They feature advanced waterproof and breathable fabrics, powered by cutting-edge Gore-Tex technologies, delivering maximum protection without compromising comfort.
  • Spray Series – Designed for versatility and performance, this range is ideal for both competitive racing and recreational sailing. It’s technical enough for serious sailors, but with the flexibility to suit a wide variety of conditions.
  • Bow Series – This is our core line, offering lightweight, functional gear for everyday use. It also includes a strong lifestyle and teamwear offering, making it perfect for crew uniforms or sailors looking for performance with casual style.

Sail Racing kits out several SailGP Teams including Australia. Tell us more about Sail Racing’s relationship with SailGP.

Sail Racing has been a proud partner of SailGP since the league’s inception in 2019. We supply technical gear to several teams including Australia, Italy, Switzerland and Denmark, working closely with the athletes to refine garments for performance, comfort, and durability. We have just launched the new Australia range for supporters with their new branding as the Bonds Flying Roos.

Sail Racing has also collaborated with several America’s Cup teams over the years, most recently working with the Alinghi Red Bull Racing team. That partnership gave us unique insights – not just from top-level sailors, but also from elite athletes across Red Bull’s global network. It was a real eye-opener, helping push our innovation even further.

Sail Racing has a reputation for technical innovations. How do the learnings from the high-performance arena translate into the gear you create for weekend yachties?

Our close relationship with these top sailors and teams allows us to continuously test and refine our products. The materials, construction methods, and design solutions we develop for SailGP and offshore crews eventually filter down into our more accessible lines. Whether it’s improved breathability, faster drying fabrics, or ergonomic fits, all sailors and customers benefit directly from this top-down innovation process.

Are there any recent technical innovations, in terms of fabrication or design, that our readers should be aware of?

Yes! We have recently introduced new four-way stretch softshell fabrics across our Spray range, offering greater mobility without sacrificing durability. Our Gore-Tex Pro garments have also been updated with more sustainable, solution-dyed fabrics that maintain performance while reducing environmental impact. We’re also experimenting with bonded seams and laser-cut ventilation in select pieces for enhanced function and comfort.

Some sailing gear also translates well to power boating. Does Sail Racing also cater for power boat owners?

Absolutely. Many of our products – particularly from the Spray and Bow Series – have become favourites among the power boating community and outdoor enthusiasts alike. These ranges offer the perfect balance of performance, comfort, and style, making them just as suited to the deck of a motor yacht as they are to a coastal adventure. We have seen people really appreciate the quality, fit, and modern aesthetic of Sail Racing gear, which has helped the brand grow well beyond the racing circuit and into the broader marine lifestyle market.

Tell us about Sail Racing’s partnership with Hamilton Island Race Week.

Hamilton Island Race Week is one of the premier regattas in the Southern Hemisphere, blending competitive sailing with a strong lifestyle element, which aligns perfectly with Sail Racing. We have a longstanding relationship with the event and Wild Oats XI, supplying crew gear and supporting their campaigns. Race Week gives us a great platform to connect with both professional and amateur sailors in what we believe is one of the greatest social and competitive environments.

What on-island activities does Sail Racing have planned for Race Week?

This year, Sail Racing will be based at Hamilton Island Yacht Club with a dedicated pop-up space, sharing the area with the America’s Cup simulator – giving sailors a hands-on experience of high-speed racing. Our pop-up store will feature a full range of technical and lifestyle gear, including exclusive Hamilton Island Race Week gear. There will also be onsite branding available to show what we can offer crews and companies. We’ll also be launching the Hamilton Island Race Week’s 40-Year Collection to celebrate Race Week’s 40th year, which will be available for purchase at the Hamilton Island Designs store on Front Street. It’s shaping up to be another exciting week on the island, and we can’t wait to be part of the action!

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