How do you combine Mercedes’ legendary styling with a modern, totally reinvented interpretation of a luxury motor yacht?  The answer is this:  the Silver Arrows Marine motor yacht, designed in collaboration with the Mercedes-Benz Style design team.

Scheduled to make its debut at this year’s Monaco Yacht Show this September, the Silver Arrows motor yacht is a project that’s taken six years to come to fruition.  It’s been designed to fit as seamlessly as possible into its natural environment, with the intent being that it doesn’t simply use the environment, but rather it becomes part of it.  The result is a motor yacht that brings to reality a variety of radically new solutions, including a stunning new hull design, gorgeous automotive inspired styling, an open plan cabin, extensive use of hi-tech materials, and much more.

Mercedes-Benz Style Silver Arrows Yacht

In speaking on Mercedes work with Silver Arrows Yacht, Gorden Wagener, head of Mercedes-Benz design, had this to say:  “Giving shape to a boat was an exciting challenge for automotive designers like us.  Our task was to explore how to apply the Mercedes-Benz design language to the particular proportions andspecific requirements of a boat.  We wanted to create something special andwhat we have come up with is indeed unique. The ŒSilver Arrow of the seas embodies pure emotion and stands for luxury, style and pleasure.”

Mercedes-Benz Style Silver Arrows Yacht Interior at night

You can see more of the Mercedes Silver Arrows Yacht in the photo gallery below, or book your trip to the Monaco Yacht Show now, which takes place September 25 – 28.

It was just over a week ago that we revealed to you the Cigarette 42 Huntress inspired by the Mercedes G63 AMG, and while we were certain at the time that it couldn’t get any better than that pair, today Mercedes AMG revealed their latest collaboration with Cigarette racing. This may be the best pairing yet – the SLS AMG Coupe Electric Drive and the Cigarette AMG Electric Drive Concept Boat (a match made in heaven for electric lovers).

Mercedes-AMG and Cigarette Racing are launching the latest development of their cooperation at the Miami International Boat Show that kicked off today. Numerous components from the SLS AMG Coupè Electric Drive have been integrated in the design of the “Cigarette AMG Electric Drive Concept” engineering design. The high-performance drive fitted in the electric super sports car makes the off-shore powerboat the world’s most powerful and fastest electrically driven motor boat. With an output of 1656 Kilowatts (2,220hp) and a maximum torque of 3000 Newton metres (2,213 ft-lb,) the “Cigarette AMG Electric Drive Concept” is a fascinating new development.

SLS AMG Coupe Electric Drive Cigarette Boat

Inspiration for the drive was very close to home for the US-American company, with the SLS AMG Coupè Electric Drive being the world’s most powerful and fastest electrically driven series production vehicle in America. The technology, performance and design of the Cigarette powerboat is closely based on the electric super sports vehicle made in Affalterbach, Germany. This joint project underlines the technology leadership earned by Mercedes-AMG and Cigarette Racing.

The 38 foot (11.6 metre) long “Cigarette AMG Electric Drive Concept” powerboat is finished in “AMG Electricbeam magno” – the matt chrome paintwork exclusively reserved for the SLS AMG Coupe Electric Drive. Proudly wearing AMG logos on the side, the powerboat is a clear sign of the alliance between the Miami-based boat manufacturer and Mercedes-AMG GmbH from Affalterbach, Germany. The design features also exemplify the transfer of technology from the gullwing to the powerboat. Mercedes-AMG uses two drive units, each featuring six independent electric motors. At the rear of the boat, each drive unit has its own transmission, one on the left and one on the right. A glance at the engine data proves that the boat is fitted with the twelve compact, liquid-cooled permanent-magnet synchronous electric motors which are the signature piece of the SLS AMG Coupè Electric Drive: each electric motor delivers 138 kW and 250 Newton metres. The maximum output of 1656 Kilowatts and maximum torque of 3000 Newton metres combine to reach a staggering top speed of over 160 km/h making this locally emission-free “Cigarette AMG Electric Drive Concept” the world’s fastest electrically driven powerboat. In keeping with the SLS AMG Coupè Electric Drive, the motors and the battery are ideally placed in the “Cigarette AMG Electric Drive Concept”. The low centre of gravity and optimum weight distribution ensure sublime handling characteristics during more dynamic changes of direction.

SLS AMG Coupe Electric Drive Cigarette Boat

The vital statistics at a glance:

SLS AMG Coupè Electric Drive

• Maximum output 552 kW
• Torque 1000 Nm
• Maximum speed 250 km/h* (155 mph)
• Battery energy content 60 kWh
• Battery voltage 400 Volt
• CO2 emissions 0 g/km

Cigarette AMG Electric Drive Concept **

• Maximum output 1656 kW (2,220 hp)
• Torque 3000 Nm (2,213 ft-lb)
• Maximum speed over 160 km/h (99.4 mph!)
• Battery energy content 240 kWh
• Battery voltage 400 Volt
• CO2 emissions 0 g/km

*electronic restriction; **preliminary data

High-tech from Formula 1: the lithium-ion high-voltage battery

Battery efficiency, performance and weight: in all three areas Mercedes-AMG is setting new standards. The high-voltage battery in the SLS AMG Coupe Electric Drive boasts an energy content of 60 Kilowatt hours, an electric load potential of 600 Kilowatts and a weight of 548 kg – all of which are absolute best values in the automotive sector. The liquid-cooled lithium-ion high-voltage battery features a modular design with a maximum voltage of 400 V. It consists of 12 modules each comprising 72 lithium-ion cells. Cigarette integrates four high-tech batteries with a total of 48 modules and 3456 cells which generate a total capacity of 240 Kilowatt hours and an electric output of 2400 Kilowatts – benchmark figures that earn respect even in the boat building industry.

Advanced technology and know-how from the world of Formula 1 have been called on during battery development: the battery is the result of the cooperation between Mercedes-AMG GmbH in Affalterbach and Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains Ltd. With their headquarters in Brixworth, England, the company has been working closely with Mercedes-AMG for a number of years.

The “Cigarette AMG Electric Drive Concept” is fitted with two 22-Kilowatt on-board chargers from the SLS AMG Coupe Electric Drive as standard. Adapted to fit the infrastructure standard of many American marinas, the boat has a charging capacity of 44 Kilowatts. The battery is fully charged in approximately seven hours. To reduce the charging time to less than three hours, the powerboat can be fitted with four on-board chargers as an option.

SLS AMG Coupe Electric Drive Cigarette Boat

Design, fittings and cockpit with signature AMG elements

Design and fittings reflect the dynamic characteristics of the “Cigarette AMG Electric Drive Concept”. The signature Cigarette Racing sports seats are matched with various carbon elements in the cockpit. The display concept of the SLS AMG Coupe Electric Drive can also be found behind the steering wheel: fitted with dials in the exclusive “AMG Electricbeam magno” paint finish and sporting AMG logos, the displays provide information about the current motor output, the speed, battery voltage and of course the battery’s state of charge.

Alliance between Mercedes-AMG and Cigarette Racing since 2007

Mercedes-AMG and Cigarette Racing have been collaborating since 2007, primarily for organising joint customer and marketing activities. Results of this cooperation were witnessed with the launch of two exclusive powerboats in 2010 and 2012. The “46′ Rider Inspired by AMG” was the premiere: the technology, design and equipment were heavily based on the SLS AMG gullwing launched in 2009. The “Inspired by AMG Black Series 50′ Marauder” followed in 2012 – a powerboat significantly inspired by the C 63 AMG Coupe Black Series.

Whether on land or water: performance is what unites Mercedes-AMG and Cigarette Racing. Similar to its Mercedes-AMG super sports counterpart, the 38 to 55 feet (11.6 to 16.8 metres) long powerboat from the American specialists is amongst the world’s fastest and most exclusive machines. Their boats boast custom-made, hand-crafted quality for enthusiasts and are tested under extreme conditions. Mercedes-AMG and Cigarette Racing also have similar DNA makeups: both companies owe their roots to racing and are still dedicated to this passion.

Source: Cigarette Racing

The Cigarette 42 Huntress, Inspired by AMG has five engines a top speed of more than 75 MPH, is inspired by the G 63 AMG and is the 3rd collaboration between the Cigarette Racing Team and Mercedes-AMG. It does not get much better than this.

THE CIGARETTE 42′ HUNTRESS INSPIRED BY THE MERCEDES-BENZ G 63 AMG – COMMANDS CULT STATUS

On Thursday, February 14 at the Miami International Boat Show, the world will be introduced to the third collaboration between the Cigarette Racing Team and Mercedes-AMG in the form of the 42′ Huntress Inspired by the G 63 AMG. (Booth B-23 at the Miami Beach Convention Center)

Uninhibited performance is a phrase often claimed, but in reality rarely achieved. However in the case of two leaders in their respective domains: Mercedes-AMG and Cigarette Racing Team have reached new heights with the 42′ Huntress inspired by the G 63 AMG. The Cigarette 42′ Huntress is designed with the same stringent construction that defines their renowned offshore performance boats – extremely durable superstructure, awe inspiring performance, and race-rigging – upon which its roots were built. The center console nature and overall capacity of the huntress allows this baked-in Cigarette performance to be expressed on glassy seas or in rough water environments that would make other performance boats cringe. All whilst providing space for enjoyment of a sizeable group of friends or family.

The AMG G-Class, often referred to as the G-Wagen (short for Geländewagen – “cross-country vehicle”), remains true to its heritage as being a vehicle that can be used primarily in tough off-road terrain: three electrically controlled 100-percent differential locks, ladder frame and rigid axle are characteristics that positions it in a class of its own. The injection of a V8 biturbo, hand built AMG engine with 536 hp and massive 560 ft-lbs of torque places the G-Wagen into a performer in all environments and with a bespoke interior, a true iconic luxury off-roader.

Boat Specs

Length: 42-ft

Beam: 11-ft 11-inch

Power: 5x Mercury Racing Verado 350SCi

Fuel Quantity: 500-gal

Top Speed: 78-mph

The Monaco Yacht Show is considered the most prestigious pleasure boat shows in the world, with 500 major companies in the luxury yachting on display and a hundred super and megayachts afloat.  It is the perfect backdrop for Mercedes-Benz Style and Silver Arrows Marine to present their designs for a luxury motor yacht.

The 14-metre-long (nearly 46 ft) seagoing Granturismo combines design elements typical of Mercedes-Benz automobiles with innovations hitherto unknown in the boat industry. The result is a progressive and emotionally appealing luxury yacht featuring the passionate design language of Mercedes-Benz. The yacht also represents the next stage in Daimler’s vision of all-encompassing mobility: along with Mercedes-Benz vehicles on land and the Eurocopter EC145 Mercedes-Benz Style in the air, mobility on water under the aegis of the three-pointed star will also soon now be possible.

The motor yacht is being developed and will be built by UK-registered boat-building company Silver Arrows Marine whose team includes world renowned marine architects Martin Francis and Tommaso Spadolini, between them responsible for some of the most capable and luxurious craft in the world today. The ‘Silver Arrow of the seas’ is due to come on to the market in 2013.

“Giving shape to a boat was an exciting challenge for automotive designers like we are,” said Gorden Wagener, Head of Design Mercedes-Benz Cars, at the presentation of the yacht’s design in Monaco. “Our task was to explore how to apply the Mercedes-Benz design language to the particular proportions and specific requirements of a boat. We wanted to create something special and what we have come up with is indeed unique. The ‘Silver Arrow of the seas’ embodies pure emotion and stands for luxury, style and pleasure.”

The crème de la crème of designers and boatbuilders

The new yacht, styled by Mercedes-Benz designers, is being engineered by the project partner, Silver Arrows Marine. “Silver Arrows Marine is a new brand with the best team of experts for extremely high-end maritime products,” Gorden Wagener said. As well as Martin Francis and Tommaso Spadolini, the Silver Arrows Marine team consists of specialists in all areas of luxury yacht development and construction.

Mercedes-Benz Style and Silver Arrows Marine have been working closely together to implement the designers’ interior and exterior style concepts in line with their precise specifications. The Mercedes-Benz Style team has been involved in the project from the beginning, collaborating with Silver Arrows Marine on the yacht’s innovative layout and use of space, shaping the exterior and interior and choosing materials and colour combinations. Silver Arrows Marine is responsible for the boat’s technical equipment and construction, with the first yacht expected to be launched within a year of the presentation of its design.

On the design collaboration with Mercedes-Benz Style, Silver Arrows Marine Chairman Ron Gibbs said: “It has been a privilege to work with professionals as passionate about design as we are passionate about boats and the sea. I am confident that together we can deliver innovation and elegance in a motor yacht that changes the way people see boats in this class.”

Granturismo in its finest form

At 14 metres in length, the new yacht’s design makes it suitable for a wide range of uses. The innovative versatility and intelligent use of space are particularly impressive. While ideal for a day on the water with friends, the motor yacht can also offer overnight accommodation. The elegant and timeless interior appointments offer a level of comfort and luxury commensurate with the Mercedes-Benz name.

About Mercedes-Benz Style

In addition to their work in the field of automotive design, the designers at Mercedes-Benz have been working since 2010 on a range of designs for other products, in cooperation with selected partners. The first product to come onto the market, in 2011, was the Eurocopter EC145 Mercedes-Benz Style helicopter, the first of which have now been delivered to customers. This was followed in 2012 by an exclusive furniture collection, produced in cooperation with the Formitalia Luxury Group, one of Italy’s leading manufacturers of designer furniture. The Mercedes-Benz Style label encompasses transport-related products as well as furniture and lifestyle products.

About Silver Arrows Marine

Silver Arrows Marine is a collective of internationally renowned marine architects and engineers who are behind some of the greatest luxury motor yachts currently in service. Registered in the UK, Silver Arrows Marine works on an exclusive basis with leading specialists in all fields of luxury motor yacht design, development and construction to build high-end boats that make no compromises in their elegance, functionality and sheer usability.

Mercedes-AMG and Cigarette Racing took their alliance to a new level with the debut of the “Black Series” 50′ Marauder Cigarette boat, inspired by the C63 AMG Black Series.

While each brand’s products always exemplify the ultimate in performance and luxury, the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Black Series and Inspired by AMG “Black Series” 50′ Marauder represent the next level in excellence.

Arriving in U.S. dealerships this April, the C63 AMG Black Series is the most powerful C-Class of all time, boasting a maximum output of 510 hp and a maximum torque of 457 lb-ft. The high-revving AMG 6.3-liter V8 delivers a 0-60 sprint in just 4.2 seconds and a top speed of 186 mph.

Introduced at the 2012 Miami Boat Show, the Inspired by AMG “Black Series” 50′ Marauder features striking black and white design scheme is carried throughout from the Mercedes color-matched paint to the all-newly designed interior, upholstered with luxurious Alcantara.

Billet aluminum pieces -more than 100-are integrated throughout, customized for the AMG Black Series boat, incorporating a new formula of anodizing and corrosion resistance. Billet is featured on the dash, grab handles, seat supports, sound system and in numerous trim accents.

Powered by two Mercury Racing 1350 (2700 total hp.) engines, the boat’s speed is matched only by its smooth efficiency, running on pump fuel, without headers, with a warranty, combining for an exciting day on the water for the most discerning performance boat aficionado.

Founded upon mutual respect and product admiration, Mercedes-AMG and Cigarette Racing have developed a long-standing professional relationship. In 2010, Cigarette Racing revealed the “Inspired by AMG” 46′ Rider, inspired by the SLS AMG.

The Cigarette 46′ Rider featured hand-applied AMG ALUBEAM silver paintwork, also available on the SLS AMG. This process, used exclusively by AMG, covers body surfaces like a metallic skin, targeting light reflections to further emphasize exterior character lines and design details.

More details on the Cigarette Racing “Black Series” 50′ Marauder can be found online at www.cigaretteracing.com/legendary

If you live anywhere where you experience four seasons and you’re anything like me, April has to be one of your favorite months.  Winter is finally over, the snow has dissipated, and you can put away your cold weather gear in favor of some lighter spring fare.  I love the spring, and of all the seasons, I probably splurge more on my spring wardrobe than any other season.  This year, one of the ways I splurged was on a new jacket, and after picking up a Helly Hansen Salt jacket last year and loving it, I went back to Helly Hansen looking for spring jacket to add to my collection.

If you remember from my last story, Helly Hansen is a performance-driven brand that dates back to 1877, when a Norwegian captain by the name of Helly Juell Hansen and his wife Maren Margarethe invented the world’s first waterproof fabric in the form of oilskin jackets, trousers, sou’westers and tarpaulins made from coarse linen soaked in linseed oil.  For the last century, Helly Hansen has continued this innovation, introducing a wide variety of cutting edge material technology in their outerwear including the first fleece mid layers in the 1960s and LIFA, the first technical base layer in the 1970s, with their three-layer system becoming the industry standard for keeping you dry, warm and comfortable in even the most demanding conditions.

In opting for a new Helly Hansen jacket, it was this performance that drew me back to the brand, but because I already own the Salt, which notes a distinctly sporty, nautical design, I wanted something a little more urban.  My choice:  the Helly Hansen Ask CIS Sailing Jacket.  It’s a stylish, functional jacket that, while still paying homage to its seafaring past, is at home in virtually any environment.

Constructed from herringbone PU-coated cotton, the Ask CIS Sailing Jacket features a classic design, with a distinctly high collar, rib-hemmed cuffs and waistband, and antique metal fasteners.  It’s a great design for spring, as the high collar helps keep the cold and water out on the rainy days, but unzipped, it stays out of your way and doesn’t get hot or uncomfortable.  The Ask CIS Sailing is also the perfect weight for spring – heavy enough to keep you warm, even over a t-shirt, but not too heavy to the point you get hot.  Even better, you can remove the inner  lining for warmer, wet days, transforming the Ask CIS into a weatherproof shell.  For anyone living in an area with fluctuating spring temps and varying precipitation, it’s the perfect addition to your spring collection.

Pricing for the Helly Hansen Ask CIS Sailing Jacket is $500, and it’s available in either navy or white.  I personally opted for the white, which I love, but the navy looks equally as good.  You really can’t go wrong with either.  To learn more about the Helly Hansen Ask CIS Sailing Jacket, head over to the official Helly Hansen website for more details and ordering info, and you can check out photos of the Ask CIS Sailing Jacket in the gallery below.

While the Mercedes AMG and Cigarette Racing Team alliance began based on the dedication to performance and perfection of these two luxury brands share, that synergy has now extended to another stellar performance brand, Ducati. “The Ménage of Motorsports,” a dynamic display of performance boats and two and four-wheeled vehicles, will be seen at the 2011 Miami International Boat Show, in Cigarette’s Booth B-23. The Ménage of Motorsports-the three luxury brands of Cigarette, Mercedes AMG and Ducati, are also partners on the AMG for members only “Private Lounge” website.

In the motorcycle industry, the name Ducati means performance and is one of the most sought-after name brands. As Germany is respected for its fine automobiles, Italy has earned admiration for creating the ultimate motorcycle for leisure and racing. Several Ducati bikes will be on display, including a Diavel, the 1198 SP, Multistrada and the Monster 1100 EVO. The Ducati brand completes the motorsports trifecta, adding two-wheeled power to the winning performance mix.

The new Cigarette 42X Ducati Edition, customized with Ducati’s signature white with a bold red stripe, is on display at the Cigarette booth and will feature another new addition to the Penchant for Performance. Mercury Racing has again added an engine to its line to accommodate every performance boater’s need-and selected Cigarette to make the debut. “Mercury Racing knows that Cigarette will put our time, effort and expertise behind its newest ventures,” says Skip Braver, president and CEO, who has taken Cigarette to new heights under his 9-years of ownership. “As we have with each new engine, our teams have worked together to validate the performance, ensuring that not only Cigarette customers, but all of Mercury Racing’s customers, benefit from the joint effort,” he adds. The new engine boasts 1,100 HP and #6 drives, representing a bridge between the SCi engines and the 1350 HP QVC4V engines that made their debut at the 2010 Miami Boat Show in the Inspired by AMG 46′ Cigarette.

The Ducati boat will also feature a new venture in sound as Cigarette teams with JL Audio. This purpose-built, updated sound system was designed specifically for Cigarette and includes digital amplifiers, time-aligned tweeters and a specially designed “bass array” subwoofer system. The new sound stage will enhance the listening experience, providing immersion rather than blaring onboard music. JL has tested and engineered the new efficient and attractive set up for Cigarette and its American-made design complements the American-made boat.

“As the three brands of Cigarette, Mercedes AMG and Ducati have joined forces, we find a synergy uniting us,” Braver states “It’s not just about going fast, it’s about how we design, build and create value and loyalty in our brands,” he adds.

In addition to the Cigarette array of powerboats and Ducati bikes, a special feature, a Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT-3 Race Car was flown in from Germany to supplement Cigarette’s salute to motorsports. This racing version of the SLS AMG gull-wing was created specifically for motorsports–for customers who compete in sprint or long-distance races. Its aerodynamic design lines and a 6-speed racing transmission with shift paddles provide the performance and success on the track that verifies AMG’s commitment to motorsports since its introduction in 1967.

“The Evolution of Cigarette” adds to the show display as Miami dealer, Phil Lipschutz of Lip-ship Performance, a National and World Title holder in the American Power Boat Association (APBA) displays two boats depicting his particular Penchant for Performance–a matching nostalgic 20′ and a new 50′ Marauder model. The Marauder is the largest Cigarette in the model line and though the 20′ is no longer built, it represents the smallest of the line to date. “It just shows that when it’s a Cigarette, size doesn’t matter!” says Skip Braver, President and CEO.

The 50′ Marauder is Lipschutz’ “Poker Run Edition” and was built with a new deck to enhance the aesthetic style of the boat. Though a minor change, the modification of the deck demonstrates Cigarette’s on-going effort to tweak and perfect each of its models. The Marauder is also the first 50′ Cigarette with 1350 HP SVC4V engines. The set up and balance of the new engines was highly optimized in this debut edition.

The 39 Top Fish center console adds another dimension to Cigarette’s powerboat lineup. This high-performance Cigarette was designed as a lifestyle offering, combining top-power with the convenience and ease of a center console. The 2011 model will sport a new fiberglass T-top that provides more sun coverage, aerodynamics and integrated LED lights. Triple Mercury Verado 300 engines power the boat which with 418 gallon fuel tanks, offers range, ensuring you get to your destination quickly-whether it’s your favorite fishing spot or a day of fun with friends and family. Added features of this performance recreational boat are a large stand-up head and shower, an additional transom shower, 40 gallons of fresh water, finished hatches-inside and out, and fully customized Cigarette options like painted hull, billet trim, storage, live wells, coolers, upholstery and embroidery. The Top Fish, available in both cuddy cabin and open-bow configurations, enjoys popularity not only domestically, but in the Middle Eastern and European markets.

Other Cigarette models on display will include a 46′ Rider with Mercury Racing 1350 engines and the M8 drive and the ever-popular 39 Top Gun Unlimited with Mercury Racing 700 SCi engines and #6 drives.

Cigarette’s dedication to personalization will also be demonstrated in the Cigarette Exclusive Design Studio set up in the booth for customers planning to build their new Cigarette. The “If you’ve seen one, you’ve seen one” slogan applies since each Cigarette is built to order with no two boats exactly alike. “All of our customers have their own preferences for color, style, logos and personalization,” says Braver, “We cater to that desire to customize by providing a wide range of options from paint, upholstery and embroidery to custom accessories and instrumentation. Your Cigarette is truly your creation and now we have a vibrant new palette of custom colors from Spies Hecker from which to choose as well,” he adds.

Cigarette will continue its focus on technology and product updates. “We listen to what our customers want and deliver a model range that fits every boating lifestyle,” says Braver, “If you are a boater, you will enjoy boating even more in a Cigarette. If you’re not a boater, Cigarette will make you want to be!”

Inspired by the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Super Sports Car, Cigarette Racing’s custom 46′ Rider features a pair of revolutionary twin-turbocharged, 552-cubic inch 1,350 HP Mercury Racing engines, capable of propelling the boat to speeds in excess of 130 mph. This custom boat features hand-applied AMG ALUBEAM silver and AMG Designo Mystic White paint in a bold design echoing the AMG logo.

Inside, the boat features marine-grade upholstery that resembles the two-tone AMG Designo porcelain and white Nappa leather offered on the SLS AMG.

For more information, visit the Cigarette Racing Website.

In the world of sailing, quality outwear is a must.  It protects you from the sea; it keeps you warm amidst cold conditions; yet it must remain breathable, so that when your activity level rises, you don’t overheat.  There’s few that manage to find this delicate balance of dryness, warmth and breathability as well as Helly Hansen.  They’ve been creating exceptionally functional clothing for over a century, and today, they’re a leader in the world of sailing, skiing and outdoor gear.

If you’re unfamiliar with Helly Hansen, the company’s story started back in 1877.  A Norwegian captain by the name of Helly Juell Hansen and his wife Maren Margarethe began producing oilskin jackets, trousers, sou’westers and tarpaulins, made from coarse linen soaked in linseed oil.  Over the next five years the pair sold approximately 10,000 pieces, and Helly Hansen was born.  Since then, Helly Hansen has focused on developing innovative solutions to meet the most demanding of applications.  In 1949, Helly Hansen introduced the Helox, a thin sheet of translucent PVC plastic sewn into waterproof coats, that replaced the oilbased outerwear of the time.  Twelve years later, the company introduced the original fleece – the fiberpile – that’s warm, lightweight and fast-drying, ideal for wearing under the outer protective layer.  In the 1970’s, Helly Hansen introduced LIFA – a new fiber that keeps the skin dry and warm by pushing moisture away from the body, thus making it the ideal baselayer fabric for outdoor and workwear use.  And in 1980, Helly Tech technology was launched, making use of both hydrophilic and microporous technology to ensure Helly Hansen gear is both waterproof and breathable.  Combining these developments into a single piece, Helly Hansen has mastered the art of layering, and they’ve created a variety of outerwear in both 2-Layer and 3-Layer Systems.  It’s all about keeping you dry, warm and comfortable, regardless of the conditions around you, and it works exceptionally well.

For the sailing enthusiast, the Helly Hansen Salt Jacket ($200) is a fantastic option both on the boat and off.  Construction wise, the Helly Hansen Salt features the ingenious HellyTech technology the company is known for.  A water proof rating of 5,000 mm and a breathability rating 5,000 g make the Salt Jacket an ideal choice for a brisk day out on the boat, while its two-layer construction with protective coastal collar, tonal fully adjustable hood, water resistant front zip and PU inner cuffs all serve to keep you dry despite inclement conditions.  Other features of the Helly Hansen Salt include 360 degree reflective elements, hand warmer pockets, Polartec fleece in the collar and pockets, a kill cord D-ring and a one hand adjustable hem.  Best of all, despite its supreme functionality, the Helly Hansen Salt Jacket looks great, and is really at home off the boat as much as it is sailing.

As already noted, the price of the Helly Hansen Salt Jacket is $200, which makes it an incredible buy for what you’re getting.  It’s available in red, water blue or navy (I’ve got the red), and it can be ordered directly from the Helly Hansen website.

With the Mercedes-Benz Sailing Cup having just wrapped up, we thought we’d turn our attention momentarily to the world of sailing and some of the style that goes along with it.  Whether you’re the captain of a new 43 foot Beneteau or just want to look like you are, summer’s the perfect time to add a dash of sailing into your everyday life.  And one of the most used and easiest elements to add into your sailing style is your footwear.  Boat shoes look great with almost anything; they’re exceptionally comfortable; and if you have a boat, they’re extremely functional, as they drastically increase your traction on what can be very slippery surfaces.  In the world of boating shoes, it goes without saying that we need to feature Sperry Top-Sider – I mean, they practically invented boat shoes.  I take that back – they did invent boat shoes.

In the 1930’s, amidst a cold Connecticut winter, a Captain by the name of Paul Sperry noticed that his dog Prince was able to maintain a surprising level of grip when running on icy conditions.  Observing the cocker spaniel’s paws, Sperry discovered it was the hundreds of tiny cracks and cuts going in various directions that allowed him to maintain this grip.  Applying his newfound discovery to his own footwear, Sperry used a pen knife to cut siping into the outsole of a rubber sneaker, and the world’s first boat shoe was born.  It’s this design of wave-like grooves that were instrumental in the success of the Authentic Original Sperry Top-Sider introduced back in 1935, and it’s also the inspiration for Sperry’s latest patent, called Razor-Siping, that’s being utilized today.

In selecting which Sperry Top-Siders to feature, truth be told, we really could have picked any.  They all look fantastic, and the Sperry Authentic Originals are one of the most iconic and instantly recognizable shoes in the world (of all the shoes I own, they’re easily one of my favorites).  But rather than opting for the more conventional Classic Boat Shoes that you’re already familiar with, we instead wanted to draw attention feature a pair of Sperry Top-Siders from their Performance line.  What is the Sperry Performance Line you ask?  Simply put, it’s a range of boat shoes that blends classic Sperry style with industry leading comfort and traction.

It’s an offense we’re all guilty of it – we’ve worn athletic shoes on a boat for their vibration dampening abilities, but in doing so, we’ve given up traction.  And that’s the compromise Sperry Performance boat shoes address.  While they offer superb levels of vibration damping technology, the Performance line maintains the patented siping that’s made Sperry famous.  Traction remains excellent; comfort remains better than that of your favorite athletic shoes; and they look great.  Of course, you don’t need to be on a boat to enjoy the Sperry Performance shoes – they’re equally as comfortable on land.  Wherever you’re using them, here’s a pair of our favorites from the Sperry Performance line that you’re going to love.

Men’s ASV Classic Boat Shoe ($140)

For the gentlemen, the must-have shoes in the Sperry Performance line are the Men’s ASV Classic boat shoes.  The classic styling looks great anywhere, and functionally, they may very well be the best boat shoes money can buy.  They’re exceptionally comfortable when spending a day at sea; they’re supremely easy to clean; and they’re engineered extremely well.  To be honest, after owning a pair, there’s nothing I can find fault with.  Some of the technologies that make the Sperry Men’s ASV Classic boat shoes so great include:

• Proprietary ASV Technology with Ant-Shock and Vibration Properties (helps reduce shock forces up to 40%)
• Superior Traction through Hydro-Grip™ Rubber for Better Footing
• Enhanced Agility with Unique Upper Designed for Improved Flexibility
• Quick Drying Materials for Low Water Absorption
• Internal Drainage to Remove Water from Around the Foot for Better Comfort
• Anti-Microbial Linings Protect Against Bacteria that Cause Odor
• Non-Marking, Rubber Outsole with Wave-Siping™ for Ultimate Wet / Dry Traction

Women’s ASV Athletic Boat Shoe ($130)

From a technical standpoint, the Sperry Women’s ASV Classic boat shoe is virtually identical to the Men’s ASV Classic boat shoe.  Both feature Sperry’s ASV anti-shock and anti-vibration technology, both feature Hydro-Grip rubber footing, and both feature a non-marking rubber outsole with Wave-Siping.  Where the two differ is styling.  While the Men’s ASV Classic features the more classic Sperry look, the Women’s ASV notes a more modern, sporty look.  They look great on a boat, but honestly, my wife (who loves athletic footwear) wears them everywhere, as they’ve become one of favorite pairs of shoes.  As with the Sperry Men’s ASV Classic boat shoes, technologies on the Sperry Women’s ASV Athletic boat shoes include:

• Proprietary ASV Technology with Anti-Shock and Vibration Properties (helps reduce shock forces up to 40%)
• Superior Traction through Hydro-Grip™ Rubber for Better Footing
• Enhanced Agility with Unique Upper Designed for Improved Flexibility
• Quick Drying Materials for Low Water Absorption
• Internal Drainage to Remove Water from Around the Foot for Better Comfort
• Anti-Microbial Linings Protect Against Bacteria that Cause Odor
• Non-Marking, Rubber Outsole with Wave-Siping™ for Ultimate Wet / Dry Traction

If you’d like to learn more about Sperry Top-Sider, you can find their full range of range of boat shoes at the official Sperry website.  I love my Sperry Authentic Originals and my ASV Classics, and as I said earlier, you really can’t go wrong with any Sperrys.  They invented the boat shoe, and 75 years later, they’re still the best.