BRISTOL, RI — In a bold move to elevate American sailing talent on the world stage, the United States Sailing Association (US Sailing) has announced a landmark multi-year partnership with global technical apparel leader Zhik. The announcement, made on May 13, 2025, marks a significant step forward in supporting the US Sailing Team and nurturing future Olympians as the sport looks ahead to the 2028 Games in Los Angeles.
Zhik, now the Official Technical Apparel Supplier of the US Sailing Team, will outfit American athletes with performance-driven gear designed for maximum comfort, durability, and innovation on the water. The partnership kicks off in time for the 2025 racing season and promises to make waves well beyond the elite ranks.
The collaboration comes on the heels of the US Sailing Team’s bronze medal achievement at the 2024 Paris Olympics and reflects US Sailing’s commitment to growing the sport from youth sailing to the Olympic podium. As part of the agreement, Zhik’s high-performance gear will also be extended to the Olympic Development Program (ODP) and youth sailing initiatives, ensuring that young sailors training in bays, lakes, and coastal waters across the country gain access to the same gear trusted by Olympians.
“This partnership with Zhik is a powerful step forward in our mission to support Olympic athletes and elevate the sport of sailing,” said Marcus Lynch, High Performance Director at US Sailing. “Their innovative gear and shared values of excellence make them a perfect fit for our team.”
Founded in Australia and now a globally recognized brand, Zhik has built a reputation for cutting-edge water wear technology used by elite sailors in Olympic classes. With this new alliance, the brand takes a major leap into the U.S. market, growing brand visibility and reach through key retail partners like West Marine, while establishing deeper ties within the American sailing community.
Johnny Rodgers, Head of Marketing and Global Sponsorships at Zhik, echoed the excitement. “Partnering with US Sailing aligns perfectly with our commitment to pushing boundaries on the water,” he said. “Our gear is the best in the world, and through this partnership, we’ll deliver the highest level of performance and innovation to US sailors at every stage of their journey.”
While the deal will directly benefit the US Sailing Team as they prepare for global competition, it also brings an inclusive approach that aims to lift the entire sailing ecosystem. From junior sailors to race officials and instructors, Zhik plans to support broader US Sailing initiatives, including major industry events like the Sailing Leadership Forum, where gear, strategy, and community engagement converge.
Beyond performance, the partnership will also promote sustainability. Zhik’s ReZHIKle program, which repurposes old wetsuits made from long-lasting neoprene, will now expand across the United States. The program provides sailors with a responsible way to dispose of gear that would otherwise take over a century to break down in a landfill.
Zhik’s recent development of a full-performance women’s dinghy range also plays a crucial role in encouraging broader participation. The new line is tailored specifically to meet the demands of female athletes — an important focus as US Sailing continues to invest in inclusivity and opportunity across its programs.
Charlie Enright, CEO of US Sailing, emphasized the broader impact of the partnership. “This partnership with Zhik is about more than just providing our athletes with top-tier gear,” he said. “It’s about pushing the sport forward across the country. With Zhik, we’re not only equipping our team for success but encouraging sailing at every level as we build momentum toward 2028.”
The alliance also brings the personal experience of Olympian-turned-executive Mat Belcher, now serving as Zhik’s CEO. “As both an Olympian and now CEO of Zhik, I know first-hand the impact world-class gear can have on performance,” said Belcher. “We are thrilled to partner with US Sailing and the US Sailing Team as they build on the success of Paris 2024 and look ahead to a home Olympics in Los Angeles.”
From competitive advantage to grassroots inspiration, the US Sailing–Zhik partnership is set to redefine what’s possible for American sailors at every level. The initiative reflects a future-focused mindset that blends world-class gear, innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability — positioning the United States not just to compete, but to lead.
For more details about the partnership and ongoing updates from the US Sailing Team, visit www.ussailing.org and www.zhik.com.
