2020 will go down in history as one of the most challenging in recent decades.

A global pandemic was on nobody’s wish list when the year started and we have all had to cope with the situation as it stands. But as 2020 draws to a close, it would be wrong to overlook some of the positive things that have happened in the past twelve months. 

Take a look through our 2020 highlights and some of the things that brought a smile to our faces.

Great Britain SailGP Team wins at Sydney SailGP

Ben Ainslie and the Great Britain SailGP Team presented by INEOS produced a brilliant performance at the Sydney SailGP in February 2020. The team completed a clean sweep on the first day, while a win in race four set them up for the match race final, in which they triumphed.

This was a definite highlight of the British sailing calendar this year, and it was great to see the British team bring some success home from Australian waters.

The Gill face mask

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit Britain in earnest in March 2020, we all had to adapt and make some changes to how we do things. One such change is our need to wear masks more frequently, and in May we launched a special Gill facemask which was created by our Product Development team and has been a major success.

Celebrating 20 years of OS2

At Gill, we have spent decades working on and perfecting the very best sailing apparel for our customers. As part of this mission, we have developed a series of systems designed to keep you safe and protected out on the open water.

This year, we celebrated 20 years of our excellent OS2 system, which provides fantastic defence against the demands of the wind and water. OS2 gives wearers excellent levels of warmth and comfort and we were delighted to celebrate two decades of these items being available to our customers.

The OS2 Offcut Edition

As part of our OS2 20^th anniversary, we designed a special edition version of our OS2 Jacket, created entirely from repurposed surplus materials. This jacket formed part of our continuous journey in becoming a more sustainable brand where 50 additional jackets were made instead of the fabrics ending in landfill. This journey was supported by our partner Plastic Oceans, where 20% of the total sales were donated to aid them in their fight against plastic pollution in our ocean.

Unu Mondo Expedition heads for the Arctic

In July, the extraordinary Unu Mondo Expedition team set off from Saint Malo in France, bound for the Arctic Circle.

Their aim is to research and highlight the effect global warming is having on this beautiful part of the world. Kitted out by the Gill team, they were provided with excellent levels of warmth and protection in order to achieve their important work.

British success at the Challenge Cornu 420

Britain’s Jamie Cook and Will Martin triumphed at this year’s Challenge Cornu 420 event in August.

The pair beat the next closest team by ten points to secure victory at Club Nautique Plouguerneau on Brittany’s northern coast in France.

Louis Burton embarks on third Vendée Globe

In a year where social distancing has become the norm, the participants of the Vendée Globe race could be said to be taking this to the extreme.

This solo, non-stop race around the world attracts the bravest sailors on the planet and is regarded as one of the toughest events out there.

November 2020 saw Louis Burton embark on his third Vendée Globe voyage, clad in Gill gear, so he can concentrate on the important task of navigating the world’s oceans on his voyage!

We became Click&Boat’s official apparel partner

In August, we made the exciting announcement of our partnership with professional and private yacht charter platform Click&Boat. Becoming their official marine apparel partner meant we combined Click&Boat’s dreamy destinations with our proud heritage of product innovation. The result: bringing together our shared love for being out and protected on the water!

Our 2020 range update

2020 saw our apparel range develop to combine form and function for the ultimate in style, comfort and most importantly protection. As people are putting an ever growing premium and commitment to time spent outdoors, we were determined to continue to offer our customers the best collection of apparel and accessories for any activity, not just for sailing!

Our new ‘Active’ range was designed to be worn together for life on and around the water, highlights included new thermal pieces, stylish waterproof coats and waterproof accessories.

What’s to look forward to in 2021?

The 2020 Olympics had to sadly be moved due to the pandemic, but have been provisionally rearranged to start in July 2021.

If this comes to pass, then sailing fans will be able to watch the best in the business take to the water in Tokyo. Something to hopefully look forward to in the new year!

Happy new year from Gill

We hope you have enjoyed going over some of 2020’s highlights, and while it’s been a tough period for everybody, there have definitely been things to celebrate.

See you in 2021!

Take a look at our delivery options, and if you have any questions, do not hesitate to get in touch with our team.