It's becoming much more dynamic, with an emphasis on speed and shorter duration races close to the shore."

These are high-exertion sports, so garments must be lightweight and highly breathable, he said. And, according to HH's designers, the company has risen to this challenge, with fresh fabrications, construction methods and views on design and fit.

"It's all about function, " said senior technical designer Roddy D'Arcy. "As designers, we say: look at the exact body movements made in a particular sport. Look at the fabrics and technologies available. Now build a product to perform to its maximum."

HH says the first step, in 2002, was Interface, a fabric development that offered a choice between superior breathability or complete waterproofing.

The second step, for 2003, is Body Contoured Patterning, which looks at how garments are constructed.

Analysing how a body moves during a specific sport and then placing seams to allow freedom of movement, combined with intelligent decisions on fabric selection, are part of the BCP process, says HH.

The Breath Smock Top is quoted as an example. It has been designed for dynamic watersports such as match racing or sportsboat sailing on short courses, so breathability, and rapid movement of moisture away from the body are more important than total waterproof protection.

"This is a design philosophy which will continue evolving and eventually reflect on all HH garments, " said D'Arcy.

Helly-Hansen (UK) Ltd Tel: 0115 960 8797 Fax: 0115 960 8014 Web: www.hellyhansen.com