Helly Hansen Aegir for offshore and ocean racing
The Helly Hansen Aegir is Helly Hansen's premium offshore and racing sailing-clothing line, with HELLY TECH® Professional 3-layer waterproof and breathable material, sealed seams and extra reinforced wear zones. The Aegir family consists of two series: Aegir Race 2.0 for inshore and offshore racing and Aegir Ocean 2.0 for long offshore passages and transoceanic trips. The range includes sailing jackets, sailing trousers, salopettes, a spraytop and complete sailing suits for men and women, in black and red. Alongside Aegir, Helly Hansen also makes other sailing-clothing lines like Pier and Skagen Pro, but Aegir sits at the top in technology and material.
Aegir Race versus Aegir Ocean: which do you choose?
| Line | Purpose | Construction | Pieces | Price range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aegir Race 2.0 | Inshore and offshore racing, fast trips | HELLY TECH® Professional 3-layer, ergonomic race cut, lighter shell | Sailing jacket, salopette, spraytop, complete sailing suit (men/women) | €570 - €1,250 |
| Aegir Ocean 2.0 | Long offshore passages, transoceanic, heavy conditions | HELLY TECH® Professional 3-layer with extra heavy shell and reinforcements | Sailing trousers, complete sailing suit (men) | €930 - €2,150 |
Rule of thumb: for inshore racing and short offshore trips the Race line is plenty. If you have transoceanic passages or weeks-long Atlantic crossings on the schedule, the Ocean version with heavier shell and wider hem reinforcement is the right choice. For recreational sailors on inland water Aegir is overkill. Then look at the Pier 4.0 or Skagen Pro lines in the sailing suit range.
Construction and details that make the difference
Each Aegir 2.0 jacket and trouser combines a HELLY TECH® Professional outer with double storm flaps over the zippers, SOLAS reflective elements for visibility in dark and fog, adjustable cuffs, waist and hem for tailored fit, and a high collar with fleece lining against cold wind. The ergonomic cut gives full freedom of movement when tacking, gybing and winching. Practical details such as roomy hand and chest pockets, hanger loops and drainage holes finish the design. Many parts are made from recycled materials as part of the Helly Hansen sustainability policy.
Frequently asked questions about Helly Hansen Aegir
What is the difference between Helly Hansen Aegir Race and Aegir Ocean?
The Aegir Race 2.0 is optimized for inshore and offshore racing where lighter weight and freedom of movement come first, with an ergonomic race cut that allows fast handling. The Aegir Ocean 2.0 uses the same HELLY TECH® Professional technology but with a heavier outer shell and extra reinforcements on the wear zones (knees, seat, shoulders), built for weeks on board under heavy conditions. The price difference comes mainly from the heavier material and the more extensive reinforcements. For two to four days of offshore racing the Race version is sufficient; for transoceanic trips you choose Ocean.
Which sailing areas is the Aegir line suitable for?
The Aegir line is designed for open sea in all weather conditions, from the North Sea and Baltic to Atlantic passages and colder waters around Iceland and Greenland. For inland water like the IJsselmeer, Markermeer or Frisian lakes Aegir is technically over-specified: the lighter Helly Hansen Pier 4.0 or Skagen Pro lines give better price-performance there. Aegir comes into its own as soon as you systematically deal with spray, strong wind above 6 Beaufort and longer passages. Racing sailors in offshore classes like ORC, IRC and Volvo Ocean Race use Aegir frequently.
Which size Helly Hansen Aegir sailing suit should I choose?
Helly Hansen Aegir runs true to size, with a race cut that fits slim without pinching. For men this means standard shoulder width and waist according to your usual size (S/M/L/XL). For women similarly according to the women's fit. Important: fit with the underclothing you actually plan to wear, because offshore means fleece mid-layer plus base layer under the Aegir. If you are between two sizes, choose the larger because of the extra room for layers. The salopette runs slightly larger than a regular sailing trouser because it has to fit over the mid layer. When in doubt: call or email the specialists for size advice, because a poorly fitting sailing suit at this price level is a waste.
What is HELLY TECH® Professional and how long does the waterproofing last?
HELLY TECH® Professional is Helly Hansen's own 3-layer membrane technology with a water column of at least 20,000 mm and a breathability around 15,000 g/m²/24h, built for the heaviest maritime conditions. The waterproofing of the seams and the membrane stays intact for years provided you maintain the suit properly: after each season briefly rinse with fresh water to remove salt, periodically wash with a waterproof-friendly detergent like Nikwax Tech Wash, and every one or two years re-impregnate with a spray-on or wash-in impregnator to restore the DWR coating. With correct care an Aegir suit easily lasts ten years.
In stock? Order before 17:00 and it ships the same day. Otherwise, as soon as possible. Not sure between Race or Ocean, or about the right size? Our specialists in Joure are happy to help.
