Team Partners Step-Up for Pandemic Response
11th Hour Racing Team is proud (and lucky) to be working with some terrific partners and suppliers since the official launch of the team last fall. And it’s a true testament to their work in the sailing and maritime industries that several of these partners have stepped-up locally in their markets and regions to help in the global fight against the coronavirus pandemic that has affected all of us around the world.
Musto, the team’s official performance clothing supplier, has been working locally in the UK to provide masks to key workers while using it’s supply chain and production know-how to assist with the production of personal protective equipment (PPE).
The Ocean Race has been undertaking a similar initiative in Spain, which has been especially hard-hit. The Ocean Race has been using its 3D printer to print nearly 100 face shields and deliver them to local hospitals and health care workers in Alicante, where The Ocean Race has its headquarters.
The International Monohull Open Class Association (IMOCA) quickly responded by donating all of its inventory of disposable masks and gowns to nearby hospitals while also engaging its class members like influential skippers and sailors to put out words of encouragement and thanks to caregivers and health care workers on social media at regular intervals.
Official sunglass supplier, Karün, has taken on an initiative to inform and supply its local Cochamó community who lack some of the resources and latest medical information available to fight the pandemic. Karün is assisting with truck deliveries of basic foods for any supply chain disruptions and hygiene products. They’ve also undertaken an initiative to create health masks from recycled plastics — although that is still in the testing phase before distribution begins later this month.
Similar to other partners, North Sails has had some of its local sail lofts assist in producing and providing personal protective equipment. Equipment for big, heavy sails don’t lend themselves to the production of small masks very well. To solve for this North Sails has created a DIY Kit for individuals that consumers can get online for just $20 for 20 masks or you can follow their guide to make masks with materials you already have at home.
Lastly, Sourcemap, which assists 11th Hour Racing Team with its supply chain mapping has turned its expertise into a real-time Coronavirus risk map, to show where the virus is getting better (or worse) in the world. The company has also supported local and international non-profits such as Techfugees and Make The Road NYC providing assistance to refugees and immigrants during the pandemic.
A heartfelt thanks to all of our partners from 11th Hour Racing Team!
