Heritage

Pre 1975

A passionate dinghy sailor frustrated by lack of specialist clothing for Dinghy sailing.

During a 6 month Business Studies work experience project Nick Gill began to formulate and implement a business plan to manufacture and market sailing clothing.

1980

First exhibition at Southampton and London International Boat Shows. First export orders and first bad debt!

Lesson learned.

1980

Appointed official supplier to the British Americas Cup entry “Lionheart”. Developed innovative low windage garments featuring bulk reducing zips in arms and legs.

1983

Purchased first hot air taping machine from Pfaff, enabling fully waterproof seam sealed garments. This transformed waterproof clothing production.

1985

In test! “Atlantic” Offshore range launched to spearhead a move into the serious offshore clothing sector.

1985

Exhibited at IMTEC in Chicago, premier USA Trade show and began first inroads into the USA market.

1986

10 years on:- business begins to consolidate position as an innovative technical and fair priced brand.

Lucrative deal to supply British Airways ground staff with wet weather gear based on Gill Storm Jacket.

1988

Product range extended to include Boots, Gloves and PolarTec® fleece to complete the sailing kit bag.

1989

Innovative 2 piece Dinghy System designed and developed by Gill. This replaced the conventional one piece dinghy suit and changed the face of dinghy clothing going forward.

1994

Gill appointed official clothing supplier to Team GBR, British Olympic Sailing Team.

1996

Team GBR sail to Medals wearing Gill clothing including specific products developed for warm climate and conditions.

1997

Appointed Technical clothing supplier To Chessie Racing, entrant for the Whitbread Round the World Race. New Ocean range developed and concept of no linings in 3 layer garments adopted.

2000

Team GBR sail to Gold wearing Gill in Sydney.

2001

Gill appointed official clothing supplier to illbruck for the 2003/4 Volvo Ocean Race. A complete 3 layer clothing system was designed and developed including the less is better concept for the Ocean range.

2003

Technical clothing partner to Conrad Humprhries for Vendee Globe and TJV campaigns in Open 50 “Motorolla”.

2004

Gill develop the five Dot fabric classification system and move away from high profile branded fabrics to provide better quality and value to the customer.

2004

Skiff harness developed featuring award winning RWO Quick Release Hook. first commercial harness with QRH on the market.

2007

A complete new glove range developed including the patented Pro Glove which tested as 3 times more durable than any other glove on the market.

2008

New 4,000 sq foot R&D centre opens in Nottingham to spear head design and development for the next decade.

2008

Terry Hutchinson, Rolex Yachtsman of the year and TP52 World champion, appointed Brand Ambassador and concept of Race Collection begun.

2008

Compressor Vest launched. Most innovative 50 Newton CE Buoyancy Vest ever produced featuring ergonomically shaped foam panels encased in a stretch neoprene. Immediately won an award at the 2008 influential METS Dame Awards.

2009

Race Collection developed for sports boats and Grand Prix sailing. The lightest performance waterproof sailing jacket produced.

2010

Gill confirmed as Technical Clothing Partner to Emirates Team New Zealand for TP52 and Louis Vuitton Series.

2010

Gill appointed Technical Clothing Partner to Cowes Week.

2011

Gill announces joint sponsorship of the Volvo Gill Optimist Sailing Class.

2012

Awarded Queen's Award for Enterprise, as a result of building export sales to 75% of total revenue in financial year ending September 2011.

2012

Technical Clothing Sponsor to Louis Burton, Bureau Vallée. Vendée Globe 2012-13.

2012

Launch of the first ever fully waterproof softshell jacket in the marine market combining comfort and waterproof protection to create a winning formula.

2012

Gill introduces the Headwind Jacket. Responding to changing weather conditions, the jacket uses an Intelligent Thermoregulation System - a dynamic, breathable material which adjusts against fluctuating temperatures to keep your body regulated and comfortable.

2013

After three years in development, Gill launches a complete range of footwear featuring a new non slip, water dispersing sole, 100% marine grade materials and protection where it’s needed.

2014

Gill becomes Official Technical Clothing Sponsor to Emirates Team New Zealand for the Extreme Sailing Series.

2014

Title sponsorship for Gill RS Euro Championships 2014.

2015

Gill announce a partnership with Spi Ouest-France Intermarche as Technical Clothing Sponsor.

2015

2015 sees us celebrate our 40th year . Whilst our roots are firmly in Dinghy sailing the Gill brand has grown into an established quality technical clothing brand serving sailors across the sport from grass roots to the pro’s.

2015

After a detailed development project, the Performance Boots are introduced to the footwear range to further expand the offer.

2015

The Crew Collection is launched to strengthen our existing personalisation service with a leading customer care team to guide you through the process.

2017

Official sponsor of J70 World Championships, Sardina.