Ben Willis, Head of Leisure and Commercial (UK & IE) Sales at Typhoon International, discusses the company’s relationship with the RNLI and the limited edition Typhoon Infinity 200 Drysuit.
AAS: Hi Ben, please can you introduce Typhoon International and give our readers some insight into your long-standing relationship with the RNLI.
BW: Absolutely. Typhoon International is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of drysuits. Established in 1947, the company has more than seven decades of experience and is known globally for producing exceptionally high-quality marine apparel. I have had the privilege of working with Typhoon for many years as part of their sales team, and during that time, I have had the pleasure of working closely with the RNLI, one of our valued clients. Over the years, the RNLI has become an incredibly important part of Typhoon’s business.
Personally, I have built a great relationship with them during my tenure. What they do on a daily basis – saving lives at sea – is truly inspiring, and I have immense respect for the crew who work tirelessly to ensure our safety while we enjoy our time on the water. To me, they are all heroes.
AAS: How did the Typhoon Infinity Drysuit come about?
BW: The idea for the suit was actually mine. I wanted to create something unique to commemorate the RNLI’s 200th anniversary, and I knew Typhoon’s design team would be excited to take on the challenge of developing something truly special.
AAS: Tell us more about the drysuit and its technical qualities.
BW: For over 40 years Typhoon has been supplying drysuits to RNLI crews for inshore lifeboats, hovercrafts and all-weather lifeboats, ensuring they are equipped for the most demanding conditions. We fully understand the critical importance of designing drysuits that meet the intense requirements of the job. Whether it is pulling swimmers from rip tides or battling harsh conditions to rescue someone stranded on rocks in freezing waters, the drysuit must be engineered for every situation. The Typhoon Infinity 200 Drysuit incorporates numerous technical features, including waterproof and breathable TX-4 fabric and a front-entry YKK® Aquaseal zip. It is articulated for ease of movement and maximum comfort and is equipped with glideskin neoprene neck and cuff seals, a fleece-lined storm collar and Cordura® reinforced seat and knees for extra durability. Additionally, the Infinity Drysuit is designed for the all-around watersports enthusiast, making it versatile and ideal for a range of leisure water activities.
AAS: Can you explain more about Typhoon’s fundraising initiative?
BW: Typhoon’s limited-edition suits have been specially designed and manufactured to commemorate the RNLI’s 200th anniversary and to raise vital funds for the charity, with £100 from the sale of each suit being donated to the RNLI. We decided to make the suit a limited-edition item, producing only 200 in total to represent the 200 years of the RNLI. Each bespoke drysuit is uniquely numbered and features the RNLI’s 200th anniversary logo. To make the product even more special and unique, we have incorporated a piece of the yellow wellington boot, taken from official rescue suits as worn by RNLI lifeboat crew, onto the product’s swing ticket.
AAS: Where can people purchase these drysuits from?
BW: The Typhoon Infinity 200 Drysuits are available to purchase from Typhoon’s official website: typhoon-int.co.uk/rnli-200-anniversary-drysuit-limited-edition
