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New Online Store Launched

Pilote Black on Black Collection

It’s been about a year since we launched the Pilote range on the world. At the time, a little online shopping system called Shopify seemed like a good idea – but things change… so we have re-launched the Pilote online shop on a new look website, and we are excited about what is coming…

The first thing that you will notice is that you no longer have to leave TeamPilote.com to visit the store. Everything is done in one place. You will also be able to get reminders about products you have been browsing and better recommendations and you will be able to calculate the shipping live before you check-out for many products.

We have some new suppliers, which means that in the coming months, we will be able to offer products more suited to our core customer base. Specifically, we will be launching technical tshirts and long-sleeved tees – great for sport! There might even be some sneakers on the horizon.

As well as the Sea, Track and Sky vibe, we are also expanding our travel category. COVID-19 has changed the world, so maybe the Digital Nomad lifestyle may change too, but we hope that people will be able to travel soon – even if it is domestically or for stay-cations. We’ve teamed up with some great writers and bloggers to add some travel content into the blog and we will also have some digital guidebooks for sale.

Speaking of a new world, we have some very cool, neck gaiter designs that are exclusive to Pilote. These products are great for sports like Sailing and Mountain Biking, but also work as a non-medical face covering.

You might notice a couple of bugs as we migrate to the new site – some products may be unavailable – but if you get in touch, we might be able to source what you are looking for. Some links might send you to an expired Shopify site. If you notice anything weird, let us know and we will add it to the list of things to fix.

Please send us your feedback. We do value your contributions and will do all we can to take on board your ideas.

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“Wear a Suit” – Duffel Bag for Sailors & Digital Nomads

Bag for Sailing Club Ball

Words that strike fear into any sailor, digital nomad or free-spirit that likes to travel light. But sometimes you still need to look sharp. So we have the bag for you. The ultimate suit carrier for people who are Team Pilote.

The Yacht Club Black Tie Award Dinner or Ball.

sailor wearing a suit
Alex Thomson ‘surfs’ the keel of Hugo Boss in a well pressed suit.*

Every so often, Alex Thomson arranges a photographic stunt for his main sailing sponsor – Hugo Boss. But how do mere mortals look as polished and uncreased as the Open 60 star?

You’ve just spent a week in the salt air, trimming, helming, racing or just cruising from bay mooring to marina. Now it’s time for the prize giving. A posh affair – jackets and maybe even ties required. Too many different occasions – sailing, beach bars, yacht club parties… but only one bag.

We’ve got you covered. The Pilote team have found a good looking, functional, duffel bag come backpack that keeps your suit or jacket or dress shirt ready for the big, end of regatta bash.

Disclaimer – Neither Alex Thomson or Hugo Boss endorse the products featured on this page.

The Business Meeting where you have to look ‘Professional’

Not everywhere is as casual as California. Whether you are in Dubai, Melbourne, Montreal or London – there are still some meetings that you need to wear suit. Even if you pair it with a simple Black T-shirt, a sharp suit is literally a cut above.

So, what does this practical, carry-on size suit bag do for you?

  • Pack your suit, jacket, blazer or business shirts flat.
  • Pack your Pilote essential T-Shirts.
  • There’s even a special compartment for your dress shoes!
  • Carry as a duffel bag or a backpack.
  • Choose from smooth, classy grey or confident black.
  • Don’t forget a Beanie or Cap, depending on the weather forecast.
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Outliers, Disruptors & Edge Cases – a T-Shirt Collection

Outlier-disruptor-edge case tShirt

New to the Pilote range… a collection of tees for people who are not normal.

  • Outlier – a person or thing differing from all other members of a particular group or set.
  • Disruptor – a person or thing that prevents a system, process, or event, from continuing as usual or as expected
  • Edge Case – a “problem” or situation that occurs only at an extreme (maximum or minimum) operating parameter.

Collection Musings

Misfits, in the archaic sense of the word. People that differ from other members of a particular group. Our kind of people. Perhaps in a different time they were rebels!

Nobody wants to be so predictable that an AI can work out what you want next. Nobody wants to be part of a system that is streamlined to maximise shareholder value at the expense of personal requirements.

Wikipedia defines an Edge Case ‘a problem’. Something that doesn’t neatly fit within the parameters of normal is, of course, an irritation or an issue. We are so focused on expedient efficiency – and look where that got us when the supply chains collapsed during the COVID-19 crisis of 202.

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Folding ‘Snap Grip’ Sunglasses. Perfect for Sport.

Snap around your wrist sunglasses

This product is no longer available from teampilote.com! Get in touch and let’s see if we can find you an alternative.

Practical polarised sunglasses that can wrap around your wrist.

You know the story. You don’t have time to put your sunglasses carefully in the case and place them somewhere before they go flying. Imagine if you could just take off your sunnies and snap them around a nearby handle, or even your wrist until you need them again.

Sorted. Team Pilote have been searching the latest products trending in the Northern Hemisphere Summer and we came across these KDEAM 2019 UV 400 polarised sunglasses.

To be honest. We are having a debate in the office (actually we don’t have an office, everything is done via various chat and messaging apps) about whether these practical sunglasses are fashionable or cool…. but in the end it doesn’t matter. We have decided to sell these glasses because of function, not form.

You can now Chat to Us on Facebook

If you want to slip on your Ray-Bans or Oakleys or prescription eyewear once you’ve showered at the end of the day… then happy days. But you need one or two pairs of these clever sunglasses.

We could list out all the sports that we think these folding sunglasses would be good for – sailing, stand up paddleboarding (SUP), Kayaking – even mountain-biking. Whether or not you wear them while sipping your Flat-white on the yacht club deck – that’s up to you..

I go through sunglasses like razor blades, I forget them, I lose them, I break them. I have special sailing sunglasses with a built in strap, I have posh sunglasses for brunching, I have extra pairs in my sailing bag. I have all kinds of gizmos and gadgets and holders to stop them falling off.

The problem with the straps is that when you bend over, the glasses get in the way and crush and break and scratch. So this is a great solution – snap them onto a nearby tube, and grab them again when needed.

David Fuller – aka DMFREEDOM, Founder of Pilote

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Maverick Trailer Released

Maverick Trailer

In 1986 a film was released that reportedly did wonders for the US Navy’s recruitment drive. It did a lot for sales of Home Cinema systems with surround sound too. That film was – Top Gun.

Being fans of the first film, we were a little sceptical of a sequel, 30something years later. Not a reboot – but a sequel. Having watched the trailer, we are now excited.

Now some people can identify the Jaws soundtrack from 2 notes. Top Gun and now Maverick is instantly recognisable from just one. The first note of the trailer sends a signal – this film will pay homage and allow all the original fans to get nostalgic for the original film.

Besides the soundtrack, other nods in the direction of Top Gun are a topless volleyball scene, riding a motorbike (without helmet) beside a fighter jet taking off, a Goose-like character playing piano, the famous Maverick ‘salute’ and Tom Cruise being moody on the back of an aircraft carrier.

Honestly, some of the first film looks dated now. Some parts of the eighties didn’t age well, but the flying sequences are still some of the best cinema ever made and the trailer for Maverick hints at some impressive action on the screen in 2020.

In an age where heroes have mutations and superpowers, it will be a welcome change to have a more human action movie.

Looking forward to more trailers and the film itself.