A new online store selling premium sailing kit has launched a new website.

And Mary Geraghty, business development manager of Lir Bermuda, said that, although the island was on the crest of an America’s Cup wave, demand for quality gear would always be high in Bermuda.

Keen sailor and outdoor enthusiast Ms Geraghty, known as MJ, said: “One thing the America’s Cup has really done is boost sailing, whether adult or junior. There is a large requirement for this kind of thing here.”

But she added that — given Bermuda’s climate — clothing designed for sailing was suitable for a range of other sports like golf and running and everyday uses like weather protection on a bike.

Ms Geraghty said: “Because I’m a sailor and active outdoors, I like gear that survives and I like the idea that it’s fashionable.”

And she added: “It’s encouraging people to buy and have premium kit available to them.”

The store — launched earlier this year and which supplies top sailors like Olympian Ceci Wollmann and Rockal Evans — carries a range of clothing and equipment by major brands like Henri Lloyd, Rooster Sailing, K3 Waterproof, Zhik, Sail Racing, Ronstan, McWilliams, Win Design, Optiparts, J Sails and Magic Marine.

In addition, Lir, named after god of the sea in Irish mythology and based in Warwick, supplies sailing bags, life vests, accessories and sails for Optimist dinghies.

Items can also be personalised with names or branded with company logos for specific events.

Ms Geraghty said: “Companies that sponsor events might need something like caps, polos or jackets — it might an order of anything from ten to 400.”

She added: “I hope to be able to use local businesses for logos in the future.”

She added: “Also, with three children active in different stages of Optimist sailing, I can appreciate the needs of young sailors to keep them safe and comfortable.”

Marc Betschart, owner and founder of the firm, said: “When you live as close to the ocean as the people of Bermuda do, owning quality boating wear is a must, even if you never go boating.

“Whether it’s a jacket for the bike or a hat for the sun, we always need protection from the elements.”

He added: “We’ve created a simple online shopping experience so customers can get exactly what they want from the very best brands.

“We hand deliver the items so it is really very convenient for our customers.”

Ms Geraghty added: “Pretty much everything on the website is in stock.”

The company, which started in September, has already provided customised kit for the recent Junior Gold Cup and XL Catlin J105 International Regatta, as well as supplied branded clothing and sailing accessories for companies like Aspen, Digicel, XL Catlin, MS Amlin, the Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club and others.

The website can be found at www.lirbermuda.com.