A SOUTHAMPTON firm has signed a deal to provide safety equipment for a state-of-the-art fleet of new racing yachts.

Ocean Safety Ltd, based on Lower York Street, has put pen to paper on a two-race deal with Clipper Ventures, organiser of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race.

The company will provide a range of safety equipment to each of the 12 new Clipper 70 vessels – the largest matched fleet of ocean racers due to circumnavigate the globe during the 2013-2014 event.

Life rafts, lifebuoys, survival suits, flares, fire extinguishers, radar reflectors and grab bags will be among the equipment provided by Ocean Safety, the biggest independent safety equipment supplier in the UK.

They have also developed a custom lifejacket tailored to ‘streamline’ into the crew’s clothing colours.

Ocean Safety’s managing director, Charlie Mill, said: “We are obviously delighted to be partnering the Clipper Race in this important four-year agreement.

“We are proud of the fact that Ocean Safety can provide a totally comprehensive package of products and support consultancy.”

Clipper race founder, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, said: “With a race that takes on the most dangerous oceans in the world, safety has to be a prime concern.

“We are delighted to welcome Ocean Safety as a partner.”