NORTH SAILS BLOG

North Technology Group continues to expand its family of best-in-class marine brands by adding two of the world’s most respected sailmakers, Doyle Sails and Quantum Sails. READ MORE

Learn how to reduce pollution with scientifically backed steps and guides from Sailors for the Sea.  READ MORE

Double Silver medallist Ian Walker gives us his perspective on the pressures when competing on the world stage and what to look out for in Marseille during the Paris Games. READ MORE

Medalist, coach and now North Sails expert Ian Walker shares his insights on preparing to compete on the world stage. READ MORE

North Sails is the official class sailmaker for 49er and 49erFX classes. After three years of collaborative sail development 3Di will make its Olympic debut at the Paris Games this summer. READ MORE

From July to November, the North Sails store within Time Out Market Barcelona promises to be a must-visit destination for sailing enthusiasts and ocean lovers.   READ MORE

Giv dine sejl den bedste vinterpause – med North Sails  Hos North Sails får dine sejl ikke bare opbevaring – de får omsorg, ekspertise og sikkerhed.  Vi tilbyder professionelt vintereftersyn og opbevaring af dine sejl, så du kan gå vinteren i møde med ro i sindet.  Hvert sejl gennemgår en grundig inspektion af vores specialister. Har det brug for reparation, får du et tilbud – helt uforpligtende.  Sejlene opbevares på vores moderne sejlloft under optimale forhold: Tørt, sikkert og selvfølgelig fuldt forsikret.  Pris: kun 605 kr. pr. sejl Inkluderer eftersyn, vinteropbevaring samt afhentning og levering til vores landsdækkende indleveringssteder.  Vil du have den fulde pakke? Vi klarer det hele: Afmontering, afhentning, service, opbevaring og montering ved sæsonstart.  Du slipper for besværet – vi sørger for alt. Kontakt os for et skræddersyet tilbud. Vigtige datoer: Seneste indlevering: 7. november 2025 Afhentning: Senest 6. marts 2026 (medmindre andet er aftalt) Uanset sejltype eller mærke, kan du benytte vores service – bare du indleverer dine sejl hos North Sails. Kun eftersyn? Vi tilbyder også vintereftersyn og service uden opbevaring – dog kun ved indlevering og afhentning i Herlev.  Bemærk:Efter 8. november kan sejl kun indleveres hos North Sails, Lyskær 10, Herlev – eller efter aftale.   Se her, hvor du kan indlevere dine sejl: (Husk at tjekke de enkelte steders åbningstider)  JYLLAND  v/Henning Sander Nielsen  Boelsmindevej 8  9300 Sæby  Tlf. +45 3054 1166  Email: modelsnedkeriet@outlook.dk og service.dk@northsails.com  Indlevering efter aftale    Holstebro Clean Carpet A/S  v/Søren Christiansen  Sletten 51  7500 Holstebro  Tlf. +45 40384844  Email: post@cleancarpet.dk og service.dk@northsails.com  Mandag - Fredag: 08:00 - 16:00  Lørdag – Søndag: Lukket    Evergreen Sailing  Havnevej 19  7600 Struer Email: info@evergreensailing.com og service.dk@northsails.com   Mandag - Fredag: 08:00 - 16:00   Lørdag – Søndag: Lukket     Horsens Yachtværft Aps  Gammel Havn 3  8700 Horsens  Tlf: +45 25 57 87 81  Email: info@horsensvaerft.dk  Mandag - torsdag: 08:00 - 16:00  Fredag: 09:00 - 15:00  Lørdag – Søndag: Lukket    Augustenborg Yachthavn  Langdel 6  6440 Augustenborg  Tlf. +4574471562  Email: INFO@AYH.DK og service.dk@northsails.com  Mandag - torsdag: 08:00 - 16:00  Fredag: 09:00 - 15:00  Lørdag – Søndag: Lukket    FYN  Walsteds Bådeværft  Saugskærvej 21  5700 Svendborg  Tlf: 6220 5168  Email: info@walsteds.dk og service.dk@northsails.com  Mandag - torsdag: 07:00 - 16:00  Fredag: 07:00 - 15:00  Lørdag – Søndag: Lukket    Faaborg Båd og Motor ApS  v/ Jørgen Pedersen  Lillestrand 3  5600 Faaborg  Email: salg@baad-motor.dk og service.dk@northsails.com  Mandag - Fredag: 09:00 - 17:00  Lørdag: 09:00 - 12:00  Søndag: Lukket    SJÆLLAND  North Sails A/S  Lyskær 10  2730 Herlev  Tlf. +45 3920 4090  E-mail: service.dk@northsails.com  Venligst C.c. service.dk@northsails.com i alle e-mails.   READ MORE

North Sails is the long-time Performance Partner to the Bermuda Race. In this edition, North-powered boats took command of the leaderboard and claimed the coveted St. David’s Lighthouse trophy. READ MORE

We have teamed up with two brands on a sustainability initiative to divert old sails from the landfill. Trade in your old sails and save on new ones during the month of July. READ MORE

Hailing from Port Townsend, Washington, Vilage, 28, brings the same qualities to her work in the loft at Portsmouth as she does as part of some of the finest one-design crews in North America. READ MORE

As sailors, we have seen first-hand the diversity and abundance that lives in the ocean. We have sailed alongside dolphins and turtles and had our own share of surprise encounters with orcas and sharks alike. READ MORE

In May 2023, during Leg 5 of The Ocean Race, one of the racing teams alerted race control and the racing fleet that they had hit something in the water. READ MORE

Sarissa, Zemi & Raven were recognized at the awards ceremony hosted by Boat International. All three boats benefited from the joint expertise of the North Technology Group throughout the design, build and testing phases. READ MORE

When venturing offshore, there are numerous considerations to ensure a safe and successful journey to the finish line. READ MORE

Join Fabian Muhmenthaler, North Ambassador, athlete and pro-foiler, on his latest adventure. READ MORE

The Palma-based superyacht sail designer has gone from a junior designer to working on significant North Sails projects in just a few short years. READ MORE

North 3Di is a sailmaking revolution because it produces sails that are both high-performance and reliable. With 3Di technology, the best performance no longer comes at the expense of longevity. READ MORE

Pollution in Europe’s largest ports is making people sick. The solution? Electrification, regulation, more wind — and collaboration. READ MORE

Zero-Mylar construction, spread filaments vs. fibers, thermoset what? The North Sails answers to questions commonly asked about 3Di sail technology. Learn why 3Di is unlike any other. READ MORE

You've likely heard North 3Di sails are the best, the fastest, the most durable, and the must-have sail technology. But what makes 3Di sails so unique? Join us as we uncover the reasons. READ MORE

Rightfully known as “the champions among us,” the North Sails One Design roster is a remarkable collection of world-class sailmakers. It was Gillard’s single-minded pursuit of excellence that caught the attention of Paul Hobson, the head of the One Design squad at North Sails. READ MORE

The North Sails family and sailing world mourn the loss of Gautier Sergent.  Gautier personified North Sails—an absolute expert who drew from his experience to relentlessly advance our competitive edge.  READ MORE

Nigel Musto, North Sails Performance Clothing Director, gives us his top tips on maximizing the life of Foul Weather gear. READ MORE

North Kiteboarding is teaming up with a leading paragliding designer to join the race for Olympic gold in the Formula Kite Class. In partnership with Hannes Papesh, North will submit its first RAM-Air kite design for registration next month with the International Kiteboarding Association (IKA) in preparation for the 2028 Los Angeles Quadrennium. “Hannes approached us with this unique opportunity to leverage our combined decades of data-driven experience and venture into the Olympic arena together. We’re confident, and we have the right cards,” says North Brand Director Mike Raper. “Our North Formula kite design is super light, extremely stable, and has a slightly different bridling system, refined to deliver speed and performance to the far edge of fast. We’re proud to celebrate our sailing heritage and join the other North Sails classes dominating the worldwide racing podiums.” Hannes Papesh started flying paragliders in 1986. Coming from sailing, he immediately tried to change the trim of his lent paraglider. “I designed my own computer program, got material and webbing, and made my first wing,” says Hannes. From that first paraglider design in 1988, he used self-programmed software to calculate the sail cut and 3D geometries and later did a lot of simulations (CFD, FSI). Today, this software workflow is used by other brands to develop leading products. “Challenges are our strength, backed up by modern digital solutions,” says Hannes, for whom the Formula Kite special project has been a dream for some time. “This venture with North ensures we can set extraordinary new standards in the Formula Kite world.” Formula Kite, a high-performance hydrofoiling class using regulated series production equipment, has been selected by World Sailing for the kiteboarding event of the Paris 2024 and Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. Capable of speeds up to 40 knots, foiling kiteboarders have become the fastest athletes in the history of Olympic sailing. Formula Kite is also a class in Regional Games (like the Panamerican and Asian Games), the World and Continental Beach Games, the World Sailing World Championships, the World Sailing Youth World Championships, and the Youth Olympic Games. Since 2012, only registered production equipment is eligible for any Formula Kite course racing events. Manufacturers must submit equipment license applications for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics before March 15, 2024. Formula Kite racing has a ‘Box rule’ where riders can choose from registered equipment. In the class, each athlete can register four different kite sizes. You’re allowed to take out any of the four, and you can come in to change sizes depending on the wind strength. The kites are more like paragliders than your classic inflated “tube” kites. Known as RAM-Air kites, the air fills the pockets when you take them out - you don’t need to pump them up. Four lines attach the kites to the bar, and the bar connects to you on a harness. North will register the new Formula kite (aptly named the “North Formula”) in sizes 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 15,17, 19, and 21m, adding the familiar NS logo to the arena in the fastest Olympic class. North Kiteboarding is part of North Sails Group, a pioneering force in sailmaking. North Sails boasts an impressive legacy marked by groundbreaking innovations that have revolutionized sailing. Recognized as the preferred sailmaker for prestigious events like the America's Cup and amongst Grand Prix, Ocean Racing, Olympics, and Superyachts, North Sails offers a comprehensive range of sails underpinned by an unwavering commitment to all sailors. Further solidifying its position as the world's leading sailmaker, North Sails proudly holds an unmatched track record of one design National, World, and Olympic Class victories, surpassing all competitors combined. North Sails has been chosen as the official supplier of sails for the 49er and 49erFX classes. North 3Di will be making its Olympic debut in Paris 2024 as the official one design sails to these classes. READ MORE

North Sails strengthens its global sales and service team with Tony Rey, one of the most highly respected sails experts. Few sailors have such a diverse career and broad enthusiasm for racing and cruising. READ MORE

North Sails proudly announces the opening of a new loft in Victoria, British Columbia. Spearheaded by local experts Stuart and Joy Dahlgren, and supported by their expert team of sailmakers, they seamlessly integrate into North Sails Canadian operations. READ MORE

To sail like a girl is about finding your voice amidst the roar of the ocean and standing tall in the face of adversity. Whether you're a seasoned sailor or a novice adventurer, it's about pushing boundaries and knowing the horizon is not a limit but a new beginning. READ MORE

Powered by North Sails, Gitana Team Skipper, Charles Caudrelier, crossed the finish line off the coast of Brest, France, on February 27th, to win the ARKEA Ultim Challenge. The ARKEA Ultim Challenge is the first-ever solo multihull race around the world and was sailed in 32m Ultim Trimarans – true Giants of the Sea. READ MORE

Available for cruising boats up to 45 ft, NPL RENEW is the start of a new and important shift for sailmaking towards a more sustainable sail that does not sacrifice performance or longevity. Learn more about NPL RENEW with our FAQs from NPL RENEW Product Director Tom Davis. READ MORE

North Sails RENEW, a North Panel Laminate (NPL) sailcloth for cruising boats up to 45 ft. is constructed from more than 90% sustainable sources, with no sacrifice in performance or longevity. READ MORE

North Sails President and world-renowned race winner Ken Read lends his expertise to our Flying Sails Guide, a new breed of offwind sails that can add as much as 40 percent more sail area. READ MORE

The Engine Above Deck The North Sails team has focussed hard on the Cape 31 Class since its inception and as a result it is no surprise that North Sails have been so dominant. North Sails IRC designs were the foundation of the Cape 31 One design rules. Starting as the sole sail maker in South Africa with tri-radial paneled,  North Sails have worked to perfect their 3Di sails since the Cape 31 arrived in the UK in 2019.  After countless hours sailing, testing and competing in the Cape 31, North Sails shares our tuning notes in an effort to get sailors and teams up to race winning speed quickly for the most competitive racing. As we learn more about the Cape 31 and further its development, new information regarding setup, tuning and trimming techniques will be updated online at northsails.com. As always, contact your North Sails Expert for all the most up to date information and for help tuning your boat. TUNING GUIDE Dock tune Mast heel position: 135-145 mm from the aft edge of the mast to the center of the front keel bolt. Set the mast heel position to achieve the desired pre bend (see below). Moving the heel aft increases pre bend, moving the heel forward reduces pre bend. Setting the mast rake: 1,715mm. To do this, put a mark on the forestay, and measure the distance from this mark down to the middle of the forestay pin at the deck intersection.  Swing the fixed end of the jib halyard back to the mast and mark the halyard in line with the top of the gooseneck measurement band. Next swing the jib halyard forward to the forestay and mark the forestay in line with the jib halyard mark.  Measure the distance from the top of this new forestay mark to the middle of the forestay pin. On most boats this is the load sensor pin, the pin that the tack of the jib attaches to. The next step for tuning the rig is to make sure the mast is square in the boat.  Set the shroud tension close to base tension and loosen the D1’s (& D2’s).  Swing the jib halyard from one shroud base to the other and make sure the hounds are in the middle.  Tighten the D1’s (& D2’s) back up to the tuning guide and make the mast look straight side to side. Base deck chocks: It is best to have light pressure on the front chocks. A good base deck chock setting is normally 4 to 8 mm of positive chock (fill the gap in front of the mast, plus 4-8mm). It is worth checking that when on +1 chocks compared to base that there is still a small amount of pre bend. Moving deck chocks has a large impact on the D1 tension. Measure pre bend by pulling the most forward main halyard down to touch the back corner of the lowest bit of the mast track just above the gooseneck (see image). Pull the halyard tight on a calm wind day and then measure the gap between the back of the mast track and the nearest piece of rope. Pre bend is measured at the height of the lowest spreaders. Measure on base with base chocks in and with the runners loose and the boom down. The ideal pre bend is between 40mm and 50mm. Tuning Matrix This tuning matrix is developed for the unique 3Di North Sails technology. 3Di is a fundamentally unique construction process leading to lighter and stronger sails. TWS (kts) V1 “Shrouds” (PT-3M) D1 “Lowers” (PT-2M) D2 “Uppers” (PT-2M) Forestay  Deck Chocks 4-7 Base -2 Base -3 Base -2 Base -8 Base +1 8-9 Base-1 Base-2 Base -1 Base -4 Base 10-11 Base Base-1 Base Base -2 Base 11-12 (Base) Base (20) Base (35) Base (25-27) Base Base 12-14 Base  Base +1 Base Base +2 Base 14-16 Base +1 Base +1 Base Base +4 Base 16-18 18+ Base +2 Base +3 Base +1 Base +2 (37) Base Base Base +6 Base +8 Base  Base -1 Each turn listed on the tuning matrix above is a 360 degree turn.The numbers in brackets on the tuning matrix are rig tensions.  Battens A couple of stiffnesses of carbon full length battens in the head of the mainsail (and jib) help to perfect the sail set up across the wind range. North Sails have standard recommended batten upgrade options, please get in contact with a North Sails expert to discuss this further.  JIB TRIM  Crossovers Helix technology in the jibs defies conventional sail design limitations enabling one sail to perform optimally across a wider range of conditions than ever before. Engineered for active camber control, Helix upwind sails enable sailors to radically adjust and control sail shape and power as well as minimizing luff sag by adjusting the jib halyard fine tune. J1 (J1-4): 5 -11 knots  J2 (J2-2) 10 –16 knots  J3 (J3-4) 15-21 knots * J4 Heavy Weather OSR (J4-3): 20+ knots  JIB CARS. It is best in light and medium winds to be max inboard on the car. If out of range, or at the very top of the range, on a jib going one step outboard on the jib car works well. There is jib car height adjustment line next to the main hatch. Car height is the main car tuning tool for setting the depth and twist in the jib.   SPREADER MARKS: It is really useful to have spreader marks on the underside of each spreader. Place these in the center of the spreader and 150mm inboard and outboard of the central mark. Mainsail Trim MNi-6: All purpose mainsail  TRAVELER. Maximum height and power are generated by having the traveler all the way up in light winds. In strong winds it is best to not go far below the centerline with the traveler car, use the fine tune to twist open the main. Once overpowered it is fastest to only have the traveler just above the centerline. Easing the traveler is one of the first moves to depower. RUNNERS. Off in sub 6 kts, then progressively tighter until max combined headstay / tack load of 1.8 tonnes. 1.8 tonnes is the max load according to the builders. OUTHAUL: Just loose so the sail is not touching the boom below base, and then tighten it when the wind builds. CUNNINGHAM: Off downwind and in light winds. Progressively pull it tighter as the wind builds, especially when sailing at/over +4 on the headstay. This helps to bend the mast and flatten the mainsail whilst holding the draft forward.  DOWNWIND Spinnaker Crossovers A1.5:(A1.5-2) 5-9 knots  A2 Minus (A2 Minus-1): 8-12 knots  A2 (A2-2 Poly): 11-21 knots A4 (A4-3): 21+ knots A3 (A3-2) Reaching Techniques In light airs the kite flies best and the gybes are best with the jib lowered. In over 8 knots of true wind speed sail VMG angles based on heel and apparent wind / true wind angles. It is fastest to leave the jib up. RUNNERS. Loosen the runners downwind to generate depth and power. Keep the windward runner snug. When the wind increases, tighten the runners just enough to keep the headstay straight / tight. Further Information Please get in contact with a North Sails expert to further discuss techniques and settings. Ben Saxton - North Sails Class Lead ben.saxton@northsails.com +44 7962 238 742 CROSSOVER CHART Click on the Crossover Chart to download the Cape 31 Tuning Guide.  READ MORE

Optimizing your IRC rating for your specific boat is no simple task. If you find yourself unsure about the ideal sail inventory, we strongly recommend reaching out to our experienced team of experts today.  READ MORE

A total of 29 teams, representing 9 different nations, engaged in fierce competition across six events this year. While Cape 31s have attracted some of the world's best sailors, the class rules, which limit the crew to three professionals, also create an environment where owner-drivers race with friends and family. READ MORE

North Sails is proud to be a new major partner to The Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron. This partnership sees North Sails become RNZYS’ Official Sailmaker for the next three years and the supplier to the club’s new Emirates Team New Zealand Elliott 7 fleet, due to launch in early 2024. READ MORE

The 2023 J/70 Worlds in St Petersburg in Florida saw a remarkable clean sweep for North Sails customers, taking all three major titles and seven of the top ten overall positions.  READ MORE

Sustainability can mean a lot of different things. For North Sails, sustainability stands for our unwavering commitment to developing products across every part of our business that are sustainable to the limits of available technologies.  READ MORE

North Sails Apparel is unique. As a company with roots in sailmaking, it embraces the spirit of the ocean - from the demands of the Southern Ocean to the joys of waterside living.  READ MORE

The America's Cup kicked off  with its first Preliminary Regatta in Vilanova i La Geltrú, Spain. Sailed in the new AC40 one design class, this event was a milestone in the long road to the 37th edition of the famed race which will be sailed in Barcelona from August to October 2024. READ MORE

This article was originally written as a Seahorse Tech Brief sponsored by North Sails. At first no-one believed the AC75 concept could ever possibly work. Barely three years later and the smaller AC40 offspring of those as-it-turned-out spectacularly successful AC75s are available to all (well sort of...).  READ MORE

North Sails powers victory at the 2023 Six Metre World Championship. Jamie Hilton's Scoundrel and His Majesty King Juan Carlos of Spain's team Bribon win new world titles in their respective classes READ MORE

North Sails is delighted to announce the appointment of 727 Sailbags as its European sail upcycling partner. Like North Sails, 727 Sailbags is deeply passionate about sailing and is dedicated to discovering new initiatives that minimize the environmental impact on the sailing community. READ MORE

Modern sailcloth begins life as industrial fiber and film. Some of these products are well known to sailors by a specific supplier’s brand name. A better understanding of the characteristics of these fibers can be helpful in choosing the right sails for your boat. READ MORE

Remember when your spinnaker was new—how crisp and clean the material felt and the way it crinkled going into the bag? The whites were white and the colors were bright, and it even smelled like the brand new nylon that it was. READ MORE

Two Worlds wins, one incredible weekend. North Sails powers 2023 ORC and RC44 World Champs. We believe that champions are forged on the water, and the recent events have once again proven our legacy of master win-makers. READ MORE

Upcoming Regatta Repair Schedule North Sails Certified Service Experts will repair your sails overnight. Our Service van is on-site at select events, offering regatta venue pick-up and drop-off. Tears happen, but they shouldn’t leave you without a key piece of race inventory. Look for our North Sails Certified Service Experts at the following regattas this season. *All pickups will be 4:30-5:30pm and drop offs will be 7:30-8:00am. NYYC ANNUAL REGATTAJune 9-10   |   Sail Newport, The Alofsin Piers BLOCK ISLAND RACE WEEKJune 17-22   |   Block Island Maritime Center SAIL NEWPORT REGATTAJuly 8   |   Sail Newport, The Alofsin Piers ORC ECC / IC37 NATIONALSJuly 14-15   |   The Alofsin Piers 12M WORLDSAugust 1-4   |   IYRS Pier SAFE HARBOR RACE WEEKENDAugust 11-13   |   Safe Harbor Newport Shipyard Pickup NYYC INVITATIONALSeptember 9-16   |  New York Yacht Club Harbor Court IC37 NORTH AMERICANSOctober 6-7   |  Sail Newport, The Alofsin Piers   Talk To A Service Expert READ MORE

The renowned Rolex Fastnet Race drew a record-breaking number of entries. The standout performers were the North Sails-powered skippers Francois Gabart and Charlie Dalin, who set new Fastnet Race course records in their respective categories. READ MORE

North Sails offers three material options to help you find the right sails for your needs. Every North cruising sails is custom-designed for your boat and sailing style. By matching the right materials to your sailing goals, you'll be even happier with your new North sails. That could mean easier furling and flacking, smoother tacking and jibing, headache-free sail handling and storage or optimum performance and longevity. Cruising sailcloth comes in three styles: woven Polyester dacron, cruising laminates, and 3D composite material. Each provides a different balance of durability and performance. Dacron fabrics are the toughest and most structurally stable. Cruising laminates offer lighter weight and increased shape holding. 3D composites are a new generation of cruising materials with exceptional shape holding and structural integrity beyond many laminates. READ MORE

A new format, two trophies, and another North Sails-powered circumnavigation completed After six months, nine stopover cities, and 32,000 nautical miles, The Ocean Race 2022-23 sailed its final miles and crowned two winners at the finale in Genoa, Italy. Skipper Charlie Enright (USA) and his 11th Hour Racing Team hoisted The Ocean Race Trophy, while Pablo Arrarte (ESP) and the WindWhisper Racing Team claimed the VO65 Sprint Cup. The 50th edition of the race ushered in a new era of competition with two classes, the one design VO65 and the exciting IMOCA development class, as well as featuring the longest leg in the history of the race. We also saw the fall of the 24-hour monohull speed record, which stood for eight years only to be broken back to back during Leg 5.   📸  Sailing Energy / The Ocean Race True to form, The Ocean Race 2022-23 pushed boundaries, expectations, and at times, the patience of the teams and fans worldwide.  No one is better suited than Enright to speak firsthand on the long road to the start line and the ups and downs of this lap around the planet.  11th Hour Racing Team was leading the race overall when they experienced a devastating collision at the start of the final leg. The incident forced the team to retire from Leg 7, but the sailing and shore teams turned their heartbreak into heroic efforts to get the boat sailing again while also filing for redress. Following the redress hearing on June 29th, the International Jury awarded the team 4 points, putting them on the top of the leaderboard and securing Enright's place in history as the first American skipper to win The Ocean Race. The 11th Hour Racing skipper comments on his team's win: "I'm absolutely ecstatic. This race takes everything out of you - emotionally, mentally, and physically. I'm incredibly proud of our whole team who have worked tirelessly for three years to get to this point. There have been highs, some incredible highs, but also lows that have knocked us all, but they were all worth it to hear this news today." "When we launched our campaign in 2019, we never could have anticipated that it would finish in this way. Any sailor will tell you that they want to win races on the water and not in the jury room, and after winning three legs back to back we felt exceptionally strong and confident going into the final leg. We are pleased with the jury's decision, although we wish we had had the chance to battle it out for this final leg on the water as Holcim-PRB have been exceptional competitors and pushed us all the way" 📸  Sailing Energy / The Ocean Race The Ocean Race 2022-23 welcomed the IMOCA class to the race route for the first time. And for the IMOCA class, the race was the first time these high-performance foiling machines were sailed fully crewed.  It was a bold move from a race that had sailed in the one design VO65 for the previous three editions. But the 60ft development class reinvigorated The Ocean Race with innovation and gave the fans awe-inspiring drone footage from the world's most remote locations. Antoine Mermod, president of the IMOCA Class comments: “The Ocean Race was great. All of us within the class enjoyed it very much. The sailors loved racing and pushed these boats to their limits for six months. Technically and athletically, we learned a lot, as the boats were used more intensively and for longer than in the past. The understanding we collected from this edition will carry that forward for the next race. The IMCOA class shares a strong partnership with The Ocean Race, which we're really proud of. We've still got lots of questions on the table for the future, but we've also got really valuable first answers.”   📸  Amory Ross / 11th Hour Racing Team / Ocean Race At North Sails, we have always been at the forefront of sailmaking innovation, and our contributions to The Ocean Race 2022-23 are no exception. Our sail technologies, including the revolutionary North 3Di and Helix Sails, have redefined the boundaries of performance and endurance in the most challenging conditions. North Sails President and three-time Volvo Ocean Race race veteran comments:  "The Ocean Race is one of the hardest competitions in our sport for teams and their equipment. Everyone sets out to win, and in doing so, they put the best sailors, designers, and engineers on their project to help them achieve that goal. With the Ocean Race, our challenge is engineering sails that balance high performance and reliability to endure thousands of miles in brutal conditions. This edition we've witnessed the fully-crewed IMOCA pushed harder than ever. Races like this force creative thinking and fast-tracks innovation at North Sails." The North Sails team and our products will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping innovations for The Ocean Race, the IMOCA class, and the wider offshore racing community. Our brand was first named the exclusive supplier to the then-new VO65 one design class in 2013. Two editions later, North Sails has once again proven itself worthy of delivering consistency across the one design fleet, and North Sails is the sailmaker of choice for four or the five IMOCAs. Our sails and, more recently, the North Sails Performance foul weather gear enable the teams to push their boats and themselves harder than ever.    THE OCEAN RACE 2022-2023 LIVE DEBRIEF Join Ken Read, 11th Hour Racing Team skipper Charlie Enright and WindWhisper Racing Team skipper Pablo Arrarte for a live debrief of The Ocean Race 2022-23 on July 11, 2023. This webinar with the winners is free and open to everyone If you’re interested but unable to attend this live webinar, register anyway, and we’ll send you a link to the recording once it’s ready. Click here to register ➤    READ MORE

Bouwe Bekking has eight round-the-globe races under his belt, a veteran considered one of the world’s most experienced sailors. He steps onboard Mirpuri/Trifork Racing Team for Leg 6 of The Ocean Race VO65 Sprint. Taking the call from Aarhus in Denmark, Bekking was waiting for the VO65 to arrive from Portugal to start training.  “After Leg 1, our boat went back to Cascais. It’s been out of the water over there. They changed some elements, and our younger sailors are delivering it back here now.”  The Ocean Race 2022-23 features two different fleets: the 60-foot IMOCA Class which is racing around the world for The Ocean Race Trophy, and the 65-foot VO65 Class which is racing for The Ocean Race VO65 Sprint Cup over three legs. Bekking already raced Leg 1 from Alicante, Spain to Cabo Verde with Team JAJO. He’s now joining the Mirpuri/Trifork Racing Team for Leg 6 from Aarhus to The Hague in his native Netherlands. “The leg from Aarhus to The Hague is very short and will be intense; the last one from The Hague to Genoa can actually be a long leg,” he says.“ The last leg in the Mediterranean Sea can normally be super light so it could take a few more days than expected.  “In that sense, you still approach it like an ocean leg – you still have to pack your food, plan your sails… yes, in that sense, it still feels like the old Ocean Race days.”  It’s fair to say this VO65 Sprint Cup differs from Bekking’s eight previous participations in the race, his first going back to the 1985-86 Whitbread onboard Philips Innovator. But the excitement is there nonetheless.  “I’ve done eight round-the-world races. This edition is different from the others, but I love this race, and I believe it’s good for the VO65s to be here. There are more boats in the harbor, and the spectators can see us sailing on deck, which is a bit different from the IMOCAs. It’s a different type of sailing that brings a lot of joy to me – and I think to the public as well.” 📸 Sailing Energy / The Ocean Race With the leg start set on June 8 from Aarhus, Bekking and his crewmates, who’re skippered by Roberto 'Chuny' Bermúdez de Castro, “have a busy week ahead.”  “We had a little bit of a setback because we were supposed to start sailing at the end of May, but we had to change the gearbox and the boat was delayed a couple of days. Now we need to change our delivery sails for our race sails, race the inshore race, and a couple of other happenings, so we have a bit on.  “But the way our team is set up, we have a very experienced core crew, and a couple of young people onboard who actually did the delivery. We have a nice mix of people – we can teach the youngsters and they can learn a few tricks very quickly. I think it’s really fantastic that we’re over here and that we can get racing.” Despite its shorter format, there is no doubt the VO65 Sprint Cup is a good stepping stone for younger sailors. “It’s very good for their sailing CVs to get the opportunity to do a couple of Ocean Race legs and sail the VO65. It’s just a completely different sailing boat, different from the IMOCA.”  In fact, it’s partly because the VO65s are tested one-design boats, all equipped with North 3Di sails, that it’s possible for teams to come in and take part in this hit & run racing format.  “It’ll be really interesting to see on the water,” comments Bekking. “All the teams have actually made crew changes… WindWhisper Racing Team is the favorite, but it’ll also be interesting to see what Team JAJO, who I sailed the first leg with, has learned. And this time, they sail into their hometown, so they’ll have that little bit of extra energy.  “And then, Viva México is the dark horse of the fleet – same for Austrian Ocean Racing powered by Team Genova. The Austrians finally have a new North Sails mainsail – after the boat sailed twice around the world. That sail must have had 100,000 miles under its belt! It was time.” That durability of 3Di is one of the factors that makes it possible for the crews to come in and virtually hit the ground running in a scattered VO65 Sprint Cup. 📸 Sailing Energy / The Ocean Race “The North Sails people are of course helping us all here, including the IMOCAs when needed. So, the support is there but in reality, not a lot of maintenance is needed. The thing is, the VO65 sails don’t need a lot of service. As I said, a VO65 mainsail can do 100,000 miles. And in that amount of breeze too! That’s remarkable.”  It might not taste exactly like the old editions of the race for Bekking, and it might be a bit of an unusual format – but in the end, the essentials are here. A fleet of ocean racing boats, a mix of sailors from different backgrounds, generations, and genders, and, most of all, a tactical battle to play on the water.  “The one-design racing will be very interesting to see,” he adds. “People still have to make decisions on the water – you go around corners and have to make the right choices. That’s still a very important part of the race.  “For yourself, for your team, for your sponsors, for the public, you obviously want to win. You hope to do your best.”  READ MORE