NORTH SAILS BLOG

VAD DU BEHÖVER VETA OM LATTOR Instruktioner för montering och spänning av lattor Seglingssäsongen närmar sig och vi vet att det är många som har funderingar kring sina lattor. Med all rätt. Oavsett om du planerar en långsegling eller ser fram emot vårens klubbkappseglingar är det viktigt att dina lattor monteras korrekt och att de har den rätta spänningen. Det innebär att seglet får en bättre form med högre prestanda – och säkrar upp att du inte tappar dem i ett slag eller en gipp. Rätt montering ger den rätta segelformen Se till att lattan sticks in i lattfickan med den mjuka (tunna) ändan mot förliket och den hårda (tjocka) mot akterliket. Vi ser ibland lattor som monterats på motsatt håll, och resultatet blir att seglet vare sig får rätt djup eller rätt kurvatur. Så det är värt att dubbelkolla att lattorna sitter åt rätt håll. Se till att dina lattor är säkrade En del lattor monteras framifrån och andra bakifrån, och beslagen ser lite olika ut, så det är viktigt att du säkrar lattorna på rätt sätt. I North Sails kardborre-lås finns det en särskild ficka för själva lattan och en annan ficka som låser kardborrebanden mot varandra. Andra lattsystem fungerar på andra sätt. Oavsett vilket system du har så kommer korrekt montering se till att dina lattor sitter på plats under hela säsongen. Rätt lattspänning ger dig ett slätt segel Det är också viktigt att du spänner dina lattor med omsorg och noggrannhet. Om spänningen är för låg kommer det uppstå vertikala rynkor längs lattfickan. Med för hög spänning blir resultatet synliga, horisontella kraftrynkor ovanför och under lattfickan, och duken ser överbelastad ut. Med korrekt spänning är lattfickan slät och lattan harmonierar perfekt med den inbyggda, designade formen. 📸Mike Egan Har du frågor kring lattor? Eller behöver du hjälp att få dem korrekt monterade? Kontakta oss på North Sails i Stockholm eller Göteborg, så hjälper vi dig med instruktioner och råd om hur du installerar dina lattor på bästa sätt. READ MORE

LETTER TO MY YOUNGER SELF Andreas Heide Helmsman, Marine Biologist and Ex-Navy Diver, Takes on the Polar Atlantic Ecosystem 📸 Matthew Ferraro The sailors and designers in the world of North Sails are some of the most inspiring people on the water, and we’re hoping to share more of their story with you. “Letter to my younger self” is a series told from our North Sails ambassadors. In each article, we bring to life their advice and personal journeys centered around the question: if your “now self” could give your “younger self” advice, what would it be? Dear 12-year-old Andreas, As you read this, I reckon you have just returned from a trip in your little boat or from freediving somewhere. Your parents might have been upset with you for coming home late, but shrug them off because this is the path you should stay on. Stay true to your own journey, not the one expected by your parents or your surroundings. Let curiosity continue to drive you. Follow your instincts my boy and go for it. Know that everything you do now from climbing trees, skiing in the mountains, and rowing out to fish will help you better understand the great outdoors that you already love. When you look at the horizon, wondering about the world that lies beyond the outer jetties, realize that one day you will adventure beyond the comforts of your home. When you look at the ocean wondering about what magnificent creatures live in the big blue ocean, know that you one day will get to meet many of these animals that fill your childhood dreams. 📸 Peter Svanberg You will swim with whales of all sorts as well as the world’s second-largest fish, the basking shark (yes the kind you just read about in your favorite book), and have close encounters with polar bears, perhaps even a bit too close! And one day, you will sail as far north as you can, to the pack ice around the North Pole. Getting there is not going to be easy though, sacrifices will have to be made. You will have to work hard and train harder. Join the Navy, learn to use a parachute, dive out of submarines and go on endless winter marches in the barren land of Northern Norway. But every day and every step is just a little closer towards your dream. It’s not only about the physical side of what you do, having the smarts is just as important. Your teachers and parents will do a poor job of explaining why you have to go to school, but you have to suck it up. Trust me. If you realize that everything you learn will become useful later in life you will have fewer problems sitting still while doing your Algebra. (By the way, Algebra will become particularly helpful as you travel by boat in the high North) So listen to your parents and please be a good student. You will find marine biology studies a bit boring, but go with it because one day it will come to great use. And whilst you should follow your instincts, make sure you surround yourself with good people and friends. Be humble and ask for advice when you need it. Nonetheless, self-confidence is really important as well. You will need that confidence at times, as it’s a lonely path you have chosen and few will understand what drives you. But you know: it’s the wonder of what lies beyond the horizon and beneath the surface; it’s the thrill of exploring; the excitement of pushing the limits that drives you through the challenges. If you stay true to your path then one day you will find many people like yourself. People with the same drive and same curiosity. These people will become your community to go out into nature and to sea, for the passion and for the love. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Andreas B. Heide (@andreas.b.heide) It’s only when you grow up that you will discover sailing. Sailing is a wonderful platform that lets you sail beyond the horizon, from where you will see the white cliffs of Dover, the icebergs of Greenland, and the solid ice of the North. It will allow you to dive into remote caves of the Arctic and, ultimately, sailing will help you share your love for the ocean with the world. But it’s not always going to be smooth sailing (pun intended). At times you will be cold, scared, and wishing you had chosen an easier path. There will be highs and lows, excitement and struggle. It will be a challenge. But this will also be what you will come to love, the challenge of going out there and working hard to reach your goals. At times you will fail. But failing is fine, as long as you have done your best. Just make sure you push on, get back at it, and do better. Never give up, my boy, stay true to your path. It might be that you never achieve all your goals, but rest assured, that you will have an exciting journey regardless! And one last thing, as you get older, keep reminding yourself never to lose your curiosity. As you stare out at the horizon and wonder, fret not, you will soon see so much. Trust me there is so much to explore! Andreas 📸 Conor McDonnell READ MORE

18FT SKIFF SPEED READING 3x World Champion Matt Steven Provides Insights To Racing 18 Footers © 18 Footers Australian League / Frank Quealey David McDiarmid, North Sails Expert Matt Steven, and Bradley Collins (NZL) have claimed the most desired prize in the 18-footer class, the JJ Giltinan Trophy in 2018, 2019 and 2020, making them three-peat Champions in the competitive class. The 2018 win was the first time in 45 years that New Zealanders won this event, which is considered the world championship of 18-foot skiff racing. As a result of their big win in 2018, David, Matt, and Bradley were awarded Orbit World Travel Sailors of the Year at the Volvo Yachting Excellence Awards, along with Dongfeng’s 2017-18 Volvo Ocean Race winning sailors Daryl Wislang and Stu Bannatyne. We checked in with middle crew Matt Steven about sailing 18-footers. Learn about what he has to say about choosing rigs, techniques, and how to sail an 18 to its full potential. Crew work on an 18-footer can be challenging, especially in breeze. “We have pretty defined roles on the boat to keep consistency with boat handling,” says Matt. “It’s all about having as few crossovers as possible and not letting the boat slow down.” Crew weight also affects the technique. “I am the heaviest onboard, so it often pays to keep me out on the wire. Sometimes Brad , our bowman, gets loaded up with a few more jobs during the maneuvers. Luckily he is very fit and strong and lighter than me!” One of the toughest things about 18’s, Matt explains, is rig choice. “You have two rigs for two wind ranges (0 -13 and 12-30 knots). However, within these ranges, there are a lot of different modes, so compromises have to be made, either at the top end or bottom end of each rig. It’s hard to have the ideal setup to cover an entire day’s worth of racing.” Though his team preferred their #2 rig, figuring out the right mode for each helped them adapt to changing wind ranges throughout each race day. They weren’t the only ones wrestling with rig choice each morning. “There is often a standoff on the ramp,” Matt explained, as teams wait for others to make their choice. “Normally we are happy to be on the same rig as the majority of the fleet, but sometimes you just need to back yourself on the weather forecast.” Rig tuning isn’t like other boats in the 18ft skiff. Matt explained that “the tuning tricks we have figured out ourselves over time, through practicing and spending time in the boat.” The 18ft skiff is fairly complicated, since almost every mast is custom built depending on crew weight and style, so there is not one specific guide for sailors.” Michael Coxon at North Sails in Sydney has a formula that most teams use. We have control over the rig with heel, and two sets of lower caps and primaries which we adjust accordingly as needed.” ©18 Footers Australian League /Frank Quealey Starting line technique is pretty similar to other fleets concerning positioning and acceleration however, the 18-footer can accelerate a lot faster. “One of the hardest parts,” Matt says, “is staying stationary and holding your position. Once you lose flow over the foils, it can be very challenging to stay in control.” Upwind and downwind techniques Matt said have similar concepts. “Body weight fore and aft, as well as knowing when to press hard are the keys to speed. Regarding tactics, staying in pressure is key… two knots of wind could make a 2-3 knot boat speed difference and a 10-degree angle change.” Matt’s team typically replaces two or three sails a year, depending on the number of events they compete in. “We have a good relationship with our design team,” Matt says, “so we understand our gear and how to use it efficiently.” He says it’s helpful to understand shape changes, even though only minor tweaks were made for the 2018 season. Matt’s team is sponsored by Honda, which enabled a wardrobe upgrade to 3Di for the 2019 season. This is a nice addition not only because of performance factors, but it meant they won’t need to replace sails as often. “The best thing about North Sails 3Di is that you know the shape is going to be the same each time you go sailing, and there is never a worry about structural failure. We have much confidence in the product. The added stiffness will allow us to have another dimension of rig tuning that was not available to us before. The sail controls will be more ‘tweaky,’ in a significant way.” 3Di + 18 FOOTERS The Orbit World Travel Award came as a surprise to Matt, who was just happy to win the JJG Worlds, as it has been his primary goal since he started sailing 18-footers. “We were very honored to be recognized alongside some amazing sailors for the Orbit World Travel Award. We are just normal guys who work day jobs that try and fit in as much training and sailing into our normal life. We have a desire to keep the trophy in New Zealand and make our fellow skiff sailors proud. We are happy to win for them, as well as ourselves and the New Zealand sailing community.” CONTACT MATT ORDER SAILS NOW © 18 Footers Australian League / Frank Quealey READ MORE

SEGEL FÖR CLUBRACING Vad Finns Det För Möjligheter? Clubracing är ett engelskspråkigt begrepp som inte har någon självklar svensk motsvarighet. En rak översättning skulle ju bli ”klubbkappsegling”, men det känns för begränsat och fångar inte den innebörd vi är ute efter. Clubracing är en mycket bred företeelse. Det kan innebära avslappnad kappsegling utanför hemmahamnen en kväll i veckan, utan spinnaker och med ankare och kätting hängande i stäven. Men det kan också innebära ambitiös kappsegling med ett erfaret, samtrimmat gäng i en planande sportbåt. Redan här står det klart att frågan om vilka segel som är ”bäst för clubracing” egentligen inte har något svar. Samtidigt har nog ändå de flesta clubracing-seglare en likartad utgångspunkt. Man har inte en obegränsad segelbudget och är ofta ute en liten men effektiv segelgarderob med så få segel som möjligt. Seglens prestanda är viktig – i många fall helt central – men om investeringen ska kunna motiveras måste seglen även ha bra slitstyrka och lång livslängd. Ofta använder man dessutom samma segel för både kappsegling och semestersegling. Som clubracingseglare måste man alltså kompromissa. Det man söker är egentligen inte seglen med absolut högst prestanda, utan snarare de segel som – på lite sikt och utifrån en given budget – ger mest pang för pengarna. Vilken typ av segel behöver du? Även detta är förstås en fråga utan generella svar. Vad som passar just dig beror ju på vad du har för båt, budget och ambitioner. Och så har vi det här med SRS, som ju är det helt dominerande respitsystemet för det vi kallar clubracing. Är det något särskilt man ska tänka på? Det talas ibland om ”SRS-optimering”, och det är uppenbart att det finns en del som ägnar sig åt sådant. Vår bild är dock att SRS i allmänhet ger din båt det mätetal den förtjänar och att det egentligen inte lönar sig att försöka ”lura” regel. Värt att påpeka är att dock SRS är en breddregel och att en stor segelgarderob påverkar mätetalet. Du bör särskilt tänka dig för innan du beställer ett segel med smalt register. Detta eftersom du ju ”betalar” för seglets prestanda även när det inte används. Om du inte vill ge bort något i onödan bör du se till att ditt mätetal baseras på korrekta uppgifter. Så gott som alla serietillverkare båtar väger avsevärt mer än vad tillverkaren har uppgett. Vikt är en central komponent i regeln och genom att väga båten går det ofta att få en klart märkbar sänkning av SRS-talet. Passa gärna på att mäta in seglen också. Även segelytan har stor påverkan på mätetalet och det har visat sig att många båtar seglar omkring med mindre segel än vad som anges i båtdatabladet. Dessutom är det så att segel krymper med tiden. Inmätning av segel kan vi hjälpa till med. Att väga båten kräver en del arbete och lite pengar för lyft och hyra av en kalibrerad våg. Men om man går ihop några stycken i klubben behöver det inte kosta så mycket. Överlag är annars SRS en enkel, välfungerande och rättvis regel. Så det enkla tipset är helt enkelt att skaffa de segel som passar bra till din båt och som gör den så rolig som möjligt att segla. Om du upplever din båt som underriggad och trög får vi fundera över hur segelytan kan utökas – och tvärtom om den känns överriggad och svårseglad. Var du seglar spelar också in. En båttyp som i Stockholms skärgård ”kräver” en stor, överlappande genua kan på väst- eller sydkusten klara sig med enbart kryssfock. Om du har fock som enda försegel och förväntar dig förhållanden med mycket öppna bogar kan det vara motiverat att investera i någon form av code-segel. Vilket segel ska du byta först? Nya segel är en stor investering. För att sprida kostnaderna har många av våra kunder en plan som löper några år framåt och som innebär att de byter ut ett segel i taget i lagom takt. Då är förstås frågan: Vilket segel ska jag byta ut först? Om inte dina segel helt uppenbart är färdiga för återvinning, så är det en bra början att göra en analys av deras skick. Ta gärna några bilder av seglen och mejla eller ta med dem till oss. (Fotografera seglen rakt underifrån, med kameran eller mobilen placerad exakt på mitten av underliket.) Om vi även får ta en titt på själva seglet kan vi göra en bra bedömning av dess potential. Ibland kan vi medganska enkla medel ge nytt liv åt ett äldre segel som har börjat tappa formen. Genom att exempelvis sätta i hårda, profilerade lattor i ett storsegel går det att förlänga prestandalängden med ytterligare ett par år. Det kostar ett par tusenlappar men skillnaden kan vara förbluffande stor. Att byta från vertikala lattor till horisontella lattor kan göra en liknande skillnad på en fock. (Dock går den ju då inte längre att rulla in.) Generellt kan man annars säga att det nästan alltid är bättre att ha ett bra försegel och ett sämre storsegel än tvärtom. Storseglet är ju trimbart på ett helt annat sätt än en fock eller genua – oavsett skick går det nästan alltid ”häcka ur” ett storsegel. Så om budgeten bara tillåter ett nytt segel är det sannolikt förseglet du ska byta ut först. Vilket segelmaterial är bäst? Okej. Du har insett att du behöver nya segel. Du har – på egen hand eller med hjälp av oss på North Sails – skaffat dig en bra bild av vilken typ av segel du behöver. Därmed är vi inne på nästa fråga: Vilken typ av material ska dina segel vara tillverkade av? Det är nu det roliga börjar. Men det är också möjligt att det kan upplevas som något av en djungel. Vad finns det egentligen för alternativ? Och hur ska man tänka som clubracing-seglare? – Dacronsegel Först som sist ska sägas att gammal hederlig dacron många gånger är ett alldeles utmärkt alternativ. I Express, H-båt, 606. J/70, Drake, Starbåt och en uppsjö andra entypsklasser är detta det enda som är godkänt. Tar du en titt i resultatlistorna ser du att de presterar bra även på SRS-seglingar, trots att de då ofta konkurrerar med båtar med mer avancerade segel. Detta förutsätter att seglet är tillverkat i rätt sorts dacron. Det finns en uppsjö olika dacrondukar på marknaden och de skiljer sig oerhört mycket ifråga om kvalitet, pris och egenskaper. Det du behöver för kappsegling är en högkvalitativ, hårt vävd prestandaduk med rätt ytbehandling. Den kostar en del extra men ger dig den formstabilitet du behöver för att vara konkurrenskraftig. Tar vi ett steg upp från den klassiska crosscut-duken så hamnar vi på NPC Radian. Även detta är en vävd dacronduk, men den är starkare på varpen (längden) än väften. Det gör den lämpad för radialskärning, vilket gör att den hanterar krafterna på ett bättre sätt. För clubracing kan Radian vara ett alternativ för båtar upp till cirka 34 fot. Du kan då förvänta dig väldigt lång total livslängd men bör vara medveten om att det tappar formen tidigare än segel i mer avancerade material. – Laminatsegel På större båtar än så är krafterna som regel så stora att dacron inte länge räcker till. Om du bryr dig om i fall du vinner eller förlorar en minut på en timmes kryss är det läge att se dig om efter mer prestandabetonade material. Laminatsegel är baserade på mylar. Panelade laminatsegel är oftast radialskurna och den bärande fibern kan vara allt från polyester till aramid och kolfiber. Fördelen gentemot dacron är att de har en helt annan formstabilitet och dessutom väger mindre. De flesta segelmakare erbjuder också en typ av laminatsegel som brukar kallas för ”membransegel” eller ”stringsegel”. De tillverkas genom att knippen av kraftupptagande fibrer limmas in mellan två yttre lager av mylarfilm, och där fibrerna följer de förmodade kraftriktningarna i seglet. Ytterst lägger man ibland även på en taffeta som skyddar mot slitade, eller ett tunt skikt av ett svart eller grått non-woven-material som gör att seglen nästan ser ut som våra 3Di-segel. I det här segmentet har vi på North Sails dock inget att komma med. Produktionen av våra 3DL-segel, som var föregångaren till dagens membransegel, avslutades nämligen redan i december 2017. Anledningen var att de, precis som alla segel tillverkade i mylar, hade en del inbyggda nackdelar som vi visste att det aldrig skulle gå att komma tillrätta med. Dessutom hade vi redan en ersättningsprodukt – 3Di – som var helt överlägsen på alla punkter. – 3D-gjutna kompositsegel 3Di är en unik teknologi som North Sails är ensamma om. Ett 3Di-segel innehåller ingen som helst film, utan byggs på samma sätt som ett båtskrov eller en kolfibermast: Prepreg-behandlad fiber (fiber mättad med ett tvåkomponents resin) läggs upp på en tredimensionell gjutform, värme sätter igång härdningen och när det har härdat färdigt har de två materialen omvandlats till ett enda homogent material. Konstruktionen är extremt stabil, seglet kan inte delaminera och fiberhalten är nästan dubbelt så hög jämfört med ett membransegel. Idag har vi tre olika produktlinjer – 3Di OCEAN, 3Di ENDURANCE och 3Di RAW – som tillsammans täcker allt från små och stora cruisingbåtar till små och stora racingbåtar. Det är inga vattentäta skott mellan de olika kategorierna. 3Di OCEAN 330, som byggs helt i polyester, är exempelvis ett populärt val för clubracing i båtar upp till ca 40 fot. Prestandamässigt levererar det ungefär i nivå med ett bra membransegel i aramid eller kolfiber. Det är aningen tyngre men å andra sidan har det en livslängd som är skyhögt bättre. Det är inte på något sätt billigt men det kostar mindre än 3Di-segel i mer exotiska material. 3DI ENDURANCE–serien är utvecklad med tanke på seglare som vill kunna kombinera cruising med kappsegling på hög nivå. Har du en båt runt 40 fot är 3Di ENDURANCE 760 så nära det perfekta seglet du kan komma. Med ett sådant segel ger du inte bort en sekund till dina konkurrenter och sköter du om det kommer det leverera under många, många år. Som clubracingseglare behöver du inte vara rädd ens för våra 3Di RAW-segel. De är visserligen våra minst hållbara 3Di-segel, men erfarenheter från bland annat Volvo Ocean Race och Vendée Globe visar att de klarar extrema förhållanden under lång tid. 3Di-teknologin resulterar i segel med prestanda, styrka och livslängd som går långt utöver alla andra typer av segel.De har bara en enda nackdel: Tillverkningsmetoden är kostsam och det återspeglar sig i priset på den färdiga produkten. Vilket undanvindssegel passar bäst för clubracing? Första steget är att bestämma dig för om du ska ha ett asymmetrisk eller symmetrisk segel. Generellt sett kan man säga att en asymmetrisk spinnaker (gennaker) halsad till stäven inte är ett konkurrenskraftigt alternativ. Däremot kan det funka med en gennaker halsad på ett fast eller utskjutbart peke. Om du har en båt utrustad med spinnakerbom är en traditionell spinnaker vanligtvis det bästa alternativet. Nästa fråga är vilken typ av duk din spinnaker ska ha. Det finns två olika grundtyper av nylon. En är mer inriktad för cruising, en för racing. Fibrerna i den cruisingbetonade varianten är mättade med melaminresin, men saknar så kallad coating. Om du kan leva med ett lite tyngre segel är den klassiska 0.75 ounce-duken ett bra val. Den är tålig och klarar sig bra även om du skulle råka släpa den i vattnet några gånger. Mer prestandabetonade nylondukar är vävda på ett tunnare sätt, vilket sänker vikten – en bra racingduk väger 35-40 g/m2 istället för närmare 50 g/m2. För att stabilisera duken har den istället en tunn uretan-coating ytterst. Denna coating bryts ner med tiden, vilket gör att den tappar i prestanda. Om du bara vill ha en enda spinnaker (och detta gäller såväl symmetriska som asymmetriska segel) bör du sikta in dig på en allroundbetonad design. Med ett sådant segel kommer du vara konkurrenskraftig i de flesta clubracing-sammanhang. Om du vill ta ett steg till och kunna konkurrera i hårdare konkurrens vill du förmodligen ha två spinnakers. Den ena skulle kunna vara en väldesignad allroundspinnaker i en bra prestandabetonad 0.75-duk. Den andra skulle kunna vara en mindre och lättare spinnaker med smalare skuldror, designad för brantare vinklar. Det ger dig en fördel i lättare vindar där man brukar skär mer. Vad ger just dig mest pang för pengarna? Så där ja. Nu har vi gått igenom de möjligheter du har och vi har kort beskrivit de olika material som kan vara aktuella. Så här mot slutet vill vi bara påpeka att det förstås är möjligt att välja en kombination av olika material. Ett sätt att komma ner i pris är att lägga extra krut på förseglet och välja ett enklare material i storseglet. Lite extra vikt i storseglet påverkar sällan prestandan på något märkbart sätt och det är möjligt att jobba med lattor som stärker upp konstruktionen. På många mindre båtar (som låt säga NF eller Cumulus) är storsegel i dacron och en 3Di 330-fock eller en radialskuren genua i en bra laminatduk riktigt bra kombinationer. Har du en modern 35-fotare kan ett 3Di OCEAN 330-storsegel och en ENDURANDE 760-fock vara den lösning som ger dig mest prestanda och livslängd för pengarna. Nyfiken? Kontakta oss så tar vi ett snack och tittar närmare på vilken kombinationen av prestanda, slitstyrka och livslängd som skulle ge just dig allra mest pang för pengarna. READ MORE

Lost boys i NS Dugopolje na RORC Caribbean 600 📸 Tim Wright/Photoaction.com Jutros su u cilj dojedrile prve jedrilice iz skupine Class 40 koje jedre na kultnoj regati RORC Caribbean 600, a pobjednika je odlučila sama zona finiša. Ekipa koja jedri pod imenom Lost boys, a koja je dio North Sails tima Dugopolje bila je na čelu skupine skoro cijelu regatu. U jednom trenutku su imali čak i dvadesetak milja prednosti. Međutim, nedostajalo im je sportske sreće i upali su u zonu laganog vjetra i bonace pred samim ciljem, a što je iskoristila posada na Class 40 Finnimo i u posljednjih nekoliko milja preuzela vodeću poziciju, te sa 61 sekundi razlike ušla u cilj prije Charles-Louis Mourruau’s Guidi i njegove posade. Detaljniji izvještaj možete pročitati na ovom linku. READ MORE

Ovog puta Panjić i Cro-a-sail na vrhu CRO Melges 24 flote 📸 regate.com.hr Prije godinu dana u Biogradu odjedrena prva regata klase Melges 24 u Hrvatskoj, a prošli vikend je odjedrena druga ovogodišnja regata za Kup nakon što je otvaranje sezone 2022. odjedreno u Dubrovniku. Na regati koju je organizirao JK Briva zajedrilo je 14 posada od najavljenih 15. Petnaesta posada trebala je imati premijerni nastup, a riječ je o ekipi jedrilice Razjareni, registrirana pod JK Split. Jedrilica je stigla u Biograd, ali nažalost nije niti skinuta s trajlera jer je jedan član posade morao ostati doma zbog Kovida. Ostali nisu imali takvih problema, pa su od četvrtka i petka uživali u gostoprimstvu Biograjaca. Program regate bio je standardan za dvodnevne regate. Dolazak jedrilica, njihovo bacanje u more, podizanje jarbola i trimanje, zajednički trening u petak, vaganje, roštilj party nakon vaganja i pripreme za dva službena natjecateljska dana. Vremenska prognoza je najavljivala brzu i atraktivnu regatu za oba dana. Donekle je bila u pravu u subotu kad je puhalo jugo. Puhalo je od ranog jutra i kako se približavalo vrijeme isplovljavanje vjetar je postupno jačao, a svoj vrhunac imao je tijekom drugog plova. Do kraja tog plova bio je stabilan po snazi, ali nakon idućeg startnog signala postupno je slabio. Za nedjelju je prognoza također bila vjetrovita, ali ovog puta iz smjera bure. Međutim, ponovno dolazi do pogreške prognostičkog modela pa cijelu nedjeljno jutro prolazi u iščekivanju bilo kakvog vjetra sve dok nije počela probijati tramontana koja je na kraju donijela i sunce i u jednom trenutku najjači vjetar po kojem se jedrilo tog vikenda u Biogradu. Vjerujem da ne treba posebno isticati da su se po ovako dobrim uvjetima uspješno odjedrila tri plova. Da budem precizniji, samo u četvrtom plovu RO je bio primoran signalizirati promjenu kursa u drugoj orci kad je vjetar otišao u lijevo, ali taj novi smjer ostao je takav do kraja nedjeljnih jedrenja. Što se tiče taktike ovo je vjerojatno bila jedna od težih regata koje je do sada jedrila ova klasa, subota pogotovo. Regatno polje je tada bilo postavljeno južno od Biogradske rive. Južni dio Pašmanskog kanala u tom dijelu je sasvim dovoljne širine i za regate mnogo većih jedrilica, pogotovo kad je u pitanju jugo. Međutim, konfiguracija terena i posljedično dvije različite zone po pitanju valovitosti, odnosno utjecaj vrlo jakog kurenta, stvarali su dosta glavobolje jedriličarima zaduženim za izbor prave strane regatnog polja. Ako se htjelo jedriti po manjem valu trebalo je ići bliže Pašmanu, ali jači kurenat bio je s druge strane, međutim u koliziji s jugom stvarao je oštriji i visočiji val, a samim tim i jedrilice su više "skakale" u orcu. Posljedica ovih kalkulacija bila je da se vrlo teško moglo prognozirati tko će biti u vrhu u pojedinoj orci, a pogotovo krmi. Tako da se još jednom potvrdilo pravilo da je kod klase koja jedri krmu s genakerom ta faza jedrenja najpresudnija za finalni raspored. Prvi dan regate u Biogradu bit će zapamćen i po relativno velikom broju izlijetanja na startu, što se u rezultatima može vidjeti pod oznakom UFD. Naime, RO je sve starteve organizirao sa Uniform zastavom. Za one koji nisu upoznati s njenim značenjem i posljedicama djelovanja kad je ona istaknuta, treba reći da je ona u stvari blaža verzija crne zastave. U stvari njih dvije imaju jednako značenje u predstartnoj proceduri u dijelu koji kaže da niti jedna jedrilica u posljednjoj minuti pred start ne smije biti unutar trokuta određenog sa startnom linijom i oznakom orce. Ako se jedrilica u posljednjoj minuti nađe u toj zoni automatski se isključuje iz tog jedrenja. Naravno, u ovo ulazi i preuranjeni start. A razlika između Uniform i "Black flaga" je u tome što u slučaju ponavljanja starta jedrilice isključene zbog preuranjenog starta kad je podignuta zastava "U" ponovno mogu pristupiti predstartnoj proceduri, a u slučaju prijestupa kad je podignuta crna zastava ne dobivaju novu šansu sve do idućeg plova. U subotu su četiri jedrilice "skinute" s UFD-om. U prvom i trećem plovu po jedna, a u drugom dvije. Prvi (ne)sretni dobitnici bili su momci i djevojčica s Universitas Nova-e. S obzirom na kvalitetu sudionika i svoje ambicije nisu smjeli sebi dopustiti ovakav početak. Istina, u nastavku dana su se donekle iskupili, ali značajno su sebi povećali pritisak po pitanju budućih rezultata i smanjili svoje izglede za penjanje na postolje. Ovaj plov ostat će trajno zapisan i u memoarima jedrilice Cezibordo jer im je stotinjak metara nakon starta, nakon prve vire, popustila ogradica i cijela posada osim kormilarke završila je u moru. Naravno, brzo se vraćaju na svoju jedrilicu, skupljaju spužve po moru i moraju odustati da bi popravili štetu i mogli normalno nastaviti s regatom. U drugom plovu ova ekipa pokazuje da je dovoljno koncentrirana na jedrenje i da im taj nesretni slučaj nije pomaknuo fokus, te u iduća dva plova ulaze u cilj kao trećeplasirani, te na kraju dana imaju jednak broj bodova kao i Universitas Nova koja je prvo završila kao 5., pa potom odnosi pobjedu. Ta pobjeda u trećem plovu pokvarila je namjeru posadi Panjića da se s idealnim rezultatom vrate u Marinu Šangulin, ali bar se mogu utješiti da su pobjedu izgubili za samo nekoliko metara. Posade koje su u drugom plovu dobile UFD bile su Amor Wave i Palmina. Inače, Amor Wave-u ovo je bio premijerni nastup, ali unatoč ovom UFD-u mogu biti zadovoljni cijelom regatom s obzirom da su stalno bili u sredini flote, a u posljednjem plovu u cilj čak ulaze i kao četvrti, a i finalni plasman u regati im je u prvih deset. Zadovoljni sa subotom bili su i momci s Point One-a. Istina, počeli su s izvrsnim drugim mjestom, a u nastavku dana su padali u plasmanu za po dva mjesta, međutim kad se uzmu u obzir oscilacije i problemi direktne im konkurencije, može se zaključiti da su uspjeli održati vrlo visok bodovni prosjek. Također su se s osmjehom na licu u marinu vratili i momci s Matarana 24. Oni su se kao tim predstavili već u Dubrovniku, ali tada su jedrili na Strilici, a ovog puta na svojoj jedrilici. S novom jedrilicom u cilj ulaze kao 3., 8., pa 5. a posebnu draž ovako dobrom danu dalo im je i to što su im to bila i doslovno prva jedrenja. A posljednji UFD subote, ujedno i cijele regate, osvojila je ekipa s Yikes-a. Do tada su bili bodovno izjednačeni s Mataranom i Tutta Forzom, ali bar su dobili šansu prvi se vratiti na suho. Nažalost, na kraju dana na jedrilici Point One, kormilar Karlo Kuret, doživljava nezgodan pad na rame i nakon odlaska u Biogradsku bolnicu i obavljenog snimanja saznaje da mu je pukla ključna kost. Za njega jedrenje u nedjelju ne dolazi u obzir i posada se do jutra mora snaći naći dogovarajuću zamjenu! U noći između subote i nedjelje očekivala se kiša nakon koje je trebala nastupiti promjena s juga na buru. Do promjene je stvarno i došlo, ali tek u zoru. Kiša je bila obilna i taj oblak je nastavio prema jugu, ali za njim se nastavila valjati oblačna masa koja je zatvorila cijeli obzor. Nisu postojali nikakvi uvjeti niti za isplovljavanje i čekanje nastavka jedrenja na regatnom polju, ali srećom kiša nije više padala. Tek iza podne počelo se osjećati pomicanje najnižeg sloja atmosfere i dolazak vjetra iz pravca sjever - sjeverozapad. RO nije dvojio niti sekunde i odmah poziva flotu na more u sjevernu zonu koja je bila smještena točno ispred ulaza u marine. 📸 regate.com.hr S dolaskom tramontane naoblaka se kida, dolazi sunce i transformacija vremenskih prilika bila je apsolutno na strani jedriličara. Regatno polje postavljeno je na smjer od oko 310°, duljina orce bila je ako i u subotu oko 1.2NM i moglo se krenuti s jedrenjem. Ni u ovom, a ni u ostalim jedrenjima nije više bilo izlijetanja prije startnog signala, a jedini problem imala je Palmina koja je imala problema sa spuštanjem genakera u prvoj krmi drugog nedjeljnog plova. Regatno polje bilo je manje zahtjevno po pitanju taktike i flota je ravnomjerno jedrila i na lijevoj i na desnoj strani. Istina, prve jedrilice odmah nakon okreta offseta odmah bi nastavile jedriti s genakerom na lijevim uzdama i to je na jedan način bila šablona ove pozicije. Po pitanju rezultata, Panjić više nije dominirao kao dan ranije. Prvi plov ulazi kao četvrti, iza Cro-a-saila, Universitas Nove i Matarana. Ova pobjeda posadi JK Opatija bio je najbolji rezultat na ovom regati. U iduća dva plova završavaju kao 4. i 5., a u konačnom skoru im je ta pobjeda donijela prednost koja im je osigurala srebro. Ekipa koja je u konačnom skoru imala jednak broj bodova kao i Cro-a-sail i osvojila broncu, bila je posada Ceziborda. Nakon dva 3. mjesta u subotu, na popis dodaju 5., 3. i 2. mjesto. Total od 16 bodova im je jednak kao i Cro-a-sailu, ali eto, ta pobjeda u četvrtom plovu prevagnula je na stranu Opatijaca. U idućem plovu Panjić ponovno pokazuje da je najbolji poznavatelj lokalnih uvjeta na moru. To mu je ujedno i posljednja pobjeda na regati, te s obzirom na izvrsne rezultate u svim prethodnim jedrenjima opušteno ulazi u posljednji. U njemu završavaju kao 7. i taj plasman odbacuju kao najlošiji rezultat. A posljednji plov, šesti ukupno, po tramontani koja je pomalo krenula sa slabljenjem, od početka pa do kraja na čelu flote je Mataran 24. Tijekom cijelog plova jedrili su bok uz bok s Tutta Forzom, lanjskim prvacima Hrvatske. Nadmudrivanje je trajalo od početka do kraja ovog plova, ali kako to uvijek biva, treći iskoristi priliku. Ovog puta treći nije uspio proći obje jedrilice, već samo Tutta Forzu. Između njih se ubacio Cezibordo kojem je to ujedno i najbolji rezultat regate u Biogradu. Analizom rezultata može se primijetiti da je najviše turbulencija u prosjecima svih posada bilo baš u posljednjem plovu. Neki su taj kiks mogli odbaciti, dok je neke taj uspjeh pomaknuo za mjesto ili dva prema gore. U svakom slučaju, rezultatski jedna od najneizvjesnjih regata klase Melges 24 do sada! A što se tiče Point One-a, Karla Kureta je za argolom zamijenio Zvonko Jelačić. Zvonku je na Melgesu 24 jedrio lani u Dubrovniku kao član posade Yikesa. Brzom usporedbom rezultata od subote i nedjelje može se zaključiti da je Zvonkom izbor bio vrlo dobra odluka, jer je prosjek nedjeljnih rezultata s njim za kormilom bio 6. mjesto, dok je Karlov prosjek bilo 4. mjesto. Iduća regata za CRO Melges 24 Cup je 19. i 20. ožujka, a u Ičićima će je organizirati JK Croatia, za koju jedri posada na Blue Label. READ MORE

NORTH SAILS 2022 NEWPORT BERMUDA RACE TECH BRIEF Sail Selection and Inventory Optimization 📸 The Ocean Race When planning your offshore racing it is crucial to manage your sail inventory. An optimized inventory and sail selection will allow you to maximize performance and ensure your crew is prepared if and when conditions change. While necessary, multiple sail changes are time consuming and draining and having the right sails onboard will greatly contribute to a successful race. As Performance Partner to the Newport Bermuda Race, the North Sails team shares their expert advice on how to build a well planned sail inventory for the 2022 race. Sail inventory preparation requires extensive research, forethought and planning to get right. One tool used in planning, as Peter Isler referenced in the webinar, is a heat map which uses historical data to predict wind speed and angle for future time periods. Weather and routing data used in conjunction with your boat’s crossover chart will help guide inventory recommendations. Headsail and Spinnaker Selection On a non-overlapping rig, jibs are coded with a J and a corresponding number. As the number goes up, the higher the intended wind range of the sail. J1 – Performs best in 0-10 knots, while sailing close-hauled or close-reaching. J2 – As the wind increases to 11-20 knots, a J2 comes into play. J3/ J4 – Above 20 knots, a boat will carry a J3 and sometimes even a J4 (typically not full hoist, and sometimes set on an inner stay). Jib Top (JT) – A high clewed (provides a better sheeting angle), non-overlapping headsail that is used when you need to bear off, but don’t want to lose your leech tension. The Jib top will be deployed at different wind speeds (boat- dependent), as it is less area than the big reaching sails, and it helps to bring the effort lower down to the boat, allowing more control over the boat as wind speed increases. Overlapping boats will typically carry the following sails: #1 – 155% Genoa #2 – Typically between 130%- 140% depending on the track length and location #3 – Non-overlapping blade jib Genoa Top – Can be any LP smaller than the biggest Genoa. Handles the close reaching angles. Has the same high clew as a Jib Top for cracking reaching angles especially in breeze. When it comes to asymmetric sails for the Newport Bermuda Race, North Sails experts recommend an A1 and A3, which will cover the 0- 20 knot range, reaching angles. The A5 would cover a higher wind range, however may not be as relevant for this year’s race, due to the fact that most forecast predictions do not call for this wind range. An A2 and A4 are considered broader winded, running sails. Your A2 will be your biggest sail, as it is intended for VMG running, straight downwind. Staysails are often referred to as a “free sail,” in terms of a ratings hit. These sails increase performance when seeking extra height and essentially feed the wind on the back of the main. They also help reduce the gap between the headsail and the mast. Reach out to a North Sails expert to discuss options and recommendations for using a staysail. Code Sail Selection When thinking about your Code Sails, it is important to ensure your sails will cover the forecasted wind range and play to the strengths and weaknesses of your boat. Consider the rating penalties that correspond with each sail and your rig type. Try running a test certification and consult your North Sails experts for further insight. The graphic above shows the difference in the luff curve as you move through the Code Sail range. The more you decrease the mid-girth, the flatter the sail becomes, allowing you to sail tighter angles to the wind. Anything between 55% and 75% mid girth is considered a “tweener”, and counts as a “large roach headsail”. Again, your North Sails experts can help you decode what is best for your inventory. One option to increase range is using Helix Structure Luff sails. A radical design innovation once limited to Grand Prix Racing, Helix Structured Luff is now standard on all North Code Sails. A Helix sail uses load sharing technology with the sail’s structure to improve its aerodynamics and in many cases reduce the load on your equipment. The benefit in a distance race like the Newport Bermuda Race is maximizing performance since these versatile sails carry across a wider range. When looking at the typical Newport Bermuda Race weather, there is a lot of time spent sailing at various reaching angles between 0-15 knots. An advantage of Helix is it allows for a wider crossover with other sails, whilst providing better luff projection for a more powerful sail shape through the range. By engaging the structured luff, trimmers can change sail shape on demand to meet the wind and weather conditions. When considering your course speed, Helix can help you limit multiple sail changes to maintain full power across more miles. HELIX CODE SAILS Safety Requirements and Precautions Lastly, safety preparation is vitally important to ensure a successful offshore race and should be a deciding factor in sail choice. A storm jib and storm trysail should be in your inventory, but a mainsail with a reef that is 50% of P is an acceptable substitute for a trysail. It must attach from a different point than your main boom, be a highly visible color such as orange, red, or green, with easily visible sail numbers. Make sure your sail repair kit is reviewed and freshly stocked prior to the race. The North Sails service experts recommend having glue, shammys/ towels to properly dry a ripped sail, denatured alcohol, a good knife, palm, leatherman, seam rippers, needles, thread and webbing in your inventory. North experts can provide tutorials for any repairs needed and can also provide a custom patch kit of sail cloths/colors to match your spinnakers. Connect with Your Local North Loft Get your sails into the loft ahead of time and consider remeasuring headsails if you are looking to help your rating. Connect with your local North Sails loft to get started today. GET IN TOUCH WITH AN EXPERT Still have questions? Watch the Newport Bermuda Race Sail Selection and Inventory Optimization Webinar with North Sails Experts Tim Dawson, Austin Powers, Jack Orr and Will Bomar. READ MORE

A LOOK AT THE SEASON AHEAD North Sails UK Must-Do Regattas In 2022 📸 Rick Tomlinson With the 2022 racing season just around the corner, North Sails UK has outlined its highlight events of the upcoming year. Your local North Sails experts will be sailing and on the dock for all of these regattas, so keep an eye out and we are looking forward to seeing you there. If you haven’t placed your order for the upcoming season yet, to avoid disappointment, get in touch with the team of local experts today. TALK TO AN EXPERT Poole Regatta: 30th April – 2nd May The first date for the diary is Poole Regatta, and with over 18 classes expected to line up in Poole Bay, what a way to start the season. As sponsors of the rapidly growing Cape 31 class, the North Sails coaching day on the Friday before racing will be the prime time to quiz Cape 31 Class Expert Ben Saxton. Teams will have the opportunity to utilise their skill and experience in sail trim and crew work to get the most out of the first Cape 31 regatta this year. To reserve your spot, reach out to Ben Saxton today CONTACT BEN SAXTON Round the Island Race: 25th June Round the Island Race is one of the world’s largest yacht races, with the extensive entry list comprising of Grand-Prix race yachts, superyachts, foiling trimarans, cruising boats, and small keelboats, all competing for the Gold Roman Bowl. Over 1000 boats are expected to take part, and the local North Sails team will be busy making sure your sails are delivered in time for the race. Cowes Week: 30th July – 5th August Following a slightly quieter event in 2021 due to the pandemic, you will not want to miss this years’ Cowes Week. One of the world’s most famous regattas, yachts will be coming from all over for a great week of racing on the Solent. Cork Week, Ireland – 11th – 15th July Following the cancellation of its 300th Anniversary event in 2020 due to the pandemic, the Royal Cork Yacht Club is raring to go with a rerun of their big anniversary of Cork Week. Welcoming everything from stately classics to the most modern race boats, all can expect a warm Irish welcome and great racing. We can’t wait for this renowned event to be back. IRC Europeans, Netherlands – 25th – 28th August Finally, at the end of August, the European IRC Champion will be crowned in Breskens at the seventh edition of this event. Other notable events include – RORC IRC National Championship Sevenstar Round Britain and Ireland Race Volvo Round Ireland Race SIGN UP FOR NORTH SAILS NEWS   READ MORE

BEHIND THE SCENES AT THE CARIBBEAN 600 Q + A With Andrew Dove, Manager Of North Sails Activities In Antigua 📸 Roddy Grimes-Graeme In anticipation of the 13th Edition of the RORC Caribbean 600 Race, we sat down with Andrew Dove, the manager of North Sails activities in Antigua to get a closer look at the preparation for this event from the loft manager’s perspective. Situated close to the docks, the loft is a gathering spot for crews from all over the world, and is the center of the excitement during the weeks leading up to the event. What makes the “600” different? What is the “je ne sais quoi” of the race? The 600 is a showcase of our beautiful islands. As the boats progress through the 600 mile-course, there are numerous challenges to keep it interesting: wind holes under islands and the currents running between them. In this race the navigator and tactician are especially vital to a team’s success as one wrong decision can be extremely costly. For the Caribbean 600, both professional and amateur crews prepare in almost perfect conditions on the docks of English and Falmouth Harbour. There is a real buzz of energy about the village before the start. Then as the boats return, the whole community shares the stories that the crews have written during the regatta. It never gets old; even after 13 years, the buzz is still going strong. Why is the 600 important to North Sails, and how is North Sails important to the race? The North Sails loft is an unofficial regatta HQ from morning to night every day and has been for years. The loft comes alive with this event, and crews gather here often late into the night. So many North colleagues from around the world are on-island with us, and we all fly the North Sails logo proudly and with enthusiasm. With such a diverse fleet on the water, racing in varied conditions, our many North Sails experts are ready to assist the teams in every way we can. As customers have booked in, our team has managed to stay ahead with a seven-days-a-week schedule, basically since the New Year. And now, as the boats are in their final practice sessions, we are confident we will meet the expectations that our customers bring, and our sails will meet the demanding conditions. I have developed a strong team over many years, and we approach our work seriously, but always with an Antiguan smile. In your opinion, what will be the essential sails during this race? There is a reasonable amount of reaching in the course, and it becomes a real test of a sail’s durability. Our Helix Structured Luff Code and A Sails can make a huge difference here. Also, 3Di is invaluable because of its unique performance and durability. Many of the beats are challenging, with steep, choppy seas, so the powerful and stable 3Di headsails give any boat a cutting edge. The Caribbean 600 provides ideal conditions for us to differentiate ourselves from our competitors and highlight the breadth and range of the North Sails products. 📸 RORC/ Tim Wright In a race like the TJV, many teams worked with the North Sails France team to design and build sails; the sailors then provide feedback to the designers once they returned to France. The Caribbean 600 is different, though, but equally important– do teams (ex Skorpios) give feedback to you upon their return to Antigua? How does the feedback loop work with you? The Antiguan loft sees sails used in extreme conditions. The seas and wind are much more demanding than one would believe. So after each event and especially the 600, we can give feedback to the North designers regarding what we see coming through the loft and suggestions for improvements based on the conditions experienced. There is a wealth of knowledgeable feedback with so many experts on the water. Previous 600s have helped to prove that 3Di is exceptionally durable, as I mentioned, and overall a vastly superior product. We do very few repairs on them, and when we do, the materials available ensure the sails remain structurally sound and visually neutral. We are looking forward to seeing the Helix sails in the race this year. However, we don’t expect to see too many in the loft for repair. In terms of performance and practicality, Helix sails are incredibly durable and versatile across a wide range, reducing the number of sails required. This race should prove a great testing ground to further the Helix Structured Luff design philosophy. Why is it important for the top teams to have the most technologically advanced sails on the market? In these regattas, the teams have a lot to manage. Not having to worry about sail structure or wondering if the sail will perform, plus having top notch service removes a lot of pressure on the teams. In addition, the boats equipped with North Sails have more time to focus on non-sail-related race preparation. 📸 Roddy Grimes-Graeme READ MORE

ÄNNU ETT SM-GULD 2021 Och 2022 års första EM-guld! När vi i höstas summerade säsongen 2021 kunde vi konstatera att våra segel varit med om att erövra 28 SM-medaljer (varav 11 guld) i 19 olika entypsklasser. Men det var faktiskt lite förhastat, för säsongen var inte riktigt slut, och strax innan jul trillade det in ytterligare ett SM-guld. Detta genom att Fredrik Lönegren vann SM i DN-jakt. Stort grattis! Isjaktssäsongen är nu i full gång och vi kan redan nu föra in ett EM-guld på 2022 års vinnarlista. I början av februari var nämligen Bernhard Rost och Thomas Tennström över i Litauen och vann EM i XV-klassen. Grattis även till er! READ MORE

Nu har Pär Larsson mönstrat på! Vi har fått förstärkning Vi har fått förstärkning: Sedan 1 december 2021 är Pär Larsson serviceansvarig på North Sails i Göteborg. Efter 23 år som segelmakare och ännu längre som framgångsrik kappseglare är han ett välkänt namn i seglingskretsar. Pär är 58 år och har seglat sedan han var fem, då han fick en optimistjolle av sin pappa Tore. När han växt till sig lite började han segla kölbåt med pappa. Familjen Larsson började, som så många andra under sjuttiotalet, med Maxi 77, men när kraven på seglingsegenskaper ökade byttes den mot en NF. Bara några år senare byttes den i sin tur mot en Smaragd, och man kan säga att det var nu Pär började kappsegla på allvar. I mitten av åttiotalet var Smaragd en stor och aktiv kappseglingsklass. SM brukade samla mellan 40 och 50 båtar – ibland ännu fler. Bara i hemmahamnen, KMS Nordön några sjömil innanför Marstrand, fanns en handfull Smaragder så det var full kubbning på tisdagarnas klubbkappseglingar. En av Smaragderna i klubben seglades för övrigt av familjen Ottosson, med det då unga brödraparet Thomas och Henrik i besättningen. Ja, det är samme Henrik Ottosson som idag är chef för North Sails Sverige och som nu alltså har anställt Pär. Ett roligt minne var SM i Smaragd 1986. Regattan seglades i Smögen med 54 båtar på startlinjen och familjen Larsson slutade fyra, alldeles efter OS-seglaren Magnus Holmberg. Det kändes som en stor framgång. Pär kom att ägna nästan tjugo år åt Smaragden. Han har varit med på ett tiotal SM och fått med sig ett par silver och ett brons hem till prisskåpet. Det har fyllts på med åtskilliga bucklor och medaljer sedan dess. Pär har alltid varit en flitig kappseglare. Mest hemma på västkusten men även internationellt. Han har varit med på fyra ORCi-EM, sju Gotland Runt och 44 Tjörn Runt. Han har två totalsegrar i West Side Cup och har varit med om att vinna ORCi B-klassen i Gotland Runt. Men kronan på verket är ändå de två VM-medaljerna, ett guld och ett brons, från VM i IOD. Guldet bärgades 2009, då VM gick på hemmaplan i Stenungsund, med Urban Ristorp – också det en gammal Smaragd-seglare – som skeppare och rorsman. Segelmakare av en slump Pär började jobba som segelmakare ganska sent i livet – och att han alls kom kom in i yrket berodde mest på en slump. Det var som så att Pär skulle börja kappsegla med en First 40.7. Det var ett ganska ambitiöst projekt med segelmakaren Bengt Falkenberg som frontfigur. Bengt drev då som nu Albatross Segel, och i upplägget ingick att seglen skulle tillverkas på lediga tider och att någon eller några i besättningen skulle bistå Bengt i arbetet. Pär kände sig manad och kom att ägna i stort sett varenda helg under en hel vår på Bengts loft i Göteborg. Man kan beskriva det som en lång praktikperiod som innebar att han fick lära sig att göra segel från ax till limpa. Pär tyckte det var kul och Bengt tyckte väl att han hade fallenhet för yrket, så det hela slutade med att Pär började jobba heltid på Albatross. För att göra en lång historia kort blev han kvar i sjutton år innan han tog steget över till Lundh Sails vid Nya Varvet i Göteborg. Och nu i december började han alltså hos oss på North Sails i Göteborg. På Albatross och Lundh jobbade Pär huvudsakligen med produktion och service men även försäljning. Någon produktion blir det inte för Pärs del framöver. Det var länge sedan vi tillverkade segel i Sverige. Däremot är båda våra loft fullt utrustade för service, och Pär är nu ansvarig för service och reparationer i Göteborg. Det som blir nytt för Pärs del är att han får en ny ”bibel” – North Sails Bluebook – att följa. Han kommer också få lära sig att att jobba med delvis nya material. Våra 3Di-segel innehåller ju inte någon film utan bara fibrer och resin, och de byggs och repareras på helt annat sätt än andra typer av segel. Man kan förenklat säga att de ”plastas” ihop på samma sätt som ett glasfiberskrov eller en kolfibermast. En minst sagt flitig seglare Pär och hans fru har en First 40 döpt till La Veuve Noire. Man kan inte säga annat än att båten utnyttjas. I somras kombinerade de semester med barnledighet, och hela familjen – två vuxna, två barn och en katt – var ute med båten i åtta veckor. Båten ligger i Skärhamn och trots att familjen bor i Göteborg, runt 70 km därifrån, nyttjar de båten nästan varje helg under den någorlunda varma årstiden.. Det brukar bli sisådär 55 till 65 övernattningar om året, säger Pär. Då har ändå familjen Larsson trappat ner lite på seglingen. Pär och hans fru har seglat 505 i drygt fem år, men nu är båten såld. Med två små barn gick livspusslet helt enkelt inte ihop. Det betyder inte precis att Pär tänker sluta kappsegla. La Veuve Noire är en fantastisk kappseglingsbåt, utrustad med bland annat kolfibermast, och lär luftas en del även framöver på västkustens kappseglingar. Och så har han ju IOD:n. Och en Drake. Med tanke på att Pär har seglat Smaragd i tjugo år, IOD lika länge och nu alltså är delägare i en Drake kan man möjligen ana en viss förkärlek för klassiska, långsmala båtar. Må så vara. Men det här med Draken är i första hand ett resultat av att han, Urban Ristorp och några till i IOD-gänget i Stenungsund tyckte att det efter tjugo år hade börjat gå lite rutin i IOD-seglandet. De sökte kort sagt nya utmaning, och inför Dragon Gold Cup i Marstrand införskaffades en Drake. Mer att skruva på jämfört med en IOD, en kul och växande klass på hemmaplan och oerhört hård internationell konkurrens med välbetalda proffs i var och varannan sittbrunn. Exakt vart det där Drake-projektet tar vägen är ännu inte riktigt bestämt. Men om man – som Pär Larsson – verkligen älskar segling och kappsegling så öppnar sig här nya möjligheter: Om man trailar ner Draken till Medelhavet över vintern kan man faktiskt kappsegla i stort sett året runt… READ MORE

HVAD DU SKAL VIDE OM SEJLPINDE Instruktioner til montering og spænding af sejlpinde til alle slags sejlere Har du styr på dine sejlpinde? Uanset om du planlægger at få din båd tilbage på vandet, forbereder en længere sejltur eller sætter dine sejl til kapsejlads i klubben, er det vigtigt at sikre dig, at dine sejlpinde er installeret og spændt korrekt. Det giver bedre trim og ydeevne på sejlene - og sikrer, at du ikke mister dem efter den første vending eller bomning! Vores eksperter giver her nogle tips, der er værd at huske på: Korrekt installation sikrer korrekt sejlfacon. Sørg for at sejlpindene er indsat med den bløde (tynde) ende mod forliget og den stivere (tykke) ende mod agterliget. Vi ser nogle gange sejlpinde indsat den forkerte vej, og som et resultat vil sejlet ikke få den rigtige dybde og krumning - så det er værd at dobbelttjekke, at sejlpinden er sat korrekt i lommen. Sørg for, at dine sejlpinde sidder fast. Nogle sejlpinde indsættes fra forliget, andre fra agterliget, så sørg for at sikre, at lukkesystemet, hvor sejlpindene er sat ind, er ordentligt sikret. I North Sails velcrolukninger er der en specifik lomme til sejlpinden, og en anden lomme til at de to velcroflader kan få ordentligt fat. Andre systemer lukkes på andre måder. Uanset hvilket system du bruger, vil korrekt installation i alle tilfælde holde sejlpindene sikkert på plads for sæsonen. 📸Mike Egan Korrekt spænding skaber et glat sejl. Spændingen på dine sejlpinde skal også kontrolleres. Hvis der ikke er nok spænding, vil der være lodrette rynker langs sejlpindens længde. Hvis der er for meget spænding, vil der være en synlig vandret fold eller rynke, der trækker langs begge sider af lommen, så stoffet ser "stresset/overstrukket ud". Når spændingen er korrekt, er sejlpindslommen glat og understøtter sejlets facon korrekt. Har du spørgsmål til dine sejlpinde? eller har du brug for hjælp til korrekt installation? Kontakt din lokale North Sails ekspert for gode råd til, hvordan du sikrer, at dine sejlpinde er installeret korrekt, og at dine sejl er klar til sæsonen. Lær mere med North Sails installationsvejledninger til sejlpinde. READ MORE

OUR UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE: THE RORC CARIBBEAN 600 A Behind The Scenes Look Into The North Sails Antigua Sail Loft Final prep for offshore races can mean long days and late nights for the North Sails team on the ground. On Monday 21 February, the RORC Caribbean 600 sets off from Antigua’s very sunny (and very warm) waters. The race then loops up, down, and around through the Caribbean’s windward and leeward islands. Antiguan photographer Roddy Grimes-Graeme joined North expert Andrew Dove and his team as they gear up for the days before the start. Located in English Harbour, just a short walk from the docks, the North Sails loft serves as an unofficial pre-race clubhouse stocked with a bench of sailmakers on hand to assist in any way they can. Following Dove from sunrise to sunset, Grimes-Graeme shows us how jam-packed the days leading up to the Caribbean 600 are; sail testing, adding finishing touches, and checking sails, both big and small. “The loft comes alive with this event, and crews seem to gather here often late at night,” Dove explains. “Many North colleagues from around the world are on island too, and we all fly the North Sails logo proudly and with enthusiasm.” Join us on the ground in Antigua for a glimpse into what it’s like to get ready for a signature event of the winter sailing season. READ MORE

Young 88 Quick Reference Chart True Wind Speed (knots) Cap Tension (Loos) Lower Tension (Loos) 0-8 13 Slack 9-12 (Base) 17 7 13-18 21 13 19+ 24 19 True Wind Speed (knots) Mast Step Chocks* 0-8 Aft 15 mm 10-20 mm behind 9-12 (Base) Base 5370 mm Neutral (Float) 13-18 Fwd 5 mm 10 mm front 19+ Fwd 10 mm 10 mm front *Chocks: Measures from Neutral. Neutral is floating position of mast ad deck with slack out of forestay NOTES: Dock Rig Measurement Position: measure rig with chocks taken out and slack out of forestay by pulling on backstay. Base Mast Rake - Top of mainsail track to top of boom: 11.140 m; to deck: 11.950 m; to transom: 14 m Mainsail Track at Hounds Height to transom - 11.380 Mainsail Track at spreader height: 7.785 cm Arc measured from underside of bottom mast band on forestay Young 88 Playbook MORNING Prior to Dock Out Bow Check spinnakers are packed Mast Run Sheets etc Pit Interior chief, check essentials are onboard, food/water Floater/Brace Run sheets etc. Bail boat out etc Main Check batten tensions Helm Check weather, tide, noticeboard, team briefing prior to dock out Jib/Spin Trim Check correct Sails are onboard before you leave the dock Pre-Start Warm-Up Bow Set up spinnaker and pole on correct side. Get line transit. Mast Help Bow with set up. Pit Check Headsail halyard tension with trimmer. Floater/Brace Practice calling breeze, looking up the course. Main Check settings for first beat (outhaul, cunningham, etc) Helm Check in with the Committee boat. Go through course with team. Practice runs at the line, lay lines etc. Look up the course to plan your first beat. Jib/Spin Trim Select Headsail and Spinnaker to plug in. PRE-START Light Air Bow On bow calling time and distance. Mast Weight on rail where required. Pit Calling time every 10 seconds from 3 minutes down. Floater/Brace Looking at wind up the course. Tactical input. Main Mainsail trim, set traveler for the final approach. Helm Steering, work on final approach getting a good lane. Jib/Spin Trim Trimming and relay if there are boats to look out for. Heavy Air Bow Weight up where possible, only on bow for final approach at line to call time and distance. Mast Weight on rail where required. Pit Calling time every 10 seconds from 3 minutes down. Floater/Brace Looking at wind up the course. Tactical input. Main Mainsail trim, set traveler for final approach. Helm Steering, work on final approach getting a good lane. Jib/Spin Trim Trimming and relay if there are boats to look out for. UPWIND Light Air Bow Weight on rail where required. Relay obstacles like weed. Mast Weight on rail where required. Lean in and out for lulls/puffs. Pit Weight on rail where required. Lean in and out for lulls/puffs. Make sure Headsail Halyard is left on Winch. Floater/Brace Calling breeze for the Helm/Trim team. Main Main trim, work with the helm to keep the boat balanced and fast. Traveler up. Helm Steering, looking at Headsail Woolies etc. Jib/Spin Trim Headsail trim, work with the helm to keep the boat balanced and fast, full power. Check Luff tension. Heavy Air Bow Weight out. Relay obstacles like weeds. Mast Weight out. Pit Weight out. Make sure Headsail Halyard is left on Winch. Floater/Brace Calling breeze for the Helm/Trim team. Main Main trim, work for the helm to keep the boat balanced and fast. Traveler down in puffs. Helm Steering, looking at Headsail Woolies, etc. Jib/Spin Trim Headsail trim, work with the helm to keep the boat balanced and fast, de-power (car aft) if needed. TACK Light Air Bow Cross boat around mast, skirt headsail if need be. Mast Cross boat under boom. Pit Cross boat through companionway. Floater/Brace Cross boat through companionway. Main Traveler up on new side ASAP. Speed build, then final trim. Helm Call "Standby to Tack," followed by "Tacking in 3,2,1..." Jib/Spin Trim Cut and tail, speed build out of tack, final trim. Heavy Air Bow Cross boat around mat, skirt headsail if need be. Mast Cross boat under boom. Pit Cross boat through companionway. Floater/Brace Cross boat through companionway. Main Ease a little mainsheet going into the tack. Sort traveler, speed build, back to final trim. Helm Call “Standby to Tack”, followed by “Tacking in 3,2,1….”. Be very loud so Bow team can hear. Jib/Spin Trim Cut and tail, speed build out of tack, final trim. Indicate if Headsail Skirt is required. TOP MARK Light Air Bow Pole up on final approach. Get ease in Windward Spin/Jib sheets. Drop Headsail after rounding. Mast Weight on rail. Bounce topper if needed. Hoist Spinnaker once Helmsman calls it. Pit Topper Up, Headsail halyard off winch ready to drop. Tail Spinnaker Halyard to Full Hoist with clutch CLOSED, Drop Headsail ASAP. Floater/Brace Weight on rail. Move to Brace if needed. Main Ensure Mainsheet is free to run, ease cunningham, outhaul at a suitable time. Helm Steering around mark. Call “Ready to hoist”, “Hoisting in 3,2,1…”. Jib/Spin Trim Ease Headsail and lock off for Hoist. Set Spin/Brace up. Sheet/Brace on. Trim. Heavy Air Bow Pole up on final approach. Get ease in Windward Spin/Jib sheets. Mast Weight on rail. Bounce topper if needed. Hoist Spinnaker once Helmsman calls it. Pit Topper Up, Headsail halyard off winch ready to drop. Tail Spinnaker Halyard to Full Hoist with clutch CLOSED, Drop Headsail ASAP. Floater/Brace Move to Brace for hoist. Brace on and Trim. Main Ensure Mainsheet is free to run, ease cunningham, outhaul at a suitable time. Helm Steering around mark. Call “Ready to hoist”, “Hoisting in 3,2,1…”. Be loud! Jib/Spin Trim Ease Headsail and lock off for Hoist. Set Spin/Brace up. Sheet/Brace on. Trim. STRAIGHT LINE DOWNWIND Light Air Bow Weight in front of mast. Holding downhaul. Mast Weight to leeward holding out boom. Call wind. Pit Weight forward where needed. Floater/Brace Weight forward where needed if Spin Trim can do own Brace. Main Set Traveler, Main trim is crucial when sailing angles. Helm Concentrate on driving smoothly. Work with Trimmers. Jib/Spin Trim Be dynamic with Spin Trim, call pole forward/ aft where needed. Talk helm about pressure in spinnaker. Heavy Air Bow Weight behind mast. Hold downhaul if you can. Mast Weight aft where needed. Call wind. Pit Weight aft where needed. Can stand in companionway hatch. Floater/Brace Trimming brace. Pole forward if needed to stop boat rounding out. Main Main eased. Look out for other boats, wind, etc. Helm Keep the boat on its feet, work with trimmers. Jib/Spin Trim Be dynamic with Spin Trim, call pole forward/ aft where needed. Talk to helm about pressure in spinnaker GYBE Light Air Bow Wait for Gybe Call, Trip both pole ends, clip new Brace in, push pole forward to clew as you push out and onto mast. Mast Human pole on new side. Hold shrouds for balance. Pit Weight across or in companionway. May need to ease more Downhaul for Gybe. Floater/Brace Grind Brace aft as you go into Gybe to help rotate the spinnaker. Main Pull Leeward Tweaker on for Gybe. Release Tweaker on Spinnaker sheet after Gybe. Helm Call “Standby for Gybe”, “Gybing in 3,2,1…”. Steer the boat smoothly. Only Gybe when Spinnaker is set! Jib/Spin Trim Keep Spinnaker Set throughout the Gybe! Heavy Air Bow Wait for Gybe Call, Trip both pole ends, clip new Brace in, push pole forward to clew as you push out and onto mast. Mast Human pole on new side. Hold shrouds for balance. Pit Weight in companionway. May need to ease more Downhaul for Gybe, then pull back on once set. Floater/Brace Grind Brace aft as you go into Gybe to help rotate the spinnaker. Main Make sure tweakers are on for Gybe! Helm Call “Standby for Gybe”, “Gybing in 3,2,1…”. Only Gybe when Spinnaker is set! Be very careful about your exit angle, not too high or too low! Jib/Spin Trim Keep Spinnaker Set throughout the Gybe! DROPS Windward Drop Bow Wait for Jib Up and Pole off Call. Pole off and stowed between Jib Car and Cabin Windows Leeward side. Make sure Lazy Jib Sheet is behind the Hatch. Open Hatch ready for Drop. Human Pole will hand you the Clew for the Drop. Close Hatch and double check sheets are clear, then relay to the back of the boat “Clear for a Tack”. Mast Hoist Headsail once call is made, then shift to Human Pole as the Pole comes off. Hand Windward Clew to Bow person for Drop. Pit Tail Headsail Halyard, leave on winch and get to the correct setting for the Trimmer. Gently ease Topper as pole goes to Deck. Spin Halyard should already be run. Control the Spinnaker Drop for Bow team. Floater/Brace Ease Brace for Bow Team. Main Trimming Main. Get set up for Upwind – Outhaul, Cunningham etc. Helm Angle for Drop is critical! Cannot be reaching, you must be low downwind! Call “Ready to Drop”, “Dropping in 3,2,1…”. Jib/Spin Trim Release Spin Sheet and set up working Headsail sheet. Trim on Headsail for Drop. Final trim around Mark, then set up for a Tack. Leeward Drop Bow Wait for Jib Up and Pole off Call. Pole off and stowed between Jib Car and Cabin Windows. Make sure Lazy Jib Sheet is behind the Hatch. Open Hatch ready for Drop. Reach under Headsail and grab Leeward Sheet to Drop. . Close Hatch and double check sheets are clear, then relay to the back of the boat “Clear for a Tack”. Mast Hoist Headsail once call is made, then shift to Human Pole as the Pole comes off. Help Bow person drop Spinnaker if needed. Pit Tail Headsail Halyard, leave on winch and get to the correct setting for the Trimmer. Gently ease Topper as pole goes to Deck. Spin Halyard should already be run. Control the Spinnaker Drop for Bow team. Floater/Brace Ease Brace for Bow Team. If Pole is on for the Drop, ‘smoke’ the brace out all the way off the winch! Main Trimming Main. Get set up for Upwind – Outhaul, Cunningham etc. Helm Angle not as critical, but make it as easy for the team. Call “Ready to Drop”, “Dropping in 3,2,1…”. Jib/Spin Trim Release Spin Sheet and set up working Headsail sheet. Trim on Headsail for Drop. Final trim around Mark, then set up for a Tack. POST RACE After Races Bow Rig check, area check, pack Spinnakers. Mast Area check, pack Spinnakers, flake sails. Pit Area check, Clean out interior. Check Water for following day. Floater/Brace Bail boat, help with Sails, get beers for team. Main Check Mainsail for chafe, Batten damage etc. Helm Check sheets etc are all in before turning engine on. Check noticeboard for protests, amendments etc. Team Debrief, Plan for next Race Day. Jib/Spin Trim Check Headsails as they are getting flaked up for chafe, Batten Damage etc. A note about repairs/damage: Deal with it right away, do not leave for the morning! Take ownership of all your areas. Race hard & have fun! READ MORE

NORTH SAILS TOP 10 SOCIAL POSTS I 2021 Her er vores mest populære social posts fra 2021, samlet ét sted Én ting kan man sige om 2021: der var ikke mangel på sejlere, som delte deres lokation rundt om i verden. Fra det vidunderligt smukke blå caribiske hav, Palma de Mallorca og Saint Tropez, til den isnende kulde i Solent og Bassin Paul Vatine i Le Havre, til at foile Down Under – North Sails lagde det ud på de sociale medier, hvor dine "likes" afgjorde hvilke, der blev de 10 bedste indlæg i 2021. 10. Vi starter nedtællingen med den fantastiske video ombord på Gitana Teams Maxi Edmond de Rothchild, forud for dette års udgave af Transat Jacques Vabre, iklædt North Sails Collection’s Ocean-serie, Syet og lavet i GORE-TEX Pro, som er det mest holdbare, åndbare og vandtætte sæt sejlertøj på marked. View this post on Instagram A post shared by North Sails (@north_sails) 9. Slap af og nyd livet ombord på 191,6 fods Kokomo, bygget hos Alloy Yachts og selvfølgelig med nye #North3Di OCEAN-sejl. View this post on Instagram A post shared by North Sails (@north_sails) 8. Du elskede vores gætteleg, og endnu en video af en superyacht var bestemt ikke dårlig... View this post on Instagram A post shared by North Sails (@north_sails) 7. Optagelser fra Palma Superyacht Cup efterlader os altid mundlamme. Det er ærgerligt, at du muligvis ikke selv var der, men vi har den næstbedste måde at se med på... View this post on Instagram A post shared by North Sails (@north_sails) 6. Dmitry Rybolovlevs ClubSwan 125 Skorpios, levede op til forventningerne og vandt den prestigefyldte monohull line hæder ved 2021 #RolexFastnetRace. Skorpios, som er den største båd i kapsejladsens lange historie, satte ny banerekord i sin debut. Denne højtydende racermaskine brugte North Sails #EngineAboveDeck fuldt ud, ved hjælp af vores revolutionerende #HelixStructuredLuff-teknologi. View this post on Instagram A post shared by North Sails (@north_sails) 5. Vintersejlads fotokonkurrence 2021 – vi ved alle, at sejlere elsker en god konkurrence. Klik her for vores 2022 vintersejlads fotokonkurrence. View this post on Instagram A post shared by North Sails (@north_sails) 4. Det ville ikke være en top 10-recap uden en #FuldSendFriday! Ocean Race skuffer aldrig i denne afdeling... View this post on Instagram A post shared by North Sails (@north_sails) 3. Lidt Americas Cup - AC75 action fra finalen i Prada Cup... View this post on Instagram READ MORE

Optimize Your Sail with SmartLuffTM Having recently made the Helix design standard on all racing Code sails, North Sails now moves to digitize the Helix range – harnessing the latest wireless technology to maximize the benefits of Helix with this simple upgrade. North Sails is proud to introduce SmartLuff, an easy-to-use Bluetooth smart sensor that optimizes your sail by monitoring sail load in real-time. This exciting new product is manufactured exclusively for North Sails by Cyclops Marine, whose data-driven approach has made them industry experts in load sensing. Installed as an optional upgrade to the tack fitting in North Helix Sails, the SmartLuff sensor quickly connects to your smartphone and onboard displays, providing live load data in a simple, intuitive format. By visualizing sail load, you can adopt a data-driven approach to sail trim, repeatedly achieving the recommended sail/cable load sharing ratios provided with every North Helix sail. The free app continuously logs data, allowing you to analyze performance post-sail for ongoing improvement/fine-tuning. The combination of the Helix design (which relies on optimal load sharing to deliver maximum power), paired with the ability to hit precise load settings with SmartLuff, promises to change the complexion of race fleets across classes – giving teams that adopt the new technology a significant advantage over those left behind. Master Your Helix Sail Since its introduction, Helix has become a widely adopted design philosophy. First applied to the headsails of Artemis Racing during the 34th America’s Cup, Helix has rapidly evolved into a necessity for sailing programs craving steady power across a wider range. Helix’s revolutionary internal structure provides sailors access to another gear, enhancing power potential by absorbing more load, for a proactive, positive sail shape. Now, with the addition of SmartLuff, sailors gain heightened control of their Helix sail to access that power – enabling you to make data-driven decisions in-race, in set-up, and in your overall approach – while adding an element of interactive technology to enhance your sailing experience. Helix is standard on the full range of North Code Sails, and offered as an upgrade on racing headsails. All Helix sails can be upgraded with the Cyclops SmartLuff. To find out more, or to add SmartLuff to your new or existing Helix sail, contact a North Sails representative near you.   More About Cyclops: Cyclops Marine designs and manufactures highly accurate wireless load sensors for marine applications. Since launching their flagship range of rig sensors in 2019 they’ve been helping sailors win racers and move up fleets all over the world. “At Cyclops, we empower sailors to get the most from their equipment and maximize performance, so applying load sensing to North Helix Code Sails is really exciting. Helix is already an innovation that gives sailors more from their boat, so if Cyclops can help provide an extra 20%, then that lives up to our vision perfectly. We’re incredibly excited this collaboration has come to fruition and can’t wait to see the results on the racecourse!” – Ian “Chips” Howarth, CEO, Cyclops Marine   HELIX STRUCTURED LUFF  |  REQUEST A QUOTE  |  FIND A LOFT   READ MORE

V-Series Important Settings for Key Performance Power your new North Sails Optimist V-Series mainsail for speed following the recommendations on this quick tuning guide. BASE SETTINGS Sail ties can be adjusted in the range of 1-5mm in light wind and heavy wind to have comfortable depth and shape. LIGHT WIND: Smaller space at the middle so that leech becomes easier open. HEAVY WIND: Smaller space at the middle so that you can make the shape comfortably flat enough to reduce the power. Sail Ties: Top: 2mm Middle: 2mm Bottom: 2mm * Parallel to the mast. Distance of space distribution to be made from top to the bottom. Adjustment is required only for suitable sail shape (depth) for each condition and to be done only when needed.These are sometimes required depending on mast stiffness and sailor’s weight, but only when if needed. BASIC TRIM  Wind Range 0-8 knots 8-12 knots 12-16 knots Mast Rake 2780 – 2800 mm 2770 – 2790 mm 2770 – 2780 mm Sprit Wrinkles Some Wrinkles A Few Wrinkles Vang No tension in upwind Light tension in upwind Tension Prebender 2 turns /Some Slack at Luff 2 turns /Some Slack at Luff No Wrinkle at Luff Center Board Max Max Max Wind Range 16-24 knots 25+ knots Mast Rake 2750 – 2760mm 2790 ±10mm Sprit Wrinkles Wrinkles Vang Lots of tension Cleat with main sheet trimming harder Prebender Tension on Luff Tension on Luff Center Board 0-50 mm up 30-70 mm up OUTHAUL CONTROL – VERY IMPORTANT FOR KEY PERFORMANCE! You have to pay attention to the outhaul to adjust it properly according to the conditions and sailors weight. You need to find the best position that fits your weight, mast rake( boom position), sea status, weather helm feeling for each condition. Playing outhaul in the range of 20mm at the boom end. Ease it maximum in 10-14knots and clew end has to be located 30-40mm away from the boom end. FLAT WATER –  Trim 10mm more than the normal position. LIGHT / VERY STRONG WIND –  Bottom to be flattened comfortably. READ MORE

LOFT 57: THE NORTH SAILS PODCAST I første afsnit taler vi om design, simulering og den skræddersyede North Design Suite North er en helt unik sejlmager, udviklet og bygget på vindermentalitet. Vi skaber historie ved at se fremad og det er dét, der adskiller os fra andre sejlmagere. Vi er stolte af at kunne præsentere Loft 57, en podcast som åbner dørene op til verdens førende sejlmager. Med North Sails øverste chef, Ken Read, som vært, tager serien lytteren med bag scenen sammen med skaberne af vores produkter og de passionerede sejlere, som stoler på at vi kan føre deres eventyr ud i livet. Vi har været på denne rejse siden 1957 og fortsætter med at skabe historie ved at se fremad. Avanceret matematisk modellering komplimenterer North Sails innovative drive. I afsnit 1, taler vi om design, simulering og den skræddersyede North Design Suite med tre generationer af sejlingeniører. Michael Richelson, Marco Capitani og Brodt Taylor tilføjer hver især deres unikke færdigheder og bidgrager med at skabe banebrydende produkter, der giver North Sails sin karakteristiske konkurrencefordel. Du kan abonnere på Loft 57 podcast via Spotify eller følge North Sails fællesskabet på Facebook og Instagram. Loft 57er en North Sails produktion. Vi gør opmærksom på at Loft 57 podcast er på engelsk. Kunne du lide dette afsnit og er du interesseret i at vide mere? Følg disse links herunder: Video: What is the Engine Above Deck? Stories from the North Sails Design Team North Sails Innovation Video: Behind the Scenes with Marco Capitani at the 36th America’s Cup READ MORE

BANEBRYDENDE INNOVATION Nu er Helix standard på alle North Code-sejl North Sails er verdens førende inden for sejlteknologi og rykker konstant på grænserne for ydeevne. 2022 er et skelsættende år for vores Helix Structured Luff-teknologi, da vi nu annoncerer, at den revolutionerende designfilosofi er blevet standard på alle North racing Code-sejl og Helix Rulle-gennaker til cruising, med øjeblikkelig virkning. North Sails har desuden udvidet sortimentet til at omfatte Helix som en opgradering til forsejl. I dens relativt korte levetid til dato, har effekten af Helix været en åbenbaring. Fra januar 2022 har North Sails solgt over to tusinde Helix Code-sejl, med utrolige resultater på tværs af klasser, fra Grand Prix-hold til weekendsejlere. Med disse to banebrydende udviklinger har North Sails til hensigt at videreføre denne skelsættende innovation, som vi forestiller os bliver en designfilosofi, synonymt med selve North Sails brandet. Helix evolutionen Engang var Helix Code-sejl begrænset til offshore Grand Prix, men er hurtigt blevet det bedste værktøj til at forbedre aerodynamikken og øge rækkevidden. Med sin unikke DNA-lignende strukturerede forlig har Helix givet sejlere endnu et gear, hvilket øger kraftpotentialet ved at optimere belastningsfordelingen for en proaktiv, positiv sejlfacon. Et afgørende gennembrud i udviklingen, var ved den 36. America's Cup, hvor Helix blev anvendt på opvindssejl for første gang (og med stor effekt), hvor Emirates Team New Zealand, Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli og INEOS Team UK kom frem med hidtil uset hastighed og kontrol mod vinden. "I dag er Helix mere end en enkelt funktion," forklarer JB Braun, North Sails direktør for design og teknik. "Det er en total designfilosofi, der radikalt ændrer, hvordan sejl konstrueres, bygges og flyves. Guidet af en skræddersyet, datadrevet proces, designer North Sails designere hvert sejls struktur for at forbedre dets aerodynamik." Fordelene I de fleste tilfælde er resultatet af denne proces en reduktion af belastningen af dit udstyr, hvilket har den åbenlyse umiddelbare effekt at minimere slidtage. Den primære fordel, hvad angår ydeevne og praktik, ved både Helix Upwind og Offwind, er dog en alsidig beholdning, der kan spænde over et bredt udvalg, samtidig med at det reducerer antallet af sejl, der kræves. Helix Offwind Helix Offwind kan reducere den samlede belastning på ethvert fritflyvende sejl, uanset om det er 3Di eller panelkonstruktion, for et mere fremadrettet sejl og øget rækkevidde. Helix Offwind-sejl giver forbedret stabilitet, forbedret forligprojektion og reduceret hoved- og hæftebelastning, med et strækbestandigt struktureret forlig og specialbygget Luff Cord med højt drejningspunkt, som er eksklusivt tilgængeligt for North Sails fra søsterselskabet Future Fibres. Helix Upwind Eksklusivt for North 3Di-sejl, udnytter Helix Upwind sejlets sammensatte struktur på en ny måde for radikalt at forbedre justering af dybde og profil. Med sin Dynamic Structured Luff trodser Helix Upwind traditionelle designbegrænsninger. Konstrueret til Active Camber Control™️, kan du med Helix justere formen og dybden af hele sejlet, og ikke kun forliget – styre kraften i farten ved hjælp af en Cunningham eller et fald til et bredere anvendelsesområde. Helix Quick Guide Helix Offwind og Upwind sejl kan bestilles nu. Kontakt dit lokale North Sails loft for levering til sommer. FÅ ET TILBUD TAL MED EN EKSPERT MERE OM HELIX READ MORE

Panjić i Universitas Nova na vrhu CRO M24 flote 📸 regate.com.hr Prva regata CRO Melges 24 Cupa za 2022. godinu završila je kao fenomenalna najava aktivnosti ove klase u Hrvatskoj, a JK Orsan se pokazao kao vrlo dobar domaćin i organizator i ovako (pogotovo logistički) zahtjevne regate. Ukupno je na regati nastupilo 13 posada koje su u Dubrovnik počele pristizati već od četvrtka. S obzirom na potrebu spuštanja u more 12 jedrilica, njihovo opremanje, te testiranje i trening na moru, to je nešto što je nužno i što je jedan od elemenata koji ovu klasu čini drugačijom od ostalih. Naravno, armavanje brodova dodaje novu dimenziju ovim druženjima, kao i povećavanje tehničkih znanja i vještina mlađim generacijama jedriličara i jedriličarki jer se u tom predregatnom periodu imaju priliku susresti sa stvarima koje nemaju prilike vidjeti i iskusiti u većini "malih klasa". Naravno, osim što je tu riječ o kompleksnijem sastavljanju jedrilica nego što je to slučaj kod Optimista i ILCA, ovdje imaju priliku neposredno vidjeti što znači "tenzija u sarćama", odnosno različite postavke pri namještanju jarbola i kolika je važnost pravilnog izbora određenih vrijednosti za određene uvjete jedrenja. S druge strane ovdje također najbolje dolazi do izražaja značaj timskog rada cijele posade, što je većini mladih jedriličara nepoznato s obzirom da cijelu svoju karijeru provedu u jednosjedima. Da ne bi bilo zabune, nije riječ o kritici, već samo o primjedbi s obzirom da se vrlo mali broj naših klubova njeguje jedrenje bar u dvosjedima, a oni koji imaju u svom programu rada i jedrenje na pravim regatnim krstašima stvarno se mogu nabrojati na prste jedne ruke. Ali vratimo se samoj regati. Akvatorij u kojem se jedrilo bio je u području na kojem i inače Orsanovci organiziraju svoje ostale regate. Brod RO-a se postavio ispred hotela President u blizinu Grebena, jer je vjetar dolazio iz četvrtog kvadranta. Već od ranog jutra puhala je trambura s poprilično jakim refulima. Prosjek je bio između 20 i 25 čvorova, ali nije bilo niti govora o odgodama i eventualnim čekanjima da vjetar oslabi. Kasnije, tijekom jedrenja, vjetar je povremeno znao značajno oslabiti i istovremeno promijeniti smjer. Uglavnom je su te oscilacije išle u lijevo, prema tramontani i tada je znao padati na petnaestak čvorova. Međutim, takav smjer i snaga ne bi se dugo zadržavali, pa je RO morao stalno biti u pokretu i korigirati polje s Charlijem i po pitanju kursa i po pitanju duljine. Ovakva situacija na moru rezultirala je čestim pritiskom na lijevu stranu polja, a osim toga u jednom plovu čak se morao signalizirati i prekid desetak minuta nakon starta jer se vjetar vratio u desno. U svakom slučaju vrlo težak dan bio je i za taktičare koji su bili pod pritiskom pravilnog izbora, a koji se na kraju mogao svesti i na kockanje s obzirom da je vjerojatnost pogreške bila vrlo velika. 📸 regate.com.hr Što se tiče samog snalaženja u polju, tu su najbolji pokazali zašto imaju taj pridjev. Već od prvog starta posade Universitas Nove, Point Onea i Panjića pokazale su da imaju najozbiljnije namjere u osvajanju ove regate. I ostale posade imale su zvučna imena u svojim crew listama, ali oslanjanje na pojedince bez pratećih treninga u ovakvoj konkurenciji ipak nije recept za uspjeh! Bilo je dosta situacija u kojima bi jedrilice bile u dosta dobrim pozicijama ili bi na oznake stigle nakon dobre vožnje kroz polje, ali svi članovi posade ne bi na vrijeme i uigrano odradili svoje radnje u kokpitu i došlo bi do nepotrebnih padanja u poretku. Sad, da li do te uigranosti doći skupljanjem sati na moru ili s organizatorom rada posade koji će pravovremeno signalizirati pojedinom članu što treba napraviti to ostaje na vlasnicima i onima koje su okupili. Činjenica je da do takvih situacija ne smije doći, jer se nepotrebno rasipaju bodovi osvojeni dobrim jedrenjem i kvalitetnim taktičkim odlukama. Do kraja subote odjedrena su još dva plova iako se RO nadao da bi se možda mogao odjedriti i četvrti. Što se tiče količine vjetra takav scenario bio je realna, ali nestabilnost po smjeru uzela je svoj danak. Rezultati u drugom plovu najavili su da će regata bodovno biti neizvjesna. Ciljnu ravninu prvi su presjekli momci na Point Oneu, dok su odmah iza njih doletjeli njihovi klupski kolege na Cezibordu, a dominaciju ovog kluba u ovom plovu potvrdila je posada Universitas Nove. Treći favorit regate, Panjić, ovaj plov nije završio jer im je na prvom podizanju genakera došlo do njegovog zapinjanja na križu i paranja po vanjskom porubu, te su se povukli iz ovog plova s obzirom da u danim uvjetima nisu mogli konkurirati niti jednoj posada koja je imala leteće prednje jedro. Zato su se u idućem plovu vratili u najboljem izdanju i odnijeli pobjedu, a na postolju im se pridružuju Joyrunner i Yikes dok Universitas Nova i Point One u cilj ulaze kao 7. i 5. Bodovna situacija na kraju dana najbolje je odgovarala Point Oneu koji je proglašen jedrilicom dana u apsolutnoj kategoriji, kao i Mataranu 24 (Strilici) koja je bila 10. u generalnom plasmanu, ali zato najbolja u Corinthian skupini. Osim Point Onea, bez velikog stresa nedjelju je dočekao i Universitas Nova, ali zato su Obi Wan, Yikes, Panjić, Joyrunner i Cezibordo bili unutar četiri boda razlike i svatko od njih bio je u mogućnosti osvajanja mjesta na postolju. Drugi dan jedrenja osvanuo je prekrasno sunčan i s naznakom povlačenja jutarnjeg burina bez mogućnosti skorog razvijanja konkretnog vjetra iz bilo kojeg smjera. Situacija je bila takva sve do podne kad RO poziva flotu na more i priprema regatno polje za maestral. Maestral je polako krenuo s popunjavanjem kanala između kopna i Elafita, a procjena da ga ima dovoljno za regularno jedrenje desila se oko 13 sati. Ovog puta uvjeti za jedrenje bili su značajno drugačiji nego u subotu. Vjetar je bio značajno slabiji, nešto stabilniji u smjeru i ono što je sigurno bilo svima drago, manje hladno. Dobru formu prikazanu u trećem plovu Panjić je nastavio prikazivati i u prvom nedjeljnom plovu. Na postolje se vraćaju Universitas i Point, a Cezibordo, Yikes i Mataran nastoje hvatati priključak. Samo jedrenje nakon starta bilo je po 7-8 čvorova, ali kako se flota približavala oznaci orce tako je maestral krenuo s jačanjem i tada jedre po najjačem vjetru tog dana koji je išao i do 13-14 čvorova. Od starta, pa preko orce do gatea, Daleko ispred cijele flote bila je "studentska" posada, ali kasnije u drugom dijelu regate prolaze ih Biograjci. Slobodno se može reći da je ovaj plov bio jedan školski prikaz koliko je važna dionica jedrenja s genakerom u krmu. U orcu je to vrlo slično na svim jedrilicama, ali u ovoj klasi krma često rješava pitanje pobjednika! 📸 regate.com.hr Što se tiče posljednjeg plova, tu se vjetar stabilizirao na oko 8 čvorova, a smjer je bio više lijevo pa je oznaka orce morala biti postavljena u sjenu otoka Koločepa. Inače, u drugoj orci prethodnog plova postavljen je charlie na otprilike jednaku poziciju. U petom plovu najbolje starta posada Matarana 24. Oni su dominirali regatom od početka, pa do kraja i tako ostvarili svoju prvu pobjedu u ovoj klasi. Inače je riječ o ekipi iz JK Trogir, a koji zajedno jedre na Melgesu 32 - Mataran 32. Za ovu regatu su iznajmili Strilicu, a po njihovim najavama možemo ih očekivati i u nastavku Cupa za 2022. godinu. Ovaj bod na kraju ih je smjestio na peto mjesto i donosi im pobjedu u Corinthian skupini. Odmah iza njih u cilj ulazi posada Universitas Nove kojima je to bilo drugo drugo mjesto dana. Oni su definitivno bili najradosnija posada u finišu, jer su izračunali da imaju najmanje bodova, ali veselje im je pokvario Panjić koji je u cilj ušao ispred Ceziborda. Finalna suma, nakon odbacivanja, rezultirala je jednakim brojem bodova Panjića i Universitas Nove, ali jedna pobjeda više posade Luke Šangulina presudila je o rasporedu za prvo i drugo mjesto u generalnom plasmanu. Ovaj plov Point One u cilj ulazi kao peti i s tri boda razlike u odnosu na dva prvoplasirana regatu završava s broncom. Raspored ostalih možete pronaći u rezultatima. Kad se podvuče crta i napravi objektivna analiza može se reći da se je klasa napravila generalni napredak u odnosu na Prvenstvo Hrvatske kao prethodnu regatu. U Dubrovniku je jedrilo 12 "starih" posada i jedna nova. Razlike u cilju su sve manje, a kontrola jedrilica po jakom vjetru je sve kvalitetnija. Osim spomenutog rasparanog genakera i jedne nagnječene krme kao posljedice sudara zbog lijevih i desnih uzda, nikakve druge štete nije bilo. Iduća regata jedrit će se 19. i 20. veljače u Biogradu, a očekuje se da će premijerne nastupe imati još nekoliko posada. Možda čak iznenadi i neka posada iz inozemstva... Ono što je već sad sigurno je to da je Hrvatska flota klase Melges 24 trenutno apsolutni hit i da postaje jedan vrlo ozbiljan projekt kojeg je vizionarski pokrenuo Filip Jurišić. S druge strane, kao posljedica toga nameće se problem logistike svim sadašnjim i budućim organizatorima jer teško će biti izvediv izvorni plan o organiziranju regate u svakom klubu čiji predstavnici jedre u Kupu. Kako flota postaje sve veća tako i logistički zahtjevi postaju sve ozbiljniji i opsežniji... nabrojimo samo one koji su očiti: prostor za spuštanje i dizanje jedrilica iz mora mora biti veći, više vezova mora biti na raspolaganju, parking za trajlere i osobna vozila sve veći, broj ozbiljnih gumenjaka za suce i organizaciju sve veći, broj ljudi uključenih u organizaciju sve veći itd. U svakom slučaju čestitke klasi i svima uključenima u njen rad, jer hrvatsko jedrenje je trebalo jedan ovakav projekt! U Dubrovniku se započelo s primjenjivanjem direktnog suđenja na moru. Čak četiri suca vodila su računa o pravilnom provođenju jedriličarskih pravila, tako da neće više biti protesta i saslušanja nakon regate, već će se sve trenutno rješavati na regatnom polju. 📸 regate.com.hr U proljetnom dijelu sezone, nakon Biograda, Melgese još očekuju regate u Ičićima 19. i 20. ožujka i u Rovinju 1., 2. i 3. travnja. READ MORE

LAURA GRONDIN: WINNING IN MULTIPLE ONE DESIGN CLASSES After A 20 Year Break From One Design Racing, This Executive Has Come Back Strong In Both The Melges 24 And J/70 📸 Katrina Zoë Norbom / Ocean Mountain Media Laura Grondin grew up surrounded by sailors and raced with JJ Fetter at Yale, but it was only after twenty years of winning in the boardroom that she achieved success in the J/70 and Melges 24 fleets. “When I graduated from college in 1985, there really were not a lot of good opportunities to continue racing,” she says. So instead she threw herself into running a company and raising a family. It was only after a move to Groton, Connecticut, that she returned to the sport, first as crew for local fleet members. Then “I bought a twenty-four foot wooden boat , and we had some pretty disastrous races in the beginning. But I had this old book from my mother about how to tune and race an old wooden boat, so finally we got to the point where we won the fleet three years in a row.” Her next purchase was a Melges 32, which she admits is not exactly an intuitive step from an old wooden classic. “It was a trial by fire for sure, and we mostly raced PHRF. At the same time, we had a growing fleet of Melges 24s in Fishers Island Sound, so we decided to buy one. And that really got us into fleet racing.” Though she makes it sound like those early days were a lifetime ago, the Melges 24 purchase was only about six years ago. Laura had already volunteered to be the Melges 24 class treasurer when she learned that the international chair was leaving. As president of Virginia Industries, she understands what it takes to be a leader. “I’m one of these people … if I’m not sure who’s gonna be the new chair, I’d just as soon be the new chair!” So she got herself elected—and then, thanks to COVID, her first leadership act was to cancel the 2020 Melges 24 World Championship—”like three times; cancel, reschedule, cancel, just like everybody else.” The 2022 Worlds will be the first the class has held since 2019. It was during this trying time that Mike Buckley introduced her to Taylor Canfield. “I guess you might say the rest is history,” she laughs, “because he and I seemed to work pretty well together on the boat.” In January 2021, the team started sailing the J/70 as prep for the 2021 Melges 24 Worlds. ”We were looking for more time starting, more mark roundings, all the things that are harder to get in smaller fleets,” she explains. “And there’s only so many events on the schedule. So that’s how we ended up on a J/70.” Less than a year later, the team finished third at the J/70 Worlds in Los Angeles, California. 2021 J/70 World Championships “North Sails has been incredibly supportive,” she says. “John Bowden has come sailing with us, and anytime we have a question or concern or comment or anything else, he and North have been there.” Asked about the differences between the J/70 and the Melges 24, Laura smiles. “I try to pretend that they’re not different, right? But I do need about a day switching back and forth. That first practice day, I might feel a little uncomfortable.” The transition from Melges 24 to J/70 is easier than the reverse, she continues, “because on the 70 I don’t touch the main at all. On the Melges 24, I have to take a hand in trimming the main. I do focus first on the driving; I have my little visual loop of telltales, water, wind and instruments.” Running a business taught her the value of delegating, and she says one major reason for all of her racing successes is the team she’s built around her. Canfield is onboard, Buckley joined the team for the J/70 Worlds, and Scott Ewing was the fourth for their podium finish. Rich Peale came along with the first Melges 24 she bought, and “he’s been with us ever since; he’s a Corinthian, with a full-time engineering job. Cole Brauer has also been a part of the Melges 24 team consistently across events. It’s incredibly helpful to have a consistent team across the two boats.” The team became early adopters of 3Di on the Melges 24, though Laura says she’s still getting used to what she calls “the black sails. But I figured we had to try them; we needed to not give that competitive advantage away.” Asked to compare the 3Di inventory to the paneled inventory, Laura says the groove is a little narrower with 3Di, which makes them less forgiving. “There’s a theory that the paneled sails are better in light air, and the black sails are better in heavier air. But timing is everything; I’ve done more driving in the last year than I’ve done maybe in my entire life! So I’m better than I was a year ago. I was finally ready for the challenge.” North Sails expert John Bowden says Laura’s team has been a big help with the development of 3Di. “When we first put 3Di on smaller boats like the Melges 24, the sails were too strong; they needed to be more dynamic. Through a lot of hard work with the team, we’ve been able to make them more forgiving. And now we’re seeing more success with them in lighter air. But ultimately, it’s important that people race with what they’re comfortable with. Laura’s got to look at the jib all day, and the difference in speed is not going to overcome the difference in her comfortability. She’s done a fantastic job of working with our product and helping us move forward.” Laura’s team started out the winter season by winning regattas in both the Melges 24 (the first event of the Bacardi Cup Invitational) and the J/70 (DIYC Winter Series #2). Back in the Melges 24 again, she finished third at the Southernmost Regatta. Looking ahead, both the Melges 24 Worlds in May and the J/70 Worlds in October are on the calendar, along with several practice days and a few smaller regattas. “We’re also planning to do a couple of IC37 events,” she adds. “My husband does all our logistics and scheduling.” Asked about her learning process, Laura says she carries “a little notebook” where she writes down a few things each day. “Before we start up again, I look at my notes; what I find is that certain notes already have become ingrained. But there’s always one or two things in my head that I just did not do well at the last event. Taylor is a great tactician, but in his heart he’s a driver. So he is very quick with me if he’s unhappy with a maneuver; if we’re practicing, he’ll show me how to do things right. It’s like having an onboard coach, and it is really helpful. I don’t know that all tacticians do that; I told another skipper last week that he’s got somebody on his boat who knows how to drive—so if you’re struggling with that, let them help you! Taylor can’t tell me everything. And the less he has to coach me on my job, the more he can do as a tactician.” “I’ve been leading in the business world for more than twenty years,” she says. “So I understand what it means to have people who take pride in themselves and in their work. North has been there for us, and so has my team.” 📸 Rodrigo Fernandez / AndesVisual 📸 Christopher Howell READ MORE

BANBRYTANDE INNOVATION FÖR BÅDE KRYSS OCH UNDANVIND Nu är Helix standard på alla North Sails code-segel Som världsledande inom segelteknologi flyttar North Sails ständigt fram gränserna för hur mycket prestanda man kan få ut av ett segel. 2022 är en milstolpe för utvecklingen av den revolutionerande Helix Structured Luff-teknologin: Från och med nu ingår Helix som standard på alla code-segel för racing och på Helix rullgennakers för cruising. Dessutom erbjuder vi nu Helix-teknologin även som tillägg på 3Di-försegel. Helix har på kort tid tagit marknaden med storm. I januari 2022 hade North Sails sålt över tvåtusen Helix code-segel till allt från Grand Prix-teams till vanliga semesterseglare. Med dessa två produkter tar North Sails nu nästa steg i vidareutvecklingen av denna banbrytande innovation. För North Sails är Helix en nyckelteknologi som inte bara bekräftar företagets vetenskapliga arv utan också ger det en rejäl skjuts in i framtiden. Utvecklingen av Helix Helix togs ursprungligen fram för kappsegling på Grand Prix-nivå, men har nu utvecklats till ett generellt designkoncept som förbättrar ett segels aerodynamik och breddar dess register. Helix unika DNA-liknande förlik är konstruerat för att ta upp mycket höga krafter, vilket ger dig helt nya möjligheter att justera formen i skiftande förhållanden. Prestandamässigt innebär detta att du får ytterligare en växel offwind. Ett grundläggande genombrott i utvecklingen gjordes under senaste Americas Cup, då Helix för första gången användes på kryssegel – vilket gav Emirates Team New Zealand, Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli och INEOS Team UK prestanda och trimmöjligheter på en helt ny nivå. ”Idag är Helix mer än bara en prestandahöjande speciallösning”, förklarar JB Braun, North Sails Director of Design and Engineering. ”Det är en helt ny designfilosofi som radikalt förändrar hur segel konstrueras, byggs och används. Med en skräddarsydd, datadriven process som bas konstruerar North Sails designers varje segels struktur för att optimera dess aerodynamik.” Fördelarna I de flesta fall sänker Helix krafterna på rigg och annan utrustning, med de fördelar som det ger i form av minskat slitage. Men den primära och absolut viktigaste fördelen – och det gäller såväl Offwind som Upwind – är att Helix resulterar i mer mångsidiga segel med bredare register, vilket i sin tur innerbär att antalet segel i segelgarderoben kan minskas. Helix Offwind Helix Offwind reducerar krafterna på flygande segel, förbättrar den aerodynamiska formen och vidgar seglets användningsområde. Helix kan appliceras på såväl 3Di- som panelsegel. Med sitt unika, kraftupptagande förlik och en extremt vridstyv förlikscord, speciellt framtagen av North Sails systerföretag Future Fibres, resulterar Helix Offwind i ökad stabilitet, förbättrad förliksprojektion och lägre krafter i fall- och halshorn. Helix Upwind Helix Upwind är exklusivt tillgängligt för North Sails 3Di-segel och kompletterar kompositstrukturen på ett sätt som dramatiskt förbättrar möjligheten att kontrollera seglets form och anpassa den efter olika förhållanden. Med sitt dynamiska, kraftupptagande förlik trotsar Helix Upwind alla tidigare kända begränsningar för segeldesign och segeltrim. Seglet är utvecklat för Active Camber Control™️, vilket innebär att du genom att justera spänningen i fall eller cunningham kan förändra formen och djupet på hela seglet – inte bara förliket. Resultatet är ett försegel som kan planas ut i takt med att vinden ökar. Helix Offwind- och Upwind-segel går att beställa nu för leverans till sommaren. Kontakta ditt närmaste North-loft. REQUEST A QUOTE TALK TO AN EXPERT MORE ON HELIX READ MORE

NORTH SHORE P CLASS SAILOR BLAKE MCKINNON WINS TANNER CUP 2022 Tanner Cup Champion Used North Sails F1 Sail North Shore P Class sailor Blake McKinnon drew on the ‘secret weapon’ used by 2020 Tanner and Tauranga Cup winner Tim Howse to carve his own name on the historic silverware, when he won the regional championship Tanner Cup in January. McKinnon, sailing Head First, used the North Sails-designed and developed F1sail, which has a radial clew and a cross-cut top. North Sails One Design expert Derek Scott says the radial design helps to spread the load out of the clew, and allows the top of the sail to twist off. 2019 Tanner Cup winner Blake Hinsley also used an earlier iteration of the F1 sail in his victory. The six-race 2022 series was held over two days at Auckland’s Murrays Bay Sailing Club, McKinnon’s home waters. On both days sailors had to contend with tough conditions- light, shifty south-southeasterly breeze and big tides—a contrast to the windy conditions in which Howse won the regatta two years ago. Representing North Harbour, McKinnon sailed a consistent series, with his lowest placing a seventh on the first day. Lying fifth overall, he then put the pressure on the series leaders on the second day by finishing with a second place and two bullets to take the cup. Eighteen sailors from around the country represented their regions at the event, which was followed by the open Tauranga Cup event, in which McKinnon finished sixth overall. In this event, Tessa Clinton finished second female sailor, also using the F1 sail. Scott — a former winner of the Tanner Cup — says the North team has made some minor modifications to the F1 sail since Howse used it to win the past events, especially to the luff curve, to make the sail a better fit to the range of masts used in the class. “We had been finding some quite big variances in the masts, so we have been tailoring each sail to the specific boat,” Scott says. “After testing each mast to see how stiff or soft it is, we create a custom luff curve for each sail, so it fits perfectly.” 📸 Live Sail Die READ MORE

ORC WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP 2023: PREPARATIONS START NOW Sights Set on Kiel, Germany 📸 Felix Diemer The news that the Offshore Racing Council, ORC World Championship is coming to Kiel again in 2023 has triggered a real hype throughout the worldwide fleet of ORC sailors. For the local fleet in Germany, this will mark the season highlight of the next two years and after two seasons of events being influenced by the pandemic, there are hopeful signs for a sporty and ambitious summer of sailing. If you want to be there in 2023, ideally, preparations should start now. Those who start preparing in good time not only reduce the risk of nasty surprises, but also go into the World Championship with greater composure. Someone who knows the ORC scene like the back of his hand is North Sails expert and sailmaker Bertil Balser. As a native of Frankfurt, Germany, Bertil has been sailing since he could walk and took his first steps in the world of offshore racing in 1996, when ORC was still called IMS (International Measurement System). Several National and International successes later, as well as one or the other rule loophole (keyword: “Berta”), Bertil is not only an impressive sailor, but also the ideal contact for all questions about ORC sailing. Reason enough, then, for us to quiz him with a series of questions in the run up to the World Championship, starting off with a few basic questions about ORC sailing: How well do you know the ORC formula? As there are countless measures that add to the overall rating, you can basically change and adjust virtually anything concerning the boat’s performance. This makes the ORC system both very technical but also somehow intuitive. The question here is: Which screw is worth turning and which one should you avoid touching in the first place? After more than 15 years in the ORC circuit, I can judge quite well what makes sense and what doesn’t. What is key for a successful ORC campaign? Good material and a clean underwater hull are one thing. But the other thing is having a crew that not only harmonizes, but also really trusts and works together. I recommend North Sails 3Di RAW 780 for your upwind inventory, and our Superkote Spinnaker styles for your downwind inventory. We will be sure to find your weapon of choice amongst our product range. 📸 Felix Diemer When should preparations for the 2023 World Championship begin? Such a campaign always goes through phases of varying intensity and each team has its own dynamic. However, no matter how you choose to run your campaign, the following still applies: time is ticking. If you want to be there in Kiel in 2023, you should start preparing today. The more time you have, the easier it will be to get material and crew into a competitive mode. As always, the devil is in the details. What advice would you give to crews with limited previous experience? Be sure to get started! Every project starts with the first step. What many do not know is that often the step from ambitious Wednesday sailing into the ORC world is much smaller than it might look from the outside. How to contact you with questions? To get in touch with Bertil directly, please email him at bertil.balser@northsails.com, or click here to talk with an expert at your local loft. We look forward to hearing from you and our team of experts will be happy to help you get closer to achieving your goal at the 2023 ORC World Championships. What is your greatest personal success? That is hard to say. The four victories at the IDM See – most recently with the X-41 Sportsfreund – were certainly just as much a highlight as various podium positions at World and European Championships. When “my” team became European Champions in 2019, I was involved with fatherly joy on the home front, so a gold medal is still missing. One more reason to attack again in 2023! TALK TO AN EXPERT READ MORE

PACIFIC CUP AND NORTH SAILS PARTNER AGAIN FOR 2022 RACE Supporting Competitors In Their Preparation for the 2070 Mile Endeavor North Sails and the Pacific Cup are thrilled to partner again for the 2022 edition of the race. As an Event Sponsor, North Sails will offer an educational webinar focused on weather and navigation tactics, with Chris Bedford and Peter Isler, during the race for current and aspiring participants of the Pacific Cup as well as an in-person training seminar for onboard sail repair. A highlight of the West Coast racing scene, the Pacific Cup draws sailors from all over North America every other year. On July 4, 2022, more than 70+ boats will depart the San Francisco Bay and sail over 2070 miles to finish in beautiful Kaneohe Bay on the island of O’ahu. A true bucket list event, race participants undergo more than a year of mental and physical preparation in close partnership with race leadership, attending training and safety seminars, preparing their vessels, and building relationships with other race participants. “The Pacific Cup and North Sails share a strong commitment to promoting the sport of ocean racing,” said Caitlin Gutekunst, Board Member and Sponsorships Chair for the Pacific Cup Yacht Club. “Together we are simultaneously driving performance and training for this sport, promoting diversity on the water, and protecting our oceans.” Seadon Wijsen, local North Sails expert from San Francisco shares, “We are happy to be supporting the largest Pacific Cup to date. The Pacific Cup is more than just a race but a tradition for the west coast in bringing together new ocean sailors along with the most experienced ocean racers in the world. We enjoy educating new sailors as well as providing the necessary products and support to have a successful race to Kaneohe.” North Sails prides itself on having the best sail solutions and accessible expertise for boats across the spectrum. North Sails is the world’s leading sailmaker with a vast network of over 100 sales and service sites globally. North Sails invites racers to get prepared for the race and sign up for the upcoming Pacific Cup webinar today and in-person training seminar. READ MORE

Helix Now Standard In All North Code Sails World leader in sailmaking technology, North Sails constantly pushes the boundaries of performance. 2022 is a landmark year for the brand’s Helix Structured Luff technology, as it is now announcing that the revolutionary design philosophy has been made standard on all North racing Code sails and the Helix Furling Gennaker for cruising, effective immediately. Furthermore, North Sails has moved to expand its range to include Helix as an upgrade for headsails. In its relatively short life to date, the impact of Helix has been a revelation. As of January 2022, North Sails has sold over two thousand Helix Code Sails, with incredible results surfacing from across classes, from Grand Prix teams to weekend sailors. With these two bold developments, North Sails intends to extend the legacy of this game-changing innovation, which it envisions becoming a flagship design philosophy, synonymous with the North Sails name itself. The Evolution of Helix Once limited to offshore Grand Prix, Helix Code sails have quickly become the go-to tool for improving aerodynamics and increasing range. With its unique DNA-like structured luff, Helix has given sailors another gear offwind, enhancing power potential by optimizing load sharing, for a proactive, positive sail shape. A defining moment in its development, the 36th America’s Cup saw Helix applied to upwind sails for the first time (and to great effect), with Emirates Team New Zealand, Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli, and INEOS Team UK displaying unprecedented speed and control upwind. “Today Helix is more than a single feature,” explains JB Braun, North Sails Director of Design and Engineering. “It’s a total design philosophy that radically changes how sails are engineered, built, and flown. Guided by a bespoke, data-driven process, North Sails designers engineer each sail’s structure to improve its aerodynamics.” The Benefits In most cases, the result of this process is a reduction in load running through your equipment, having the obvious immediate effect of minimizing wear and tear. However, the primary benefit, in terms of performance and practicality, of both Helix Upwind and Offwind is a versatile inventory that carries across a wide range, while also reducing the number of sails required. Helix Offwind Helix Offwind can reduce the overall load on any free-flying sail, whether 3Di or panel construction, for a more forward projecting sail and increased range. Featuring a stretch-resistant structured luff and purpose-built high torque Luff Cord exclusively available to North Sails from its sister company Future Fibres, Helix Offwind sails deliver enhanced stability, improved luff projection, and reduced head and tack loads. Helix Upwind Exclusive to North 3Di sails, Helix Upwind harnesses the sail’s composite structure in a new way to dramatically improve camber control. With its Dynamic Structured Luff, Helix Upwind defies conventional design limitations. Engineered for Active Camber Control™️, with Helix you can adjust the shape and depth of the entire sail, not just the luff – ​​controlling power on the fly using a Cunningham or halyard for a wider range of use. Helix Quick Guide Helix Offwind and Upwind sails are available for order now. Get in touch with your local North Sails loft for summer delivery.   REQUEST A QUOTE TALK TO AN EXPERT MORE ON HELIX   READ MORE

With a team of 60-strong, North Sail designers are innovators and opinion leaders, and their collective experience is our competitive advantage. READ MORE

THE NEW NORTH SAILS AUCKLAND Your Team Has Moved To Auckland. Visit Our New Location, Open Now North Sails Auckland is pleased to announce that it has combined its sales, service and sail-making functions into a single location, at its large loft in Auckland’s Wairau Valley. The Sales and Management team, including General Manager Richard Bicknell, Sales Manager Andrew Wills, and Sail Experts and Designers Matt Kelway, Derek Scott, Matt Smeaton, Matt Steven, Guy Hewson, Ben Costello, Burns Fallow and Magnus Doole, will all now be based out of the Glenfield loft at 217 Archers Road, which is already home to the Production, Service and One Design departments. For the convenience of boat owners based at Westhaven, sails needing servicing can still be dropped off and collected from North’s partner company Rig Pro at Unit 2/1 Westhaven Drive. The large Glenfield loft, opened in early 2016, has plenty of space for all North’s sail making and servicing, and will enable the sales and production teams to work more closely together. The new facility was optimized to accommodate the needs of each department, from upwind finishing to one design to downwind production. The result is a modern, efficient space with flexible systems and a main sailmaking floor of around 1500 sq m, large enough to lay out a complete J Class or 100 foot maxi sail. In order to manage multiple projects simultaneously, the loft has an A-frame furling system that accommodates luff lengths up to 60 m, plus North’s signature rotating sewing pits. Up to 16 sailmakers work on the floor, with a mezzanine area for the one design team. The Glenfield facility also houses the service department, where a team of up to eight works with sails coming in for service or recuts, organizing parts and taking care of the needs of visiting superyachts. As part of the worldwide North Sails team, the Auckland loft benefits from both international experience and local knowledge, with a team of highly experienced sailors both on the floor and in the sales and design offices. MEET THE TEAM READ MORE

LET’S TALK RIG TUNING WITH ANDY RICE & CHARLIE CUMBLEY North Sails One Design Expert Charlie Cumbley Joins Andy Rice To Discuss Etchells & J70 Rig Tune Join North Sails One Design Expert Charlie Cumbley joins Andy Rice from Sailjuice.com to share the art and science behind optimal rig tuning and boat setup. Browse the North Sails Etchells/ J70 class page for news, tuning guide, and inventory options or contact North Sails Expert Charlie Cumbley below. ETCHELLS CLASS PAGE J70 CLASS PAGE CHARLIE CUMBLEY READ MORE

BLACK JACK’S WINNING COMBINATION Sail Designer Magnus Doole and Black Jack Skipper Mark Bradford Explain The Steps That Lead To Owner Peter Harburg’s First Win In “The Great Race.” 📸 Andrea Fancolini / Rolex When Black Jack’s mast fell over the side during a record-setting run last April, the team quickly decided to turn their devastating loss into a performance upgrade. That decision paid off when Peter Harburg’s team claimed line honors in the 76th edition of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race. The RP100 had always struggled upwind against Christin Beck’s wider LawConnect, a Juan-K design. So we wanted to understand how an experienced team of sailors and North Sails design engineers overcame this boat’s known weak point. The answer? A new aero package that took advantage of Helix’s load-sharing technology. Magnus Doole, the team’s New Zealand-based sail designer, says that the brief for Black Jack‘s new inventory called for more than simply replacing the old sails and rig. While the majority of Black Jack’s sails had minimal hours on them due to canceled regattas in 2020, the Helix design philosophy had evolved significantly. North Sails Australia Managing Director Mark Bradford is Black Jack’s skipper. “We knew we wanted all our sails to focus around Helix’s load sharing capabilities,” Bradford says. “It was then a question of figuring out the target ratio and trade-off of luff load vs. stay load. Whether you’re incorporating Helix onto a new build or upgrading your inventory, it’s all about the balance between reliability, performance, and sail stability. North Sails has an arsenal of design tools and a deep bench of talent like Magnus. It was really an easy solution to come up with for our team.” Doole and Southern Spars’ Jarrad Wallace modeled a new aero package with the North Design Suite that optimized the combination of load-sharing Helix sails, a new mast, and Future Fibres rigging. “We set out to deliver a more efficient package using recent advances in sail structures,” Doole explains. “The boat has always had an Achilles heel. She is very skinny and low drag, but has a lower righting moment than her competitors. Upwind in a breeze has been her downfall.” “Magnus used Membrain to run various upwind, reaching and running sail configuration simulations,” Bradford says. “We then handed the sail designs, structural information, pressure files, and load data to Jarrad and the Southern team who ran rig-specific analysis along with the North software.” Together, the Black Jack crew has sailed over 200 Sydney- Hobarts, so their practical onboard experience was factored in as well. Bradford, Black Jack’s Sailing Master and mainsail trimmer, Bruce Clark, and North Expert Vaughn Prentice all provided input, along with Alex Nolan, Will McCarthy, Ryan Godfrey. “Thanks to Helix,” Doole says, “we netted a 10% savings in the rig and rigging while making significant gains in stiffness. With load sharing comes less mast compression, so we turned part of that gain into a lighter and stiffer mast. If you were doing all of this on an existing mast, it would be like creating more stiffness overnight for the same rig.” This kind of optimization has been done with many other projects, he adds. “North Sails can easily pass this type of experience on to boats of all sizes and shapes, whether you have a new mast on order or will use an existing mast and rigging package.” The first big offshore test for Black Jack’s new aero package was the grueling race to Hobart—so winning line honors was an important validation. Besides adding inherent stability to a skinny boat by reducing weight aloft, the new Helix sails adapted well to the wide range of upwind sailing conditions along the 628-mile course. More range from each sail allows boats like Black Jack to reduce the number of sail changes, which in turn reduced crew fatigue. “The key advantage of Helix is range,” says Bradford. “It directly contributes to reduced sail changes and a more optimized sail shape through a much wider range of conditions. You can significantly change sail shape when the sails get out of range to put them back in range. The benefit is carrying fewer sails, less weight, fewer sail changes, reduced downtime, increased performance. “By taking advantage of Helix design philosophy and reducing weight in our sail structures,” he concludes, “we managed to hold off a much faster upwind boat when it was windy. Then when the conditions turned in our favor, we could extend. Black Jack is now a far better all-around boat, and this has mostly come from the changes we’ve made above the deck.” Advanced mathematical modeling complements the North Sails innovative spirit. In Episode 1 of the new North Sails podcast, we talk design, simulation, and the bespoke North Design Suite with three generations of sail engineers. Michael Richelson, Marco Capitani, and Brodt Taylor all bring their unique skills to the table and help create cutting-edge products that give North Sails its signature competitive edge. READ MORE

JAKTEN PÅ DEN VINNANDE SKILLNADEN Vad är det som driver utvecklingen inom segling? Svaret är enkelt: Professionell kappsegling på högsta nivå i klasser där det mesta är tillåtet och där teknisk utveckling betraktas som en del av sporten. Americas Cup är förstås det tydligaste exemplet. Här är speed allt. Vill du ta en titt på världens absolut lättaste, stummaste och snabbaste segel är det här du hittar dem. De tre toppbåtarna (av totalt fyra) i senaste cupen var utrustade med våra 3Di-segel. Vendée Globe, ensamkappseglingen nonstop runt jorden i enskrovs 60-fotare – så kallade IMOCA 60s – är ett annat exempel. Här är förutsättningarna delvis annorlunda. Bara att ta sig i mål är en utmaning och förutom prestanda finns det ett stort fokus på tillförlitlighet. I senaste upplagan levererande vi 3Di-segel till 22 av 33 startande båtar – inklusive de åtta första i resultatlistan. Och så har vi då TP52. Klassen har nu tjugo år på nacken och dagens båtar är resultatet av ett oändligt utvecklingsarbete. Skillnaden i prestanda är knappt mätbar – det handlar om millimetrar eller centimetrar snarare än båtlängder – men i slutändan efter en lång serie är det just dessa små skillnader som fäller avgörandet. Flera av de stora utvecklingsstegen för North Sails 3Di-teknologi kan härledas till TP52-klassen. Det vi idag kallar 3Di RAW är exempelvis ett direkt resultat av utvecklingen inom TP52-klassen, liksom steget från 3Di RAW 870 till RAW 880. Det vi idag kallar 3Di RAW är exempelvis ett direkt resultat av utvecklingen inom TP52-klassen, liksom steget från 3Di RAW 870 till RAW 880. När vi nu summerar säsongen kan vi konstatera att sju av de nio båtar som deltog i årets 52 Super Serie var utrustade med North-segel – inklusive Sled, totalvinnare i årets serie, tillika årets världsmästare. I filmen berättar Paul Westlake (försäljningschef för North Sails Grand Prix-verksamhet) och Marco Capitani och Juan Messeguer (två av våra segeldesigners) mer om den teknologi och det mödosamma utvecklingsarbete som ligger bakom framgången. READ MORE

ERFAREN SEGELMAKARE MED FOKUS PÅ SHORTHAND-SEGLING Nu siktar Martin Angsell mot VM på hemmaplan Shogun 50, ritad av Håkan och Oscar Södergren och byggd i kolfiber är ett fantastiskt spännande båt som visar att svensk design och svensk ingenjörskonst håller internationell toppklass. Martin är djupt involverad i projektet – både som segelmakare och seglare. 📸 Linjettbåtar Martin Angsell är en segelmakare av den gamla stammen, om man nu kan säga det om en person som ännu inte fyllt femtio. Men han har varit i branschen i över 25 år och har lärt sig yrket från grunden, krypandes på golvet, med en sax i ett hölster på höften. Han vet hur man gör en recut, hur en revförstärkning är uppbyggd och vilka travare som passar i likrännan på en Scampi Mk2. Om vi bortser från några praktikperioder – den första redan under högstadiet – inledde han sin karriär som segelmakare på Royal Sails. Det var i mitten av 90-talet, direkt efter lumpen, och för Martin var det en barndomsdröm som nu gick i uppfyllelse. 2004 inkorporerades Royal i North Sails och Martin hängde med i flytten till Lidingö. På Royal hade han arbetat med produktion, och det fortsatte han med när han kom till North Sails. Men det var ju länge sedan och både Martin och North Sails har utvecklats. Vi tillverkar inte länge några segel i Sverige och Martin jobbar nu framför allt med försäljning. ”Fast jag är egentligen inte något försäljartyp”, säger han, och menar nog att han inte har den krängar-mentalitet som ibland sägs utmärka duktiga säljare. Det behöver han inte ha heller. Ett North-segel är inte en färdig produkt som plockas från en lagerhylla. Det är en tekniskt avancerad produkt som skräddarsys efter varje enskild kund och som med hjälp av olika material kan optimeras för olika användningsområden. Det kunden framför allt behöver är en god rådgivare, och det är Martin. Det handlar om att lyssna av kunden, identifiera det verkliga behovet och lotsa kunden fram till det mest förnuftiga valet. Ibland är processen enkel, ibland oerhört komplex. Att exempelvis sätta samman en segelgarderob till en seriöst satsande havskappseglingsbåt kräver att Martin har koll på – och kan värdera – allt från mätregler, mätbrev och polardiagram till väderstatistik på de race som är aktuella. Säljare, ja. Men man skulle också kunna beskriva Martin som en rådgivande konsult kring allt som påverkar en segelbåts prestanda. Gilmour, Coutts, Cayard och… Angsell Martin ser sig framför allt som kölbåtsseglare och har provat på allt från pappas Cumulus till VO65 och det mesta däremellan. Entyp. Havskappsegling. Shorthand-segling. Och inte minst matchracing. Martin har ägnat ungefär ett decennium åt denna typ av segling och var under en period rankad bland de femton bästa i världen. Kul och utvecklande, tycker han. Och så har det gett honom möjligheten att mäta sig mot seglare som de flesta bara läser om i båttidningar eller på Internet. Som år 2000, då Martin var inbjuden till Swedish Match Cup i Marstrand. Då som nu en av världens mest prestigefyllda matchracingregattor med prispott i miljonklassen och totalt runt 100 000 åskådare på klipporna runt banområdet. Någon framskjuten placering blev det visserligen inte den gången. Men bara att få gå upp i ringen och fajtas mot legendarer som Dean Barker, James Spithill, Peter Gilmour, Jesper Bank och Magnus Holmberg är ett minne för livet. Den mest minnesvärda framgången var annars när Martin och hans besättning 2006 var över i USA och vann Knickerbocker Cup. Det är en klassisk tävling som seglats årligen sedan 1982 och där listan över tidigare vinnare omfattar några av världens främsta seglare genom tiderna. Att det gav segern en extra krydda noterade även Sail-World i sin rapportering från eventet: ”In addition to the prize money, Angsell will have his name permanently placed on the Cup along with such past winners as Peter Gilmour, Ed Baird, Paul Cayard, Russell Coutts, Terry McLaughlin and Dave Perry” Bénéteau Figaro 3 är utvecklad för att vara den ultimata shorthand-båten. Snabb är bara förnamnet – Martin har som mest varit uppe i 26 knop! 📸 yachtservice.se Fokus på storbåt och shorthanded Utöver matchracing har Martin seglat en rad entypsbåtar, som Express, 606, J/80 och J/70, Farr 30 och Fareast 28. Men på senare år har han allt mer glidit över till olika former av respitsegling i större båtar. Det tenderar att bli mer av havskappsegling än bankappsegling. Med full besättning eller på tu man hand. Särskilt shorthand-kappsegling har haft en enastående tillväxt under många år, såväl i Sverige som i resten av världen. Martin är något av en veteran och har seglat mycket med Anna Drougge, Sveriges kanske mest rutinerade kvinnliga havskappseglare med både Whitbread och Volvo Ocean Race på meritlistan. De trivs ihop och är ett välfungerande team – 2021 vann de exempelvis silver på SM i Shorthanded Mix, som avgjordes som en del av Gotland Runt. I det här sammanhanget är det omöjligt att inte ägna några rader åt Gotland Runt 2019. Det var ett tufft race med vindar som stundtals var uppe på 25 m/s. Ett hundratal båtar – cirka 40 % av hela Gotland Runt-flottan – tog sig aldrig i mål. Martin deltog i doublehandklassen, där han tillsammans med Christian Martin seglade Tutalör, en splitter ny Bénéteau Figaro 3. Det är en 30-fotare speciellt utvecklad för shorthand-kappsegling. Båten är utrustad med foils som visserligen inte lyfter skrovet ur vattnet men som skapar ett rätande moment motsvarande ett par hundra kilo på lovarts reling. Det hela utvecklade sig till rena julafton för Martin och Christian. På de öppna bogarna var farten ofta uppe i över 20 knop, med topp på 26. De seglade banan på lite över 45 timmar och vann doublehand-klassen med nästan åtta timmar på beräknad tid. Men det var kämpigt. Vindar över 20 m/s på öppet hav är jobbigt i vilken båt som helst, även med full besättning. Och hur det är att segla på två i ett äggskal som en Figaro 3 är svårt att föreställa sig för den som inte var med. Parets bedrift väckte berättigad uppmärksamhet, och den minskade inte när totallistan offentliggjordes. De två första platserna togs av två Volvo Ocean Race-båtar, båda med full besättning. Men sedan kom Martin och Christian i lilla Tutalör. Temperaturen stiger inför VM 2022 Den kommande säsongen händer det osedvanligt mycket på doublehand-fronten i Sverige. På västkusten har vi Bohusracet som 2022 får status som mästerskap. Det är det första steget mot ett officiellt svenskt mästerskap, som om allt går som planerat kan genomföras 2024. Men det riktigt stora är förstås att Sverige har tilldelats 2022 års ORC Double Handed World Championship – för övrigt det allra första i sitt slag. VM seglas parallellt med Gotland Runt och starten går den 3 juli inne i centrala Stockholm. Som namnet antyder behöver deltagande båtar mätas in i ORC International, men säkerhetskraven är ganska modesta – det är kategori 3 som gäller och livflotte är inget krav – vilket gör det möjligt för många att vara med. Så lär det bli också. När detta skrivs strax innan jul har nästan 70 besättningar anmält sig, och anmälningstiden går inte ut förrän i början av juni. Tre gånger har Martin seglat doublehanded på Gotland Runt. Resultatet är två vinster och en andraplats. Martin har alltså bra koll på den kommande VM-banan och är klart att han är sugen på att vara med. Vi får se hur det blir med den saken. Men han ser i vilket fall som helst fram mot VM med stor förväntan. Och han lär bli involverad upp över öronen. Förmodligen som kappseglare och helt garanterat som segelmakare. READ MORE

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT YOUR BATTENS Batten Installation and Tensioning Instructions for All Sailors Thinking about battens? Preparing for a new season is something that is on everyone’s mind. Whether you’re staging your boat to launch, planning an extended cruise, or hoisting your sails for a weeknight club race, it’s important to make sure you’ve got your battens installed properly and tensioned correctly. Checking your battens will provide better sail shape and performance – and ensure you don’t lose them after the first tack or jibe! Sail expert Hugh Beaton from North Sails Toronto explains some important details to remember. Proper installation for proper sail shape. Make sure the battens are inserted with the tapered (thin) end towards the luff and the stiffer (thick) end towards the leech. We sometimes see battens interested the wrong way and as a result, the sail will not have the correct draft (depth) and curvature (location of maximum depth) – so it is worth double checking that the batten is oriented correctly. Make sure your battens are secure. Some battens enter from the luff, others from the leech so check to make sure that the closure system where the battens have been inserted has been properly secured. For North Sails Velcro closures, there is a specific compartment for the batten, and another for the two surfaces of Velcro to make contact. Lashing systems have another procedure to follow, as do RBS wing tip end caps. In all cases correct installation will keep the battens securely in place for the season. 📸Mike Egan Correct tension creates a smooth sail. Your batten tension also needs to be looked at. If there is insufficient tension there will be a number of vertical wrinkles along the length of the batten. If there is too much tension there will be visible horizontal tension pulling along both sides of the pocket, with the fabric looking stressed. When the tension is correct, the batten pocket is smooth and correctly supports the designed flying shape of the sail. Have questions about your battens? or need help with proper installation? Please reach out to your local North Sails representative for guidelines and instruction on how to make sure your battens are loaded correctly and your sails are ready for the season. Learn more with North Sails batten specific installation guides. READ MORE

THE STORY OF ARGO: PART I An Opal 46, Has Been Shared by Three Generations of the Ravelius Family After years of sailing with his father on board his beloved schooner, Argo, based in Sweden, John Ingvar Ravelius has taken part ownership of the boat, alongside his brother and his father and has been updating and refitting her with the dream to create memories with his young daughter and pass the tradition along. Ravelius shares the first chapter of his several part series, about how a sailboat, and the work that goes along with it, is bringing three generations together. In 1974, my father, Ingvar Ravelius was a young 24-year-old walking around the Stockholm boat expo with his father, in Sweden, dreaming of sailing around the world on a boat of his own. Ingvar had plenty of experience on smaller sailboats, but his dream was sailing around the world and he wanted something bigger and more reliable. As the pair wandered through the expo, they bumped into a friend, who knew of a boat being built by a local, revered boat builder called an Opal 46. This hull would be the first of only six ever built. A couple of weeks later, Ingvar contacted the designer of the Opal 46 and visited the marina where this boat was being built with his father. After seeing the work underway, it didn’t take much time for my father to decide that this is THE boat he wanted to sail around the world on, pick up his wallet and make a down payment to rent the molds for the hull, despite his father’s protest. He didn’t think that 24-year-old Ingvar was going to be able to build such a boat without any experience. My father answered, “this is the boat that I want, I don’t know how to build it yet, but I am going to find out.” The building of Argo began, Ingvar took on the messy and time-consuming work of hand fiberglassing the hull. Adding layer after layer, thinking that when he is on the ocean, the boat should be able to withstand heavy impacts without breaking. He made the thickest part of the hull 12 centimeters thick. After the fiberglass set, he continued the work on the build outside his house in Sollentuna. My father’s neighbors did not know that they were going to live next to this build for the next six years. Often, Ingvar would leave his home building site, and visit the marina where the first Opal 46 was being built, he asked them how they did things and took measurements, wrote them down on a notepad and went home and did the same thing the professional boatbuilders were doing. A couple of years into the build, my father and the owner of the first Opal 46, which was christened and seaworthy, became good friends and invited him to sail across the Atlantic Ocean to the Caribbean. In 1980 Ingvar took a break from building Argo to do a transatlantic crossing on his boat’s twin. On this trip, he learned a lot about how the Opal 46 handled the sea but also discovered how he could improve things on Argo. One of the things that he changed from the original was the dining table in the saloon, they had trouble using this table while sailing, so the table in Argo was built to balance so that it is always horizontal when the boat is heeled. One and a half years later, in 1982 Ingvar returned from adventures sailing and launched Argo for the very first time. Seven long years after he hatched the idea at the expo, Ingvar’s dream was a reality. His friends and family came with him on the first test drive and everybody was celebrating. On Argo’s first voyage, they almost crashed, because of a backward connection on the hydraulic steering system, but she was sturdy, sound, and ready for adventure. Later the same year, Argo and her crew participated in the famous race around the island Gotland named “Gotland runt” and a Swedish sailing magazine took a picture of Argo during the race, my father was very proud that they used the picture of his work the same year he was finished. Ingvar is a very special man, and now that Argo is my project too, I want the details to be perfect. My father and I began refitting and converting Argo to sloop together in the past few years, giving her new North Sails and new life. Many times, when I was a child he showed me a special metal file and said; “I built Argo with this metal file”. When I was younger, I didn’t believe him, but today after I have worked a lot with him refitting Argo, I understand that he really did. He built Argo with his hands and a metal file, He put in every screw with a screwdriver, and Argo has thousands of screws. All the teak on Argo, both the deck and the interior is made from raw planks sawed outside his house in the suburbs of Stockholm. Stay tuned for the next installment of Argo’s story, where Ravelius shares more stories from cruising with his parents aboard Argo, and how they sailed around the Mediterranean with a 1-year-old child. READ MORE

NORTH SAILS 2021 TOP TEN Here Are Your Favorite Social Posts From This Year – All In One Place One thing can be said about 2021 – there was no lack of sailors #sendingit worldwide. From the gorgeous blue waters in the Caribbean, Palma de Mallorca and Saint Tropez, to the icy-chill of the Solent and Bassin Paul Vatine in Le Havre, to foiling Down Under – North Sails put it out there for you, but your “likes” decided the top 10 posts of 2021. 10. Starting the countdown off with the great video onboard Gitana Team’s Maxi Edmond de Rothchild, preceding this year’s edition of the Transat Jacques Vabre, outfitted with the North Sails Collection‘s Ocean range, constructed in GORE-TEX Pro, their most durable, breathable, and waterproof kit.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by North Sails (@north_sails)   9. Relax and unwind onboard 191.6-foot Kokomo, custom-built by Alloy Yachts and newly outfitted with #North3Di OCEAN sails.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by North Sails (@north_sails)   8. You loved a guessing game, and another video of a superyacht certainly didn’t hurt…   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by North Sails (@north_sails)   7. Superyacht Cup Palma footage always leaves us in awe. It’s too bad you may not have been there in person, but we’ve got the next best way to watch…   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by North Sails (@north_sails)   6. Dmitry Rybolovlev’s ClubSwan 125 Skorpios, lived up to the hype and claimed the prestigious monohull line honors at the 2021 #RolexFastnetRace. The largest yacht in the race’s long history, Skorpios set a new course record in her maiden race. This high-performance racing machine fully utilized North Sails #EngineAboveDeck using our revolutionary #HelixStructuredLuff technology.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by North Sails (@north_sails)   5. 2021 Winter Sailing Photo Contest – we all know sailors love a good, healthy competition. Click here for our 2022 Winter Sailing Photo Contest.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by North Sails (@north_sails)   4. It wouldn’t be a top 10 recap without a #FullSendFriday! The Ocean Race never disappoints in this department…   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by North Sails (@north_sails)   3. A little AC75 heat going into the finals of the Prada Cup. Reminisce on the fun…   View this post on Instagram READ MORE

North Sails makes history by looking ahead. Let's talk design, simulation, and the bespoke North Design Suite in Episode 1 of our Podcast. READ MORE

ROLEX SYDNEY HOBART RACE 2021: HOW TO WATCH THE GREAT RACE North Sails Has You Covered For the 76th Edition The Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race is a staple on the Australian sailing calendar, and a much-anticipated event for sailing fans around the world. Each Boxing Day, hundreds of sailors, watched by thousands of shoreside spectators (pre-Covid of course), depart Sydney Harbour for the trek to Hobart. This 628nm offshore classic is renowned for being one of the most difficult races in sailing. Throughout the years there have been both moments of triumph and tragedy. Our sport’s highest-profile teams sign up for the Sydney-Hobart with hopes of claiming line honors and, if the weather is right, smashing course records. Amongst the fleet there is a variety of boats- comprised of unique sailor skillsets and crews made up of professional sailors, family members, and friends. Take for example North Sails apprentice Manny Scott and Sail Expert Aaron Cole. 2021 marks Manny’s third Rolex Sydney Hobart Race, and he’s sailing with his father— a 15-time race veteran. Aaron Cole is participating in this year’s race for the nineteenth (!) time alongside his wife Jade, who is celebrating her milestone 10th race. They say this race is a family tradition for many participants, and we’re proud to have been onboard for these memories. North Sails has a storied history with the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race. Our Australian-based teams have collectively sailed in hundreds of races, while North clients have consistently found themselves at the top of leaderboards over the years. With the 2020 race canceled, the year’s fleet is chomping at the bit to get the 76th edition of “The Great Race” underway. Here is what’s in store and how you can follow along: Weather Forecast: Gabrielle Woodhouse, forecaster from the NSW Bureau of Meteorology, delivered the race’s long-range weather forecast. The fleet should be ready for southerlies and possible thunderstorms early after the Boxing Day start, and a series of transitions afterwards, which all but erase expectations of a record-breaking race. Read more from the official pre-start press conference on the Rolex Sydney Hobart website. If you’re in Sydney… Spectator boats positioned in the eastern channel can watch the race start, then can follow the fleet down the harbour to the iconic Sydney Heads before heading out to sea. Once underway, the fleet will move quickly, so if you want to see the leaders sail through the Heads, it’s recommended to get a ways down the harbour towards Middle Head before the start. At the Heads, make sure to keep well clear of the rounding marks. If you only plan on watching the start, head to the western side of the harbour. Good vantage points for spectator boats include: Taylors Bay, Chowder Bay, Obelisk Bay and North Head on the west and Rose Bay, Watsons Bay, Camp Cove and South Head on the east. For our global audience watching from home: Watch a webcast of the live broadcast on the homepage of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race website. If you miss the live webcast, a replay of the start program will be available on the website as well. Included on the website is the complete list of yachts entered in the 2021 edition of the race. You can also view past race data including past results, historical reports, and statistical information; designers of line and overall winners; and profiles of some of the race luminaries over the years. Follow along on Social: Official race social channels will keep followers updated start through finish. There will be a live stream of the start (which can be viewed after the fact), as well as race updates, Line Honors announcements, an Overall Winner Declaration, as well as a Regatta Recap. Rolex Sydney Hobart @rshyr @RolexSydneyHobart North Sails @north_sails @NorthSailsWorldwide Track the fleet: Track the 2021 fleet from start to finish by utilizing the link for the Tracker below. Yacht Tracker uses a specially designed tool that calculates the predicted results for each and every boat in the fleet, so you can see how each boat is performing. Each competing boat is given a tracker that will obtain a position using the GPS satellite network and then transmit that position back to HQ using the Iridium satellite network. Positions will be updated every 10 minutes TRACKER Play along: Cruising Yacht Club of Australia has teamed up with Virtual Regatta to provide the Rolex Sydney Hobart Race Game, allowing virtual skippers to race the same route as the boats that will be participating in the Rolex Sydney Hobart. Sign- up and join the Race by clicking the link below. JOIN VIRTUAL REGATTA 📸 Carlo Borlenghi / Rolex READ MORE

Gringo 3 & Mr.J najbrži na Božićnoj regati u Biogradu 📸 regate.com.hr YC Biograd i JK Uskok već dugi niz godina zajedničkim snagama organiziraju Božićnu regatu, a ono po čemu se diče je to da ni za vrijeme Domovinskog rata, kad je Hrvatska bila najtanja na potezu Zadarskog zaleđa, nije bilo prekida u organizaciji. Također, u sklopu tog dijela povijesti ove regate čak je bilo i situacija kad su četnici pucali i prema natjecateljima, pa je na kraju te regate u jednoj jedrilici pronađeno nekoliko zabijenih metaka! Uglavnom, sad su ta vremena daleko iza nas i sad jedinu opasnost mogu predstavljati opasni uvjeti na moru. Ove godine bilo je jakog vjetra, ali srećom nije da bi uvjeti jedrenja mogli smatrati opasnima. Svake godine klubovi se izmjenjuju po pitanju domaćinstva starta i cilja, a ove godine krenulo se iz Zadra. Na regatu se prijavilo ukupno 17 jedrilica od kojih je samo 11 završilo obje etape. Ostale su ili se priključile regati na drugoj etapi ili su morale odustajati zbog tehničkih problema koji su uglavnom bili produkt jake bure koja je puhala i u subotu 18. i u nedjelju 19. prosinca. Start ispred Uskoka odvio se po laganoj buri koja je postupno jačala kako se jedrilo prema jugu. Naravno, na čelo flote odmah su svoje pozicije uhvatile najbrže jedrilice, konkretno, Furiosa, Gringo 3, Mr.J i Easy eleven. Za njima su se poslagale ostale, a uglavnom je raspored u cilju išao po veličini, jer su većinom to bile charter jedrilice s klasičnim "bijelim" jedrima. Iz Zadra je startalo 13 jedrilica, a u Biograd ih je dojedrilo 12. Jedino je Ruzina iskoristila svoj motorni pogon za završavanje ove dionice jer je pred Biogradom u jednom trenutku vjetar iznimno pojačao na oko 35 čvorova, pa su se odlučili na spuštanje jedara da izbjegnu oštećenje istih. Do cilja u Biogradu najbrže je dojedrila Furiosa. Može se reći da je taj rezultat bio očekivan s obzirom da je u pitanju jedrilica koja ima mogućnost korištenja vodenih balasta, a s obzirom na kut jedrenja u lašku orcu uvjeti su bili povoljni za razvijanje maksimalnih performansi po kojima su bili u velikoj prednosti u odnosu na ostatak flote. Inače, njihova jurnjava trajala je nešto više od sat vremena! Za njima je ubrzo u Biograd dojedrio i Gringo 3, krstaš koji je inače optimiziran za ORC, ali u ovom slučaju baštun je bio izvučen već od starta s najvećim jedriljem podignutim i spremnim za otvaranje. Međutim u prvoj etapi Furiosa nije ostavila prostora za iznenađenje. U nedjelju na startu puhala je tramontana koja je konstantno bila iznad petnaestak čvorova, ali nije išla u ekstrem kao bura dan ranije. Na startu su se našle dvije jedrilice više, ali tu drugu etapu nisu završile njih 3, a među njima se našla i Furiosa. Ruta po kojoj se jedrilo bila je identična onoj koja je bila na memorijalnoj regati "Nenin đir" par tjedana ranije: Ruta je uključivala nezaobilaznu oznaku Kočerka, a potom su se u "osmici" obišli Planac i Sv.Katarina, te jedna bova jugoistočno od Biograda. S obzirom na smjer vjetra startalo se bliže Biogradu, izvlačilo prema Sv.Filipu i Jakovu, te potom oko Kočerke i u slalom na jug. Flotu je ponovno predvodila ista skupina jedrilica, a Furiosa odmah na početku ostvaruje respektabilnu prednost koju je držala do južne strane otočića Sv.Katarina gdje imaju problema s glavnim jedrom, te moraju odustati od regate. Gringo 3 koji je bio na drugoj poziciji odmah preuzima vodeću ulogu koju potom bez ikakve ugroze drži do kraja i s pobjedom u ovoj etapi osigurava ukupnu pobjedu na regati, te još jednom ukazao na kvalitetu i postojanost North Sails jedara. Što se tiče drugog mjesta, njega u ovoj etapi osvaja Mr.J i tako uzvraća mnogo većem Easy elevenu za subotnji poraz u međusobnom duelu, te po jedriličarskim pravilima zauzima i drugo mjesto u generalnom plasmanu. Naravno i posadi jedrilice Mr.J to polazi za rukom uz pomoć NS proizvoda. Vrlo dobro jedrenje pokazala je i posada Ruzine, koja je u cilju unatoč značajne razlike u veličini bila blizu Easy elevena, te etapu završava na četvrtom mjestu, odnosno osigurava dovoljno bodova za 10. mjesto u generalnom plasmanu. Dobro su jedrile i posade Alegrie, Silbe i Izabele, koje su prikazale ujednačenost u obje etape, te tako osigurale dovoljno malo negativnih bodova da sve tri zauzmu u konačnom plasmanu mjesta ispred Furiose. Generalne rezultate regate možete pronaći na ovom linku, dok su rezultati po grupama dostupni ovdje. Božićna regata u Biogradu dio je triptiha koji organizira istoimeni jedriličarski klub, a čiji naziv je "Adventske humanitarne regate". Uz ovu regatu tu su još i regata povodom Sv.Nikole i Marina Kornati Cup. Na sve tri regate se već godinama skupljaju donacije i pokloni koji se uoči Božića odnose u Dom za nezbrinutu djecu. Foto galeriju s ove regate možete pronaći na ovom linku. READ MORE

LETTER TO MY YOUNGER SELF 13X Sydney Hobart Sailor, Nick Beaudoin Reflects On How He Became A “Great Race” Veteran The sailors and designers in the world of North Sails are some of the most inspiring people on the water, and we’re hoping to share more of their story with you. “Letter to my younger self” is a series told from our North Sails ambassadors. In each article we bring to life their advice and personal journeys centered around the question: if your “now-self” could give your “younger self” advice, what would it be? Dear Younger Nick, I’m writing to you on the eve of my 14th Sydney to Hobart. This year (in 2021) I’m sailing in the 76th Sydney to Hobart on board the boat JV62 “Whisper.” I’m going to be short and simple with my advice to you, but that doesn’t mean it will be easy advice to follow. Here we go: nothing happens overnight. Be patient. Keep at it. I know! If only it was that easy but trust me on this one; having patience and trusting that it will happen will get you further than you can imagine. How far you’re wondering? Well, what if I told you that one day you’d be racing in the Sydney to Hobart regularly. And, not just sailing “The Great Race” on your average boat either, but winning it on a 100’ Super Maxi. How does a boy from Canada, sailing on the Detroit River with his dad, get all the way to Australia and then go on to win the Sydney to Hobart? Well, I wish I could say it would be smooth sailing (no pun intended) but it won’t be an easy path, in the end though, the goal was met (and then surpassed). The journey all starts in 2006 when you move from Canada to Sydney to do “The Great Race” – your big sailing goal at the time. Later that year you’ll begin working for the world’s best sail maker, North Sails. One of the most important things that I have learned over the years, especially in offshore sailing, is that a solid work ethic and dependability will carry you through. Over the years, I’ve created a motto to live by: “do the thing you said you were going to do, when you said you were going to do it.” Whether it is in your working career or your sailing career, stay true to this motto. A bit of words from the wise, young Nick… the Sydney to Hobart is the biggest race on the sailing calendar in Australia. You talk about and prepare for it all year. If you are not looking forward, you are always reminiscing about the race. That said, the Sydney to Hobart is definitely “type 2 fun.” Meaning, it is not fun while you are doing it, but it is fun to talk about when it’s over. It’s a character builder. I do have to thank Micheal Coxon, the former Managing Director of North Sails Australia for giving me many opportunities over the years. Micheal hired me, sponsored my Visa to stay in Australia and put me on the right boats to build a career on. Without him and his support over the years, I would not have had the experiences that I have had. For that, I am grateful to have a mentor like him. Best of luck over the years, keep your head up, sail safe and don’t forget to share your love for sailing, READ MORE

LETTER TO MY YOUNGER SELF It’s More Than Results For 19x Sydney Hobart Race Veteran Aaron Cole The sailors and designers in the world of North Sails are some of the most inspiring people on the water, and we’re hoping to share more of their story with you. “Letter to my younger self” is a series told from our North Sails ambassadors. In each article we bring to life their advice and personal journeys centered around the question: if your “now-self” could give your “younger self” advice, what would it be? Dear 17-Year-Old Aaron, It’s safe to say that I’m quite proud of the person you’ve become. There are many reasons why, but one that stands out is in 2021, you’ll be gearing up to sail your 19th Sydney to Hobart. Yes, you read that right— 19! If you think it will be a rinse and repeat each year, you’re wrong; each race will be different. And trust me, after 18 races, no two have ever been the same. Getting to the start line of your nineteenth Sydney to Hobart will be an adventure and a half too, complete with stints with America’s Cup and Volvo Ocean Race teams as a sailmaker. And number 19 won’t be your average Sydney to Hobart either, it will also mark your amazing wife’s (Jade) tenth race. Jade is a real catch and a very good sailor. She’s so good on the boat and to do her tenth race together is pretty cool. However, in order to get to the top, you have to be prepared for what’s coming. It will make you a better sailor—especially in “The Great Race.” Start taking advantage of situations now, and really aim to improve your long term vision. This will prove invaluable when you’re on the water and beginning to think about doing the race. In time, your life’s motto will become “when we’re sailing, you’re better off looking at it than looking for it.” Veterans will tell you that you can never be too prepared to race in the Sydney to Hobart and they are right. Now, I know it’s summer and I know it’s Christmas, but young Aaron, you really must do the best job you can looking after yourself in the lead up to the race. It’s a fun time of year, it’s busy, everybody’s sailing, and all sorts of stuff is going on, but make sure you leave a little bit in the tank so you can smash it during the race. In other words, make sure to get a bit of rest in the lead up to the race (which starts the day after Christmas lunch). Set yourself up right so you can really enjoy the challenge. One piece of advice to live by in this race is from your future boss: Ross Lloyd. He said, “do what’s best for the boat.” It’s a good way to sail. We’re always sailing on different boats, in different situations and with different people. At the end of the day it’s about getting the best out of the boat with (or for) the owner. If you focus on that, everything else falls into place. You won’t have many obstacles otherwise. Make sure the boat’s sails are right and do everything you in your power to make that happen; whether it’s little recuts here or modifications there or replacement sails when needed. Then, make sure everybody looks after the equipment, including taking care of the sails. The next twenty years will fly, so enjoy every moment—from the start to the finish. The result is important but it’s not everything. Stay inspired by the likes of Barney Walker; 2021 will be his 34th Sydney to Hobart! Over the years you’ll see him stay switched on, do a good job, put everything into the race and the boat, and keep pushing himself. His passion for the race is seriously inspiring (not to mention impressive). Sail safe and enjoy your wife’s 10th race, READ MORE

LETTER TO MY YOUNGER SELF The Sydney Hobart Race Is a Family Affair for the Scotts The sailors and designers in the world of North Sails are some of the most inspiring people on the water, and we’re hoping to share more of their story with you. “Letter to my younger self” is a series told from our North Sails ambassadors. In each article we bring to life their advice and personal journeys centered around the question: if your “now-self” could give your “younger self” advice, what would it be? Dear Younger Manny, I have so much I want to share with you in this letter. I feel like I’d make you (15 year old me) pretty damn stoked—but I’ll try to keep things short and sweet. First off, don’t worry, you’ll get your chance at sailing in the Sydney to Hobart—just like dad. I know he’s got quite a few races on you, but you’ll eventually catch up, and, in the journey, you’re going to make him (and yourself) really proud. And, don’t worry, you’ll even get to sail a few with him. Don’t fool yourself though, the Sydney to Hobart won’t be easy. In fact, the race will be quite miserable at times. You’ll be scared, frustrated, and wondering why in the world you’re doing the “Great Race”. The complete exhaustion you’ll face is overwhelming, but you need to push through because when you cross the finish line and pull into Hobart with hundreds of people cheering you in, congratulating you on the enormous accomplishment, the pride you’ll feel is indescribable. That experience alone is completely overwhelming. Throughout your journey though, whatever you do, don’t forget your roots. Do not, under any circumstances, forget the Scott family motto.If you feel frustrated with something, take a moment, calm down, and do not give up. Just like dad said, that’s it: “Don’t let it beat you.” You’re right to think about it every time you’re faced with a challenge (and believe me, you absolutely will!). Just relax a bit, roll with it, and take the opportunities you’re offered. Stay humble and let yourself make some mistakes—it’s the best way to learn. Your love for sailing will not waver. Ever since your Boxing Day tradition, from when you were a little kid and you’d go down to the Yacht Club with dad to see him off the dock, you knew you wanted to race in the Sydney to Hobart. Remember when you used to draw pictures in kindergarten of what you wanted to be when you grew up? See if you can find them – there’s one picture of you and dad standing together on one of the boats he sailed the race. You knew then you wanted to be like dad when you grew up, although you also knew you wanted to make sailing a career, not just a hobby. With that in mind, just do what you love. Over the years, your biggest obstacle might just be yourself. There’s always going to be that anxious voice in the back of your mind, trying to throw you off. You know the one: “Am I good enough? Do they think I’m actually good, or are they just saying it? Is that the truth?” Turn the voice down and really listen to the feedback you’re given. Take it on board as much as you can. You’re a perfectionist—but that’s a good thing, it will get you far (including an apprenticeship at North Sails). Stay driven and thirsty for knowledge. Keep absorbing the information and stay curious. The boats, the sails, the rigging, and how it all works together to get you from one place to another is really cool and it will only get cooler and more fascinating. What will surprise you, is how connected we all are. Not just about sailing around the world, but there’s something that connects every single person on the planet in some way or another. The more you look for those connections to people and places the more you will find them, and that’s pretty incredible. This year (2021—the year I’m writing this letter to you) will be your third race with dad, and your third race overall. You will be sailing on King Billy. To experience it all with dad standing next to you is pretty cool. This will also be his 15th race so make sure you celebrate extra together. You’re a lucky kid—but you already know that. Sail smart and sail safe, 📸 Andrea Francolini Photography READ MORE

LETTER TO MY YOUNGER SELF Kyle Dodds – Fostering The Need To Push Himself To The Next Level The sailors and designers in the world of North Sails are some of the most inspiring people on the water, and we’re hoping to share more of their story with you. “Letter to my younger self” is a series told from our North Sails ambassadors. In each article we bring to life their advice and personal journeys centered around the question: if your “now-self” could give your “younger self” advice, what would it be? Dear 12-Year-Old Kyle, I’m going to let you in on a secret because I know you’re wondering; ‘what’s next?’ In a few years you’re going to be a sailor. And not just your average sailor, but a professional sailmaker for the best sailmaking brand in the world, North Sails. Then one day, you’ll be racing in the Sydney to Hobart—not once, but the 2021 race will be your SIXTH race. Now, I know what you’re thinking, “adult Kyle, you live in the country, in Western Australia, and your family doesn’t even own a boat—let alone know how to sail.” This is true, however that doesn’t matter right now. What does matter is your work ethic. Both your grandfathers have a lot to teach you—after all, you don’t just move out from the UK to Australia on a whim. Both men were very respected with a great work ethic. Let that help you to keep going forward and be a better person. Try to be a better version of yourself every day. Whether it’s personal or in the sport of sailing or in your career, always strive to get better. Your good work ethic and willingness will come naturally for you, and it will prove to be a valuable asset in the long run. You’re already seeing it now but keep fostering your need to push yourself to the next level, to learn and develop yourself and your skillset. Your thirst to keep doing better will be essential in the Sydney to Hobart (especially when training). Your days on the football pitch will lay the groundwork for becoming a team player. The term ‘ubuntu’ is a good motto to live by, especially in these long races like the Sydney to Hobart. This is the South African word for ‘I am because we are.’ Take this with you. Work as a team and identify people’s strengths and weaknesses—make sure you have people in the right places to get the best from them. As I’m sure you’ve heard, the Sydney to Hobart is not an easy race. As you know, you can never be over-prepared. There’s always something more you can do to get yourself or the boat ready. To succeed in “The Great Race,” you’re going to need to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Move beyond your comfort zone and surround yourself with people that have more knowledge than you. Your football coach will instill a mindset that will eventually prove to be invaluable. He will push you to work smarter, and train. It’s gritty but it will help you get the best out of yourself. Your reward will be incredible adventures. One last thing, in 2021 you’ll be chomping at the bit to start the race. I can’t go into why, but 2020’s race will be canceled. Stay focused. You’ll be sailing onboard the TP52, Gweilo, and things are looking good for the team. Even though there will be a lot of other boats in the fleet who are also pumped, just keep putting in the hard work. Good luck and sail smart, P.S. Definitely move to Sydney—you’ll thank me later. READ MORE

LETTER TO MY YOUNGER SELF The Key To Winning The Sydney Hobart For North’s Billy Sykes Is Teamwork The sailors and designers in the world of North Sails are some of the most inspiring people on the water, and we’re hoping to share more of their story with you. “Letter to my younger self” is a series told from our North Sails ambassadors. In each article we bring to life their advice and personal journeys centered around the question: if your “now-self” could give your “younger self” advice, what would it be? Dear 20-Year-Old Billy, After a couple of years off, we’re back in 2021 to race in the 76th Sydney to Hobart! And, boy, am I excited. Heading into this year’s race, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little nervous (the good kind of nervous), so I wanted to share with you some advice on how to get from where you are now to where I am today. First off, stand up for yourself, but also be flexible and honest. Attitude and preparation are everything to being successful. This will help you out in all areas of your life, but never more so than in the Sydney to Hobart. Preparation is key to that race. The boat and the team with the best equipment have the best shot at winning the Melbourne Cup of Offshore (yes, I realize I just compared horse racing to offshore sailing but as we all know, just because you’re the favourite doesn’t mean you’ll win the race!). Over the years, things might get a little bumpy, but trust me when I say: Always stay open minded to other ways of skinning a cat. Just because you have an opinion on the best way to do things, when it comes to family, business, and sport- it’s all about teamwork! This will save you a lot of headaches if you abide by this advice. Be honest, trustworthy, and loyal. Always give 100% to the team. Remember, to win this race, teamwork is key. Back everyone up and be prepared for the next sail change, watch change, or whatever change happens next! Sydney to Hobart is a special race for a multitude of reasons but one that stands out is it’s all about challenging yourself. Sailing on the TP52, Gweilo, on the edge for two or three days… offshore… is challenging. But, wow, it’s fun. Dad will continue to inspire you over the years. He’ll take ’21 off but we all know he’ll be back in 2022. He’s lost count on how many races, but we think he’s up to 30+ Sydney to Hobarts now! Hopefully, he has a few races left to go and I can’t wait to do one race with him. Billy, you must believe in the big picture and never give up. Let your dad be your inspiration—he’s the most loyal, hardworking man you’ll ever meet. Enthusiasm, teamwork and a positive attitude will give you a ‘cutting edge’ in life. Never give up and keep pushing the boat; remember, you can always sail faster. Use your expertise from North Sails to guide sailors into using and developing their current sail configurations. Also don’t hesitate to recommend new sails to help keep evolving faster sails, and quicker modes sailing offshore. One last thing, do not be surprised when you hit no wind off Tasman Island after being fire hosed for over 500 miles! And, as always, relish in the support and love from your family – Abbey makes all this possible. Keep sailing and stay excited, READ MORE

VX ONE 2021-22 WINTER UPDATE Updated Tuning Guide + Winter Series Webinar With Mike Marshall And Austin Powers This guide for the VX One has been developed through extensive testing, tuning, and practical racing experience by some of the top sailors in the country. New changes in the class and developments in sailcloth and sail design technology continue to bring about improvements in the VX One’s performance, and North Sails is an important part of these innovations. While we can’t guarantee you immediate victory on the racecourse by following this guide, we can assure you that you’ll be taking a big step in the right direction! New Tuning Guide Numbers The main update to the VX One tuning guide is the tighter check stays as the wind speed increases. The check stays now start at 11 on your PT-1 and will take an added 0.5 turn with every step-up on the guide. This means that the new “steps” are 2 full on the Caps, 1 full on the Intermediates, and 0.5 on the Checks. WIND SPEED Knots CAP SHROUDS (# of turns from base) INTERMEDIATE SHROUDS (# of turns from base) CHECK STAYS (# of turns from base) 0-8 -2 -1 -0.5 8-10 (BASE) BASE (28 on PT-1) BASE (18 on PT-1) BASE (11 on PT-1) 10-12 2 1 0.5 12-14 4 2 1 14-16 6 3 1.5 16-18 8 4 2 18-20 10 5 2.5 20-22 12 6 3 22+ 14 7 3.5 Note: This tuning is for the boats with Southern Spars masts. For the boats with CST masts, the base tune for the cap shrouds is 30 on the PT-1. Everything else remains the same. CREW WEIGHT: 430 lbs ANGLE CAR POSITION SHEETING ANGLE Knots DISTANCE FROM CENTERLINE (# of turns from base) 5 degrees 193 SWEET SPOT 260 7.5 degrees 290 10 degrees 386 Full Tuning Guide Let’s Talk VX One 2021-22 Winter Series – Webinar Catch up with North Sails Experts Austin Powers and Mike Marshall in the webinar below. Shop VX One Sails READ MORE

Sydney Hobart Tool Kit The Rolex Sydney-Hobart is fast approaching. Does your team have what it takes to take on this 628nm race? Here is what you should know before you leave the dock. Created just for you, by your local team of offshore racing experts.   Provisioning Sarah O’Kane from Shorebase Logistics is familiar with this race and many like it. Hear more on what’s important when it comes to properly provisioning before any offshore marathon, like the Sydney-Hobart.   Learn More   Crew Watch Systems To get the best out of everyone while racing the boat hard around the clock, the skipper or sailing master needs a clear view of each crew member’s skill sets.   Learn More   Navigating Australian summers can make for the ultimate offshore experience. Be prepared for everything with Chris Bedford, world renowned sailing meteorologist with 30+ years of experience and expertise in marine and coastal meteorology.   Learn More   Reefing Systems Sailing in big breeze can be fun, exciting, maybe stressful, and expensive when things go wrong. Reefing a sail quickly and easily when the breeze comes on is key to looking after your sails and your crew.   Learn More Post-Race Sail Service Crossed the finish line and need a sail repair? North Sails Certified Service Experts will be onsite and ready to get your sails repaired so you can get back in action.   Learn More Winning The Delivery Back Home Preparing successfully to compete in the biggest offshore races requires putting your attention to every detail. From the start of the delivery trip all the way to the starting line of the race, here’s what you need to know.   Learn More   READ MORE

J-70 KLASSEMESTERSKAB 2021 I oktober i år blev J-70 klassemesterskabet afholdt i Århusbugten, arrangeret af Århus sejlklub. 23 danske besætninger var mødt frem til weekendens kapsejladser samt et enkelt svensk hold, altid flittige og stabile Pro4you med Patrik Forsgren ved roret. Flere af holdene havde sidst siddet i båden ved J-70 EM i Skovshoved sidst på sommeren. Der havde de prøvet at måle sig med nogle af verdens bedste teams. Der er stadig et stykke vej før de danske hold bliver rigtig farlige på den internationale racerbane, men med udviklingen i klassen vil niveauet uden tvivl løfte sig de næste par år. Den forsvarende danske mester, Henrik Søderlund, var på deltagerlisten. CrewYou med Chris Nørregaard havde indskiftet Morten Henriksen (3. plads EM) og OL guldvinder Anne-Marie Rindom havde samlet et hold. Det endte med at Bo Bøje Pedersen, Joachim Aschenbrenner, Morten Halkier og Kristian Kvid Sørensen fandt gearet og vandt DM med under halvdelen af de point (6 point) andenpladsen Pro4You havde samlet sammen (14 Point). Vejrudsigten så en smule bekymrende ud med kraftig vind fredag og søndag. Derfor var baneleder ikke i tvivl om at lørdag var kostbar og fik effektivt afviklet 6 gode sejladser. Det gik som forudset og al sejlads blev aflyst søndag. North Sails har sejl på alle bådene i top 5. Med en gennemarbejdet trimguide og nogle gode resultater, er der ikke nogen vej uden om North Sails, siger trimmer og sejlmager fra North Sails, Kristian Kvid Sørensen og griner. Førstepladsen sejlede med F1 Storsejl, J2+ fok og AP-1 AirX spiler. Link til resultatlisten READ MORE

WHO WE ARE: KELSEY TOSTENSON Get To Know Your Local Service Expert How long have you been sailing and what classes do you compete in? I started sailing optimist dinghies in 2008 and was instantly hooked on the sport. I sailed skiffs in high school, but now primarily sail keelboats. What boats/classes do you sail? I own a Wylie Wabbit, one of San Francisco’s local one design fleets, and do a lot of sailing on Express 27’s, Moore 24’s, etc. When it comes to keel boats, I sail a lot on Santa Cruz 50’s, J111’s, J125’s and other similar boats. What got you into the marine industry? I started working in the marine industry in high school as a receptionist at a local boatyard during the week, and a junior sailing coach on the weekends. When I was 17, I was looking for a change and my long time sailing mentor offered me a job learning to make sails. What’s your favourite thing about sailing? My favorite thing about sailing is driving (especially offshore at night). I also really love the social component of the sailing community and the sense of camaraderie found in the teamwork on keelboat programs. What are you most looking forward to with joining North Sails? The North Sails team has such a deep wealth of knowledge. I am really excited to learn as much as possible from my coworkers all over the world. The San Francisco loft had previously been without a service person, so the prospect of expanding North’s impact on the Bay’s sailing community as a leader in service work is something that I am really passionate about. One of my favorite things about being a sail maker is building close relationships with my customers and living vicariously through their battle stories on the water. I am very excited to start building those personal relationships here. I feel very lucky to be a part of the North team, and to have the opportunity to build something really special here in San Francisco. READ MORE

LEARN TO LOVE SAILING IN HEAVY AIR If Sailing In Breeze Isn’t Your Strong Suit, You Are Not Alone © Barracuda Communications When I was about ten years old I starting racing sailboats on Cape Cod and the sound of the wind whistling overnight through the pine trees outside my bedroom would make it hard to sleep. Even the next morning I’d have a knot in my stomach when I woke. Forty years later, I still get the knot in my stomach with just the thought of sailing in heavy air but luckily, I’ve learned more about the technique and in turn, have become more confident when it comes to heavy air sailing. If sailing in a strong breeze intimidates you, you are not alone, but you can learn to get better at it and actually start to dominate in the breeze. Here are some tips to help shake your nerves and get you confident for that next heavy air event. Wear a Lifejacket Seems pretty basic, but there was a day when wearing a lifejacket was not as prevalent as it is now. As soon as the breeze comes up, put one on yourself and make it mandatory that your crew do the same. It will give you more confidence to be more aggressive in moving around on deck and when trimming/pumping your sails. And it’s the right thing to do. Know your Settings Once you are out on the water and it starts blowing, there is no time to be figuring out how many turns to go up on the rig. Be sure to pre-measure your rig tension and know how many turns it takes to get to your heavy air settings for each wind speed. Setup your Boat so it’s Easy In all boats, flat is fast in breeze. It’s also important to keep the boat on an even angle of heel. If the boat is constantly heeling over you tend to use more rudder which creates drag, which will eventually cause the boat to stall out head to wind. Concepts to keep in mind: Set Up for Twist. Tight leeches on the main and jib will make the boat more sensitive to tipping over each time you get a puff. To induce twist: Sail with the backstay VERY firm Ease the main and jib (simultaneously) Vang on hard if effective on your boat. This will flatten the lower portion of the main and open the lower leech Play the sails. Play the main especially to keep the boat on an even angle of heel. The smaller the boat the more you play your sheets. Keep the traveller on or slightly above the centerline. Try not to Hit Waves Dead-on. If you do, at least make sure the boat is flat. Back when I learned to sail the mantra with steering in waves was to “head up the face of the wave and bear off on the backside of it. Today we use as little rudder as possible to steer around the big sets. Inevitably, you will hit waves, and some straight on. When you do, be sure your boat is flat. The boat will stop, but if it is flat it will not slip sideways as much. Have fun. Sailing in heavy air is exhilarating. Enjoy the process of getting better each time you go out in a breeze! READ MORE

SAIL RECUTS & ALTERATION METHODS Benefits, Usage, and Common Examples We don’t hear much about sail recutting and alterations, although it is still a big part of the sailmaking world. Because sail fabrics have improved dramatically over the years with sail shape holding and chafe-free components (like 3Di), the days of major recuts are not as prominent as they were in the days of strictly laminates, Dacron, and polyester sail materials. However, many clients worldwide are getting sail alterations, and altering sail shape has not only helped them optimize their inventory, it has given new life to sails that are in perfectly usable condition, but perhaps retired from high-level racing programs. Noel Drennan, One Design Manager based in Sydney, Australia commented; “In the early days of Dacron and Kevlar cloth, racing yachts required constant recutting to keep the sails close to their original racing shape– and we are glad those days are over!” Why a recut? Recutting a racing sail usually starts with getting a photograph of the sail while the sail is in use while sailing in its correct wind range. We take a series of sail scan images from the foot up and compare those images to its original, intended flying shape. The measurements are also compared to the original dimensions so we know what has changed in sail shape. The principles of recutting to keep the sails at premium racing shape is still the same as the old days but the recut is substantially less often and down to the smallest increments of change required, which is a fraction of what it used to be with only traditional sail materials. North Sails 3Di has an incredible composite structure which prevents delamination like that of a string-type sail. Delamination is another common reason why a client would request a recut. Noel comments; “It’s nice to know that any reshaping or alterations of your sail is not wasted on a failing base structure, rather the normal up-keep and maintenance required to help a materials lifespan.” 📸 Ian Roman Ben Costello, Service Manager based in Auckland, New Zealand comments; “Sometimes getting a sail recut from another boat to fit is a great option. For some owners, a new 3Di type product for racing may be above their budget, but because many high-level grand prix teams (often found in the TP52 fleet) replace their sails more frequently, it doesn’t mean their one-year old sails are no longer usable or have lost integrity. Their sails still have plenty of life left, and are perfect for a club racing team that has a tighter budget. A small recut or luff curve adjustment to get the sail to fit their type of boat can be cost effective and can help the team achieve more speed and better results.” With restricted class rules, when it comes to the number of sails, recutting is a great way to get the most of what you already have, just slightly modified to be class approved/ or better usage potential instead of going out and buying a completely new sail. This also applies to boat owners who find themselves with a similar boat but slightly different. If it’s close to the same size, and same luff and foot dimensions, the sail can most likely be recut to fit the new boat, or made into something that the new boat can use. Examples of common recuts Common recuts consist of horizontal cuts or seam alterations, also referred to as ‘moon pie’ alterations which are either lengthening the material or taking up (cutting shorter). When a sail has seen three or more seasons, this is when this type of recut would most commonly take place as the sail has experienced extensive UV exposure and shrinkage. An example of a sail recut would consist of a larger grand prix style boat that wants to add a little luff curve to their light air headsail. When the sails are used more often, and for different things, it is not uncommon to see them in the loft to add a little bit of extra to certain areas of the sail, which in turn allows the increase in performance. A Kerr 40 jib at TWS at 11 knots. Image taken before sail recut, showing the degradation in the target light air flying shape. Standard sail recuts often occur every two years. For an older sail where the base material is still in good shape, a small recut can still make great improvements in performance. Everytime the sail is used, it causes wear of some kind. This can affect the shape of a sail; be it from hitting a stanchion on every tack, pressing on spreaders, maneuvering around radar, or even a mast light. These can cause the sail to hook or dump off on the leech-end. We can refer to a genoa for example. You could get a small take-up on the material under a patch which can easily help straighten the leech. Another example of a sail recut would consist of a larger grand prix style boat that wants to add a little luff curve to their light air #1 jib/genoa. When the sails are used more often, and for different things, it is not uncommon to see them in the loft to add a little bit of extra to certain areas of the sail. Ben comments; “Often we have customers that change their forestay set up to a furling system. This is when we would cut down the existing headsails to fit on the furler and then convert a racing jib to have a hollow-down near the tack to connect to the furling unit. A common alteration we’ve seen lately is adding reefs to headsails to help fill in a gap that some boats have in their inventory, especially for shorthanded sailing where they need less sail area and reefing is easier to do underway than a full jib change. Sometimes clients get new masts, which mean they need to make their existing sails fit the new mast height. This is all part of maintaining balance of the boat, allowing more or less rake.” Spinnakers often get resized for a variety of reasons. A more common scenario of this is reducing or increasing the sail area to fit the type and usage of the boat, to minimize or maximize power. A sail recut that would make the spinnaker smaller and more manageable, and be ideal when the boat sails shorthanded. Sometimes boats end up with kites that are made for larger boats. After testing it out, the client may realize it’s just too much and the boat is overpowered. This could entail simply removing a panel from the spinnaker to make it slightly smaller, and fit better into the size range for that size boat. The Kerr 40 jib at TWS at 12 knots. This image is after the sail recut.The sail is flying at its original design depth and profile. “An alteration we’ve done lately is adding reefs to headsails to help fill in a gap that some boats have in their inventory, especially for shorthanded sailing where they need less sail area and reefing is easier to do underway than a full jib change. Sometimes clients get new masts, which mean they need to make their existing sails fit the new mast height. This is all part of maintaining balance of the boat, allowing more or less rake. Spinnakers often get resized for a variety of reasons. A more common scenario of this is reducing or increasing the sail area to fit the type and usage of the boat, to minimize or maximize power. A sail recut that would make the spinnaker smaller and more manageable , and be the result of having less hands onboard. Or maybe a client has a spinnaker for a slightly larger boat, and wants the kite to be a bit smaller so they are not overpowered. This could entail simply removing a panel from the spinnaker. Sail recuts and alterations are as important as maintaining sail servicing, says Noel. “This is the best way to maximize the lifespan of your investment. Sail servicing should not be thought as just repairing tears in the cloth– it’s way more than that. It’s amazing what little changes we can make to sails by recutting that affects the overall performance of the boat and helps clients who are looking for some in between, competitive inventory options.” 📸 Amory Ross / North Sails READ MORE

OPTIMIST V-SERIES QUICK TUNING TABLE Important Settings for Key Performance Power your new North Sails Optimist V-Series mainsail for speed following the recommendations on this quick tuning guide. BASE SETTINGS Sail ties can be adjusted in the range of 1-5mm in light wind and heavy wind to have comfortable depth and shape. LIGHT WIND: Smaller space at the middle so that leech becomes easier open. HEAVY WIND: Wider space at the middle so that you can make the shape comfortably flat enough to reduce the power. Sail Ties Top 2 mm Middle 2 mm Bottom 2 mm * Parallel to the mast. Distance of space distribution to be made from top to the bottom. Adjustment is required only for suitable sail shape (depth) for each condition and to be done only when needed. These are sometimes required depending on mast stiffness and sailor’s weight, but only when if needed. BASIC TRIM Wind Range 0-8 knots 8-12 knots 12-16 knots 16-24 knots 25+ knots Mast Rake 2780 – 2800 mm 2770 – 2790 mm 2770 – 2780 mm 2750 – 2760mm 2790±10mm Sprit Wrinkles Some Wrinkles A Few Wrinkles Wrinkles Wrinkles Vang No tension in upwind Light tension in upwind Tension Lots of tension Cleat with main sheet trimming harder Prebender 2 turns / Some Slack at Luff 2 turns / Some Slack at Luff No Wrinkle at Luff Tension on Luff Tension on Luff Center Board Max Max Max 0-50 mm up 30-70 mm up OUTHAUL CONTROL – VERY IMPORTANT FOR KEY PERFORMANCE! You have to pay attention to the outhaul to adjust it properly according to the conditions and sailors weight. You need to find the best position that fits your weight, mast rake( boom position), sea status, weather helm feeling for each condition. Playing outhaul in the range of 20mm at the boom end. Ease it maximum in 10-14knots and clew end has to be located 30-40mm away from the boom end. FLAT WATER – Trim 10mm more than the normal position. LIGHT / VERY STRONG WIND – Bottom to be flattened comfortably. READ MORE