How long have you been sailing? In what classes do you compete?
Sailing has always been in my family and I started at at seven in the junior program at Grosse Pointe Club. By age nine, I was ready advance to a more serious program and joined the Bayview Yacht Club junior program where I raced competitively in Optimists, Flying Juniors, and 420s.
I joined the Grosse Pointe South Sailing team when I started high school and raced 420s all four years competing in both fleet and team racing. At the same time I raced actively in local Detroit fleets including, J/35s, Beneteau 36.7 (Multiple North Americans), J/120s, NA 40s, J/105s etc. I have completed 15 Port Huron Mackinacs (1 overall, 1 first in class, and 12 Chicago Mackinaws-with one first in class finish in 2018 in the J/111 fleet). Over the years I have race on many performance boats including, Ultimate 20s, Melges 32s, Melges 24s, TP52s, and Santa Cruz 70s. I currently am active in the Melges 24 class and 'll be racing a TP52 this summer in the Great Lakes circuit.
What's your background in the marine industry? What do you like about it?
I started working on race boats at age 17 and continued with various race programs in the summers through college. I currently work as a marine technician focused on sailboats and rigging at a local northern Michigan boat shop. My favorite aspect of working in the marine industry is the technology and the people. There is always something new to learn as the industry evolves. Being able to share my knowledge and solve problems with clients and the community is truly rewarding.
What keeps your coming back for more?
The competition and family nature of the sailing community keeps me coming back. Every time I'm on the water I learn something new.
What's your favorite thing about sailing?
My favorite thing about sailing is the camaraderie. It’s an amazing community and has rewarded me with lifelong friendships.
Ken Lawson shares how NPL RENEW sails support fast, durable family cruising—fueling a lifelong passion for sailing across generations on the open water.
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NORTH SAILS AND YACHT CLUB ITALIANO CONSOLIDATE LONG-TERM PARTNERSHIP
From sailmaking to performance apparel: an evolving partnership geared up for future challenges.
North Sails and the Yacht Club Italiano are proud to announce the formal expansion of their long-standing relationship into a comprehensive long-term partnership. This agreement officially designates North Sails as the Official Technical Partner for both sailmaking and performance apparel, marking a new chapter in a collaboration built on decades of mutual respect and shared maritime values.
The partnership, which extends through 2030, is not a beginning, but rather an evolution of the existing bond between the two organizations. By formalizing this alliance, North Sails and Yacht Club Italiano aim to align their goals ahead of the Club’s historic 150th Anniversary, creating a robust technical ecosystem that serves the Club’s members, elite athletes, and international racing calendar.
Alessio Razeto, North Sails Sales Director, emphasized the organic nature of this development: "Our relationship with the Yacht Club Italiano goes beyond a simple collaboration; it is built on years of friendship, mutual trust, and a shared commitment to promoting sailing among young sailors. Today, this partnership is further strengthened with the addition of North Sails Apparel, expanding opportunities forcollaboration and mutual growth. We look ahead with great enthusiasm to the upcoming season, which promises a calendar of high-profile events that will best showcase and enhance this shared journey."
This consolidated partnership reinforces North Sails' position at the heart of the Italian racing scene. By expanding its role to include technical apparel alongside its world-leading sail technology, North Sails will provide comprehensive support as the technical partner to the Yacht Club Italiano, organizer of iconic regattas such as the Loro Piana Giraglia, Genova Sailing Week, Bombola d’Oro, and Millevele IREN.
“North Sails has been a valued partner of Yacht Club Italiano for many years through its sailmaking division, supporting our sporting activities and sharing our commitment to excellence in sailing,” said Carlo Cameli, President of Yacht Club Italiano. “We are very pleased to welcome North Sails Apparel into this collaboration, further strengthening the relationship between our two organizations. This new agreement represents an important opportunity to enhance the experience of our members, athletes and events, while continuing to promote the values, tradition and innovation that define both North Sails and Yacht Club Italiano.”
The core of this extended union is the seamless integration of advanced sail aerodynamics with ergonomic apparel design. This "360-degree" approach ensures that the technical requirements of the modern sailor are met both on and off the water.
"Formalizing our partnership with the Yacht Club Italiano is a natural step forward in our shared history," stated Cedric Georges, CEO of North Sails Apparel. "Moving beyond our established rapport, this agreement allows us to work even more closely on innovation and performance. We are proud to support the Club as it navigates toward its 150th anniversary and beyond."
With a shared history as their foundation and innovation as their compass, North Sails and the Yacht Club Italiano are united by a unified vision. As preparations begin for the upcoming racing season and the milestone celebrations ahead, this partnership stands as a testament to their enduring dedication to the sport of sailing and the global yachting community.
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