NORTH SAILS BLOG

BUILDING SAILS FOR THE IMOCA From Drawing Board to Physical Sail Plan on an IMOCA 📸 Jeremie leCaudey November 8th, the next edition of the Vendée Globe race is set to start from Les Sables d’Olonne, North Sails has designed the sails for the ¾ of the IMOCA fleet, 17 of which have a full set and 7 with a partial set. The sails on a boat are essential: they ensure the propulsion of the boat. But this “engine” must adapt to the boat as well as the pilot. Each boat has a distinctive set of sails depending on several parameters such as the shape of the hull, the deck plan, the rigging, or even a new element today: the foils whose air behavior plays a critical role in the stability of the boat. This wardrobe must also cover all the wind conditions encountered during competition. It is up to the designers to design a set of sails that are reliable, efficient, versatile, and tailor-made to each skipper and that does not involve overly physical maneuvers. These sails need also to have both torque, strong acceleration at low revs, (bottom of the sail range), and power when, once launched, the boat accelerates quickly. Defining the right sail inventory can be complex. Yann Regniau, Yann Andrillon, and Quentin Ponroy, designers at North Sails France, enlighten us on the design of the sails of a singular boat, the IMOCA for an equally singular race: the Vendée Globe.   Designing Sails for The Vendée Globe Weather Conditions and Sail Optimization IMOCA Sail Design Support and Tools Skipper and Team Sail Inventory Trends and Next Steps   How do you design a set of sails for a Vendée Globe? There are no absolute rules. It depends on the team, whether they are building a new boat or not, and on the expertise they have in-house. For most new boats, we are involved right from the design stage, working alongside the architects to define the sail plan. In all cases, we have contact and information meetings to precisely target the skipper’s needs and what we can bring him in terms of experience and tools. Then, we draw up the first drafts from the architect’s plans where we can directly simulate our sails in 3D, which allows us to refine the triangulation. In summary, the sail design is fed by three means: theoretical studies from North Sails (aero and structure), a rich database of sails designed for IMOCA boats combined with our expertise and boat-skipper input. The main stages include the definition of the specifications of the sail with the team; the design (theoretical studies, 3D drawing, and structure); the manufacturing sheet; the manufacturing of the 3Di structure in Minden (Nevada, USA) and finally the finishes at North Sails France (Vannes, Brittany.) 📸 Raphael Demaret What are the particularities of the Vendée Globe in terms of weather conditions and sail optimization? One of the peculiarities is the length and duration of the Vendée Globe, the race takes the fastest boats 2 ½ months to complete, but most racers finish in three months. The sails become extremely stressed throughout the race, so the structure must be adapted to account for all possible wear and tear. Reliability is the keyword. The three aspects that characterize this race – around the world, single-handed and non-stop – also apply to the sails. Today and for several editions, IMOCA boats have at their disposal an arsenal of precise meteorological tools with a southern limit that must not be exceeded to avoid the ice zone and hit drifting icebergs. This was not the case during the very first Vendée Globe, where computer tools were limited. The boats crossed the zone of icebergs and sailed very far south in the Pacific and Indian Oceans to reduce the distance to be covered. During the 1997 edition, after their boat capsized, the sailors Tony Bullimore and Thierry Dubois had to be rescued by helicopter. This edition was particularly marked by the tragic disappearance of the Canadian Gerry Roufs, who in the last SOS announced: “The waves are no longer waves, they are as high as the Alps.” Modern IMOCA boats avoid sailing in winds more than 40 knots, at the risk of suffering major damage without going any faster. They opt for a routing where they can exploit the boat’s speed potential. This largely defines the specifications of the sails. And of course, downwind points of sail – the majority in the Vendée – are favored, even if versatility remains important. What are the particularities of an IMOCA in terms of sail design? The new foil boats have both a displacement mode and a flying mode that we must reconcile in terms of sail configuration. They can indeed have violent acceleration and deceleration. As the number of sails on board is limited to just eight, the sails must be reliable. If one or two sails are torn, victory could be compromised. They must also be durable with increased shape retention throughout the race and as light as possible, one, to facilitate maneuvers, as these boats are very physical, and, two, to increase performance, particularly by reducing the weight and the center of gravity of the boat, which increases the power of the boat. Are sails designed for an IMOCA in the same way as for any other support and for any other race? Yes and no. Yes, because the design process is similar, i.e. we define the sail plan as precisely as possible with the skipper and the boat’s architect, we work on the specifications of the sail, then we work on the surface, the shape, and the structure so that they respond as well as possible. No, because the result of the design is different. The difficulty is that due to a limited number of sails, you have to be consistent with all the sails and, above all, this race has become a sprint around the world. The aim is therefore to create a sail that performs well in terms of shape, that is strongly reliable when aging and that, of course, is not too heavy. 📸 Jeremie leCaudey What supports and tools do you use? Within North, we have a software solution for designing, studying, and dimensioning the structure of 3Di sails, the North Design Suite, which includes among others Spiral for the sail design, Desman to model the rigging in 3D and Membrain to generate deformed sails. We also use Rhinoceros for the architect’s plans. Once the design is validated, what are the stages in the manufacture of a sail? We determine the finishing details of the sail (size, length, and number of webbing straps or rope at each corner…) and prepare the layup plan which will allow the production of the 3Di membrane on a deformable mold (no stitching at this stage). On receipt of the sail at the Vannes workshop, we carry out sail layout and the fitting of all additional reinforcements, straps and finishing details What is your relationship with the skipper and the team? We have a relationship based on trust and mutual listening. They are all directly involved in the process. We try to listen to them as much as possible to understand their expectations and needs, how they work, their vision of the project, and the boat. Then we try to transcribe this vision in our drawings as best as possible. 📸 Pierre Bouras / TR Racing Who defines the sail inventory? The IMOCA class rules limit the number of sails to eight. The choice of these sails is a long discussion and testing over the years to try to have a game optimized for the Vendée Globe. This debate is essentially about downwind sails, as downwind points of sail are dominant in the Vendée and boat performance has evolved. We assist the team in defining this set of sails. Can you name the sails for this Vendée and what they are used for? – A Mainsail – An obligatory storm Jib 20 m2 minimum – J3: Heavy air upwind sail/gennaker staysail off the wind – J2: Upwind and close-reaching sail used from 12 knots upwards – FRO: upwind sailing in light airs and reaching all the way to downwind in heavy air – J0: Masthead Gennaker (190 m2 flat sail) for light airs and reaching – A7: Fractional reaching and downwind reaching Gennaker in strong winds – A3: large Gennaker of around 300 m2 for downwind sailing up to 25 knots What are the main trends in terms of sails since the last Vendée Globe? The sails have less volume on the upper part and the volumes are further forward. The most visible point is the reduction in head width and the roach of the leech of our mainsails are “S” shaped. Without forgetting that most of the headsails are load sharing, using the North Sails Helix structure luff. After the sails are set, what is the next step in the program? We carry out test sailings to check and validate that the sails meet the specifications defined with the skipper. Sometimes, a sail can be a laboratory sail, it is tried/tested, then it comes back to the sailmaker’s to be modified and tested again. And each outing is important for continuous improvement. We systematically record the data to work on the evolution of the next sails. How do you help the sailors to get the most out of their sails specially designed for this race? We help them on the outings to optimize the way the sails are trimmed so that they can find the right setting for each angle of a given sail very quickly. What changes can be made to the sails for the next Vendée Globe 2024? Everything will depend on the evolution of the IMOCA class. Will it continue to evolve with increasingly large budgets given the current pandemic crisis? That said, as soon as a new set of sails is designed, there will always be room for improvement. Our sails for 2024 will, therefore, reflect the evolution of the IMOCA class, whether they are 100% foiler or not… READ MORE

FINALLY FEELS LIKE THE SUMMER SAILING SEASON IN RHODE ISLAND Local Sailing Finds Perfect Conditions on Narragansett Bay It took until mid-July but it finally feels like summer on Narragansett Bay. This past weekend 24 boats of various shapes and sizes participated in IYAC’s 2020 Newport Cup to race around Conanicut Island. Local talent, short-handed sailing, and solo kiteboarding sessions were all on display in an effort to do whatever it takes to get back out on the water. Skipper of Class40, First Light, Sam Fitzgerald said, “it was great to get back out on the bay today and race against some new faces. Today’s conditions were challenging, especially in the beginning of the race but we had an awesome day nonetheless! We are just glad to be out here!” The around Conanicut Island clockwise course started in a fresh southerly gradient which slowly shifted to a southwest sea breeze. The 18 mile “around the island” is a classic racecourse with upwind, downwind and reaching legs. Jason Carroll’s Mod 70 Argo was first to finish in just under 90 minutes. “Never a bad day when you get to line up with a Mod 70 on the kite foil,” said local kiteboarder Casey Brown. ” I let Argo get a clear start, then started reeling them in as we ripped through the fleet before the wind faded approaching beavertail. Shoulda gone with a bigger kite! It was a great day on the water! Lots of stoke.” “It doesn’t get much better than this,” remarked North Sails expert Mike Toppa. “It’s easy to take local sailing for granted but, we are lucky enough to be out sailing on one of the nicest pieces of water in the world. Schooners, kiteboarders, multihulls, classics, double handers, 12 Metres, PHRF champs, and everything in between were competing. This is different from what we all had planned for our 2020 season, but summer is short and you don’t want to miss out.” Meanwhile, on the bay, Newport Yacht Club held their Offshore 160 Single-Handed Challenge. 15 short-handed boats set off on a 114 mile, overnight, offshore course to a buoy off Montauk Point and back. The biennial Offshore 160, held in the off-year from the Bermuda ONE-TWO, is a 160-mile qualifier for the ONE-TWO. This low-keyed, bare-bones event provides a chance for new skippers’ singlehanded to hit their qualifying passage in the off-year, and to provides past competitors with a long-distance racing “fix,” something we all need this summer There is still plenty of racing in and around Rhode Island this summer for anyone interested in getting on a racecourse this summer. Check out the schedule below or get in touch with the North Sails loft in Portsmouth for questions or expert advice. Contact Loft Find Your Expert Events Coming Up Around the Bay: M32 Midtown Cup – Jul 18-19 GSBYRA Southbay Regatta – Jul 18-19 Sail Newport Part I – July 25-26 MOHOSA Wednesday Night Worlds – July 29th Around Martha’s Vineyard – July 30-31 Edgartown Yacht Club ‘Round the Island Race – Aug 1 Sail Newport Part II – Aug 1-2 MOHOSA Part II – Aug 2 Ida Lewis Distance Race – Aug 15-16 J/Fest – Aug 15-16 Herreshoff Museum Leukemia Cup –August 22 166th Annual Regatta & NYYC One-Design Regatta – August 28-30 Sail Newport Part III – Aug 29-30 CYC ATI Race – Sept 6 Queen’s Cup – Sept 2 Sail for Hope – Sept 12 Race Week at Newport presented by Rolex – Sept 23-26 Melges IC37 National Championship – Oct 2-4 Laser Masters – Oct 10-11 READ MORE

IT TAKES TWO… … To Race the Rocket That is Eärendil, Win Multiple Titles and Dominate the Class40 Fleet Billy Black / The Atlantic Cup Owner and co-skipper, Catherine Pourre and co-skipper Pietro Luciani are the winning duo onboard Class40 Eärendil. Together, the pair are the reigning Class40 World Champions, have twice won the RORC Caribbean 600, The Atlantic Cup, placed runner up in the Defi Atlantique, and earned top-three placement in the Rolex Fastnet Race and The Normandy Channel Race. With countless offshore miles between them, their North Sails have allowed the team to push the boat to its full potential, unlocking the secret to total domination in the Class40 fleet. Catherine and Pietro share their best tips for successfully managing a doublehanded racing program: Your sails must be reliable. This is always true, but it’s even more true when it comes to doublehanded sailing. Having to fix your sail, or deal with problems while at sea, will affect your race a lot more than if you were racing fully crewed. Choosing a sailmaker who has great experience in the type of boat you are sailing with is important. Your sails must be strong and versatile. Having sails that are a little stronger and more ‘forgiving’ than regular sails for fully crewed races is key. We sail with a full set of 3Di, built for a broader range of conditions. Often with the Class40, and sailing doublehanded in general, you find yourself sailing slightly overpowered, and always anticipating a change in wind force. Maneuvers for a great doublehanded team can take 10 minutes and use up a lot of valuable energy. Knowing that you can keep the same sail up for a longer period of time without exploding it, even if it’s not ideal, is peace of mind in this mentally and physically challenging doublehanded platform. Your sail inventory should fit into a wider crossover range. This is for two reasons; you need to still be able to sail fast, even if you break one sail (which happens more often in doublehanded racing), and to reduce maneuvers. Our sails are much more versatile rather than specialized, with a narrow range-use. When training, try to switch positions. Even if it’s pretty clear that the younger/stronger is going to the bow, having tried the other way around will help both to understand your sailing partner’s needs during a maneuver. Don’t be shy in waking up your co-skipper when in doubt. If you have a doubt about navigation, or about performance, you need to speak up. I’d personally prefer to go take a nap if I know my partner will wake me up as soon as he/she may need me. Especially in difficult conditions, when you might feel a little guilty leaving the other alone. Keep your boots on! Go to sleep but always be ready to report back on deck. When your partner wakes you up, you need to be on deck right away, with no delays. Whatever watch system you adopt, be fair to one another. Being selfish or being over-generous will not work with just the two of you. Together you need to adopt a system that makes you both comfortable, so if you need to wake up your partner before the end of your watch, you can do so without any second thought. Billy Black / The Atlantic Cup READ MORE

North Sails Has An Option For Every Type Of Cruiser A few months ago, North Materials Expert Tom Davis wrote an article titled “What are the Best Sails for Club Racing?” It only seems logical to have a companion piece that focuses on cruising, so you can better understand about the differences between club racing sails and cruising sails and all the options you have. Are club racing sails and cruising sails the same? No. Club racing is narrow in scope compared to the wide world of sailboat cruising. So, unlike the club race article (where sail size and shape were discussed), here we will cover all of North’s cruising sail materials. Once you know your own cruising goals, you can narrow down what will be best. If you have any questions about a particular material, remember your nearest North expert is just a click away and ready to help you make the best selection. Which sail cloth should I choose for cruising? For upwind paneled sails on cruising boats, we offer fill-oriented NPC CROSS-CUT, NPC RADIAN, NPL SPORT, and NPL TOUR. We also have 3Di cruising sails to consider. Our 3Di OCEAN product line consists of three types of 3Di materials, made for different sized boats: OCEAN 330, OCEAN 370, and OCEAN 700. The 3Di ENDURANCE line represents a “crossover” zone, with sails well suited to both cruising and racing. For downwind, there are woven nylons, Code laminates, and 3Di Downwind options to choose from. You’ll also need to decide between an asymmetric or symmetric spinnaker. A 22-foot pocket cruiser and a 22-meter ocean going yacht can each be successfully matched to the ideal material because there are many options for either. The trick is to work with your sailmaker to quickly narrow-down the choices of sail material to perhaps two sensible options based on your requirements. Then relax and enjoy the whole process of deciding exactly what is best for you in material, LP%/roach profile, batten configuration, number of reefs, color, and so on. This can and should be fun. Things you should consider when narrowing down your options: Your budget Your expectation for how long a sail should last Your expectation for how “perfect” a sail’s flying shape needs to be as the sail ages Your desire to have the sail weigh as little as possible while meeting the above criteria   NPC CROSS-CUT NPC RADIAN NPL TOUR + TOUR ULTRA NPL SPORT 3Di OCEAN North Paneled Cloth Sticking with upwind sail materials for now, and beginning with paneled sails (i.e. where sailcloth panels are cut from rolls of material) the starting point is woven polyester, often called “Dacron”. Polyester yarn is a good all-round performer on small to mid-size boats. It resists damage from environmental exposure. It is reasonably strong, and not excessively stretchy. And the price of a Dacron sail is at the low end of the range. Let’s summarize in bullet point form: NPC CROSS-CUT – A Fill Oriented Cross-Cut Dacron Sail Budget: when price has to be as low as possible, a NPC Cross-Cut sail is the right choice. Durability: these sails stay in one piece, even after many seasons of hard use. Sailshape Perfection: Decent when new, but flying shape will change a lot with age. Weight: Not light. Less of a problem on smaller boats, but very noticeable as LOA goes up. NPC RADIAN – Radian Warp-Oriented Dacron Sail NPC RADIAN is an enhanced version of the paneled dacron sail. Panels can be radially oriented in these sails which confers a measurable improvement in sail shape-holding. Budget: Still relatively low in price, Radian prices just a bit higher than fill-oriented NorDac. Durability: These sails stay in one piece, even after many seasons of hard use. Sailshape Perfection: Quite good when new, but expect some shape change with age. Weight: Not light – but lighter than a crosscut Dacron sail. Not available for longer LOAs. North Paneled Laminates Staying with upwind sail materials and paneled sails, the next tier of materials is laminated cloth (in Northspeak, NorLam). Laminates present the opportunity to reduce sail weight, improve shape holding, and incorporate high modulus (low stretch) and high tenacity (strong) fibers, along with polyester in both yarn and film form. When designed and manufactured correctly, laminated sailcloth is very durable, while helping keep sail weight reasonable, and resulting in very good sailshape performance. NPL TOUR & TOUR ULTRA Xi Cruise styles are aimed at mid-size cruising boats looking for both moderate price and enhanced sailing performance. Xi Cruise styles feature polyester woven outer plies surrounding polyester film and Ultra PE (high modulus) fiber on the inside. The outer layers protect the Ultra PE yarn, while the Ultra PE high modulus content reduces bulk and stretch. Budget: Medium price level. Durability: Not quite as long lifespan as woven dacron, but ages gracefully. Sailshape Perfection: Very good when new, with moderate change over time. Weight: Medium – On bigger boats, the weight savings are very welcome compared to dacron. NPL TOUR ULTRA – NorLam Ultra X Ultra X styles are available for mid-size through super-size cruising boats. The key difference between Xi Cruise described above and Ultra X is the use of UltraPE fiber in Ultra X. UltraPE offers near ideal fiber performance, with very high modulus and tenacity, along with remarkable toughness and environmental resilience. In laminated cloth, we weave the UltraPE, and we pack a lot of this fiber into the cloth. That’s not a low-cost approach, but it does result in enhanced performance and extended sail life. Budget: Higher price level. Durability: Excellent. Sailshape Perfection: Very good, because there is a lot of UltraPE in the material. Weight: Medium. NPL SPORT – NorLam Ultra XC Take everything noted above about Ultra X, and add carbon fiber. I’m going to assume everyone knows about carbon fiber these days given its ubiquity in race cars, bicycles that seem to weigh almost nothing, 80-foot boats that seem to weigh almost nothing, and pretty much every cool high-performance product that seems to weigh almost nothing. North Sails has been laminating UltraPE and carbon fiber together in cruising sailcloth for bigger boats for more than twenty-five years; and the results are still remarkable. Budget: High price level. Durability: Excellent. Sailshape Perfection: Very good, approaching excellent. Weight: Medium (Lighter than Ultra X, but you still need to pack-in a lot of fiber for the long haul). And Now… in 3D! We recently codified a full line of 3Di products made expressly for cruising boats under the OCEAN group name. A key piece of identifying this line was the introduction of a new 3Di “material” type – 3Di OCEAN 370. Let’s dig a little deeper into what makes 3Di OCEAN ideally suited to cruising, in a similar materials based context to the paneled sail information above. First though, if you’re not clear on the differences between 3Di and paneled sails (or 3Di and “string membrane” products), please take a look at our material page for more information on the difference in sail material types. 3Di represents a technology step-change in sailmaking. It is a more complex, and therefore more costly way to advance sailmaking. For cruisers, this complexity has straightforward benefits: better shape-holding in lighter weight sails with no decline in durability. Should every cruising sailor, therefore, forget about paneled sails as an option, given the engineered superiority of 3Di? No. Paneled sails remain a viable choice for all the reasons noted above; and depending on your priorities and budget remain a good option for many sailors. 3Di OCEAN 330 Retain the benefits of NORDAC polyester as described above, and enhance them with the technology of 3Di – that’s OCEAN 330. Originally called 3Di NORDAC, OCEAN 330 makes the most of polyester fiber in upwind sails. Budget: Medium price level by “dacron” sail standards, low by 3Di standards. Durability: Excellent. Sailshape Perfection: Good (very good, if not excellent, by woven polyester sail standards). Weight: Medium (not light, a lot of fiber in filament form is packed into these sails). 3Di OCEAN 370 OCEAN 370 brings UltraPE into the mix along with polyester, significantly boosting strength, while improving stretch performance. There’s a size/load point with 100% polyester sails where the sails become just too bulky, and weight aloft really starts hurting boat performance. The sails are difficult to handle and store. OCEAN 370 steps up where OCEAN 330 is not viable – doing so cost effectively, while nicely balancing the attributes of sailing performance and extended lifespan. Budget: Medium. Durability: Excellent. Sailshape Perfection: Very Good compared to directly competing cruising sail options. Weight: Medium. 3Di OCEAN 700 OCEAN 700 is an ideal performance cruising solution for bigger boats with higher load sails. UltraPE is the primary filament/fiber type, with aramid judiciously introduced in maximum load zones of the sail. Tough, low in stretch, and engineered to provide many years of service, OCEAN 700 is the cruising reference standard for mid-size to superyacht scale boats. Budget: Medium. Durability: Excellent. Sailshape Perfection: Very Good. Weight: Medium. That describes our full lineup of upwind cruising sail choices. North Sails representatives have the expertise to guide you to the exact right sail from within this broad range. If your plans include a share of racing along with cruising, 3Di ENDURANCE series sails cross over into the sail shape/sail weight performance envelope that racers require. And our hardcore race product line, 3Di RAW, delivers speed like no other sail type can. Stay tuned for an update on best material choices for downwind/reaching sails, whether cruising or racing.   CONTACT YOUR EXPERT REQUEST A QUOTE READ MORE

SOUTHERN SPARS JOINS FORCES WITH MAGMA STRUCTURES ON DYNARIG The World’s Leading Spar Maker to Manufacture Alternative Solution for Superyachts 📸 North Sails / North Design Suite / Membrain Southern Spars, a North Technology Group company, is proud to announce they have joined forces with Magma Structures to deliver a new generation of DynaRigs. The DynaRig concept has proven itself as an effective alternative to conventional rigs for superyacht owners who are looking to reduce crew numbers and optimize sailing time. This is a new chapter for the innovative rig solution and aims at making the efficient, safe, and high-performance rig more accessible. To date, the DynaRig system has been installed on two superyachts, the Maltese Falcon and Black Pearl, with the team at Magma also behind the largest freestanding rig in the world on the Sailing Yacht A. “Magma’s experience in designing, delivering, and maintaining DynaRigs combined with the NTG analysis, engineering, and manufacturing capabilities will enable Southern Spars to drive the continuous improvement of the concept.” Damon Roberts Director Magma Structures comments; “We know the DynaRig concept is excellent for sailing superyachts, as proven by the first rig built for Tom Perkin’s Maltese Falcon. Magma Structures is delighted to have Southern Spars on board to further the technical and commercial development of the product. The recent success of Black Pearl has energized interest in the market and I am confident, Southern Spars, whose core business is mast-making will develop the next generation of DynaRigs.” Sam Watson CEO of Southern Spars comments; “We are delighted to join forces with Magma Structures. Their unique experience in designing, delivering, and maintaining DynaRigs combined with the NTG analysis, engineering, and manufacturing capabilities will enable Southern Spars to drive the continuous improvement of the DynaRig concept. None of this would have been possible without the innovative spirit of Magma Structures, led by Damon, and naval architect Gerry Dykstra. The entire Southern Spars group is honored to be working with the Magma team to offer an additional solution to meet the unique needs of the largest yachts in the world.” As the industry leader, Southern Spars has an unrivaled reputation and track record for delivering conventional stayed rigs to the superyacht and Grand Prix markets. Harnessing simulation data from the powerful North Design Suite, Southern Spars is uniquely able to assess overall sailing performance for best-informed engineering decisions. The North Design Suite has now been expanded to include DynaRig yachts to the same level of detail and accuracy as all NTG projects. With enhanced design capability, the experience of Magma Structures, and the composite manufacturing expertise of Southern Spars, DynaRig by Southern Spars will now allow owners and yacht designers a new level of creative freedom for the next generation of sailing Superyachts. Please visit southernspars.com for more information on Southern Spars. 📸 North Sails / North Design Suite / Virtual Wind Tunnel About Southern Spars: Southern Spars is a division of the North Technology Group, the world leader in sail-making technology. Southern Spars specializes in the design and construction of carbon fiber spars and components, rigging, and rig servicing. As the industry pioneer, Southern Spars built its first carbon spar in 1990. Since then the company has pursued a passion for delivering world-class superyacht and racing spars, carbon rigging, and service. About Magma Structures: Magma Structures is a global leader in composite technology, providing world-class structural engineering expertise and flexible manufacturing resources and processes to deliver high-performance solutions for unique and challenging requirements. About DynaRig: DynaRig is a safe, high-performance sailing system, delivering ease of handling, reliability, and efficiency, even when sailing at 18 knots. The DynaRig addresses key challenges from escalated loads and unprecedented scale, making it especially suitable for two and three-masted performance cruising yachts from 60m to 110m in length. READ MORE

WORLD OCEANS DAY The Ocean is Our Passion, Our Playground, Our Responsibility. For World Oceans Day this year, North Sails and North Kiteboarding came together to celebrate our love for the ocean. Collectively, ambassadors and athletes shared their thoughts on how we can better care for our best resource, our racecourse, our playground. Whether you are racing in a world championship, cruising for the weekend, or discovering a new place to go out and ride, we can all do small things to make a big impact on the health of our oceans. Charlie Enright, 11th Hour Racing “This year’s World Oceans Day has me yearning for the ocean like never before! I can’t wait to get back out there and reconnect with everything that I’ve been missing during these tumultuous times. The health of our oceans is important to all of us and it’s going to take every single one of us to get things back on track. Let’s use this inflection point as a way to combat ocean obstacles with a new level of vigor and motivation.” Jalou Langeree, North Kiteboarding Team Rider “Nature is the inspiration for so much of what we do…when we kite we feel so in tune with nature, so connected. We must work harder to protect it.” Dee Caffari, Turn the Tide on Plastic “I consider it a privilege to call the ocean my office and my playground. I have seen first hand the pollution in the world’s oceans and now with my recent work with Turn the Tide on Plastic, we have the scientific proof to support the microplastic problem we have to tackle. Our oceans act as a barometer for the health of our planet and we all can act now with a small action so collectively we can make a big difference.” Giulio Desiderato, North Sails One-Design Expert “All my best memories are linked to the sea. Sailing is more than just a hobby, sport, or work for me, it’s a lifestyle. If you are able to understand the values that the sea teaches you, and you are able to bring these values into your routine you will become a better and stronger person, on and off the water.” Marc Jacobs, North Kiteboarding Team Rider “Without the ocean, I wouldn’t be able to do what I do every day. As professional kiteboarders, we have the ability to spread awareness and have a voice for the ocean. It’s time to take action and protect our playground.” Warwick Kerr, North Sails Expert and Cruiser “Living on our sailboat, Wakaki is already a green life. We make an effort to always sail, and not use the engine. We conserve our freshwater and buy local and use natural/biodegradable products. We have solar power onboard, so we don’t have to use the engine to charge our batteries or turn on the lights. We don’t waste, we recycle and reuse.” READ MORE

3Di OCEAN: YOUR QUESTIONS, ANSWERED Learn More About the New 3Di OCEAN Line-Up with Our Q+A Q: What is 3Di OCEAN? A: 3Di OCEAN is the newest line of 3Di sails from North Sails, designed and engineered exclusively for cruising. Q: Is 3Di OCEAN right for my type of boat and sailing? A: 3Di OCEAN is for you if you are looking for a premium cruising product, providing high strength and durability with all of the advantages of 3Di sailmaking. Q: What is different and better about 3Di sailmaking? A: 3Di is a unique-to-North molded composite sailmaking process. With 3Di, individual filament tapes are printed in precise tape vectors (length/direction) and densities. This membrane is then consolidated using heat and thermoset resin on a full size, sail-shaped mold. 3Di results in strong, smooth, and precisely shaped sails. Q: How does 3Di OCEAN differ from your other 3Di products? A: 3Di OCEAN sails are optimized for cruising strength and durability, while 3Di RAW sails are engineered for low stretch and lightweight racing performance. 3Di ENDURANCE sails are suitable for both cruising and racing – with a balance between low stretch shape-holding and added durability. Q: Which 3Di OCEAN sail is right for me? A: 3Di OCEAN comes in three distinct styles, for an increasing range of boat sizes: OCEAN 330 is 100% NORDAC Polyester and suited for 25’-45’ cruising boats OCEAN 370 is for boats larger than 45’ including many cruising multihulls which require the lower stretch and greater strength of Ultra PE blended with 3Di NORDAC polyester OCEAN 700 serves boats larger than 60’ with a high modulus blend of UltraPE and aramid Q: How long has North been building 3Di cruising sails? A: 3Di technology has been around for over a decade, and 3Di sails are in use on thousands of boats that have sailed millions of miles. Q: What are some specific benefits of 3Di OCEAN sails? A: 3Di OCEAN is beneficial because it is durable. 3Di NORDAC Polyester and UltraPE fibers are more UV and flex-fatigue resistant than other fibers used in upwind sail materials. The product composite construction with thermoset resin means no mylar, eliminating the problem of delamination associated with laminates and string sails. 3Di OCEAN has a specialized outer surface tape, that provides chafe and abrasion protection–which is great for in-mast or in-boom furling. Q: Are 3Di Ocean sails good for racing? A: Not as good as an ENDURANCE or RAW sail! OCEAN is not engineered specifically for racing. Sure, if you want to join an occasional race or rally, 3Di OCEAN sails will be fine. If you are looking for dual-purpose “crossover” sails – that can be found with 3Di ENDURANCE. And of course, 3Di RAW is racing. Q: What about other materials? Does North still make cross-cut cruising sails? A: Yes, North has other paneled cruising sail options available. NPC Cross-Cut sails feature traditional woven polyester. NPL Tour sails are made of proprietary laminated sailcloth to match a variety of applications and price points. Depending upon your needs and expectations, North has a cruising sail that is right for you.   Explore Materials Find a Loft Request a Quote READ MORE

After an exhaustive research and development program, North Sails is thrilled to launch 3Di OCEAN 370, our latest innovative sail product that completes a line-up of 3D molded sails dedicated to cruising. READ MORE

NEW SAILS FOR SUMMER ON A SWAN 80 Sail Expert Brad Favelle Shares His First Impressions Brad Favelle, North sail expert based in Palma de Mallorca runs us through the delivery of some new sails which is always a refreshing experience. We met with Brad after installing a set of Swan 80 sails ready for summer cruising. He provides us with an on-the-ground view and shares his first impressions. Explain the sail installation process. Once the client picked the sails, what was the first step to getting them on the boat once production concluded? The sails are quite large on an 80-footer, so there was a fair amount of planning to get the sails to the boat and loaded on board. With the help of a forklift and the North Sails crane we lowered the sails onto the deck as the boat hit the water. Once the sails were safely on deck we started with the preparations of un-rolling in the correct position, then we used shackles and lashings to ensure the attachment points were set up correctly. Afterwards we loaded battens and applied the correct tension along with halyards to ensure all were hoisted ready for furling and boom reefing systems.This time is well spent along with the fine-tuning, which allowed us to create the best loading profiles for the sail and usability for the rig and deck systems onboard. We can assess the results of the product and sail setup by conducting sea trials, which are beneficial to us as sail designers and experts, and to the crew. We enjoy sharing our expertise with the crew so they can help make their owner’s experience even more enjoyable whilst onboard. What was it like seeing the new sails hoisted for the first time? To see the sails hoisted for the first time was not only rewarding but highly pleasing from a sail design and production point. Making sure the design was optimal and that the sails fit perfectly was one of my main goals when taking on this project. What were the client’s first remarks once they saw the sail up? As any sailor knows, the best way to judge the result is through the enjoyment of a balanced helm and smiles as we powered through the perfect sea conditions. As we trimmed in the sails, we quickly picked up speed and the level of enjoyment set in for all on board. We were all delighted to be out on the water again. What kind of conditions did you have for the first sail? For our first sail, we had roughly 14-16 knots with a slight sea state. We had two crew: two North Sails Experts and an additional Industry professional. We couldn’t have asked for better conditions, which helped to make the entire experience productive and fun for the captain and crew. Why is 3Di OCEAN 700 best for this type of yacht? Explain the features and benefits. 3Di OCEAN 700 is optimized for this size yacht as it delivers an exceptional level of modern cloth engineering. The blend of the internal tapes uses custom layouts and the chafe resistant surfaces provides the balance between durability and performance. I feel that OCEAN 700 is a great package for the client because of its user-friendly handling and trim characteristics. Also, its color looks particularly great against the white hull. 3Di OCEAN 700 is the right choice for blue-water superyachts, with aramid and UltraPE filament tapes, making her highly durable and strong. Everything about 3Di OCEAN 700 is for cruising performance perfection. What was the total production time once the order was placed to when they arrived on the scene? SY Swan 80’s sails were ordered in mid-December of 2019. Once the new year arrived, North sail designers Flavia Tomaselli, Heine Sorensen and myself went through the details with the boat captain Kelsey, allowing us to configure the sail design and specification in January of 2020. In May, the sails were delivered to the boat.We’ve built a positive relationship with the boat captain, through our after-sales care and service team approach which helped confirm the order. How long did it take to install the new sails once delivered? Once the sails were delivered 3 North Sails Representatives help make short work of this process. The headsail did not contain battens, so that was straightforward. We attached a hoisting halyard and adjusted the halyard while attaching the sheets. The mainsail required the battens and cars to be fitted, and then we got the foot lashed on. The cars are then attached to the rig one at a time, then the reef lines which completes the loading onto the boom. All in all, the entire process took roughly five hours. Our external team delivers the onboard support to ensure this is a fluid process for the crew and captain. Describe your first sail. What were the three main things you noticed? Our first sail went great, 3Di will look good on any Swan. The finishing points on the sail were perfected with utmost detail and care. The flying shape of the new sails works in hand with the balance, feel and characteristics of the boat. How long have you been working with the Swan 80 client? I’ve been working with the boat captain for eight years. Kelsey and I have worked together on multiple projects for different boats, so it was a natural fit for him to continue his relationship working with North Sails here in Palma. Through the industry-leading local port facilities and superyacht sail service hub, we are positioned perfectly to support all of the client needs for many years to come after the sails are delivered. Meeting the local demands, along with the high expectations of every client we see passing through the island, is our primary goal. We have a passionate team that works hard to achieve these types of results. Delivering new sails is always a great way to spend a day in Mallorca! As sailmakers, we are ever-evolving the ways we provide the best for our clients. READ MORE

YOUNG CRUISERS: TAKING CHANCES CREATES OPPORTUNITY A Story About Living Each Day to the Fullest By Caroline Gentry Rowell Imagine, if you will, it is the late summer of 2010. I am 21 years old, just graduated university, have taken a respectable office job and just moved into my new, cute and cozy two-bedroom apartment– as my parents threatened to never help me lug all of my stuff in a U-Haul again. Well, now picture three months later, when I come blazing into my parents’ suburban home, telling them that I have met someone- more specifically have “fallen for” my college sailing instructor and… I am quitting my job, breaking my lease that they reluctantly cosigned, hopping on a plane to St. Maarten, and planning to sail the Caribbean and Pacific…with him. Honestly, I am still wondering how my dad didn’t have a heart attack on the spot?! “I eagerly wanted to trade stability for adventure. So here I went…” Had we only been dating for a couple of months? Yes. Did I know how to sail? No, I was too busy being wooed to grasp more than the basics of rigging a 420 and had never sailed before college. Was I scared of the unknowns? Duh– but I knew that I had to do this or I would always look back with regrets (and we need none of those in our lives). I can still feel the butterflies, a mixture of excitement and nerves, and remember the tears as I told my family and friends goodbye before I boarded the plane. But I knew that this was me living my dreams– I eagerly wanted to trade stability for adventure. So here I went… It’s been ten years. That aforementioned “sailing club president” is my husband, we have a beautiful almost 2-year-old who is growing up spending his time between the mountains of North Carolina and cruising the Bahamas, and we hope to inspire others to live out their dreams and trust the unknowns (especially if they involve sailing/ cruising). In the past 10 years, we have collected enough memories to last us a lifetime. Our travels have taken us all over the globe where we have had the highest of highs and the absolute lowest of lows (as many cruisers will also tell you). We have met our best friends bought a business, made new towns feel like our hometown, retrofitted boats, grew a baby in paradise, but we have also lost mentors, been away from family for holidays, and been struck by lightning, all on this cruising journey. “Change is uncomfortable, the path less paved is bumpier, but life is so much sweeter when you live each day to its fullest.” READ MORE

NORTH SAILS IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS But the fact is, we never closed It’s still a complicated time in many places around the world, and a huge thank you to our entire North Sails team, clients, and friends who have pulled together in a way that is quite frankly remarkable. Our summer calendar may not be filled with the normal regatta schedule, and local guidelines are certainly making us look at all aspects of our lives, but sailing remains a unique way to escape from day-to-day pressures on land. Many new and creative events are popping up around the world: single-handed, double-handed, social distance crewing. Our calendars are filling up with a unique style of racing, alongside day-sailing and cruising of course. Simply, “getting out there” is our new normal. So what’s been going on at North Sails? North Sails have 110 sales and service sites, and seven manufacturing facilities globally. We did have limited production for a time but are now running at full capacity at our manufacturing sites, and have been since mid-May. Some of our delivery times were pushed out a bit because of government restrictions at specific locations. Still, our manufacturing team has kept safety at the forefront while getting back on schedule. The great news is, we have already caught up to the point of taking new orders for delivery as early as July. As always, your local North Sails sales and service team are on hand to help and to answer questions as we help get you back on the water. Pre-season service, measurement, new sails, tuning, sail checks, we are simply a phone call away. Our Certified Service facilities are open globally, with many facilities offering curbside pickup and drop off. Use our loft finder below to access contact details and get in touch with your closest North Sails. We spend every minute of every day, making beautiful sails that improve your sailing experience. Take advantage of the North Sails expertise, and find out how much more fun you can have on your boat. FIND YOUR LOFT TALK TO AN EXPERT REQUEST A QUOTE READ MORE

BLUEWATER CRUISING ON WAKAKI: PART II Kilian Goes Cruising North Sails Expert Warwick Kerr (Wazza) owns a Spirit 36 called Wakaki, hull #45, built in 1991. She had one owner before Wazza. “This boat was a good compromise between my modern racer mentality, and my wife’s more traditional long keel, heavy cruiser mindset.” Hear about their trip, their boat, and their sails in part I of Bluewater Cruising on Wakaki. Kilian and his parents cast off in October of 2019 from Mallorca with nothing but a vast open ocean in their sights. Sailing south to the Caribbean is where they’d find their stride, bouncing from port to port, having fun, swimming, and learning new things. The family cruising life has taken hold of each family member, and Kat, Wazza, and three-year-old Kilian couldn’t be happier to share this experience together. So far the family has been all over the Caribbean, currently residing in Sint Maarten with hopes of heading down to Grenada in a few weeks to meet new friends and fellow cruisers. “The day we arrived to the Caribbean from our Atlantic crossing, we told him we would go check out a beach so he could run and ride his bike. Kilian shook his head and replied; ‘No mama, I want to keep sailing.” 📸 Ryan Borne Kilian has had some unique opportunities living his new cruising lifestyle. He is learning how to snorkel and has vastly improved his swimming skills. He’s been getting tips from his dad on how to catch fish, too. He is learning the basics of surfing, and wants nothing more than to get up close and personal with sea life. Snorkeling with mom and dad is a real treat, with the safety of his parents and his eyes down in the sand spotting fish, rays, and the colorful corals. “He gets very excited when he sees turtles and dolphins. We aren’t sure there is anything he doesn’t like out here,” says Wazza. Wazza and Katrin couldn’t be more proud. Kilian plays a part when it comes to setting their anchor by helping his mom and dad communicate from bow to stern. “When it comes to helping his mom and I with our 3Di NORDAC sails, he is in charge of furling our headsails at the end of the day.” “It couldn’t be possible if Kilian didn’t like what we were doing. Kids are incredibly adaptable and live in the moment. No thoughts of consequences, the future, or a pandemic– just living life to the fullest each day.” Kilian loves eating freshly caught fish. “He is intrigued by lobsters, (which he calls ‘lobbers’), but he doesn’t eat those…yet. He has taken up a new hobby in cracking coconuts drinking the milk and eating the meat. He also digs just about anything that comes off the BBQ,” says Wazza. While cruising around, the family enjoys kitesurfing and has recently taken up surfing, “which is especially fun with the little one,” says Wazza. So far, the family couldn’t be happier living onboard and traveling around the Caribbean. “It’s incredible the experiences we can share with our son,” says Wazza. “We don’t even have to try. Every day is a new adventure for Kilian, and he loves it all.” So far, Kilian’s primetime cruising highlights include exploring ashore in Gibralter, where he got to see monkeys. Onboard is most entertaining since the dolphins are always coming by the boat. He also likes to look for stingrays. Kilian is looking forward to sailing and being free to adventure. “Swimming and snorkeling are his main priorities at the moment”, says Wazza, “but he seemed keen to go kiting with me at some point.” The family has shifted most of its land activities to water activities, which has made a whole new world for their son. “He’s most interested in what’s happening underwater, and now that he knows how to wear his mask and snorkel, he can be part of it.” “He’s learning a ton about the outside world, and he’s not as shy as he was at first with getting to know people and being open to meeting new people.” Wazza and Kat are teaching Kilian new things every day. “He knows the weather and the wind, and knows when it’s going to rain.” When the family is looking for a new spot to anchor its Kilian’s job to communicate between his parents on maneuvers. When they pull up to a new mooring, he helps make sure both mom and dad know what is going on. Helping his family fix things onboard, and being part of the action is what he’s all about. When it comes to eating, the family keeps it very healthy yet exciting. “We make our own muesli and granola,” says Wazza. “We’ve caught tuna, Mahi Mahi, and Wahoo. There are some places where you are permitted to spearfish so that we can catch lobster and grouper, too.” Porridge with fruit or our boat-made granola is his go-to for breakfast. “We have a fun tradition with Kilian, where we find a new spot and anchor for the night and make pancakes the next morning in our ‘new’ place.” Kilian has taken to the lifestyle and being onboard Wakaki very well. It’s like the perfect world for him. He has his toys, his cabin, his swing, and ropes and lines to climb. “He just loves the boat. He’s very comfortable when he’s onboard. His cabin has turned into his calm space,” says Wazza, “giving him all the feels of a safety blanket where he can relax if he’s a little tired and gets cranky, or if we are out and about and he’s ready to go back ‘home’.” Kilian has met a lot of people along the way, but his favorite person tends to be the one who he is spending time with at that moment. He really enjoyed catching up with some old friends from Mallorca who were visiting Antigua a few weeks back. He’s recently made friends with the daughter of the dock owners, where Wakaki is stationed at this time. “He’s learning a ton about the outside world, and he’s not as shy as he was at first with getting to know people and being open to meeting new people.” With certain islands strengthening their lockdown procedures, we’ve been limited to certain places and we are now in Sint Maarten for the time being. We plan to head south to Grenada after this, where they have a friendly cruising community. After we get there we plan to stick around there for a bit, exploring the island, and other islands if possible during hurricane season.” “Kat and I were talking about this the other night. While all of this seems amazing, easy, so perfect, it couldn’t be possible if Kilian didn’t like what we were doing. Kids are incredibly adaptable and live in the moment. No thoughts of consequences, the future, or a pandemic– just living life to the fullest each day. Luckily Kilian doesn’t get seasick. He’s a pretty chilled little dude. This type of life isn’t for everyone, but fortunately, we all enjoy it.” READ MORE

BLUEWATER CRUISING ON WAKAKI Spain to the Caribbean with the Kerr Family 📸 Ryan Borne Warwick Kerr (Wazza), Sail Expert based in Palma, Spain, set off on a cruising trip with his wife Katrin and his three-year-old son, Kilian. They departed from Mallorca in October of 2019 and have been all over the place since, from Mallorca to La Linea, Gibraltar, Gran Canaria, Tenerife, and more recently has made landfall in Antigua and is now in St Maarten. Working remotely, Wazza and his family have fully embraced the bluewater cruising lifestyle and couldn’t be happier doing what they love. Being able to share this experience with Kilian has made it even more special. Wazza owns a Spirit 36 called Wakaki, hull #45, built in 1991. She had one owner before Wazza. “This boat was a good compromise between my modern racer mentality, and my wife’s more traditional long keel, heavy cruiser mindset.” When the family set off from the docks in Palma; they didn’t have a firm plan on how long they’d be gone. They had a general idea of spending two seasons in the Caribbean and then heading into the Pacific, which has been a life-long dream to tick off their family bucket list. Other than that, it’s ocean traveling from port to port, seeing new places, meeting different people, and making memories together. “We don’t have any fixed plans, just cruising around to see where we end up. As long as we are enjoying it, which we are! We will keep on cruising!” Wakaki is fully equipped with a North Sails 3Di NORDAC mainsail, a genoa, and a staysail. Their spinnaker is a little older, but she’s holding strong, Wazza says. “I have my sights set on a tradewinder at some point to give me even more options.” 📸 Ryan Borne Wazza worked with North Sail Designer Kevin George to fine-tune his custom refit. “Kevin is a good friend of mine, and we spent a good amount of time working on the designs to find the right shape that would optimize my family sailing trip. Everything is working out great,” Wazza says. “I can say the reefs in our mainsail are perfectly positioned, which gives us a lot of wiggle room, or a little if we choose. Our sails now have a little over 5,000 nm on them, since they were installed in September of 2019.” Wakaki’s genoa and staysail are furling and reef-able too, which makes things even more ideal for his easy cruising lifestyle. “We don’t have any fixed plans, just cruising around to see where we end up. As long as we are enjoying it, which we are! We will keep on cruising!” From an overall sail perspective, Wazza feels that his 3Di NORDAC sails are the best investment he’s made for the boat. “My original plan was to build a set of cross-cut dacron sails. I had planned to go old-school, and hand-cut them myself, and build them like I did when I was a sailmaking apprentice, which was in 1996.” 📸 Ryan Borne “Getting caught up in the dream as we all do, I ended up choosing 3Di NORDAC, which was a one-and-done decision that has made it all possible for us. I have to say, after the miles they’ve seen, and the handling they’ve received, they are still in great shape. They have the same shape they did when I bought them, and are an image of perfection, in my opinion. We do our best to take care of them, but you know how it is, sometimes we are a bit rough on our sails, but they are holding strong regardless of our treatment.” Wazza agrees, a cross-cut sail would have done a great job, but for longevity and hard use over an indefinite period of time– 3Di was the way to go, no question. “Cruisers are supportive, friendly, and the only regret you can have is not to give it a try!” Katrin is also making the most of their cruising adventure. “She has always had the dream of cruising the Pacific, so being able to do it now with a family, is her definition of living the dream,” explains Wazza. “Katrin’s parents cruised the world in the ’70s, and my parents did also in the late ’90s and early 2000s. It’s part of our blood, so it’s no surprise we both enjoy it. What’s unique is that both grandparents to our son have sailed around the world, and now we can all share it together, and that is special for us.” Kat’s dad bought Wanderer III from the Hiscocks (pioneer cruisers and authors of some of the first yacht cruising guides), and he sailed around the world for five years, during which he met Kat’s mother. Wazza’s parents left home when he was 17 to complete their dream journey, which lasted a little less than nine years. Bluewater cruising is a significant part of their family history. Kat is not new to the sailing world; having grown up cruising and sailing from a young age, Katrin started as chef/mate nearly 20 years ago in the BVI’s with The Moorings and has since been working in the Super Yacht industry. Now the sailing duo can arrive at any port, and offer just about any type of assistance, whether it be sail and cover related expertise, or if someone needs a chef to cater a charter; both Wazza and Kat can do it all. So this cruising life; Why should we do it and what makes it so special? “Why not!” says Wazza. “Do it, live your dream! The worst thing that can happen is you go back to what you had on dry land. Cruisers are supportive, friendly, and the only regret you can have is not to give it a try!” Read Part II: Killian Goes Cruising 📸 Ryan Borne READ MORE

KEN READ SITS DOWN WITH THE OCEAN RACE’S OFF WATCH SERIES The President of North Sails and Offshore Veteran Talks About his Journey in Sailing and Leading the Industry’s Most Innovative Sailmaker A formidable force in the marine industry Ken Read has three Ocean Races under his belt, has been a part of three America’s Cup campaigns, has collected more than a handful of offshore sailing records, and has seen more of the planet’s oceans than most people. He is a two time Rolex Yachtsman of the Year, has won nine world championships and is considered one of the world’s most accomplished and celebrated sailors. Read’s career at North Sails began in 1996, but in 2013, Read stepped up to helm North Sails as a business leader, taking on the role of President of North Sails Group. As one of the most influential figures in sailing, Read is an expert, not just on the water, but in running one of the most successful global brands in the marine market. Ken Read’s legacy at North Sails is a testament to why strategists often refer to businesses as ‘a ship’ and Read has mastered the ability to run a tight crew. READ MORE

NORTH SAILS INTRODUCES DIY MASK KITS Do-It-Yourself Masks are Packed and Ready for Delivery Personnel, lofts, clients, and friends of North Sails are navigating this global crisis together. Many of our local Certified Service Centers have taken the initiative in their areas to build masks when possible and support their communities. We are humbled by the positive feedback we’ve received and have done our best to supply usable yet non-government approved cotton masks yet in limited quantities. Sail lofts like ours across North America are set up with machines built to repair big, heavy sails, and these machines, unfortunately, don’t lend themselves to any small item manufacturing, including masks. But, there has recently been a surge in interest for people to build their own masks with home sewing machines. There are many “how-to” videos online showing how easy it is, so we have incorporated this idea with our ability to cut large quantities of fabric and elastic. North Sails are now offering pre-cut and sew mask kits that provide the material and instructions for Do-It-Yourself (DIY) masks. DIY mask kits are available to everyone (even our non-North sailmaking friends) and can be ordered now. The kits come in a pack of 20 and are $20 USD plus shipping and handling. All orders will be shipped from our manufacturing loft in Milford, Connecticut. We feel that DIY kits are a way to offer mask support in a real quantity and get them to families in a hurry. Time to break out your old Singer sewing machine that has been gathering dust in the back closet! *Update – we’re doing our best to keep up with the demand for the DIY kits. You can still place orders and we’ll be in touch if stock is running low. Your credit card will not be charged until your order is ready to ship. Download Instructions Order a Kit Disclaimer: Please note that we not promoting use of fabric masks as a good alternative to medical grade masks. We are not making any claims as to the effectiveness of the homemade masks. We are not trying to say medical professionals should not have or do not deserve to have N95 masks. Instead, we are simply sharing the fact that some hospitals, care centers, etc., have asked for these masks to be donating so they can use them as a last resort due to the extreme shortage of N95s right now. These masks may be used in lower risk situations so N95s can be conserved during this extreme shortage. Please see the info from the CDC and contact your local health care institutions if you would like to help. READ MORE

NORTH 3Di: INNOVATIVE SAILMAKING TECHNOLOGY Unique. Lightweight. Reliable. Watch How the Most Advanced Sails in the World are Made Lightweight, reliable, unique. North 3Di sails are engineered to minimum weight and maximum performance. By eliminating the use of mylar, 3Di will not delaminate. Each 3Di sail is precisely shaped on full-sized molds and built to outlast your adventure. 3Di™ is a patented sailmaking technology that produces the world’s fastest and most reliable sails. 3Di sails mimic the balanced load-bearing and shape-holding of a rigid airfoil wing. They are composed of ultra-thin unidirectional spread filament tapes, pre-impregnated with thermoset adhesive, arranged in a complex multiple-axis array, and three-dimensionally molded into a one-piece, flexible composite membrane. A spread filament tape is an individual yarn that has been spread out until the individual filaments lie side-by-side; forming an ultra-thin “tape.” This exclusive technology enables 3Di sails to be made from fiber and adhesive only—without the need for Mylar film. The North Sails proprietary automated tape laying system allows designers precise control over the placement and orientation of material within each sail. This unitary, monolithic construction produces an airfoil that has balanced resistance to distortion in all directions. LEARN MORE FIND A LOFT REQUEST A QUOTE READ MORE

CHECK-IN. GIVE US A CALL. WE’RE HERE TO HELP WITH ANSWERS. Just Like All Of You, We Can’t Wait to Get on the Water North Sails President Ken Read checked in to give us an update on what’s going on at North Sails this week. Ken, like all of us, is working from his makeshift home office in Rhode Island. It’s a strange time for the world right now, but our lofts are open where possible, and the North sales and service team are available for a call at any time. Like all of you, we can’t wait to go sailing; being contained to our homes right now is only growing our desire to get on the water. We’re working hard to deliver updates and a daily dose of the sport we love. Check-in on northsails.com and follow along with Instagram or Facebook for the latest news at North Sails. Pre-Season Prep We may not have our exact launch dates, but we are all looking forward to getting on the water as soon as possible. Your local service teams are hard at work to make sure that you’re ready to enjoy every single second of the 2020 sailing season. At North Sails, our mission is to provide you with expert repairs, maintenance, and upgrades. Every sail serviced by our teams undergoes a thorough inspection designed to identify maintenance issues to avoid major problems later on. Our Certified Service teams are on hand during this time to provide you with pre-season service, including the North Sails signature 10-point inspection. By Appointment: Curbside Service Come to us or we’ll come to you! North Sails is now offering curbside pick up and delivery of sails where local rules allow. Call and schedule a time for pick up or drop off out in front of our building or at your home. Find your nearest loft today and make an appointment to have your sails serviced or new sails delivered so you can hit the ground running once the sailing season begins. READ MORE

A NEW WAY TO NAVIGATE SAIL CHOICES North Sails Introduces an Interactive Sail Finder to Pair Sailors With Their Ideal Material Match Do you race, cruise or do both? North Sails offers a broad range of sail materials to meet a wide variety of needs. This can make navigating sail material choices daunting. Depending on whether you are racing around the buoys on a summer evening, racing offshore, or competing at a world championship, your sail requirements will vary. The same is true for cruisers. You may be enjoying an hour-long daysail or spending a year exploring the South Pacific. Either way, making the right sail choice is important. What if you race and cruise? We offer crossover sail materials for dual purpose use as well. We’d like to introduce you to our new interactive sail finder which will help you find the ideal match for your type of sailing. Find Your Sail   READ MORE

RIGGING & TUNING THE NEW MOTH 9DSXR Featuring Rob Greenhalgh & World Champion Tom Slingsby Rob Greenhalgh has won National and European titles in the International Moth Class and serves as the North Sails Moth Class Leader. For the newest member of the fleet, to the seasoned champion trying the 9DSX for the first time, Greenhalgh is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to putting the Moth together, and to its highest performance on the water. Follow along as Rob unpacks, rigs, and de-rigs the 9DSX, to learn every detail of caring for your new Moth sail. Moth World Champion Tom Slingsby dominated the 2019 Moth Worlds with the new North Sails 9DSX Decksweeper, engineered to push the limits on speed and durability for maximum performance on the racecourse. Tune-in, as the world champion, gives a master-class on tuning the Moth, taking sailors step-by-step through his tips. Learn the technical details behind the fiery competitor that make Slingsby nearly unstoppable in the Moth class. Buckle up and get ready for take-off. Have questions about Moth sails or how to rig for speed? Contact Rob for more information. READ MORE

INTRODUCING THE INTERNATIONAL MOTH CLASS 9DSX DECKSWEEPER MAINSAIL An Efficient, Aerodynamic Design With A World Champion Pedigree North Sails proudly launches the 9DSX Moth mainsail range for the 2020 season. Incorporating on-the-water feedback from the 2019 Moth World Championship, the 9DSX is North’s fastest Moth sail to date, as proven by Tom Slingsby, who used the latest North design at the Worlds. “The 9DSX is having the most significant impact on the Moth class right now, explains North Moth Class Leader Rob Greenhalgh. “North Sails has been at the forefront of Decksweeper development over the last year, and are committed to being a step ahead and continuing to deliver the fastest Moth sails.” Made of 3Di RAW, the 9DSX is incredibly strong for its weight, delivering an extremely stable sail capable of handling high loads. Engineered for its application, this 3Di mainsail is durable yet remarkably fast across the wind range. Sail designer Ruairidh Scott was diligent in optimizing the deck sweeping capabilities and sail area under the Moth class rules. The increased decksweeper section maximizes the endplate effect and increases overall sail efficiency by reducing aero-drag. “We took the successful Vi-8DSX design and evolved the sail for 2020 based on the feedback from the 2019 Worlds,” comments North sail designer Ruairidh Scott. “If you’re looking to build a better product, a World Championship win is an excellent place to start. Also available with a reduced overall area, the 9DSXR option is ideal all-purpose sail for lighter weight sailors, or suitable for heavier sailors in big air. SHOP MOTH SAILS READ MORE

CLUBSWAN 50 WINTER TRAINING IN ITALY Experts Help New Clients Prepare for the Season Ahead Last weekend, North Sails ClubSwan 50 experts hosted a clinic for two new teams in Scarlino, Italy. Conditions were perfect for practicing the basics, with 7-12 TWS. Expert Giulio Desiderato coached from the RIB, providing tips and feedback that helped build confidence. Sail experts Alessio Razeto and Andrea Casale each sailed onboard a boat, trimming and discussing tactics. Tuning discussions helped trimmers set reference points to figure out the best sail trim and make small adjustments to improve straight-line speed. “Working together is key on the 50-footer,” said Giulio, “so the primary focus was to keep everyone communicating on what was happening with rig adjustments, and how to tune the rig correctly with given conditions. From there, each maneuver was broken down into steps to show how overall boat speed was affected.” Each day the group set specific goals before going on the water. Teams started out focusing on starts and crew work; once sailors became more comfortable on the boat and in their crew positions, jibes and tacks were fine-tuned. After sailing, video and photos were reviewed to show the day’s highlights. Both Hatari and Giuliana sported 3Di 870 and 3Di 780. Mainsail and leech twist, mast sag, and traveler positioning were all part of the onboard tuning discussions. Alessio is also a Swan 42 expert, and he commented on the significant differences between the 42 and the 50: “I have extended my focus from the 42 to the 50 to help manage the jib blocks and double backstay set-up. Jibes are a bit different, too, as the gennaker is much larger. “Throughout the clinic, we improved a lot,” Alessio said. “One thing I noticed with the other team is that they have a strong team that is already competitive, and we could have more in-depth discussions about sail trim. Everyone has their way of trimming, and it was good to compare and contrast the differences and how the outcomes varied.” Coaching from the sidelines, Giulio collected photos, videos, advanced sail analysis, and computer assisted design to check sail shapes and how they related to mast tuning. “One team was more focused on tuning, so they matched our output with the telemetry of their boat to analyze further according to performance. The second team was more focused on boat handling aspects, like timing the starting line so they could get comfortable with the boat and what it required to get up to full speed.” Both teams, he said, improved throughout the training, “and as they progressed, the differences in their boat speeds got smaller. Maneuvers on the starting line, and time on distance practice was key. Each team had their own goals, and I think we were able to help them achieve them during our time spent on the water.” “Clinics like this are a great opportunity to improve and prepare for the season,” Giulio explained. “It’s all about giving our clients the information and tools so they can perform their best. It’s not always about service and commercial aspects, it’s about working as one team and staying involved with the class and the sailors to help them achieve their goals. “It’s also fun,” Giulio added. “I like to share what I am seeing, and I try to offer different points of view. We had talented sailors on each boat, and it gave everyone a chance to grow and learn from each other.” Alessio agreed about onboard talent. “This season, the ClubSwan 50 fleet will include many experienced sailors who want to compete against 18-20 larger one designs. I believe this will be the beginning of the greatest circuit in the last ten years.” READ MORE

For some sailors, “club racing” means a casual jib-and-main evening race aboard a well-stocked cruising boat carrying roller furlers and its anchor and chain in the bow. READ MORE

NORTH SAILS 2020 SUPERYACHT EVENT SERVICE SCHEDULE Regatta Repair and Support On The Global Race Circuit North Sails Certified Service gives Superyacht crews and boat owners the benefits and convenience of experience through a global network of sail lofts and Regatta Repair pop-up lofts. With unparalleled experts, technology and 14 dedicated Superyacht service lofts across five continents, North Sails is uniquely positioned to handle the logistical needs to repair Superyacht sails. There are 10 regattas on the 2020 global Superyacht racing circuit where North Sails is equipped for overnight repairs. Our team of service experts will be onsite to offer an easy and accessible solution for all boats competing. See the event list below for specific dates and locations. Beyond the 2020 season, the North Sails team in New Zealand is ready to welcome the many Superyachts who will travel to Auckland for the 36th America’s Cup. Our team of sales and service experts is available to support you with all your Superyacht service needs. READ MORE

NORTH SAILS IS A TECHNICAL PARTNER TO THE WORLD YACHT RALLY Registration is Open for an Exciting New Cruising Rally Concept North Sails is excited to partner with the World Yacht Rally to bring a new concept cruising rally to life. Developed by Volvo Ocean Race shore team veterans, the World Yacht Rally aims to bring the best of professional race team support and route planning to the participating cruising yachts. North Sails is signed onto the rally as a Technical Partner to provide race participants with unmatched sail care through the almost 40,000-mile route. Set to start in Alicante, Spain, the World Yacht Rally is a seventeen stop, two and a half year adventure for cruising boats 50’ and above. There are two slots open to begin the rally; November 2020 and November 2021. Participation is limited to 30 yachts and, the rally entry fee includes weather routing, security assessment, berthing, medical support, safety training, administrative support, social events and the yacht service support needed to sail around the world worry-free. Participants will also have the option to access the World Yacht Rally crew pool of professional sailors, charter their vessel for legs and benefit from logistics, travel and supply support from the rally organizers. Commenting on the partnership, Nick Bice of the World Yacht Rally, “Having worked alongside North Sails for many years during our Volvo Ocean Race days, there is no better solution to cover all the bases when setting out on such an adventure. Built on a foundation of Grand Prix sailing, North Sails is a fantastic addition to the professional level of service the World Yacht Rally is aiming to deliver.” North Sails President Ken Read concluded, “Like the rally management team, North Sails has experience helping sailors get around the world safely. The World Yacht Rally is an exciting concept for our company as we now have an opportunity to show our offshore experience to a new and important group of sailors. Many people in the sailing world know North Sails as a racing company, and the same reliability and sailor support we provide for racers are the same requirements cruising sailors need to make their passages safe and enjoyable. The World Yacht Rally concept is unique in that the level of support participants will receive through their experience is unlike any cruising rally to date.” Learn more about how to register for the World Yacht Rally. About the World Yacht Rally: The World Yacht Rally is a once in a lifetime adventure taking you to breathtaking locations and several impressive metropolises. An adventure in which you are supported and where you can take the time to enjoy and explore each location you cruise to. An adventure where you’ll meet new cultures, new friends and finally get to fulfill that dream – sailing round the world. We provide the support to ensure you have everything you need to sail safely, comfortably and as worry-free as possible. Each of our team has worked as part of the Volvo Ocean Race – running the Boatyard, directing all on water-matters, managing race teams or preparing stops. We were responsible for providing all of the support elements we offer as part of the WYR to the best ocean sailors in the world and know what to expect from a circumnavigation, how to prepare for it and handle the unexpected. READ MORE

Introducing The J-7 All-Purpose Star Class Jib North Sails Expands Sail Inventory for Those Looking for Maximum Power North Sails, the world leader in One Design, has added a new all-purpose jib to their inventory for the Star Class. The new sail is available now and can be delivered before the Bacardi Cup, a staple to the Star Class winter sailing schedule. New for 2020, the J-7 is a powerful all-purpose jib for teams looking for maximum performance; this sail particularly excels in chop. The first J-7 was built over the summer and has been extensively tested, tuned and proven to deliver results throughout the development phase. A progressed design of the popular J-6 jib, this new sail utilizes a full radial panel layout for low stretch and maximum durability. North class sail designers added an entry angle down low for boats with stiffer masts and forestays. “North Star sails enjoyed great success in 2019 and the J-7 is our first new class sail of 2020,” remarks North Sails class leader Eric Doyle. “The design brief for this was to develop a product which gives the boat plenty of power, while still being easy to trim and steer to. The J-7 is targeted towards lighter air, bumpy conditions but excels across a wide wind range. Our biggest takeaway from the R&D trial is the jib is durable and very fast throughout the range, traits our customers will quickly notice.” Learn more about North Sails on our Star Class page. READ MORE

Los próximos 17 y 18 de Enero, nuestros expertos en One Design Hugo Rocha y Nacho Braquehais, impartirán un clinic de J70 en el RCN de Vigo. READ MORE

10 TIPS FOR WINNING IN 2020 Accelerate Your Race Results This New Year Are you looking to improve your racing results this year? To help jumpstart your best sailing season yet, we’ve put together 10 favorite tips from our fast-growing collection of how-to articles. At North Sails, we are constantly pushing to learn and improve and #gobeyond. Let us know how we can help your racing program succeed and your performance improve in 2020! Interested in more local knowledge articles? Visit our How To page to find more. Have questions about tuning or sail trim? Contact your local expert today. READ MORE

NORTH SAILS IS OPEN IN LORIENT Our French Team Welcomes Friends to New Loft in Lorient La Base On Wednesday evening, Gautier Sergent, Director of North Sails France, and Phillip Touet, General Manager of North Sails France, joined the local North team in welcoming guests to our new facility in Lorient La Base. Nearly 150 people, including many well-known names from the French sailing community, celebrated the opening of this new sales and service site, right in the heart of offshore racing. Among the guests were team members from Charal, Gitana, PRB and Sodebo. Also present was Victor Tonnerre, mayor of Larmor-Plage and founder of Tonnerre Voilerie. The new North loft now occupies the same location where Tonnerre built his business. The loft features a new 500m² service floor purpose-built to meet the needs of sailing teams. It also has office space and a 50m² meeting room to house technical experts, sail designers, and industry-leading R&D specialists. Our long-standing Vannes loft will remain the French production site for North Sails, as well as continuing to provide regional customer service. Thibaut Agaugue will be in charge of service in both locations. Gautier Sergent, Director of North Sails France and Head of R&D We have been looking to have a base at La Base in Lorient for a few years now. We wanted to do it right and had a few boxes to tick. Our new loft is ideal and will be a fantastic tool to bring us closer to our customers and partners, and encourages even better collaboration. We had a great turnout at our opening. When standing in front of the guests to say a few welcome words, I realized how much talent and potential there was in the room; all very key people in the sailing scene far beyond this “Sailing Valley” known for its innovation. What a great relationship we have with all these people; our customers, our own team, our partners, local representatives, many who I call friends. Going beyond is a motto we stand by at North Sails, and this loft is yet another great tool at our fingertips. Franck Cammas, Skipper, Edmond de Rothschild “The arrival of North Sails France in Lorient La Base is significant for our team, especially quick access to the design office with whom we spend a lot of time exchanging ideas. Even if our mainsails cannot be modified here, we will still be able to use the local service for minor modifications and smaller sails.” Victor Tonnerre, Mayor of Larmor-Plage and Founder of the Sailmaker Tonnerre Voilerie “It’s an honour for us to welcome international sailmaker North Sails to Lorient. My friends, many of whom are present tonight, must be proud. I used to run my company in this same location. Tonnerre means thunder, and I know that today with North Sails, it is going to hit like thunder! Yann Penfornis, Managing Director, Multiplast “The North Sails presence in Lorient makes perfect sense. The loft location provides an opportunity for the North team to work more closely with its customers.” Carole Bourlon, Head of the Eurolarge Innovation program at Bretagne Développement Innovation “The choice of Lorient as a complement to Vannes was an obvious choice for North Sails.” READ MORE

ROLEX SYDNEY TO HOBART YACHT RACE PREVIEW Gearing Up for the 75th Edition 📸 Carlo Borlenghi With more than 160 boats registered and more than 1,000 crew members ready to take on the iconic 628nm offshore sprint from Sydney to Hobart, excitement is now spilling onto the docks as we count down the last few days before the start of the race (December 26, 1:00 pm local time). This race is watched by sailors all over the world, because it’s a true test of ability and perseverance. See how you can follow the race below. Boats we’re following Line honours contestants Wild Oats and BlackJack will be going head to head with Scallywag. In the ORC fleet, Matt Allen’s TP52 Ichi Ban took 5th place last year and won overall in 2017, so she’s another contender for the overall regatta win. Expect a battle with Barry Cuneo’s Envy Scooters, which last year was put together in haste and this year will include several young guns in the crew aiming to be the Tattersall Cup winners. Christian Beck’s InfoTrack*, Noel Cornish’s St Jude, Paul Buchholz’s Extasea, and Frederic Puzin’s Daquet (previously Patrice) are all expected to do well in their respective fleets. Additional clients of interest include Keiran and Elizabeth Mulcahy’s King 40 Soozal. Soozal had a refit in November and will be joined by three additional family members for the race to Hobart. Mark Hipgrave’s short-handed experienced crew onboard Jeanneau SunFast 3600 Mister Lucky shows a lot of potential. Helmed by Deb Fish, her goal is to be the top female to cross the finish line. Katwinchar, built in 1904, will be the oldest boat ever to compete in the Rolex Sydney to Hobart. Over the last two years, owner Bill Barry-Cotter has rebuilt this 32-footer, and along with his team of Murray Spence, Michael Spie, and Kendal Barry-Cotter, he’s ready to race. We look forward to seeing this Corinthian team cross the finish line in Hobart. Weather predictions The last few races have rewarded boats that thrive off the wind. North expert and Sydney local Alby Pratt says, “we’re overdue for an upwind race, so anything can happen!” If the fleet does see tighter sheeting angles, Scallywag, BlackJack, and Quest will all have the chance to extend on the fleet thanks to their North Helix Code Sails. This year’s race forecasting has been complicated by Sydney’s ring of brush fires, which reduced visibility so much on Sydney Harbour that the Big Boat Challenge was cancelled. Fire alarms have been triggered in homes and buildings downtown, and ferries cancelled. Despite ongoing concerns, the Bureau of Meteorology indicates that conditions for the start should be clear, with a north-northeast wind that builds and shifts south. This will make the start a battle of crewwork—who can pull of the smoothest transitions. There is no way to predict what exactly will be the outcome, but some can hope that conditions may give the smaller yachts in the race a chance to shine. While once the ‘holy grail’ for racing from Sydney to Hobart was to complete the course in less than two days, this year the record to beat is one day, 9 hours, 15 minutes, and 24 seconds. Along with you, we’ll be tracking the fleet’s progress. Good luck to all! How to follow Be at the epicenter of the main event. Race villages are set up in Sydney and in Hobart to catch the beginning and the end of the race Australia’s Local Network 7 News will be broadcasting a 90 minute program starting at 12:30 AEST on Boxing Day. Tune in! If you are not in AEST, check for live news announcements at www.RolexSydneyHobart.com. Track the entire fleet, or just one boat. See how fast different teams are sailing and how far they have to go to the finish line using the fleet tracker app. If you’ve got a boat, get out on the water for a front row seat to all the action. Just remember to stay clear of the exclusion zone. Want to participate in the race, but from the comfort of your own home? Compete with Virtual Race! Sign up to compete here. READ MORE

NORTH SAILS ARRIVES IN LORIENT The Center For Offshore Racing & Technological Innovation 📸 Yann Riou North Sails has opened a new loft in Lorient, France. The new location will allow the company to welcome a large number of its clients who are based in the “Sailing Valley”, a strategic area in Brittany dedicated to offshore racing and technological innovation. “Our approach to be in close contact with the leaders in sailing and innovation in the Lorient area perfectly complements the links that we already have with our partners and collaborators who are our neighbors in Vannes,” comments Gautier Sergent, director of North Sails France. “The desire to settle in Lorient has long been a subject of discussion within North Sails,” he continues. “We are pleased that this initiative has finally materialized.” “Today more than 80% of French offshore skippers, from all classes including mini, Figaro, Class 40, IMOCA, Ultim and more, are present in Lorient,” explained Éric Gallais-Hamonno, production manager with North Sails. “It was clear we needed an outpost there, not only to strengthen the relationships with our existing clients but to also develop our local network and access new markets, such as cruising and local IRC.” “More than half of the sails that we service at our loft in Vannes are for boat projects based out of Lorient,” adds Thibaut Agaugue, service manager at North Sails. “So it’s a logical evolution. The goal is to better meet the needs of the sailing teams by offering local service and skills, with the added presence of technical-commercial experts and designers. Our presence across this area, including Port-la-Forêt, will simplify logistics and allow us to be even more responsive.” The North Sails loft has a new 500m² floor dedicated to service (after-sales service, modifications and repairs). “This will allow the floor space in Vannes to manufacture more efficiently and serenely,” says Thibaut. The Vannes loft will remain the production site for North Sails, and service for customers in the Vannes region. Thibaut Agaugue will be in charge of service in Vannes and Lorient and can be available as needed. The loft in Lorient also has office space and a 50m² meeting room to receive a team of five or six people (service, commercial and design). READ MORE

NORTH KITEBOARDING Sign Up for our Newsletter Today and Receive a North Hat and Jacket! At North, we’re for the seekers. The adventurers, the explorers, the freedom-junkies. Those who are their true selves when they’re at one with the elements. North Kiteboarding | Enter To Win! First Name * Last Name * Email Address * Address Address Address Address City City State/Province State/Province Zip/Postal Zip/Postal Country Afghanistan Aland Islands Albania Algeria American Samoa Andorra Angola Anguilla Antarctica Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Armenia Aruba Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bermuda Bhutan Bolivia Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana Bouvet Island Brazil British Indian Ocean Territory Brunei Bulgaria Burkina Faso Burundi Côte d'Ivoire Cambodia Cameroon Canada Cape Verde Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad Chile China Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia Comoros Congo Cook Islands Costa Rica Croatia Cuba Curacao Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Djibouti Dominica Dominican Republic East Timor Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Faroe Islands Fiji Finland France French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana Gibraltar Greece Greenland Grenada Guadeloupe Guam Guatemala Guernsey Guinea Guinea-Bissau Guyana Haiti Heard Island and McDonald Islands Holy See Honduras Hong Kong Hungary Iceland India Indonesia Iran Iraq Ireland Isle of Man Israel Italy Jamaica Japan Jersey Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya Kiribati Kosovo Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Laos Latvia Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Libya Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Macao Macedonia Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Maldives Mali Malta Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania Mauritius Mayotte Mexico Micronesia Moldova Monaco Mongolia Montenegro Montserrat Morocco Mozambique Myanmar Namibia Nauru Nepal Netherlands New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua Niger Nigeria Niue Norfolk Island North Korea Northern Mariana Islands Norway Oman Pakistan Palau Palestine Panama Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Philippines Pitcairn Poland Portugal Puerto Rico Qatar Reunion Romania Russia Rwanda Saint Barthelemy Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Martin (French part) Saint Pierre and Miquelon Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Samoa San Marino Sao Tome and Principe Saudi Arabia Senegal Serbia Seychelles Sierra Leone Singapore Sint Maarten (Dutch part) Slovakia Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia South Africa South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands South Korea South Sudan Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Suriname Svalbard and Jan Mayen Swaziland Sweden Switzerland Syria Taiwan Tajikistan Tanzania Thailand Timor-Leste Togo Tokelau Tonga Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkey Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom United States United States Minor Outlying Islands Uruguay Uzbekistan Vanuatu Vatican City Venezuela Vietnam Virgin Islands, British Virgin Islands, U.S. Wallis and Futuna Western Sahara Yemen Zambia Zimbabwe Country Submit READ MORE

METEOROLOGICAL CONSULTING FOR COMPETITIVE SAILING Chris Bedford’s Sailing Weather Service “Don’t confuse your weather app with a meteorology degree and 30+ years of experience.” Sailing Weather Service is respected world-wide for the experience and expertise in marine and coastal meteorology provided to the world’s most accomplished and successful sailors. Chief meteorologist Chris Bedford and his team are sought out for their straight-forward, honest, and practical approach to using weather knowledge as a competitive advantage. Join our clients – who range from top-end professional teams including America’s Cup and Volvo racers to local weekend racers – and let us help you and your team maximize your chances of success on the race course. Services offered include: Analysis, forecasting and routing for offshore racing Customized forecasts and briefings for day racing Live or recorded weather briefings for races or regattas Bespoke weather training for navigators, decision makers and team members as well as race committees and Organizing Authorities Historical weather analysis and data to help you plan for future events, design a new yacht or optimize your sail inventory Global scope—any sailing venue in the world or the open oceans Contact us at admin@sailwx.com to see how we can help you! READ MORE

GET READY FOR OPTIORANGE VALENCIA The Entry List Is Growing! Save The Date. 📸 Denis Razumovich / OptiOrange Regatta OptiOrange Valencia 2020: the first 130 entries from 16 nations are in! With less than five months before the start of the OptiOrange Valencia 2020, the entry number has been climbing with 130 young Optimist sailors representing 16 nations signed up and ready to sail! St.Petersburg Yacht Club and the Real Club Náutico de Valencia are expecting even more entries to join in the upcoming months as new event features are announced. Conceived around three main principles – competition, fun and easy access – the OptiOrange Valencia inaugurated in 2018 with 60+ entries. For the second edition in 2019, the entry list had grown dramatically, with 316 entries from 16 nations. This led to some fine-tuning of the regatta program to make this following year even more fun and competitive. 📸 Denis Razumovich / OptiOrange Regatta As announced, there will be two race courses for junior and cadet sailors, so all competitors will be racing in their designated division, according to experience level. Just as it was this year in March 2019, the clinics will be a great learning experience as world-famous coaches will be provided for those who want to be better prepared for the 2020 season. For those traveling from far away, the organizing committee will be providing charter boats. The event also has the lowest entry fee, only 90 Euros (Early bird until February 5th, 2020) and meals will be provided during the regatta. The OptiOrange Valencia Regatta will also provide a free regatta shuttle for those who are staying in downtown Valencia. There will be on the water spectating opportunities for parents and guests wishing to witness the action. Daily prizes will be given, and of course everyone gets unlimited orange juice! OptiOrange Valencia is taking place March 5th-8th, 2020. There are teams planning to come on March 1st to train ahead of the races. Get your team ready and sign up today! Event documents and the entry form are now available. Please visit the homepage for more information. 📸 Denis Razumovich / OptiOrange Regatta 📸 Denis Razumovich / OptiOrange Regatta 📸 Denis Razumovich / OptiOrange Regatta 📸 Denis Razumovich / OptiOrange Regatta READ MORE

A POWERFUL COLLABORATION Thomas Coville On Working With North Sails 📸 © Fred Morin / Team Sodebo Four Ultim trimarans set off today in the Brest Atlantiques Race, a 14,000-mile Atlantic Ocean loop beginning and ending in Brittany, France. Amongst the fleet is Thomas Coville who is sailing on Sodebo Ultim 3. Coville, a multi-record holder who has logged more offshore mile than we can count, sat down with us in advance of this offshore challenge to chat about why he only trusts North Sails to help him bring the seemingly unimaginable to life. READ MORE

NORTH SAILS POWERS ZER°EMISSION PROJECT Proud Supporters Of A Team Set On Protecting Our Planet Baltic Offshore Week 2019 North Sails are proud supporters of the Zer°emission project; a project aiming to use the sailing world to influence the cleanliness of the Earth with a particular focus on sea pollution. The Finnish team began marketing this project in 2018, spurred into action by the realization that we need to start making real actions if we want the next generation to be able to enjoy the planet and climate. Making up the team is a combination of World Champion one design keelboat sailors and those who sailed onboard the 100ft Maxi Leopard which set the new ARC Atlantic Crossing Record in 2014. In November 2018, the group acquired a modern TP52 which had a complete refit to become ready for the 2019 racing season. The sailing world is a relevant way to push their sustainable message, not only because everyone in the team is an avid sailor, but because communicating climate and marine emissions through a sport that is powered naturally by the wind seems fitting. As explained by C.E.O. Samuli Leisti, the project chose to partner with North Sails because “it is one of the world’s strongest companies in sailing and we need strong partners to be able to deliver the message and create actions against emissions globally. It soon became clear that we shared the same ideology as North Sails, helped by the fact we have friends at North Sails Finland and Sweden.’’ Working with a diverse range of host cities including Palma, Sydney and St Tropez, Samuli explains that being involved with the biggest events and regattas in the world enhances their visibility: “It was very natural to start from our ‘home’ sea which also happens to be one of the most polluted seas in the world, The Baltic. Working with these cities, we clean up trash onshore and use the Seabin to clean the harbor. These actions alone are not enough, but they are enough to get people’s attention. This year we have met a huge number of people through events, as well as reaching millions through various media channels.’’ The Seabin is a hugely effective way of capturing debris, in fact, the team’s Seabin captures a mind blowing 1.4 tons of trash per year! This is facilitated by the catch bag which can hold up to 20kg before it needs to be emptied. Made from recyclable materials, the bin has a running cost of three dollars per day. When asked what the highlight of their season was, it could not be whittled down to just one. A very memorable moment for the team was meeting Greta Thunberg who stopped to take a photo with the boat during the ÅF Runt race in Stockholm. Another highlight was after the Hanko Regatta in Finland when the team left the harbour the cleanest they had ever seen it. But their best sailing achievement of the season was finishing second at the ORC Europeans in August. “We arrived a week before the regatta started and worked for over ten hours each day on the boat refit which made the performance of our sails even more crucial. After so many hours of getting the boat in shape, using worn sails just doesn’t make sense. Our North sails have kept us competitive, and we will invest in new North sails to prepare us for next season.’’ Baltic Offshore Week 2019 The team sail with a full North inventory including four mainsails, J0, J4, and storm jib, an A0 and A4 kite and staysail. Their most recent purchase was a 3Di offshore mainsail which fueled them through 50 knots at the ÅF Runt in Sweden where the team finished with an impressive third place. Sail designer Dave Lenz explains how the design of this offshore mainsail was developed using knowledge from North Sails’ involvement in the TP52 fleet around the world: “Because the boat is an older generation hull racing under the ORC handicap rule, we ran various in-depth size configurations through our TP52 velocity prediction program (VPP) model to stimulate performance in different wind speeds. Using our experience of the TP52 fleet in which we are very developed, we tailored this knowledge to the needs of the Zer°emission project.’’ The boat will move to storage for maintenance over the winter and in February she goes to the Helsinki Boat Show, the biggest show in the Nordics. After this, the 2020 season begins. “Next year,” says Samuli, “we are aiming for even bigger and look forward to racing in the biggest regattas in the Mediterranean, finishing the year sailing the legendary Sydney – Hobart Race in 2020.’’ Karvalakki 2019 Light downwind sailing during Baltic Offshore Week Bowman, Janne Westerlund READ MORE

Luxury Cruising Yacht Builder Picks Industry-Leading Sails to Come as Standard Hylas Yachts has been building award-winning luxury cruising yachts since 1985. And in a unique new partnership, North Sails will now be the first choice sail supplier for the innovative company. From today, all new Hylas yachts will be marketed with state-of-the-art North sails as part of their base pricing, giving owners the chance to experience best-in-market products for their cruising needs. The world’s leading sailmaker has long been associated with the best builders, regattas and yachts in the world, and after more than 60 years of pushing boundaries, the company has refined the art of producing market-leading cruising sails. The Hylas 57 and Hylas 60 will be launched in December 2019 and will offer North Sails product line, NPL TOUR as standard. NPL TOUR is an easy-to-handle radial cruising sail, delivering low stretch and a smooth, long-lasting shape that has set the standard as the premium paneled sail for performance-minded coastal & bluewater cruisers. And any client may also choose the option of an additional performance upgrade to a 3Di product. The family-owned company Hylas Yachts prides itself on ensuring reliable equipment and expert engineering, blended with comfort and style to suit every type of cruising. In a natural step, the partnership with North Sails will help Hylas enhance their customer experience, as no other sailmaker can offer the same range and quality of sail, combined with an unparalleled loft network around the world. Andy Huang, C.E.O. of Hylas Yachts said: “As our clients have become increasingly knowledgeable and sophisticated we try to align Hylas with those vendors that are best able to meet our demanding business needs as well as the very personal needs of our yacht owners. North Sails have won our trust based on values we hold dear – extraordinary quality, innovation, design and a global reach. What has impressed us most is that North is probably the world’s largest, and arguably best, sail manufacturer yet their dedication to the personalized service our clients receive truly enhances the Hylas ownership experience. We are looking forward to partnering with North Sails as we launch the new Hylas H57 and H60 yachts in 2020.” Peter Grimm, North Sails Hylas Project Manager, commented: “I have worked with Hylas Yachts for 20 years, and formalizing this partnership with North Sails makes perfect sense. With our familiarity with the Hylas Yachts and owners, expert team of designers and material engineers, combined with our technology and production capabilities, I am confident that North Sails offers the best possible products for every type of cruising needs.” “The North Sails attention to detail, from design through finishing, gives us the confidence to say our product cannot be matched. And because of the way our sails constructed, each sail we build is meticulous, allowing us to offer ongoing product development over time, as well as make repairs in a way no other sailmaker can. And you don’t have to go back home to do it – any one of our team throughout the North Sails worldwide loft network can make any repairs needed due to the breadth and depth of our global understanding of sails.   Learn More about NPL TOUR     READ MORE

PHOTO JOURNAL: DOCKSIDE IN LE HAVRE Setting the Scene for the Start of the 2019 Transat Jacque Vabre Sailing content creator James Tomlinson is onsite for North Sails to capture what it’s like to be in Le Havre for the start of the Transat Jacque Vabre. In the final day before the fleet leaves for Brazil, teams are making final preparations and double-checking their offshore packing lists. Follow @north_sails stories on Instagram for more behind-the-scene content before the boats set off on a 4,350 trip across the Atlantic. READ MORE

Mildew, chafing, UV cover tears and corner webbing and stitching degradation are common issues we are looking for when a sail come in for sail care. We can then assess and make repairs. READ MORE

ALL NEW ELLIOTT 5.9 INVENTORY FOR 2020 North Sails Announces Winning Inventory With the change to 3Di Raw 330 sails in the Elliott 5.9 class, we were eager to talk to the current New Zealand National Champion, Craig Satterthwaite about how his team achieved multiple victories using the new One Design sails. After the E5.9 Association announced a new model of boat, Craig caught the bug and raced at various venues which is how his team R&R came to be six year ago. Along with teammate Bart, Craig is from Auckland and first sailed an Elliot 5.9 in the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron Youth Training Programme. The team made sure to have plenty of fun both off and on the water, which is another reason why the E5.9 Class is appealing to Craig. Not only are B&B current National champions, they are impressive five-time National champions in a competitive fleet which ranges from 12-18 boats. Craig credits these multiple victories to having a strong crew. “Having a good crew is important. We have been together for a while so we’ve learned a lot from our mistakes and we know what works for us. We worked really hard on turning light air sailing into a strength which is not that easy when we always seem to be the heaviest crew!’’ Since using the new 3Di RAW sails for the past two Nationals, Craig has noticed key differences in the performance and handling of the sails, finding the decrease in material stretch leading to a change in sail stability: “When a puff hits, we accelerate rather than heel. 3Di sails are also easier to set the rig up for – it is very easy to change modes from the high slow to the lower fast mode and 3Di sails are easier than panelled sails to set up.’’ “When a puff hits, we accelerate rather than heel and it is easy to change modes from high slow to the lower fast mode.’’ Sailing with a full North inventory, Craig and the team used the new MNi-1 Mainsail which has been designed to make maximum sail area and to be easier to trim. B&B used the new-design 3Di RAW Light/All-Purpose/Heavy Jibs alongside the AP Spinnaker and flatter VMG Spinnaker designed for lighter airs. Craig explains how he felt the 3Di RAW sails responded to a mix of wind strengths: “With the stability and stiffness of the 3Di RAW sails, it is very easy to change gears as the wind increases. Rig tension becomes less important as the sails do not stretch. We are very happy with the sail quality – we sailed in big winds and saw no signs of material or shape damage.’’ Craig and the team onboard B&B are soon to challenge the fleet during the Omaha Regatta, with the New Zealand Nationals coming up at the end of the season. Craig Satterthwaite (4247) sailing well upwind with the nicely trimmed new-design MNi-1 Mainsail READ MORE

3Di OCEAN: THE ULTIMATE SUPERYACHT CRUISING SAIL Revolutionary cruising sails for boats over 60 feet 3Di OCEAN is the ultimate superyacht cruising sail, providing medium to large cruising yachts more choice within the North Sails product line. Everything North Sails has learned as the preeminent builder of superyacht sails for more than three decades has been combined with current state of the art 3Di technology to deliver high strength and a supremely reliable sail for cruising yachts over 60 feet. 3Di OCEAN sails are more durable and easier to handle than any string sail counterpart. 3Di OCEAN is a cosmetically beautiful sail where North design, material science, and 3Di longevity are engineered for the ultimate cruising experience. And in 2019, North Sails has continued to refine and optimize the benefits of UltraPE in 3Di sailmaking for the large boat cruising market. 3Di OCEAN is a true cruising product. Per Andersson, 3D General Manager for North Sails, led the development of 3Di OCEAN: “The successful launch of the revolutionary 3Di Nordac in 2017 opened our eyes that there was a gap in our product line to serve the larger boat cruising market. This is the reason we created 3Di OCEAN, a sail that has the benefits of North 3Di yet with a design that is more forgiving and easier to set up and trim. Unlike racing yachts, cruisers are normally sailing short handed and want ease of handling. Unique in the 3Di line of sails, OCEAN sails carry a specially developed woven exterior tape which has eight times the chafe resistance of our standard non-woven Endurance surface, which also adds greater UV resistance. A 3Di OCEAN sail will carry through a wider range of sailing angles and generally make your sailing more enjoyable.” A proven technology, North Sails has made 1,900 3Di sails for yachts over 70’ since 2013. Like with the introduction of 3Di NORDAC, 3Di OCEAN has been immediately welcomed by serious cruisers, with 200 sail sold in the first 12 months to boats ranging from 60′ up to 200.’ With perfectionist design and manufacturing built-in, 3Di sails are stronger, more resistant to stretch and more durable, delivering inherent value for money. The durability of 3Di OCEAN is underlined by the nature of all 3Di sails, which contain zero “mylar” film and are true composite structures, resisting strain and compressive forces in all directions. Being 3D molded, 3Di OCEAN sails are a more efficient use of material and manufacturing to meet the demands of global cruising yachts, including high resilience to UV, flex, and abrasion. And because there is no mylar, 3Di OCEAN sails will not delaminate. Andersson explains, “Using our patented 3Di technology to craft precise sails for each client, we use high Dyneema content with 3D molded construction to achieve the perfect cruising sail, which is very different from our racing products.” Adding even greater value, every North sail includes access to the unparalleled worldwide network of North Sails expertise and service. Wherever you cruise there is a North Sails loft and people ready to support your adventure and committed to world-class customer service, 24/7, 365 days a year at over 100 loft sites across five continents. 3Di OCEAN is available now. Click here to learn more. READ MORE

THE SUPERYACHT SPECIALIST The North Sails Industry-Leading Team Offers Unparalleled Support At North Sails we understand that every superyacht is unique. And this philosophy shapes the North approach to serving this premier segment of our sport. Each superyacht project combines North design tools with decades of experience, which is why we are known for finding solutions to any challenge. And with each new yacht, the North Sails team of superyacht experts is uniquely positioned to deliver an experience as custom as the design of each boat. Our Superyacht group is led by Jens Christensen, who is well-known and highly respected, and whose superyacht expertise is in demand by the world’s most high profile projects. Alongside him, North Sails has amassed a group of superyacht experts across design, sales, and aftercare sail service who deliver industry-leading customer support. “We are well aware that our products are only as good as the people that work for us,” Jens says. “We need to have the leading experts working for us across design, development, cloth, sailing, and everything in between to make sure we stay at the forefront of the superyacht industry.” “We are also aware that people want to go sailing for a whole lot of different reasons – some want to cruise the world, some want to focus on charter, and some want to race (and win). So making sure that any boat is fitted and optimized for purpose is at the core of what we do. We want clients to have the best possible experience whatever they are doing and wherever they are going. And we are able to do this through our extensive network of salesmen and designers backed by our world-class selection of product, Design Services, and our global network of lofts. It is a complete package for any boat owner, that is unmatched.” True to the company’s heritage, many North Sails superyacht sales experts and designers sail on the yachts to make sure they understand how a sail interacts in real terms. Jens explains: “When you have a ketch with an inner forestay, and you have to furl the jib through the tacks in St. Barths in 20 knots of breeze, you see the beating that everything takes. It is essential that we’re there with clients to see all the small improvements that can be made to a sail: the kind of details that you’d never know about if you didn’t get out on the water with the crew.” Expert Sail Consultation: A Stable of Superyacht Specialists The North Sails stable of superyacht specialists is second to none. Veterans such as Mike Toppa, Tom Dodson, Ken Read, and Tom Whidden are currently mentoring the next generation of North Sails Superyacht experts, who continue to work together to expand our ability to service clients. The coordinated effort by the North Superyacht group has resulted in location and personnel acquisitions that have helped shape the future of the business. In 2018 North Sails acquired the former Doyle Palma, enhancing our presence at the heart of superyacht activity. North Sails Palma, led by Quinny Houry, is now the largest sales and service site within our global network. We have also made other key hires to support the segment, including Andrew Schneider, Peter Grimm and the latest addition, sail designer Glenn Cook who was attracted to North from Doyle for access to the best tools and products on the market. Better by Design: World-Class Analytics To Deliver Optimized Performance North Sails goes beyond just traditional sail design. North Design Services is an elite team of engineers who help yacht designers bring an owner’s vision to life. Headed up by Jeremy Elliot, North Design Services works directly with yacht designers, project managers, boatbuilders, sparmakers and riggers to test and optimize virtually any part of any sailboat in any sailing environment, even before the boat is built. Analysis can range from determining load ratings for specific winches to complex relationships of yacht balance, target speed, wind angle, sea state, rig loads, sail shapes, ratings and more. Once the owner’s brief is understood, North Design Services works with all external parties, and alongside a North Superyacht sail designer, to create the optimum solution for the boat and type of sailing. It is a unique service that gives clients the very best solutions for their new boat. Superyacht Service and Support: A Global Network of Sales & Service As any superyacht owner knows, the journey only starts when the boat is delivered – support and service is a huge part of life on the water. And that is why North Sails have put so much time and effort into North Sails Certified Service. It gives superyacht crews and boat owners the benefits of convenience and experience through an unrivaled global network of sail lofts. In the last two years, North Sails has an expanded presence in Palma, Mallorca, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, and Newport, Rhode Island. With 14 dedicated superyacht service lofts across five continents, clients get the best service and results thanks to local experts, loft space, and technology. All of these facilities can handle the unique logistical needs of superyacht sails, including trucks, cranes and specialty sailmaking equipment. You will also find North Certified Service offered at key regattas on the Superyacht racing circuit. With a yearly maintenance check-in offered on all sails and a stringent 10 point inspection, the team works hard to ensure any issues are spotted early and dealt with quickly. But its the North Sails Blue Book that really stands the company apart from anyone else. The Blue Book ensures that wherever you are in the world, whatever loft you go into, your sail will get the same world class treatment as if you went back to where you bought it. It is a manual for company-wide consistency and depth of knowledge from the Pacific Islands to the Canary Islands and everywhere in between. READ MORE

NORTH SAILS OFFICIAL SAILMAKING PARTNER OF THE J CLASS Ramping Up Racing With An Eye On New Zealand 📸Carlo Borlenghi North Sails is excited to confirm continuing our partnership with the J Class Association as the Official Sailmaking Partner. Combining unprecedented experience and heritage in the class, the world’s leading sailmaker is the sailmaker of choice for the J Class fleet and is set to continue to provide support on and off the water as the Class builds towards and exciting year in 2021 as the current America’s Cup cycle culminates in New Zealand. The J Class Association was founded in 2000 to protect the interests of the Class, present and future. Class Secretary Louise Morton said: “The J Class Association is pleased to continue our very successful partnership with North Sails. North Sails will continue to provide on-site service at regattas, as well as helping to showcase our class to the wider sailing world. Feedback from our owners is unanimous that they truly benefit from the North Sails design expertise, global loft network, world class customer service and cutting edge products as the racing gets ever more competitive and international.” North Sails have an exceptional team working across the J Class fleet with relationships built up over many years. The team understands the needs and desires of the owners combined with their knowledge of the latest technology to ensure the perfect sail selection. Combining performance, strength and durability, 3Di is the perfect technology for the J Class and the owners have benefited from the ever growing expansion of North 3Di product offerings to improve and optimize performance. A range of North sails are used across the fleet to fulfill needs from racing to cruising, more advanced racing, charters and day sailing. “The J Class is a rare blend of classic designs using the latest advancements in modern technology,” said North Sails President Ken Read. “Following a raft of new builds, refits and renewed energy on the circuit over the last few years, the future looks bright for J Class owners as they ramp up racing with an eye on New Zealand when these beautiful classic yachts will be able to join the excitement of racing alongside the America’s Cup. The J Class boats are the most unique fleet of boats in the world and North Sails is proud to power the majority of the class. Combining the old and the new in a way that no other boat can do, the fleet showcases so much that is great about sailing.” In 2021 the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron will host regattas in the Bay of Islands and Auckland to commemorate the Squadron’s 150th year and celebrate the return of the America’s Cup to their shores. In the meantime, the fleet will continue to race at the world’s most prestigious events in 2019 and 2020, including the Superyacht Challenge Antigua, and then full schedule of events in New Zealand in 2021. 📸Breed Media READ MORE

NORTH KITEBOARDING COMES HOME We Celebrate The Launch of North Kiteboarding By Victoria Stuart With a hand-picked team of the industry’s most experienced and respected designers, engineers and brand managers at the helm, the freshly re-calibrated brand delivered their thoughtfully refined range of kites, boards, foils and accessories to market under the North Technology Group (NTG) umbrella on the 8th August. Kite-buffs around the world speculated if it was even possible – bringing to market a new premium brand almost twenty years into the sport? Especially with only one year to turn a blank slate into a full product range. But applauded for their intuitive, less-is-more approach to design, North Kiteboarding has rocketed, like their flagship kite the Orbit, above and beyond expectations. Alongside the product designs, the team were instrumental in shaping a new brand philosophy that holds to our North heritage while also inspiring groundbreaking innovative solutions. “The new North range is like nothing you’ve ever ridden before… bringing a high-quality, much needed, masterfully minimalist approach to their gear.” – Nathan Patterson, MACKiteboarding 📸 Vincent Schaap, Dakhla, Morocco A Powerful Alliance Under NTG North Kiteboarding’s return for the model year 2020 came about after NTG announced it would make a significant investment in its brand North Kiteboarding – bringing the design, innovation and manufacturing of its products home under the umbrella of the group and ending its third party licensing agreement. In January 2019, North Kiteboarding joined forces with world-leading accessories group Mystic BV under a new part of NTG called North Actionsports Group. This merger gave the brand instant access to one of the biggest distribution networks in the kite world, further strengthening its foundations and infrastructure. North Actionsports Group represents a powerful alliance of world-class kiters and experienced industry innovators and leaders, determined to make kiteboarding more accessible, sustainable, innovative and exciting. “I firmly believe creating great products is all about investing in incredible people,” says Mike Raper – North Kiteboarding Brand Director. “At North, we are always seeking, always asking; ‘Where can there be more power, greater performance, more intuitive intelligence?’. Then, always: ‘How can it be simpler?’. “I’m very proud of how our team has collaborated, working hard to leverage years of experience and passion and develop a high-performance range of gear.” Working closely with the NTG’s composite engineers and designers, North Kiteboarding is excited to continue leveraging the unmatched aero and hydro expertise the Group has within its portfolio. Engineered. Refined. Intuitive. “We are determined to drive the sport of kiteboarding forward through unprecedented technological development and an unwavering commitment to our principles,” says Raper. North Team Riders Jesse Richman, Jalou Langeree and Graham Howes after a foil session on the Hydro Canals captured by Content Creator Jonty Norton, with Mike Raper in the driver’s seat. 📸 Scott Sinton, MacKenzie Country, NZ Tom Whidden, CEO of NTG, comments: “We have so much technology within our group which we can better share with our fellow lovers of wind and waves. Sailing and kiting are equipment-driven sports – when you have the best gear, being out there in the wind, on the water is so much better – in fact, it’s the greatest feeling on earth.” Discover North Kiteboarding at www.northkb.com or join the conversation on: Facebook: @northkiteboarding Instagram: @northkiteboarding READ MORE

El campeonato del mundo 2019 de J70 se celebró en la localidad británica de Torquay entre el 26 de agosto y el 6 de septiembre. READ MORE

ETCHELLS 2020 INVENTORY North Sails Announces Winning Inventory for the Upcoming Season North Sails is excited to announce a new Australian model line of sails for your Etchells program. At the 2019 Worlds in Corpus Christi, we learned a lot about various setups and we are happy to share the options and sail models that will help get you onto the podium in 2020. Whether you choose our time-tested standard designs or these new models, we are confident we have the best product line for the upcoming World Championship in Sydney. Tuning Philosophy Traditional tuning has centered around adjustments to forestay, mast butt, and shrouds. These time-tested settings are in our tuning guide and fit a lot of different styles. At the 2019 Worlds, we learned about a new tuning style that keeps the forestay and mast butt in a more static location and then tensions and moves the shrouds. The goal is a tighter forestay (and subsequently straighter jib luff), which helps keep the leech stays open even when you inhaul aggressively; that reduces sheeting angle and maintains a symmetrical slot between main and jib. Our new Australian jibs (LM-6R, MAL and GT) are designed for a tighter headstay, while working perfectly with our PC-FM mainsail. If you choose to stay with a more traditional tuning approach, our radial jibs are showing impressive longevity; they are built out of North Radian cloth, which is quite popular in the J/70 and other small keelboats. These jibs also provide a wider crossover through the wind range. Which jib will be right for your program depends on your tuning and sailing styles. Need help deciding? Just ask. Spinnakers in 2020 Our standard VMG and FR spinnakers are still available for 2020. To this time-tested lineup, we now proudly introduce the FR-2 running spinnaker. This sail won the 2019 Worlds and shows incredible versatility. Andrew Wills, the Etchells expert at North Sails New Zealand, is very impressed with how the sail sets up. “The range that the FR-2 has is incredible. In the past we would look to swap out to a VMG pretty quick as the wind died, but with the FR-2, we’ve got confidence along a bigger wind range.” Designing winning sails is only half the battle; we also want to help you choose the right sails that will match your team’s expertise and tuning. We are your speed consultants, so let us know how we can help you perform your best at the 2020 Worlds—or whatever regattas you plan to sail in 2020. READ MORE

NORTH SAILS CELEBRATES MILESTONE WITH EMIRATES TEAM NEW ZEALAND New AC75 Launches the Next Generation of Sailing Evolution 📸 EMIRATES TEAM NEW ZEALAND / Grant Triplow The defense of the next America’s Cup began the day Emirates Team New Zealand won the final race in Bermuda, and the team just passed a huge milestone with the launch of their new AC75. North Sails, Southern Spars, and Future Fibres are all working with Emirates Team New Zealand to bring the designers’ vision to life and to help power these boats up onto their foils. It’s a bold step forward, and the next Cup is going to be like nothing the world has ever seen. At North Sails, both our experts and our software have been on a development fast track to accurately model the twin skin mainsail and understand the mechanics of this new technology. “Historically, an America’s Cup cycle marks the next generation of sailing evolution,” North Sails President Ken Read says. “This time is no exception. We’re about to witness one of the biggest transformations our sport has ever seen.” The joint efforts of Emirates Team New Zealand and North sail designers, together with North in-house developers, has resulted in a leap forward for our proprietary North Design Suite software in order to model and design the twin skin mainsail. “How it twists, how it supports itself, how does the weather side affect the leeward side and vice versa,” Read explains. “And how does it adapt to the mast and rigging from Southern Spars? These boats are like nothing we’ve ever experienced.” Burns Fallow, the North sail designer who’s embedded with Emirates Team New Zealand, says it’s been great to finally get a full scale view of what’s been on their computer screens for eighteen months. “This is the most researched boat I have ever been involved with,” he says, adding that a huge number of simulations have been performed. “I am so grateful that North Sails put the effort in early on to develop the analysis tools I need (via Membrain) to test ideas for this new double-skinned mainsail system. It is an exciting time, and the next few weeks will be a process of verification and learning.” Emirates Team New Zealand skipper Glenn Ashby agrees. “Without doubt, we are making history and pushing boundaries that were once thought impossible. The rig and aero package is already extremely well developed, but the learning curve will be near vertical for all of us over the next few weeks. I feel very comfortable with our pathway and the collaborative efforts of North Sails and Emirates Team New Zealand. The development work done by the rig and sail team has been immense, and I can’t wait to sheet on, in full scale, in the very near future.” All sails for Emirates Team New Zealand will be finished locally at the North loft in Auckland.“Our fantastic staff are certainly getting excited about the development of the boats and the trickle-down effect it could have,” comments Richard Bicknell, General Manager for North Sails New Zealand. “You can feel the buzz around the waterfront, knowing this is the first step of a couple of busy years.” The Cup will bring plenty of other work to the loft as well. “We’re expecting a lot of boats and a lot of people to come to New Zealand, and they will utilize the Kiwi ability to maintain, fix, and make their boats better,” Bicknell explains.”We’re already getting a lot of questions from owners of medium, large, and very large boats about what to expect in New Zealand. Whether it be new sails, sail upgrades, or service, North Sails are prepared to deliver a world class experience. And this extends to our other NTG brands as well, Southern Spars and Future Fibres. We know the entire marine industry in New Zealand is going to flourish because of this next Cup. And we are preparing daily to make sure that we are at the forefront of this movement.” Ken Read is excited about an even bigger picture. “The 36th America’s Cup has implications well beyond the sailing world,” he says, “because people stop and take notice of things outside the norm—and AC75 is going to be just that. Sailors and non-sailors alike will look at this next Cup and say, what the heck is going on with the sport of sailing? They’ll be wondering, “What’s going to happen? how is it going to fly?” “The bold companies are going to come out ahead,” Read predicts, “and when you come out ahead in the America’s Cup, you come out way ahead. The bold are going to win the next Cup, just like always. So at North Sails, we think Emirates Team New Zealand’s new design is a huge deal, and we’re excited at the opportunity of this next Cup cycle propelling North Sails innovation forward.” 📸 EMIRATES TEAM NEW ZEALAND / Grant Triplow READ MORE

2020 NORTH FINN INVENTORY Optimized Designs for Sailing Conditions, Mast and Sailor Weight 📸 Sailing Energy The 2020 North Finn inventory is customized to complement each and every mast individually. Our Finn Radial designs are manufactured from North Sails’ exclusive NLXi Technora laminate, while the Cross Cut sails are manufactured from Maxx Aramid laminate. Find below our sail selection charts which shows the sail that best suits your weight, mast and sailing conditions. WILKE & PATA MASTS WIND RANGE 5-10 knots 8-12 knots 10-16knots 14-30 knots All-Purpose Above 100 KG MB-1G MNX-1 95-100 KG MB-1G MHMNIX-1 90-95 KG MB-1G MB-1G Minus 85-90 KG MB-1G MB-1G Minus Below 85 KG MB-1G Minus HIT MASTS WIND RANGE 5-10 knots 8-12 knots 10-16knots 14-30 knots All-Purpose Above 100 KG LMMNX-1 MNX-1 95-100 KG LMMNX-1 MHMNX-1 90-95 KG MB-1G MB-1G Minus 85-90 KG MB-1G MB-1G Minus Below 85 KG MB-1G Minus Light/Medium LMMNX-1 NLXI-03 Technora Light/Medium MB-1G NLXI-03 Technora Medium/Heavy MHMNX-1 NLXI-03 Technora Medium/Heavy MB-1G Minus NLXI-03 Technora All Purpose MNX-1 Maxx 06 (Black) Standard Features: Class insignia, sail numbers, vision window, Epoxy battens, elastic batten pockets, plastic headboard, leech and trim tell tales, leech line, 7mm luff rope, long roll bag, World Sailing in-house measurement and class royalty label. Optional Features (additional cost): Carbon battens, carbon headboard, stick-on pockets, adjustable elasticated luff and country flag. For more information on the North Finn designs or to place an order please contact your local North loft. Please have your mast bend numbers available. READ MORE

MNR Series Delivers Enhanced Pointing And Ease Of Trim North Sails, the world leader in One Design, have added a new series of user friendly Optimist sails for the exciting dinghy class, completing their full range of diverse sail solutions for any Opti sailor. The new ‘all-around’ MNR Series delivers increased pointing ability from the radial bottom which allows the lower leech of the sail to stand up. Paired with the bi-radial design, the crosscut top allows the head to twist open ensuring boatspeed is maintained. As a result of the sail design delivering proper trim without constant attention, Opti sailors are able to look around for pressure and wind shifts, while maintaining speed throughout a wide range of conditions and tuning changes. North Sails Designer Mike Marshall says, “The new bi-radial MNR Series is the perfect Optimist sail for racers looking for a balance of pointing, speed, and keeping your head out of the boat. We wanted to create a sail that will give any Opti racer around the world a competitive advantage and the feedback from this sail has shown that sailors increase their pointing without sacrificing speed upwind or downwind. The sail overall is very dynamic and reacts well to all tuning options on the table in the Optimist Class. North Sails is committed to delivering the very best products, and we’re proud to give our young Opti sailors the best chance of succeeding on the water.” The new bi-radial MNR Series is the perfect Optimist sail for racers looking for a balance of pointing, speed, and keeping your head out of the boat. The sail is still very sensitive to sprit tension, offering Opti sailors the opportunity to make it fit any conditions. In light airs, or waves, where racers want a bit more speed, they can loosen the sprit as required. In flat water, or medium breeze, sailors can tighten the sprit and close the leech for extra pointing. The MNR-1 is the flattest sail in the bi-radial range, ideal for sailors below 34kg. The medium-depth MNR-2 is designed for sailors between 34-42kg. The MNR-3 is the deepest and most powerful, perfect for sailors over 42kg. Learn more about the North Sails Optimist products. READ MORE

NORTH SAILS PERFORMANCE SEMINAR Reserve Your Space Today | Portsmouth 10.25.19 | 1800-2000 As the Official Performance Partner, North Sails is hosting three seminars with ocean-racing expert Peter Isler, Race Meteorologist Chris Bedford, and local North Sails Experts to help prepare you for the Newport Bermuda Race. The North Performance Seminars focus on optimizing your sail inventories based on weather, navigation, racing strategies and beyond. Seminars are open to all competitors of the 2020 race. We look forward to seeing you at your local seminar soon in our Portsmouth loft. READ MORE

NORTH SAILS PERFORMANCE SEMINAR Reserve Your Space Today | Milford 10.26.19 | 1030-1230 As the Official Performance Partner, North Sails is hosting three seminars with ocean-racing expert Peter Isler, Race Meteorologist Chris Bedford, and local North Sails Experts to help prepare you for the Newport Bermuda Race. The North Performance Seminars focus on optimizing your sail inventories based on weather, navigation, racing strategies and beyond. Seminars are open to all competitors of the 2020 race. We look forward to seeing you at your local seminar in our Milford loft. READ MORE