I’ve been sailing out of Chicago since I was four years old when my dad decided to buy a Capri 22 Catalina. As the family grew, so did the boat, and we upgraded to an Alberg 35. We did Junior Fleet and graduated to Wednesday night beer can racing.
What boats/classes do you sail?
For the last 15 years I’ve been sailing the Rhodes 19 with active Fleet 12. I’ve also been sailing on a Dufour 36 P for the last two years, also competing in two Chicago Mac Races on that boat. My main position is jib trim, and I also make a mean breakfast burrito for the long distance races. I’m working on making a sailor out of my husband – we chartered a boat in Lake Superior for a lovely honeymoon.
What got you into the marine industry?
It was a lucky break that I ended up working in the marine industry. I was looking for a new job in 2013, and a friend told me about a temporary, part time position at North Sails they saw advertised in Scuttlebutt Magazine. I applied for assistant Office Manager, was hired, and survived my first Chicago Mac at North Sails the summer of 2013. In the end offered the position full time permanently as Office Manager.
What's your favorite aspect of working in the industry?
Being in the industry since summer of 2013, one of my favorite aspects is learning how many other people make a living based on their love of sailing and the variety of ways in which they carve out a profession – from dealers in faraway cities and towns, to local positions at different yacht yards, to sailing instructors and yacht club managers. It’s a bigger world than I had imagined. Another aspect I enjoy at North Sails is helping customers at events we host, such as the Chicago NOOD, Strictly Sails boat show, and North U. Seminars. Learning more about sailing is always a fun activity for everyone involved, and it’s a great way to get out of the office and meet our customers in person, which is valuable.
What's your favorite aspects about sailing?
My favorite thing about sailing is that it’s the easiest way be outdoors and get away from the city in a place like Chicago. It’s a whole different perspective on life once you get off shore. Second to that, I love making the boat go fast.
From sailmaking to performance apparel: an evolving partnership geared up for future challenges.
North Sails and the Yacht Club Italiano are proud to announce the formal expansion of their long-standing relationship into a comprehensive long-term partnership. This agreement officially designates North Sails as the Official Technical Partner for both sailmaking and performance apparel, marking a new chapter in a collaboration built on decades of mutual respect and shared maritime values.
The partnership, which extends through 2030, is not a beginning, but rather an evolution of the existing bond between the two organizations. By formalizing this alliance, North Sails and Yacht Club Italiano aim to align their goals ahead of the Club’s historic 150th Anniversary, creating a robust technical ecosystem that serves the Club’s members, elite athletes, and international racing calendar.
Alessio Razeto, North Sails Sales Director, emphasized the organic nature of this development: "Our relationship with the Yacht Club Italiano goes beyond a simple collaboration; it is built on years of friendship, mutual trust, and a shared commitment to promoting sailing among young sailors. Today, this partnership is further strengthened with the addition of North Sails Apparel, expanding opportunities forcollaboration and mutual growth. We look ahead with great enthusiasm to the upcoming season, which promises a calendar of high-profile events that will best showcase and enhance this shared journey."
This consolidated partnership reinforces North Sails' position at the heart of the Italian racing scene. By expanding its role to include technical apparel alongside its world-leading sail technology, North Sails will provide comprehensive support as the technical partner to the Yacht Club Italiano, organizer of iconic regattas such as the Loro Piana Giraglia, Genova Sailing Week, Bombola d’Oro, and Millevele IREN.
“North Sails has been a valued partner of Yacht Club Italiano for many years through its sailmaking division, supporting our sporting activities and sharing our commitment to excellence in sailing,” said Carlo Cameli, President of Yacht Club Italiano. “We are very pleased to welcome North Sails Apparel into this collaboration, further strengthening the relationship between our two organizations. This new agreement represents an important opportunity to enhance the experience of our members, athletes and events, while continuing to promote the values, tradition and innovation that define both North Sails and Yacht Club Italiano.”
The core of this extended union is the seamless integration of advanced sail aerodynamics with ergonomic apparel design. This "360-degree" approach ensures that the technical requirements of the modern sailor are met both on and off the water.
"Formalizing our partnership with the Yacht Club Italiano is a natural step forward in our shared history," stated Cedric Georges, CEO of North Sails Apparel. "Moving beyond our established rapport, this agreement allows us to work even more closely on innovation and performance. We are proud to support the Club as it navigates toward its 150th anniversary and beyond."
With a shared history as their foundation and innovation as their compass, North Sails and the Yacht Club Italiano are united by a unified vision. As preparations begin for the upcoming racing season and the milestone celebrations ahead, this partnership stands as a testament to their enduring dedication to the sport of sailing and the global yachting community.
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