How long have you been sailing and what classes do you compete in?
I have been sailing for 40+ years. I have sailed in many PHRF events over the years on boats from 22' to 70'.
I have sailed in the IOR One-Ton NAs and Worlds. I've also raced Beneteau 36.7s, Catalina 22s, Tanzer 26s, J/24s, J/35s, International 110's, MORC and Great Lakes 70' fleet.
I have competed in five Key West Race Week events, a number of Harbor Springs regattas, more than 20 Bayview-Mackinac races, 15 Chicago-Mackinac races, three Ft Lauderdale to Key West races, six doublehanded Lake Huron Challenge races. I've also raced in multiple Detroit NOOD regattas and countless local PHRF races on Saginaw Bay and Tawas Bay. My wife Debbie and and I have cruised all over the lakes and along the eastern seaboard as well for 40 years.
What's your background in the marine industry? What's your favorite aspect of working in the industry?
I have been in the Marine Industry for 36 years. I started a small boat repair business (Bay Boat Works) in 1982. I built small boats and repaired boats of all kinds. I added sailboat rigging into the business in 1988 and still do rigging today.
I started selling sails as a local rep in 1986 and have done that continuously since then.
In 1990, Meade Gougeon asked me to join the team at Gougeon Brothers Inc (makers of WEST SYSTEM Epoxy) as a Technical Specialist. While there, I helped boatbuilders around the world develop and implement improvements in boatbuilding technology. During that time, I also continued to operate Bay Boat Works and sell sails locally on Saginaw Bay. I retired from Gougeon Brothers as PRO-SET Epoxy Product Manager in mid 2014 but operate Bay Boat Works today.
I am very enthusiastic about the Marine Industry as it provides many challenges for the technically-minded individual. My interest spans the entire range of the marine industry from materials to boatbuilding methods to cordage and rigging and of course to sails and sailmaking.
What keeps you coming back for more?
I truly love being on the water. Every day is somehow different than every other day. Often I am asked how long it took me to learn to sail and I simply respond with: "my entire life; I am not done learning how yet"
What's your favourite thing about sailing?
I guess I do not have one favorite thing about sailing. I love to cruise and see new (and old favorite) places. I love to race, particularly with fun people at any level of competition. And as unusual as it may sound, I love to work on boats and find the most elegant solution that I can to any problem at hand.
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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