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