#NSVICTORYLIST: 420 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP 2019

North Sails Powers Two World Titles in Vilamoura

The ten-race 420 World Championships 2019 concluded with two North Sails powered teams claiming gold medals in Vilamoura, Portugal. Wizner/Ameneiro of Spain won the Open class and the Greek team of Spanakis/Michalopoulos were victorious in the U17 Open class.

Wizen/Ameneiro, who won bronze at the 2018 Worlds, headed into the final day with a 16 point deficit. They chewed their way through the lead established by New Zeland’s Menzies/ McGlashan in Race 9 and secured their place at the top of the podium with a final attack in Race 10. North Sails 420 class leader Riccardo De Felico watched the competition unfold from the coach boat. “The last day of racing delivered tricky conditions, starting with a nice 13-knot shore breeze and dropping down to 4 knots. The Spanish team played their cards well and maximized opportunities in challenging conditions.”

Greece’s Spanakis/Michalopoulos, using the North Sails M11 main, J13 jib and S-05 Spinnaker was hungry for gold at the 2019 Worlds after their silver medal finish last year. The duo had a competitive series with France’s Delerec/Rossi nipping at their heels for the top podium position. “I am very happy,” commented Spanakis. “We managed to finish first even though we had a setback the day before because of our protest. But, we came back stronger and won the Championship.”

It is a great day at North Sails when we see our clients climb on top of the podium and receive their gold medals. And it’s extra special when we have two gold medal-winning teams at a single event. This success fuels our motivation to continually develop products that deliver results. “North Sails is so dominant because we are able to provide our customers with perfect sails,” explains De Felice. “Our 420 range is easy to control and trim, they are fast in all conditions, and we select materials that allow the sails to hold their shape longer.”

Next up for the 420 class are the Junior Europeans beginning July 23. Good luck to all our North Sails clients competing, and sail fast.