WHO WE ARE: HUGH BEATON

Get to know your local sales expert

What do you sail? How long have you been sailing?

I learned to sail in Barrie ON, working through Lasers, 470, International 14 and small keelboats.

What boats/classes do you sail?

Early in my career I was introduced to the International 8 Metre, which quickly became my class of choice working with over 40 boats from 12 countries. The boats are beautiful to sail, and highly technical making them an ideal platform for North Sails' range of design services and 3D manufacturing. I have attended 21 World Championships winning 9 titles along the way. It has been very rewarding to work with so many great sailors, and to develop products and tuning guides for the class. Aside from the 8s, Hugh enjoys distance racing on the Great Lakes, and cruising with his family in the North Channel area of Lake Huron.

What got you into the marine industry?

I started in the marine industry by working at local sail loft during summers while attending the University in Toronto. During this time, I learned to design and build spinnakers - developing a passion for racing IOR boats throughout North America.

How long have you been working in the industry?

I joined North Sails in 1990 and was privileged to work with some great people in the Toronto office: Hans Fogh, Steve Calder, Bruno Dubois, Larry MacDonald to name a few.