NORTH SAILS BLOG

NORTH SAILS e THE OCEAN RACE Alberto Bolzan con la Squadra North Sails allo Yacht Club Italiano Ospiti delle grandi occasioni alla serata North Sails a tema Ocean Race Sotto la sempre ottima egida dello Yacht club italiano e del suo Presidente Gerolamo Bianchi ed il Segretario generale Nicolò Caffarena , Alberto Bolzan velista con all'attivo 2 giri del mondo in equipaggio ha parlato della sua esperienza , dei momenti difficili e delle emozioni che una regata di questa difficoltà gli ha trasmesso. Graditissimo ospite speciale il Sindaco di Genova. Marco Bucci competente ed appassionato velista. Ing. Michele Malandra uno dei migliori tecnici fluido-dinamici del gruppo North Sails ha interessato gli ospiti della serata con nozioni tecniche in merito alle peculiarità delle vele North Sails 3Di utilizzate da tutti i team della Ocean Race nelle ultime edizioni. La serata e stata anche l'occasione per ricordare Genova come tappa finale della prossima Ocean Race, un'occasione che siamo sicuri la vela italiana non si lascerà scappare. READ MORE

NORTH SAILS e THE OCEAN RACE Alberto Bolzan con la Squadra North Sails allo Yacht Club Italiano Ospiti delle grandi occasioni alla serata North Sails a tema Ocean Race Sotto la sempre ottima egida dello Yacht club italiano e del suo Presidente Gerolamo Bianchi ed il Segretario generale Nicolò Caffarena , Alberto Bolzan velista con all'attivo 2 giri del mondo in equipaggio ha parlato della sua esperienza , dei momenti difficili e delle emozioni che una regata di questa difficoltà gli ha trasmesso. Graditissimo ospite speciale il Sindaco di Genova. Marco Bucci competente ed appassionato velista. Ing. Michele Malandra uno dei migliori tecnici fluido-dinamici del gruppo North Sails ha interessato gli ospiti della serata con nozioni tecniche in merito alle peculiarità delle vele North Sails 3Di utilizzate da tutti i team della Ocean Race nelle ultime edizioni. La serata e stata anche l'occasione per ricordare Genova come tappa finale della prossima Ocean Race, un'occasione che siamo sicuri la vela italiana non si lascerà scappare. READ MORE

LE CONCEPT HELIX : LA VITESSE D’ABORD En vue de la préparation au Vendée Globe 2020, certains IMOCA ont bénéficié de nouvelles technologies dont la voile Helix. © Gauthier Lebec / Charal Plus de la moitié des IMOCA qui ont disputé la Transat Jacques Vabre en novembre 2019 portaient une garde-robe North Sails. Parmi ces IMOCA, six voiliers récents à foils ainsi que d’autres plus anciens ont bénéficié, en vue de la préparation au Vendée Globe 2020, de nouvelles technologies dont la voile Helix. Cette dernière redéfinit sans aucun doute la performance en course au large. Alors que ces bateaux dernière génération sont encore en rodage, la structure Helix semble un atout encore plus intéressant qu’on aurait pu l’imaginer. Gautier Sergent, responsable R & D chez North Sails, qui travaille en étroite collaboration avec les équipes IMOCA, nous fait le point. Quelles sont vos impressions aujourd’hui sur les voiles Helix en IMOCA ? Le potentiel de ces voiles est flagrant. Les charges sur le gréement monotype en IMOCA sont explicitement limitées. C’est précisément là que la technologie Helix intervient. Dans les premières confrontations réelles comme le Défi Azimut et la Transat Jacques Vabre, les bateaux équipés par North Sails, tels qu’Apivia et Charal, ont dominé les podiums comme les places d’honneur. La voile Helix n’est pas nouvelle à North Sails. Nous en avons fabriqué des centaines (plus de 500 même) et nous ne nous lançons pas dans l’inconnu. Néanmoins, nous ne sommes qu’au début de la préparation au Vendée Globe. En effet, nous apprenons énormément des bateaux dernière génération et comment tirer la quintessence du concept Helix sur chaque type de voile dans diverses conditions. L’équipe North Sails France et moi-même avons passé d’innombrables heures à travailler avec les teams et les concepteurs / designers pour affiner les modèles numériques et comprendre les critères de performance. Nous avons désormais entamé la phase de confrontation à la réalité, du développement du bateau sur l’eau. Les IMOCA seront menés en solitaire pour le Vendée Globe et en équipage pour la Ocean Race (ex Volvo Ocean Race). Il peut être difficile d’identifier les implications qui découlent des modèles numériques. Où met-on le curseur ? La question n’est pas de savoir si les voiles seront Helix ou non. La question est de savoir quel pourcentage de charge fait-on passer par la voile et ce qu’il reste sur le nerf de guindant pour chacune des voiles en prenant compte de tous les paramètres de dessin de voiles : creux, position de creux, rond de guindant, vrillage de chute etc. Pouvez-vous décrire la technologie de partage de charge ? On parle de partage de charge pour évoquer le ratio de charge d’amure distribuée dans le guindant de la voile par rapport à celle qui passe par le nerf de guindant ou l’étai. La structure et la forme de la voile sont conçues en conséquence. Cela semble simple, et ça l’est à vrai dire. L’astuce consiste à trouver le bon rapport pour l’utilisation envisagée et ce que cela implique pour la forme de la voile. Il s’agit également de trouver la bonne raideur de câble afin qu’il interagisse harmonieusement avec la forme volante sur l’ensemble de la plage d’utilisation. Pourquoi Helix et le partage de charge sont-ils avantageux pour un programme IMOCA ? Nous savions que la structure Helix conviendrait à la classe IMOCA à plusieurs égards. Premièrement, Helix permet d’accroître la plage d’utilisation d’une voile. Les changements de voile en IMOCA sont très pénalisants, comme nous l’avons vu dans le Défi Azimut et la Transat Jacques Vabre, riche d'enseignements pour les allures portantes notamment. Avec le système Helix, vous pouvez vous concentrer sur la vitesse du bateau dans un éventail de conditions accru et ne pas perdre des milles à cause de changements de voile coûteux. La deuxième raison est la limite de charge imposée par les gréements monotypes alors que les foils peuvent générer un couple de redressement dynamique nettement supérieur. En transférant une grande partie de la charge de drisse / amure dans le guindant de la voile, on diminue les tensions dans le gréement sans compromettre le devers de guindant. C’est particulièrement bénéfique quand le bateau vole sur ses foils, accélère et génère de plus en plus de couple de redressement. Enfin, compte tenu de la nature dynamique, pour ne pas dire instable de ces bateaux, il est important d’avoir très peu de devers de guindant pour que la forme volante soit stable et convertisse tout changement de vent apparent en force propulsive et non latérale. Les IMOCA ne sont pas autorisés à se doter de plans porteurs arrières sur les safrans, et naviguer dans une mer formée au large est un véritable rodéo, avec des accélérations brusques suivies de décélérations tout aussi nettes, un tangage et un roulis très dynamiques. Être capable de maintenir les forces aérodynamiques projetées vers l’avant atténue les mouvements du bateau et augmente ainsi les vitesses moyennes. © Jeremie Lecaudey / BPCE Quels sont les gains de performance permis par Helix ? La vitesse ! La vitesse ! Et plus de vitesse ! Helix apporte de la polyvalence, c'est à dire une capacité de réglage via la charge d'amure réduite, offrant la possibilité d'adapter la forme volante à vos conditions. La jauge IMOCA n’autorise que 8 voiles à bord et les changements de voile sont très pénalisants. C’est d’autant plus vrai que les nouveaux bateaux sont beaucoup plus rapides que la génération précédente à certains angles. Les milles défilent lorsque vous naviguez à 90 degrés de la route et que vos adversaires sont sur le cap à plus de 25 noeuds… Le 3Di est particulièrement adapté à la technologie Helix en raison de son ratio élasticité / poids inégalé. Un petit ajustement entraîne un changement notable de la forme volante. Le 3Di a aussi la capacité à supporter des charges élevées tout en gardant les voiles légères. Sans parler de la répartition minutieuse de la densité et de l’orientation des filaments permettant de gérer les charges secondaires sur le biais lors de l’enroulement. L’autre paramètre majeur est que les bateaux naviguent selon deux modes distincts : en archimédien (non volant) et en vol (en appui sur les foils). Cela signifie de grandes variations de vent apparent. Les voiles Helix délivrent une puissance constante et propulsive au bateau. On atteint alors des moyennes élevées plutôt que des accélérations furieuses qui se terminent dans un nuage d’embrun, l’étrave sous l’eau. Que nous réserve la classe IMOCA et comment North Sails assiste ses clients dans leur préparation ? Les équipes ont commencé à s’entraîner avec leur nouveau jeu de voiles l'été dernier pendant de nombreuses sessions assistées par l’équipe de North Sails France, puis à régater dans un premier test en compétition lors du Défi Azimut et sur la Transat Jacques Vabre en novembre 2019, première véritable course au large de ce cycle. Nous les avons aidés à mieux appréhender le concept et la performance des voiles Helix pendant les entraînements, ainsi qu’à affiner les détails propres à chaque bateau et à chaque marin. Nous avons collecté des données de navigation, échangé avec les navigants, identifié des gains et des améliorations à apporter et avons recalibré les modèles afin de poursuivre l’optimisation et atteindre le vrai potentiel du bateau. Tout cela nous permet aussi de mieux comprendre le comportement des bateaux en action et dans diverses conditions. L’équipe de service North a tout mis en œuvre pour assurer le contrôle des voiles et des derniers ajustements avant la Transat Jacques Vabre, une course majeure et très prisée. Pour nous comme pour les équipes, l’idée est de capitaliser sur les enseignements que l’on peut tirer de cette course. Le temps en mer, surtout en compétition est précieux. D’autant qu’en double, la cadence peut être un peu plus constante et la façon de naviguer plus agressive, notamment avec une pénalité à la manœuvre légèrement réduite. Mais ce n’est qu’un tremplin sur la route du Vendée Globe, et souvent le vrai premier test au large pour les bateaux nouvelle génération ainsi que les bateaux dotés de nouveaux foils. Après ces premiers enseignements, les équipes mettent à profit la saison hivernale pour effectuer des modifications sur leur machine et leurs équipements. Les prochains tests grandeur nature seront The Transat en mai et New York - Vendée en juin, deux courses en solitaire cette fois pour s'approcher un peu plus encore du format du Vendée Globe. READ MORE

WINTER SERIES WRAP UP Sailors Fly South For The Winter Series Events When sailors want to compete in the winter months, they head to Florida to sail in the winter series events since there are plenty of one design sailing fleets that are actively racing. Florida offers an astounding number of Winter Series events in various locations, so no matter what your flavor of One Design Racing, there is a series for you. No surprises here but it's just great to see our local sailors from Annapolis representing down there all winter long. Check out how many of our local sailing heroes have made the trip down to FL to race this winter. J70 Davis Island Series Ayacucho - James Gary, Travis Carlisle, Edward Gary, Pat Isherwood, Lexi Foos Building A - (Crew) Allan Terhune, Cate Terhune, Austin Powers Columbia - (Crew) Ian Moriarty Danger Mouse - Taz Coffey, Kristen Berry Down the Line - Dave Manheimer (JWorld) Phoenix - Peter Firey and Team Planet Claire - (Crew) Zeke Horowitz and Mike Coe Viper640 Sarasota Series Evil Hiss - Mary and Geoff Ewenson Caterpillar - (Crew) Austin Powers Gnixe - Bill Vickers / Chip Steiner J70 Bacardi Miami Series NINE - (Crew) Ian Coleman Empeiria - (Crew) Zeke Horowitz Rimette - (Crew) Allan Terhune Bazinga! - (Crew) Kristen Berry Weight Up! - Harry Brigham, Keith Hahn, Shannon Lockwood, Ian Moriarty Etchells Miami Series Playmaker- Allan Kelly Goombay Smash - Chris Larson Shades- Geoff Ewenson VX One Sarasota Series Alternative Facts- Paul Murphy READ MORE

MY FIRST SUSAN HOOD TROPHY RACE Zoe Folsetter Reflects On The 75 NM Overnight Race Zoe and her Dad, North Sails Hamilton Area Rep Doug Folsetter sail out of the Royal Hamilton Yacht Club and make it their goal to sail as many different boats as possible. Tell us about yourself and what you’re sailing? I currently sailing the Laser 4.7 / Radial and will be on the Ontario Sailing Team development squad this year. Before the Laser, I raced Optimists and was on the Canadian Team for 2 years. I was fortunate enough to race in cool places like Chile and Uruguay. I also sail two nights a week in Hamilton - on Tuesdays I race on a J/35, and on Thursdays I race with my Dad on his Viper. How did you start sailing? I started sailing at the Royal Hamilton Yacht Club when I was 6 in the discover boating program, and then the following 5 years, I sailing at the Stony Lake Yacht Club near my cottage. That was where I did my first regatta. It was a small regatta called the Cottage Club Regatta, where all of the boats are from the neighboring lakes. How old were you when you did your first overnight race? What race was it? I did my first overnight race when I was 12 years old - it was the Susan Hood race in 2017. The Susan Hood is a short overnight race starts in the evening in Port Credit and goes to Burlington, Niagara on the Lake and back. It takes about 10-15 hours for the faster boats and up to a day for the slower boats, all depending on the weather. How did that come about? My dad told me that he was doing the race and I jokingly asked if I could come, not thinking that there was a chance he would say yes. But he did! I really didn’t know what to expect nor did I know what I was getting myself into. Tell us about the boat, the crew? I sailed on a J 92 from Olcott Yacht Club in New York. On the boat, was my Dad and me, the skipper Andy and his 16 year old son, and the North Sails rep from Buffalo, Louis Johnson. It’s a fun 30’ boat that's fast, comfortable, and pretty easy to sail. What position did you have on the boat? In the beginning, when everyone was awake, I was mainly along for the ride but I helped out where I could, After people starting taking naps, I did a bit of everything but mainly trimmed the mainsail. Did you enjoy it? I really liked sailing the Susan Hood race. It's an experience that I won't forget. The part that I enjoyed the most was waking up in the middle of the night and seeing the stars and the cities in the distance. We won the race in our class and overall so that was fun too! Was there any parts that you didn’t like? There was no part that I really disliked, but the part that I liked the least was how cold it was. In the middle of the night, in the middle of the lake, I had on every bit of clothing that I brought with me. I was also really tired when we finished. On the way home from Port Credit, I fell asleep in the car before we got to the highway! How is it different than the kind of sailing that you normally do? Before the Susan Hood race, I had never sailed at night or done any long keelboat race. I liked the challenge of figuring out what the weather is doing and staying in the best breeze, and changing sails. Sailing at night is really fun too. Where there any other kids racing? To my knowledge, there were no other kids racing close to my age. I think that kids who are comfortable sailing on keelboats in any condition should definitely try distance racing if they have the chance. It’s an excellent experience to have. It will also get more people interested in the sport. What races do you want to do next? To start off, I think I should do the Susan Hood again because the first time I did it, it was smooth sailing, and I have not sailed much in rough water. I would also like to do the Lake Ontario 300, and if my Dad will let me, I would like to do one of the Mackinac races. What type of sailing do you want to do when you’re older? I am not sure what I would like to sail when I am older, but right now, I am really enjoying sailing the Laser and I would like to sail it for as long as I can. I also want to sail on more keelboats and do more offshore racing. READ MORE

IT ALL STARTS IN JUNIOR SAILING One Sailors Journey to Keep Sailing in his Life Nigel, third from right back row, has been involved in sailing since he was a tiny tot. Nigel Crosscombe began sailing at a young age through lessons at Etobicoke Yacht Club (EYC) thanks to his Aunt who lived nearby. From the get-go, Nigel became entrenched in the sport and loved being on the water. Fast forward 20+ years and he's still on the water and helping the next generation. When he is not in the classroom teaching, Nigel is a LF with Ontario Sailing, runs his own company focused on sailing education and still actively sails. He shares his sailing story and advice for clubs trying to get more youth involved. Tell us how you got into Junior Sailing. Growing up I had an aunt who was very involved in my life and she lived near a yacht club. She always very generous to my sister, myself. She saw a sign, advertising a local sailing program and she thought it'd be a really cool birthday present to gift me a week of sailing camp. I went to sailing camp and then I was hooked and you know, two weeks became a month, which became a whole summer and I wanted to get into racing. I tried racing and I had a really good time, but I wasn't quite old enough to take it seriously. From there, I progressed through the levels very quickly and then became an instructor and for me that, you know, I became a part of a community. What were your next steps once you became a sailing instructor? I tried the laser sealing circuit and I was really too young but I was still really keen to go sailing. At Etobicoke Yacht Club, they had a really cool program called the Next Generation Regatta where a bunch of skippers donated their boats and took kids from the sailing school out. The goal was really to get youth from the club and the community out keelboat racing. They'd let you skipper, I mean, they were on board to make sure you didn't crash. After that I found a boat that I clicked with and I, and I got involved in the keelboat sailing seam, sailing C&C 27 out of EYC. Through that opportunity, you know, that's when I really got to learn a lot about racing by being able to take a bit of a backseat role. Now, keelboat racing is what do for the majority of my sailing again. What is your best advice for yacht clubs or programs to get youth to stay involved? What do we need to do as a community to help keep people involved? We got a lot of things we get to do, but one of them is definitely to make sure that our sailing clubs are accessible, open and friendly for all. I remember when I was a young kid at a sailing school getting told by a member that we couldn't play over here and we had to go to play over there, and that was a gravel parking lot where they said we could go play. At the same time, you know, I have worked at a lot of clubs that have been very friendly and I've been around clubs that are very friendly for youth and kids. I think when you start looking at the age that you start losing people is around 18. If they don't become an instructor or they leave instructing to pursue a job related to their field of studies they might not come back to sailing. So you have some people who are involved in weeknight racing, but I think a lot of yacht club programs rely on owning a boat and for a lot of people in their twenties, which is when you people can't afford to do it. There's clubs that are doing boat sharing programs, such as National Yacht Club's 420 club where you don't have to own the boat but you still are able to participate in a racing environment, you still have opportunities to continue participating in the sport. What keeps you coming back? I love really growing the sport and supporting sailing in all the different forms, through the work I've done with Ontario sailing I've had an opportunity to travel with, see what sailing looks like. I grew up sailing in the Toronto area and it was mostly yacht club based programs. Now I've gone to sailing programs that are in the Muskokas that own one style of dinghies, a shed and they have fantastic programs. But I've learned that sailing looks different all over the place and, and to be able to support those clubs with their growth and development wherever they are, whether it's race or recreational programs, whatever their next step is. If there's a way that I can help them and, you know, give back to the community that gave me the best summers of my life. That's sort of what I'm passionate about in my work as a teacher. How did you create Crosscombe Sailing? I had a good friend who went to an overnight camp and they needed a sailing instructor to evaluate bronze five at the time. They didn't have a local instructor and he said any chance you could come to my camp this weekend? And, you know, a deal was made. I went up and I got to work with this camp sailing program, make a little bit of money on the side on the weekend. And you know, for me, I kind of really enjoyed that experience. As I started returning more to my work as a learning facilitator, I realized that there were a bunch of clubs and there was a demand for it . Especially with overnight programs and clubs, a little bit outside of the GTA and just to build capacity; there was a desire for training. Crosscombe Sailing really evolved out of the need for education, especially outside the GTA. A lot of Crosscombe Sailing has come from just saying yes. As long as I feel like it's an appropriate fit and there's a way that I can help them, just say yes to that opportunity. It's something that I've learned a lot through when I was traveling around the world that just say yes and you'd be amazed at where it takes you. What advice would you give to skippers and clubs to get new members to be involved? How would you get more youth involved long-term? I think that working with your local junior sail and asking them, in an overall club sense, to create a strategy on how junior sail and your club racing program can work together. As I mentioned, the next generation regatta where you're, you know, giving kids an opportunity to go out on keelboats, giving them an opportunity to drive, make decisions, it allows them to feel that they're involved and that they're not just turning a winch or sitting on the rail or getting told to go down below another racing started. Give them an opportunity to be involved and teach them, train them and they're going to return that investment that you make in them. Good crew aren't found, they're made. We need to grow the sport and work on making it accessible. We've got to work on that transition into sort of like what we, in sailing, call long term athlete development (LTD), which is essentially on the one side of the ladder, it's a pathway from being first contact with the sport to the Olympics. But on the other side it's sailing for life. The idea behind sailing for life is that eventually you might not decide that competition's not for you, but that's okay, because there's this whole other aspect of the sport that becomes a lifestyle, a community. READ MORE

NORTH SAILS e ALBERTO BOLZAN Alberto Bolzan racconta il suo rapporto con North Sails e il giro del mondo in equipaggio in una grande serata di San Valentino presso lo Yacht Club Italiano di Genova. Il velista italiano che ha al suo attivo due partecipazioni al massimo evento velico in equipaggio attorno al mondo con i team Alvimedica e Brunel, racconterà le sue esperienze. Alberto nell’ambiente si è meritato il soprannome di “Ferrari” per la sua particolare abilità a sostenere la velocità delle barche che timona. E’ un grande amico di North Sails, che ha invelato numerose barche su cui ha partecipato alle regate. “Ho avuto vele North Sails quando ho cominciato con l’Optimist e poi issandole ancora ho vinto due campionati europei con l’Europa – racconta – la vita di un velista si intreccia sempre con quella di questa grande veleria”. Alberto Bolzan ha un curriculum molto dopo l’inizio con le derive è passato alle classi maggiori, dai Melges 24 e 32 (con Mascalzone Latino) ai Farr 40 (su Joe Fly e Enfant Terrible), ai TP52 (Luna Rossa e Pisco Sour) e infine ai Maxi, con il veloce Esimit Europa 2 e Rambler 88. Triestino, ha fatto della Barcolana un impegno fisso. Nella sua prima partecipazione al giro del mondo, nato come Whitbread Round The World Race e poi divenuto Volvo Ocean Race e ora Ocean Race, era unico italiano ed è stato uno degli elementi fondamentali di Alvimedica. La seconda volta è stata su Team Brunel dello skipper Bouwe Bekking, che ha chiuso al terzo posto in generale vincendo la tappa più leggendaria, quella di Capo Horn. In quella occasione ha condiviso gli impegni al timone con Peter Burling fresco vincitore della 35° Coppa America. Il giro del mondo sarà il tema principale della regata, una regata che negli anni ha cambiato la sua essenza, e che nella prossima edizione avrà Genova come sede di tappa. Infatti la prossima edizione di The Ocean Race, partirà dal porto spagnolo di Alicante, nell’autunno del 2021 e si concluderà proprio a Genova, nel giugno del 22. “North Sails – racconta Alberto – ha avuto un ruolo fondamentale nel corso del giro del mondo, i Volvo 65 issavano infatti tutti vele one design North Sails, costruite in 3Di e ottimizzate per la durata e l’affidabilità richiesta da una regata che impegna gli uomini ma anche i materiali ai massimi livelli di stress”. Per North Sails è stata una esperienza importante per lavorare sull’affidabilità e durata delle vele. “Mi piace North Sails perché è in grado di proporre in tutti i mercati – conclude Bolzan - dalla crociera alla regata estrema prodotti di livello tecnologico assoluto. Sia il regatante sia il crocierista hanno a disposizione il meglio disponibile”. L’evento è il frutto della collaborazione tra la veleria più importante del mondo e lo Yacht Club Italiano. L’accordo, una inedita partnership tecnica tra il Club e la veleria, prevede una serie di agevolazioni per i soci, un ciclo di incontri e l’assistenza tecnica durante le principali regate della prossima stagione. READ MORE

A FEW OF OUR FAVOURITE THINGS North Sails Fashionistas Share Their Must-Have's We all have our favourite pieces of gear that we cannot leave the dock without. For me it's my sunnies, for others it's their foulies, and for some it's their hat. Either way, we all have those items that make our life better while out on the water so why not share them? Here's a few of our favourite things: UV Shirt The secret weapon to adjusting to temperatures on the water: layering. Beyond dealing with varying temperatures, UV shirts help protect you against harmful UV rays. No one enjoys a sunburn, they are literally the worst. Be smart, layer up and avoid becoming a lobster. My North Sails UV technical shirts are the best for this, especially on warmer days. Technical gear has come a long way meaning these shirts aren't hot and you can wear them on 20+ days. Even on cooler days, or in the morning, these UV shirts can help as a breathable base layer underneath a fleece. Vest While most people like a jacket of some sort to take on the water, I prefer to always have a vest. They are just enough weight to keep you warm yet not too hot; while also breaking the wind on those days when it's blowing. Plus the pockets are enough to stash tape, a knife and snacks. My go to vest these days has been the Super Light Vest from North Sails Collection, super easy to pack in your bag too. Sunglasses My sunglasses are my best friend when it comes to gear. I swear my eyes have become baby-like and can't function without sunglasses now. It's important to remember your eyes need protection as well when out on the water, not just your skin. Less strain on your eyes and no burning of your eyes are key. Investing in a good pair of polarized sunglasses (croakies too!) is never a bad idea if you spend a lot of time on the water. Salopettes Last but not least are salopettes. They keep you warm & dry while also protecting you from the elements. There is nothing worse than being cold while sailing (everything goes down hill when you are). In addition to the items above, we recommend such as headlights for overnight races and a good pair of footwear to help keep you steady on deck. READ MORE

WE'LL COOK, YOU RELAX Dinner Is On Us At CORA's March Meeting This has been postponed until April 16th. More information to follow. READ MORE

Purjeneulomo Ninirannan osasto löytyy messukeskuksesta, purjevenehallista, paikalta 7m140. Turon päivystäessä messuilla, Lauttasaaren toimipiste on kiinni 7.-16.2. Tervetuloa messuille! READ MORE

ARE YOU READY TO SCOR? North Sails Charleston is Here to Help You Prepare Onboard since its inception, North Sails Charleston is ready for another year of the 2020 Southern Collegiate Offshore Regatta at Carolina Yacht Club. The North Sails team in Charleston will be on hand to lend support to all teams in preparation for the the upcoming SCOR Regatta. The ever popular regatta has 13 boats and owners participating with crew from 13 different schools across the country. Taking place February 14 – 16, all teams will have the support of local experts John Bowden, Tripp Fellabom and Ervin Grove as they prepare. Our team will be on the water coaching on Friday the 14th from 1-4pm. Teams are encouraged to come out, meet their skippers and get out on the water to find their groove. As event founder Tripp Fellabom shares, "Chemistry on the boat is incredibly important." The team looks forward to seeing everyone on the water. READ MORE

3Di NORDAC AUF DER BOOT TULLN Das revolutionäre Fahrtensegel von North Sails Das 3Di Polyester / Fahrtensegel von North Sails ist nun 3 Jahre auf dem Markt. Ziehen Sie gemeinsam mit uns Bilanz. Wir stellen das Fahrtensegel einer 24-ft-Yacht vor, welches zwei starke Segelsaisonen hinter sich hat. Überzeugen Sie sich selbst von der Qualität und Langlebigkeit dieses nahtlosen und dreidimensionalen Segels. Für den ambitionierte Fahrtensegler zeigen wir auf der ausgestellten Lago 26 Großsegel und Fock in unserem anspruchsvollen Xi-Tourenlaminat. Wie fit sind Sie im Segeltrimm? Testen Sie sich selbst am North U. Trimmsimulator. Stellen Sie am Bildschirm bei verschiedenen Windbedingungen mittels Trimmmöglichkeiten, Großsegel und Fock möglichst optimal ein und gewinnen Sie bei unserem Trimm-Challenge. Ihre vergünstigte Ermäßigungskarte finden Sie hier. Nutzen Sie die Möglichkeit und vereinbaren noch heute einen persönliches Beratungstermin. Rufen Sie uns an oder senden Sie uns ein E-Mail. Wir freuen uns auf Sie - am North Sails Austria Messestand in Halle 10 / Stand 1022, 5. - 8. März. Ihr Messeteam Andrea Seidl, Hans Spitzauer und Ralph Koper. READ MORE

CHICAGO SEMINAR SERIES Enhance Your Racing Skills Join North Sails experts to hone your racing skills for the upcoming season with North Sails Chicago seminar series. In coordination with Columbia Yacht Club and Chicago Area Sail Racing Association, this three part series will help you prepare for racing both inshore and offshore. All seminars are free from 7-9pm however registration is required ahead of time. To register please email the Chicago loft. February 12th | North Sails Tactics on the Race Course Positioning yourselves to win. North Sails expert Allan Terhune has won eleven North American Championships (in the Lightning, Flying Scot and Thistle Classes) and was crowned the 2013 J/22 World Champion. He will walk you through how to call tactics while out on the water. March 25th | North Sails Distance Race Strategies ** POSTPONED TO MAY 8th ** Perry Lewis is a 40-year veteran of North Sails Chicago and local area expert. His race trophies include a dozen national and North American championships, and another dozen overall Mackinac race wins. Perry will be talking about how he goes about preparing his strategy for distance racing. April 15th | North Sails Offshore One Design Racing From racing to cruising, sail testing to helping his clients, Jack Orr is experienced in both inshore and offshore sailing. He has been part of the North Sails team since 1988. In addition, his years of experience in One Design with classes such as J/88, J/109 and J/111 allow him to share his real life experience to help educate sailors. Jack will be talking about offshore one design racing strategies + tips. READ MORE

Splitu Euro 2021. klase Zvijezda Dalmatinska flota će u suradnji s Jedriličarskim klubom Mornar biti domaćini Europskom prvenstvu klase Zvijezda u svibnju 2021.! Da ne bi bilo zabune, s obzirom na ustroj klase Zvijezda (Star, Stella) koji je malo drugačiji od onog kod svih ostalih klasa, kandidaturu za bilo koju regatu ili okupljanje može istaknuti jedino "flota", a ne jedriličarski klub. Zato je u uvodu istaknuta Dalmatinska flota kao nositelj ovog organizacijskog pothvata. Iznad "flote" kao veća instanca nalaze se distrikti kojih ukupno ima 21. Način kako su formirani distrikti nastoji povezati određena geografska područja u cjeline koje logički idu jedna uz druga. To često ne prati uobičajene obrasce na koje se povezivaju određene države u nekim drugim asocijacijama, pa se kod nekih većih država pojedini dijelovi mogu pronaći u različitim distriktima. Kako točno izgledaju distrikti možete pronaći na ovom linku. Hrvatski jedriličari u klasi Zvijezda sudjeluju u aktivnostima kao članovi 17. distrikta zajedno s jedriličarima iz Austrije, Bjelorusije, Češke, Gruzije, južne Njemačke, Mađarske, Slovačke, Slovenije, središnje Rusije i Ukrajine. Unutar 17. distrikta djeluje 26 različitih flota, a među njima su dvije naše. Po podacima koji se mogu pronaći na službenim stranicama klase, Dalmatinska flota je nešto ranije počela s organiziranim djelovanjem. 1952. godina je zabilježena kao početna godina u radu, dok je Kvarnerskoj floti zapisana 1959. kao inicijalna. Do Domovinskog rata u Zvijezdama se dosta jedrilo, ali krajem 20. stoljeća uslijedila je faza kad je ova klasa ušla u hibernaciju. U tom periodu se jedrilo uglavnom na starim drvenim jedrilicama koje su nostalgično obnavljane bez regatnih ambicija, a jedini ozbiljan pristup se dešavao u Rijeci iz koje su muški članovi obitelji Lovrović odlazili na regate širom Europe, te na Olimpijske igre 2008. u Pekingu i 2012. u Londonu. 2008. godina je ujedno i godina od koje ponovno službeno djeluje Kvarnerska flota, dok se Dalmatinska reaktivirala godinu kasnije. Od tada, najzvučnija natjecanja koja su organizirana u Hrvatskoj bila su Prvenstva 17. distrikta. Organizirana su 2009. u Selcima i 2013. u Biogradu. Kao zagrijavanje pred ovo EP bit će ponovno organizirano Prvenstvo 17. distrikta, a o svemu je malo više ispričao kapetan Dalmatinske flote, Marko Marinović. Mi se već dosta vremena trudimo dobiti neko veće prvenstvo. Već puno puta smo se javljali na natječaje, pisali molbe itd... pri tom mislim na moj angažman kao kapetana Dalamatinske flote, Tonća Stipanovića i Tonka Barača, a za ovu kandidaturu dokumente smo poslali zajedno s JK Mornar. Možda malo subjektivno zvučim, ali dobio se osjećaj da su nas svih ovih prethodnih godina nekako ignorirali i da su drugi dobivali domaćinstva umjesto nas. I tako da je sad došlo do toga da su zaključili da su nas malo previše zaobilazili i da smo mi na redu. Tako da me je prije par mjeseci nazvao Christian Nehammer, tajnik 17. distrikta, s direktnim upitom da li i dalje želimo organizirati Europsko prvenstvo 2021. Nakon što smo potvrdili u JK Mornar da i dalje imamo njihovu podršku, krenuli smo s planiranjem. Odmah na početku smo dogovorili format natjecanja. Vikend ranije... petak, subota i nedjelja, 21 - 23. svibnja... jedrit će se Prvenstvo 17. distrikta. Potom slijede dva dana pauze, odnosno premjeravanja za Europsko prvenstvo i potom se kreće s regatama od srijede do subote, 26 - 30. svibnja. Očekujemo vrlo velik broj jedrilica, tako da će nam biti popriličan izazov gdje ćemo smjestiti tako mnogo jedrilica s obzirom da one moraju biti u moru svih dana prvenstva. Marko Marinović, kapetan Dalmatinske flote Pojačane aktivnosti oko Stella kreću već u veljači za kada su najavljena dva višednevna treninga s belgijskim jedriličarima. Sudjelovat će većina naših posada, a jedino neće biti nazočan Tonći Stipanović zbog nastupa na Svjetskom prvenstvu za Laser Standard koje će se jedriti u Australiji. Ujedno će to biti dobra priprema našem dvojscu Mišura - Barač koji tradicionalno putuju na Bacardi Cup u Miamiju. Inače na Europskom prvenstvu može nastupiti neograničen broj natjecatelja iz pojedine države i nije bitan ranking na nacionalnim ljestvicama. To je ključno samo za sastav reprezentacija koje žele nastupiti na Svjetskom prvenstvu. READ MORE

SERVICIO EN TODA ESPAÑA Pregúntanos sin compromiso. 📸 Ian Roman El equipo de North Sails España ofrece servicio en todo el territorio peninsular e insular como parte de una estructura global que incluye 150 puntos de venta, 110 velerías certificadas y 1.600 trabajadores en todo el mundo. En España, North Sails cuenta con velerías en Cuntis (Pontevedra), Valencia y Mallorca, centros de ventas en Barcelona, Málaga y Santander, y un equipo comercial que abarca literalmente todo el país. Si tienes dudas o necesitas información, pregúntanos sin compromiso y te pondremos en contacto con el experto North Sails más cercano. READ MORE

CALENDARIO FEBRERO El calendario 2020 de clinics North Sails continúa en febrero. Tras el éxito del seminario de Moraira el pasado 21 de enero, nuestros expertos trabajan ya en la preparación del clinic que impartirán en Cartagena el próximo 22 de febrero. La flota viguesa de J70 decidió reprogramar el clinic de J70 de enero, que será anunciado en cuanto confirmemos nuevas fechas. Contacta con nosotros en info@es.northsails.com si estás interesado en participar o necesitas más información sobre los eventos organizados por North Sails España. READ MORE

ICHI BAN GANA LA 75ª ROLEX SYDNEY HOBART CON NORTH SAILS La Rolex Sydney Hobart reunió a 157 barcos para celebrar su 75ª edición. 📸 ROLEX / Carlo Borlenghi El recorrido de 628 millas náuticas entre la bahía de Sídney y el puerto de Hobart, en Tasmania, proporcionó un amplio abanico de condiciones que pusieron a prueba la habilidad de las tripulaciones y la preparación de sus embarcaciones. El ganador absoluto bajo fórmula IRC fue el TP52 Ichi Ban del armador australiano Matt Allen, campeón también en 2017. El equipo eligió un inventario compuesto por 11 velas, incluyendo un paquete completo 3Di para ceñida y spinnakers NPC. En opinión del experto North Sails Rob Greenhalgh, trimmer a bordo de Ichi Ban, fue una regata muy igualada y la ventaja estuvo en los detalles: "Resultó clave gestionar bien las transiciones que presentó el recorrido. Nos mantuvimos siempre a la vista de nuestros inmediatos rivales, pero conseguimos despegarnos especialmente por el acierto en la elección de velas y un buen trimado". READ MORE

NUEVA VELERÍA EN LORIENT Una ubicación estratégica por su proximidad a los mejores equipos franceses de vela oceánica. North Sails Francia refuerza su estructura con la apertura de una nueva velería en Lorient La Base, una ubicación estratégica por su proximidad a los mejores equipos franceses de vela oceánica. "La llegada de North Sails a Lorient la Base es muy significativa para nuestro equipo por el acceso directo a la oficina de diseño, con la que pasamos mucho tiempo intercambiando ideas", explica Franck Cammas, patrón de Edmond de Rothschild. La nueva velería cuenta con una sala diáfana de 500 metros cuadrados para dar servicio a los clientes de la marca. Un complemento perfecto para las instalaciones principales de North Sails Francia ubicadas en Vannes, en plena Bretaña. READ MORE

DISEÑANDO LA YOUTH AMERICA’S CUP North Sails New Zealand colabora en el desarrollo de los nuevos monocascos voladores con los que se correrá la Youth America’s Cup a partir del próximo mes de noviembre. Andrew Delves / America's Cup Los barcos, de nueve metros de eslora, son fabricados en Auckland por el astillero Yachting Developments, y el equipo North Sails trabaja con diseñadores y el sindicato Team New Zealand para desarrollar aparejo, velas y configuración de cubierta. El primer AC9F será botado en las próximas semanas. "Los AC9F van a ser barcos muy divertidos para regatistas jóvenes, especialmente en situaciones de match-race", avanza Magnus Doole, miembro del proyecto dentro de North Sails. "No serán fáciles de navegar, y exigirán que los tripulantes desarrollen las habilidades necesarias para competir en un evento como la America’s Cup". El formato de la competición establece tripulaciones mixtas con edades entre 18 y 24 años y un programa compuesto por una regata de flota en China en noviembre de 2020, una de match-race en Auckland en febrero de 2021 y la fase final en marzo de 2021. READ MORE

RÉCORDS 2019 Nuestros clientes continúan añadiendo registros históricos al dossier de récords conseguidos con velas North Sails. A lo largo de 2019 han sido varios los hitos alcanzados en diferentes disciplinas, y en los últimos cuatro años se han sumado más de 40 nuevas marcas al libro de los récords. Repasamos los más importantes de 2019: En enero, el ARGO de Jason Carroll batió el récord de la Pineapple Cup (2 días, 7 minutos y 44 segundos); en febrero, el Maserati de Giovanni Soldini, el de la Caribbean 600 (1 día, 6 horas, 49 minutos); en abril, el SHK Scallywag de David Witt (2 horas, 33 minutos y 53 segundos) y el Fujin de Greg Slyngstad (2 horas, 36 minutos, 33 segundos) batieron sendos récords en Les Voiles de St Barth; en mayo, el Rambler 88 de George David, el de la 151 Miglia-Trofeo Cetilar (13 horas, 50 minutos, 43 segundos); en julio, el La Fabrique de Alan Roura, el transatlántico oeste-este en solitario (7 días, 16 horas, 55 minutos); en agosto, el Edmond de Rothschild de Franck Cammas y Charles Caudrelier, el de la Rolex Fastnet Race (28 horas, 2 minutos, 26 segundos); en octubre, el Beau Geste de Kark Kwok, el de la Coastal Classic (5 horas, 27 segundos); en noviembre, el IDEC Sport de Francis Joyon, el Mauritius Route (9 días, 18 horas, 14 minutos, 45 segundos); y en diciembre, el OceansLab de Phil Sharp, el Around Isle of Wight (5 horas, 5 minutos, 4 segundos). ¡Felicidades a todos, y gracias por confiar en North Sails! Todos los récords North Sails están disponibles aquí. READ MORE

VELAS MÁS COMPETITIVAS BAJO FÓRMULA ORC La nueva reglamentación ORC para la temporada 2020 ofrece interesantes oportunidades de optimización de velas que podemos aprovechar para conseguir que nuestro barco sea más competitivo. 📸 Ben Zucker North Sails España nos explica cómo: El pasado 13 de enero, el Offshore Racing Congress anunciaba la nueva reglamentación ORC que se aplicará en las regatas de 2020. El documento muestra modificaciones que afectan a las velas y que ya han sido estudiadas por los expertos de North Sails España, que han identificado interesantes oportunidades para sus clientes. "La nueva reglamentación ORC 2020 abre un abanico de posibilidades para las velas de portantes que merecen ser estudiadas caso a caso", explica Luis Martínez Doreste, director comercial de North Sails España. Entre los cambios aplicados, hay uno especialmente significativo que repercute a los espís asimétricos. "Hasta el año pasado, se consideraba que un espí era asimétrico si la cadena media era mayor o igual al 75% de su pujamen, y especialmente en rumbos de través cerrado proporcionaban un beneficio frente a la regla", explica Juan Meseguer. "De cara a 2020, ORC ha cuantificado cuánto te beneficias con esa vela y lo ha aplicado para definir el rating. En vez del 75%, ahora se considera espí a la vela con una cadena media a partir del 85% de su pujamen". ¿Esto supone una penalización para quienes equipen códigos cero? En opinión de Martínez Doreste, lejos de suponer una penalización, abre una ventana de oportunidades si dejamos la optimización en manos de una velería experta como North Sails, que cuenta con las herramientas necesarias para conseguir un buen ratio con las velas de portantes. "Para aquellos clientes que ya tengan velas tipo código cero, estudiamos la mejor configuración y la adaptamos al nuevo reglamento. Estudiamos cómo cambia su rating y adaptamos la vela a la mejor configuración posible". Además de mejorar las prestaciones puras de nuestro barco, conseguiremos optimizar su rendimiento bajo la nueva reglamentación ORC, resultando en una mejor competitividad en regata. READ MORE

Matulji četvrti naslov prvaka Hrvatske Još jednom je prvo Prvenstvo Hrvatske u kalendarskoj godini, jedne od službenih klasa HJS-a, bilo organizirano u Rogoznici od strane JK Val iz Šibenika. S obzirom da je u inozemstvu Rogoznička uvala poznata kao "raj za RU jedrilice" lako je zaključiti da su u pitanju bile RU jedrilice klase IOM. Već 14. put se RU jedriličari okupljaju na mjestu koji je geografski centar Jadrana, na mjestu gdje se 2018. organiziralo Europsko prvenstvo ove klase. Ta centralna pozicija na karti se poklopila i s klimatološkim elementima koji omogućuju da Rogoznica često ima mnogo ljepše vrijeme nego što je u njenom susjedstvu, a to je pogotovo u siječnju vrlo primamljiv faktor za sve one koji planiraju provesti vikend na otvorenom. S obzirom da se šibenski klub već odavno potvrdio kao vrstan organizator i ovakve vrste regata, a Rogoznica kao izvrstan domaćin, nije trebalo puno da se popis sudionika popuni s maksimalnim brojem od 40 sudionika. Do ovog ograničenja je došlo s obzirom da SHRS sustav,po kojem se jedri na ovoj regati, dozvoljava da istovremeno na moru može biti do 20 jedrilica. A kroz godine rade se pokazalo da je optimalno kad se jedri u dvije skupine jer tada svi sudionici imaju dovoljno vremena i za jedrenje, a i za odmor između pojedinih plovova. Najveći teret je tada na presuditeljima koji moraju presuđivati na moru za obje grupe, a također i donositi odluke u eventualnim kasnijim prosvjedima, odnosno članovima Regatnog odbora koji stalno moraju pratiti situaciju s vjetrom i korekcijama bova omogućavati regularne uvjete za natjecanje. Od prijavljenih 40 natjecatelja 15 je bilo članova HJS-a, a ono što posebno veseli kako organizatore, tako i članove RU klase je to što je ovo bila već druga godina za redom kad se među njima pojavilo i jedno novo lice. Lani je to bio prvi junior nakon dugo vremena, Bruno Marević, a ovogodišnji premijerni nastup u Rogoznici je imao Tomislav Bezić. Standardno otvaranje regate je bilo s navigacijskim jedrenjem oko Rogozničkog poluotoka. Međutim, u petak je zapuhalo tek oko 11 sati. S obzirom da je kompletna ruta navigacije duga oko 3.5 NM, a start klasičnog jedrenja oko oznaka predviđen za 12:30 odlučeno je da se jedre samo prva i treća etapa, a najdulja da se ove godine izostavi iz programa. Kako je vrijeme jedrenja bilo ograničeno start je dan s vjetrom u krmu, nije se postavljala dodatna privjetrinska oznaka. S obzirom na uvjete i broj jedrilica (ovdje nema ograničenja na veličinu grupe) koje su imale namjeru prijeći startnu liniju, nije se isplatilo igrati s rizikom prijestupa. Zato su svi pažljivo odradili ovaj kritični dio plova i krenuli u lov na svaki namreškani dio morske površine. Pokušavana su imalo ekstremnija odvajanja od grupe, ali u tom prvom dijelu regate je najviše profitirala sredina i jedrenje po najkraćoj ruti. Tek nakon obilaska prve oznake (na karti žuta oznaka - Mark) svježe je zapuhalo iz E-SE i dionica preko mosta je odjedrena praktički u "vlakiću" i tek nakon "control gatea 1" ponovno kreće taktičko nadmudrivanje i biranje prolaska rutom bliže kopnu ili više u sredini uvale. Flota se u principu podijelila u tri skupine. Prvih 5-6 jedrilica se dosta odvojilo na čelu, a zatim jedna veća skupina i zatim društvo sa začelja. U principu standardan rasplet na kraju, osim što se desio jedan presedan u vidu ulaska mađarskog jedriličara Lászla Csóke kao pobjednika u cilj etape. Iza njega završava Ante Kovačević, te još dva mađara ispred najboljeg od talijanskih predstavnika. Prvi idući hrvatski predstavnik je tek na 8. mjestu. Ove godine su se zamijenile uloge... a jedrila se još samo jedna etapa... Nakon kratke pauze nakon što je posljednji ušao u cilj, RO je pokrenuo predstartnu proceduru za povratak na Miline, dio Rogoznice pred ulazom u marinu Frapa od kuda je i krenulo navigacijsko jedrenje. Po sad već pomalo formiranom laganom SE-S krenulo se ponovno u krmu. Ovog puta jedrenje je bilo značajno brže. Scenario sličan prethodnom... nekoliko jedrilica se izdvaja na čelu, potom velika grupa i nekoliko jedrilica na začelju. Međutim ovog puta flotu je predvodio domaći jedriličar Boris Bakotić. Njemu je za rukom pošlo ponoviti ono što je napravio László Csóka u prošloj etapi, ali nažalost je Boris bio dosta sporiji u tada, pa se nije mogao nadati dobrom generalnom rezultatu. Zato je László jedrio u jednakom stilu kao što je i otvorio navigacijsko jedrenje i ulazi u cilj odmah iza Borisa. U konačnici je cijela flota bilo mnogo brža, a osim Borisovog skoka na prvo mjesto, ostali akteri u vrhu su bili isti kao u prvoj etapi. Međutim, u ovoj revijalnoj regati jedini tko je na kraju bitan je pobjednik, a kao što ste pretpostavili to je ovaj put bio HUN 23 - László Csóka. To je bio tek drugi put da je trofej pobjednika Rogozničke navigacije otišao van granica Hrvatske. Prvi stranac kojem je to pošlo za rukom bio je talijanski jedriličar Matteo Longhi 2011. godine. Kako su prošli ostali možete vidjeti u rezultatima na ovom linku. Prva iduća točka programa, a prije početka jedrenja Prvenstva Hrvatske, bilo je premjeravanje jedrilica. Od svih pravilima dozvoljenih kombinacija provjeravanja opreme i zadovoljavanja pravila, izabrana je najjednostavnija. To je vaganje ukupne mase jedrilice, kompletno opremljene s najtežim kompletom jedara i baterijama. Ta masa ne smije biti manja od 4000 grama. Svi koji nisu zadovoljavali ovo pravilo morali su u trup ubaciti dodatni balast i tek nakon što su svi zadovoljili ovaj nužni uvjet moglo se krenuti s kvalifikacijskim jedrenjima. SHRS sustav predviđa šest kvalifikacijskih jedrenja nakon kojih se formiraju zlatna i srebrena jakosna skupina. Kvalifikacijske skupine su svaki put različite, a formiraju se na osnovu rezultata prethodnog plova, dok je samo za prvi plov sastav skupina određen položajem na rang ljestvici za hrvatske jedriličare, a slučajnom metodom za inozemne sudionike regate. Južin koji je puhao na drugoj etapi navigacije držao je skoro cijelo poslijepodne i regatno polje je postavljeno u skladu s njim. Po tim uvjetima odjedrena su po četiri plova za obje skupine. Rezultati su bili dosta "šareni" i za dio jedriličara se nije moglo prognozirati u koju finalnu skupinu će upasti. U svakom slučaju trebalo je pričekati subotu, pa da se završi cijeli kvalifikacijski ciklus s obzirom da su u kvalifikacijama dva odbacivanja! Subota je po prognozi trebala ponovno biti u znaku laganog južina, ali je Rogoznica bila u znaku laganog levanta koji ipak nije otišao u desno za suncem. Iako je puhao skoro cijeli dan ipak nije bio dovoljno stabilan da bi se moglo odjedriti dosta plovova. Uglavnom, završile su se kvalifikacije. Deset hrvatskih jedriličara je ušlo u zlatnu skupinu, dok ih je petorica morala nastaviti jedriti u srebrenoj. U jednom trenutku je vjetar okrenuo na NW i cijelo polje se zarotiralo ali nažalost nije dugo potrajalo... sve nade svih sudionika su se okrenule prema nedjelji i da će zaista probiti bura koja je bila u najavi za cijeli Jadran. Na obostrano zadovoljstvo svih uključenih u regatu, bura je uistinu i zapuhala u nedjelju. Preko 10-12 čvorova je puhalo od samog jutra, da bi se kasnije tijekom dana u refulima dizala i na preko 15 čvorova! Ove granične vrijednosti su dijelom bile i razlogom zašto su flote bile mješovitog karaktera po pitanju jedrilja koja su se koristila. Većinu jedrenja jedriličari su kalkulirali da li da jedre s najvećim jedrima ili da se prebace na srednji komplet. Po pitanju brzina u orcu uglavnom su bile slične za oba kompleta. Mala razlika bi se javila u kutu jedrenja, ali najveća razlika je bila vidljiva prilikom jedrenja dionica niz vjetar. Dok ne bi stizali refuli brzine su bile malo više u korist veće kvadrature, ali kad bi "stisnuo" reful jedrilice s velikim jedrima su doslovno jedrile slalom izmeu onih s manjim, sve do trenutka kad više ne bi mogli kontrolirati kretanje i s "nose diveom" nekontrolirano štraorcaju. Ovo su bili uvjeti po kojima se najbolje vidjela razlika među jedriličarima, a i među njihovim bolidima. Velika većina jedrilica na regatnom polju je bila od poznatih i provjerenih proizvođača, ali Kantun 2, Zvonka Jelačića je apsolutno dominirao, pogotovo po jakom vjetru! Čak prvih 13 jedrilica u generalnom plasmanu su bile K2! Što se tiče borbe za vrh ona se vodila između Roberta Matulje iz JK Opatija i Ante Kovačevića iz JK Zenta. Ostali nisu mogli pratiti njihov tempo i nadmetanje je bilo napeto do samog kraja. Jedini Kovačevićev kiks je bio u predzadnjem plovu kad je imao DNF. Nakon toga se definitivno otvorio prostor koji je Matulja izvrsno iskoristio i s pobjedom u posljednjem plovu potvrdio svoj četvrti naslov prvaka! Ukupni rezultati regate mogu se pronaći ovdje. A evo i kratkog razgovora s novim prvakom Hrvatske. Inače, ovo mu je drugi naslov koji je osvojio u Rogoznici: Ove godine je konkurencija malo iznenadila po pitanju inozemnih natjecatelja. Nekolicina ih se dignula jedan viši nivo, pogotovo László Csóka iz Mađarske koji je završio na 5. mjestu. Šteta je što su falili neki naši vrlo dobri jedriličari, a svi ostali smo bili manje više tu gdje smo svi očekivali. Tako su završili i talijani koji su s nama jedrili na Europskom prvenstvu. Završili su u prvih 15 i to je po mom mišljenju za sada njihov doseg, a tu je također bio i turski predstavnik Kaya Dinar koji je na prošlom SP završio 34. Ostali strani predstavnici bili su uglavnom u srebrenoj skupini koja je neka njihova realnost s obzirom na našu trenutnu snagu. Mislim da je jedrenje u nas trenutno na stvarno visokom nivou. Evo nakon dužeg vremena ponovno vidimo i nova lica među splitskim jedriličarima, a moram reći da i kod nas u Opatiji ima nekih osvježenja. S nama su počeli povremeno trenirati Boris Rosović i Damir Puhar. Inače jedre za JK Orion iz Mošćeničke Drage, ali treniraju s nama u Opatiji. Istina, u Opatiji nam nedostaju juniori u IOM-u, dok klinci iz kluba tu i tamo znaju zajedriti u RG65. Uglavnom je to još kroz zezanje, tako da još neko vrijeme neće iz te skupine isplivati neko novo ime. Ali nadamo se da će se i to popraviti. Tako da smo ja i Robert Grubiša manje više sami na treninzima kojih je bilo nešto manje u posljednje vrijeme dok sam ja bio bez jedrilice... do prije 15 dana sam jedrio sa starim bratovim Lintelom ali evo sam i ja sad član K2 flote :) Sad se nadam da ćemo odjedriti sve naše zimske regate, a možda otići na po jednu regatu u Italiju i Mađarsku. Jedino što je još upitno u sezoni ispred nas je Europsko prvenstvo koje će se jedriti u talijanskom Orbetellu od 25. travnja do 2. svibnja. Što se tiče samog Kantuna 2 i kratkog vremena kojeg sam imao za prilagodbu na njega, mogu reći da ga ne mogu usporediti niti s jednom drugom jedrilicom koju sam vozio. Jedan osjećaj je po laganom vjetru, a s druge strane je strašno dominantan po jakom vjetru. Moram reći da mi se njegove maritivne mogućnosti generalno sviđaju, dok bi se o vizualnom dojmu moglo raspravljati :) I za kraj želim pohvaliti sve koji su bili uključeni u organizaciju i suđenje, savršeno odrađena regata! Robert Matulja, JK Opatija Kao što je bilo i najavljeno, u Rogoznici se jedrilo i s jedrilicama klase RG65. Sudjelovali su maleni rogožnjanci, primoštenci i splićani, a stiglo je i nekoliko seniora. I ove jedrilice su se uspješno nosile s burom, a priliku za upoznavanje s RU jedriličarstvom na svim razinama iskoristili su juniori JK Split koji su stigli iz Splita na studijsko putovanje s praktičnim vježbama. Inače, u ovom klubu se nakon dosta vremena ponovno organizirala modelarska radionica, a u sklopu nabavke opreme nabavljeno je i 8 jedrilica klase RG65, te se nadamo da će i taj klub postati još jedno jako uporište ovog vida jedrenja u Hrvatskoj. Kompletnu fotogaleriju ovog atraktivnog vikenda u Rogoznici možete pronaći na ovom linku, dok kratki video presjek nedjeljnih jedrenja možete pronaći u video galeriji. READ MORE

THE YEAR AHEAD North Sails Experts Share Their 2020 Season Hopes We had a great year in 2019, from distance races to weeknight racing to Saturday cruises, our time on the water was fantastic. As we start the New Year ahead, our team shares what they're looking forward to this sailing season and what makes them excited to get back out on the water. Doug Folsetter J/70 Canadians at Charlottetown Race Week. I'm looking forward to sailing with friends and visiting PEI as I've never been there. Mike Wolfs Sailing on the new Saffier 37 lounge coming from Amsterdam. Hugh Beaton I'm looking forward to delivering new modern cruising sails we've been working on all winter and doing sea trials with them. For racing, I'm excited for the 8 Metre Worlds in Enkhuizen, Netherlands. Louisa Bobyk All racing this summer. I'm excited for the 2nd annual Raft Party Race as well as J Fest at Etobicoke Yacht Club. Combined with some weekend sailing with the family, I think it will be a fun summer on the water. Have an event you're looking forward to this summer? Or want to share a local activity you think we should be apart of? Let us know. We're always looking for new and exciting things to sail, support and share on the Great Lakes. Email us today. READ MORE

CUSTOMER SPOTLIGHT: TOM MULDER An Extra Special Christmas For Sailing Enthusiasts Now that the holidays are over and we focus on what’s ahead in 2020, I was able to get in touch with Tom Mulder about a very special gift from his parents on Christmas and ask him a few questions about his new North Sails, his sailing past, and a peculiar question about the Edmund Fitzgerald. I had the pleasure of speaking with your dad about a very nice Christmas gift that you received last month for Christmas….a new set of white North Sails for your Harpoon boat. Did you have any idea that they might do something like this? How it all started was your previous location was in Grosse Point if I remember correctly, off Mack I think. I I’ve had my Boston Whaler since 1988, 32 years now. It had original sails, I’m the second owner. Those sails after 42 some years, started to decay obviously. I kept them in good condition, kept them protected obviously, and what not. I figured that right now would be a good time to replace the sails, both the jib and the mainsail. Since we knew that you had an office location nearby to get in contact with you guys. And as we found out, you can do repairs as well as fabricate sails at your location. That’s really what started it, to contact you guys North Sails Detroit> to help us replace sails. I was under the impression that this was going to be a surprise. Was it supposed to be a surprise? Yes, it eventually ended up as a surprise. It started out as, especially leading to a place-- Both my wife and I live down here in North Carolina and my parents are still up in the Metro Detroit area, so it was behooving them and us to see local availability for them. And for us to see if you could either repair them or if the sails were not repairable, if you could replace them. We knew that the sails were going to get dropped off. I wasn’t quite sure if they had resolved whether the sails could be repaired or not or if they were just going to get replaced. What thoughts were going through your head when they told you about the new sails? So when they came down here just a couple weeks ago for our son’s birthday, they showed us the pictures of the new sails and the new sail bags. They were actually fantastic. The new sails looked absolutely wonderful. I am so very excited for summer time to get back up to Michigan and put the sails on the boat and get out on the water. Your Dad mentioned that you are a bit of a North Sails enthusiast. How did you originally discover North Sails and what about the North product do you appreciate the most? It was kind of by happenstance. In the late 80’s my cousin-- both my mom and my dad’s side are from the west side of Michigan, Holland and Grand Rapids area. I have several cousins over in Muskegon and one of my cousins invited me out there to go sailing with him. I had never been sailing before, it was about ‘87. I ended up being a part of his crew, if I remember correctly on a 27’ J-Boat and well, he had North Sails. Ironically at the time my other cousin, his brother was on the boat and then their sister, my other cousin was on a different boat. I just was enamored. I got the sailing bug. Right away. With the experience of the North Sails that he had and the equipment I just thought-- it was one of those things that I had a great experience, fantastic sailing and just thought instead of trying to change something, I’ll just stick with it. Ironically within about a year I had bought my Boston Whaler and that came with 2 North Sails on it, a jib and a main and just stayed with it. Didn’t look at Hood or any other type of sailmaker. I Kind of thought, just stay with North. We never had any problems with any of the sails or durability so it’s been great. Your dad said that you were adamant about white sails, no other colors, can you elaborate? Yeah, I know through just experience and racing and watching on TV growing up in that timeframe, before the current sails I’ve always just wanted white sails with numbers for personal and for racing thoughts. That was it. No colors. I know with spinnakers we can get colors, but for me it’s always been about just a clean white sail on the blue waters. Your Dad claims that you made a model of the Edmund Fitzgerald when you were a kid. Could you tell me what inspired you about this particular boat that now lies on the bottom of Lake Superior? I did; out of a 2x4. Living in Michigan, it was the inland lakes where we have had cottages and where my boat currently is- at my parent’s cottage. I love the great lakes, the freighters, the lake boats. I don’t quite remember how I got caught on that bug, with the Edmund Fitzgerald, but I’ve had that knowledge with me and that desire to just obtain as much information as I could. I still have the information with me, as well as the documentaries and books that have been published. It came to a point where while my grandparents on my mom’s side were still alive, I made a USS Constitution for my grandpa and grandma. I just thought why couldn’t I? It didn’t seem too complicated that I make an Edmund Fitzgerald out of wood by myself. I started with the hull out of wood from a 2x4, and then taking cardboard to create the super-structure, all the forward and aft. And it worked out pretty good, not too bad for that age that I was and ironically when my parents came down last fall, they brought the original boat down with them. I still have it here, in my possession. Did you carve it? The hull was carved and shaped into the bow structure and then the stern was rounded. I didn’t get into the finite details of under the hull of it with the propeller or the tiller, or the rudder. I just did to whatever accent I could. And just sort of made out of cardboard, thin cardboard, the super-structure from there. I took a little bit of architectural license with it, but it was quite good. Do you have any stories from your past that may have helped shape your appreciation of the sport of sailing? I will say this. Part of the official sailing experience with my cousins on Lake Muskegon was, if I remember correctly, I was there for about 4 days. We sailed on Wednesday or Thursday qualifying and the race was on a Saturday. On the qualifying, off of Lake Michigan there was a squall that came in. I remember being on Lake Muskegon and reefing the sails and the harbor was too tight with the boats and the slips on the dock that we had to actually stay out on the lake during the storm. It didn’t last more than 30 or 40 minutes but part of that experience was getting the bug inside me. That was another reassurance for me that the North Sails were strong enough and would last forever. After that throughout the 90’s and early parts of 2000, I know being on my Boston Whaler I broke both shrouds at the mast out in the middle of the lake the mast keeled over into the water. You’ve got to do what you’ve got to do. You disconnect it, pull it back out onto the boat, and haul yourself back into shore or flag someone down for assistance. But at the end of the day, North sails never caused any problems or any issues what-so-ever. It’s been another element of experience and I’ve been a very happy North Sails customer. Have you been able to pass along your interest in sailing and marine activities to your family? Well, honestly, our son is going to be 12 this week and our daughter just turned 5 last September and they’re not quite- My son has been interested in sailing but at this point it’s not quite as fast as the power boat. And the amount of work to be done on a boat; especially on a smaller sailboat where your controlling the jib and the mainsheet with the lines it’s not just get on the boat and go. That part of it, the way I look at it- you’re by yourself on the boat trying to find your own propulsion with the wind. That I’ve never lost. It’s been great, but on the other side too, not to be a traitor to sails but definitely having a power boat has been another element for us to at least be on the water. Which both my wife and I are very-- growing up in Michigan we need to be near a lake to get out on the water and just enjoy the peace and quiet and the solitude, lake-wise. Now that you know you have the new sails waiting for you in Michigan with your boat, what are your plans for the upcoming sailing season? We do, we started past years coming up in the summertime for a week and just based on our sons school schedule and my daughters starting kindergarten this summer. Both of them will be in year round school down here and usually the July or August timeframe is when they have 3 or 4 weeks and that’s when we plan to be going up. This year we’ll be going up in July around the 4th timeframe. It’ll be good up there. Right around the time when the Michigan lake waters warm up just enough. We’re excited to get up there and to see the sails and try them out. READ MORE

BOOT IN DÜSSELDORF Treffen Sie uns in Düsseldorf Bis am 25. Januar können Sie Ihren Schweizer Segel-Spezialisten Daniel Schroff in Düsseldorf am North Sails Stand H22 in der Halle 10 treffen! READ MORE

EVENT SPOTLIGHT: KRIS KRINGLE REGATTA A Fun Annual Event For West Coast Etchells Sailors San Diego Yacht Club played host to the annual Kris Kringle Etchells Regatta. Established to keep the local fleet in touch with the latest advancements in Etchells racing, this regatta brings all levels of experience together for good times, competitive camaraderie, great racing, learning new things, and an awesome party! Expert Alex Curtiss provided a chalk talk at the beginning of the day with the help of Chris Busch and Benny Mitchell. Each speaker went into detail on how to set your Etchells up for speed, and explained new developments in the class. Speakers were also able to touch on what the new sail inventory North Sails is providing clients, as well as the new changes to finishing details on jibs. Once the fleet hit the water, they couldn't ask for better sailing conditions. Heading off from the Bali Hai with breeze from the southwest, Jeff Johnson and his team ran three great races for competitors. Chris Busch, Benny Mitchell and Max Hutchinson took the overall win, with Charlie Mann and team close behind in second place. Up next for the local Etchells fleet is the February One Design Weekend, which is before the class welcomes some East coast sailors in for the West Coast Spring Series, which includes the 2020 edition Etchells Nationals. For more information about whats new with North Sails Etchells Class in your area, contact your local experts for more information on how to make your 2020 a successful run! Contact Alex Curtiss, Long Beach, CA Contact Brian Janney, San Diego, CA Contact Eric Doyle, San Diego, CA READ MORE

CUSTOMER SPOTLIGHT: ROB DEWITTE Childhood Sailor Builds Dream Team His crew has sailed over 900 nm in the past year not including casual sailing or deliveries. Friends first, teammates second , Robert Dewitte and his crew have delved into the world of club racing and now distance racing on Dewitte's J/100 Perspective. Tell us how you became a boat owner and what the learning process was like for you. I learned to sail an Optimist down at the Hamilton Harbor Commission back when I was... well, I guess it would have been late '70s. My dad and I sailed when I was a young teenager in dinghies. We had so much fun and it really brought us together. But I grew, I became a big guy and the two of us we didn't fit. The boat got sold and we didn't sail again. I got busy, school, work, family, but always in the back of my mind was, "I want to sail again." Once the kids were big enough, I bought a Hunter 170. My wife and kids started to like it. They didn't fall in love with it and one of the reasons was that dinghy's are tender and my wife expressed the idea that something more stable would be great. I thought, "Hmm, time for keelboat." But one of the real thrills in all this was sailing with my dad. I went looking for a keelboat and I had no idea of what kind of boat I wanted. I didn't want it to big, but also wanted to avoid two things. I wanted to avoid a boat that required a lot of maintenance. We imagined day sailing and then had a good friend who had a keelboat in the States and he was giving me some coaching. I told him how I enjoyed heeling the boat on the windier days and going fast and he said, "You should get a J/Boat." So I did. There was an incredibly friendly guy at the club, I'm at Burlington Sailing and Boating Club, He saw that I joined as a new member and he phoned me up and he told me to come to the meeting of the racers before the season. I said, "I'll go and meet some people." They asked me what kind of boat I had, I told them and that I hadn't raced before. None of them believe me and I didn't quite understand this. But now I realize that J/Boats are very well known for racing. One of the big joys for me in all of this is building a crew essentially out of my friends and learning together. That's great to hear. So you are all about sailing now? Yes. It's just been amazing. Of course during the first race, they all believed that we'd never done this before. I mean, we went around the wrong side of a mark. We came dead last in the wrong fleet. One of the big joys for me in all of this is building a crew essentially out of my friends and learning together. Now that we've learned how to sail it, it really is a joy and it's fast. You're among the bigger boats, it's really fun. We were still bottom of the fleet, but we started to feel like we were in the hunt and that I think stimulated us to begin to learn more and but also once we were in the hunt, we started to attract some people who had more experience than us. What have you done to build your crew that sets you apart from other teams out there? What we've done that I think has been really, really fun and helped us learn is what I call the winter series. We're about to start our third winter series, which is essentially like a book club or like a book study. The other thing about my crew though is their contribution and skills. There's some really, really handy guys on board and they're far more capable than me with drill saws and tools and electronics and engines. These guys have contributed so much time and energy making the boat better, and when we get her in in the spring, they come and help wash and wax. One of the things I think that makes the crew work, by the way, is that the personalities of the people. One other thing has really helped us because is the I-Regatta app and it happens to have the J/100 polar configuration, like what we have. We have this real time performance indicator, like what's our boat speed relative to our polar at this moment? When it's saying, 65 that means, "Okay, guys, we're not going fast. We have to make an adjustment." When it tells us, we're going 115 it's like, "Okay, guys called down. We've got the boat going, let's look around and see what we need to do." It's a guide and has accelerated our learning because then you get in a situation where the boat's slow, the app tells you it's slow, you make an adjustment. I wouldn't say that we got into this to win races, but we get a certain joy just from getting better. What drove you to your decision to go with North Sails? The number one reason I began to work with North Sails was Doug Folsetter, who had already been very helpful in helping me think through the sail plan. He sailed with us on three or four races. He's got an incredible amount of knowledge. I think the service philosophy and him investing his time in a new sailor, new racer, let's say. He sat in my backyard and had coffee; we had diagrams and pushed our spoons around like they were the boats. Talked about tactics and things like that. Meanwhile, he beats me out there all the time. Then I would say next would actually be the spinnaker, the downwind spinnaker. When I switched to the symmetrical, it was quite a lot of conversation about how to design it. It's a mast type of rig, so it's a pole mast, high aspect ratio sail plan and there was a conversation about how wide to make the spinnaker, how tall to make the spinnaker to make it fly stabling. The designers that looked at it did a really fantastic job of that because we struggle to stay even with the fleet upwind. When we get in reaching angles with the pole all the way forward, we can fly it almost like a giant Code Zero. It's just very versatile. The boats really, really well balanced with that sail. I think that one made a huge difference because we didn't have anything in that range. This number two is just a fantastic sail and it's my go-to unless we're down below 12 knots. Follow the crew and their experience on their website. They blog each race, have a lot of video (prior to 2019), some photos, updates on what they've learned or adjusted on the boat, and a few pages of resources for crew. READ MORE

ANOTHER YEAR, ANOTHER BOAT SHOW 2020 Toronto International Boat Show Kicks Off Another year, another boat show begins; it's how our Toronto team knows the New Year has really begun. The team consisting of Hugh Beaton, Mike Wolfs, Geoff Moore, Louisa Bobyk, George Jackson and Doug Folsetter were on hand for a chilly preview day to welcome customers, friends and sailors alike. In classic boat show fashion, the first weekend of the show was greeted with a snow storm that had us longing for summer even more. No fear though as the snow didn't detour visitors and we saw lots of water enthusiasts come out for the show. The team will be on site for the entire show to help you find the right sail for your needs. Take advantage of North Sails Boat Show Special by placing your order today for preferred pricing. Heard about Helix? It's our new specialized sail structure evolved from North Sails Load Sharing Technology. Load Sharing Technology is a sail design and engineering solution that redistributes rig loads from a cable or headstay into the sail membrane. The Helix structure is designed to handle sailing loads while providing sufficient torque for furling. Helix sails are more versatile, from light air close reaching to heavy air broad reaching. Helix structure and optimized shaping results in sails that are furling, self supporting and forward projecting. Interested in learning more? Speak to our team at the show, booth 1623 in Hall D. Looking for cruising sails? Check out our award-winning 3Di NORDAC for a better cruising experience. 3Di NORDAC reinvents the traditional dacron cruising sail providing more aerodynamic shape without compromising control, speed and comfort; rather it enhances and improves all the above. Order the revolutionary cruising product today. Interested in our products? Visit us at the Toronto Boat Show or Contact our local loft today! READ MORE

SAIL HANDLING SYSTEMS What You Need To Know And More Personally, one of my least favorite jobs after sailing is getting the sails down and rolled or folded. Fortunately, there is a sail handling system that can take some of the pain away for just about any sail. In this article we will take you through some of the major systems and how they can help make your sailing experience more enjoyable. Whether its your main, genoa, or spinnaker, there is a system that can help. Mainsails often give us the most grief. Falling off the boom, tall stack heights, and binding slides are all very common problems but can be relieved with the correct system(s). Lazy jacks, Dutchman systems, and Quick Covers can all help keep the sail stacked neatly on take downs, the later being a combination of lazy jacks and mainsail cover. Pairing one of these systems with a Tides track will not only solve the problem of binding slides, it will also make hoists and take downs effortless. While genoas are usually one of the easier sails to deal with, there are still some great systems you may consider upgrading to depending on your current set up. If you have a wire forestay and still using hanks, you may consider changing to a luff tape and using a head foil or roller furler. Much like main sails, hanks can often bind on hoists and take downs and also makes it very difficult to change sails on the go. A head foil can make your life a bit easier with twin grooves for fast sail changes and one solid attachment point along the luff, your time spent on the bow preparing to hoist and after take down will be reduced dramatically. For those of you looking to spend no time on the bow, a roller furling unit may be the right call. This will allow you to keep your genoa up all season with the ability to partially roll the sail for reduced area while sailing and completely furl it while at the dock. Lastly, one of the more daunting tasks, especially for day sailors and larger boats can be the launching and dousing of a spinnaker. Fortunately, there are a few great systems that can really make this maneuver easier. Furlers aren’t just for genoas anymore. Recently a common trend for A-symmetrical spinnakers on larger boats is adding a furler. This will allow you to control the launching and dousing of your spinnaker just like a furling genoa. For smaller to mid-size boats, a dousing sock may be right for you. This is essentially a lightweight sleeve that connects to the head of the sail and is pulled up and down with a continuous line and pully system as needed. Dousing socks work great for shorthanded sailing with an A-symmetric spinnaker. If you have any questions about the products we’ve mentioned in this article, feel free to reach out to Bill Lesnek (Bill.Lesnek@northsails.com) or Mike Stark (Mike.Stark@northsails.com) or you can call our Detroit office at 586-790-7500. READ MORE

Everything You Need to Know For BOISW BOISW is shaping up to be the main event with over 130 boats registered! Divided into many classes, it looks to be a fun and competitive regatta for sailors of all kinds. Get your team race-ready with our tips and tricks to guide you around the race course and prepare for the ultimate racing experience here at Bay of the Islands! Local Knowledge Can Help Bay local Chris Hornell, skipper of TP52 Kia Kaha shares his insights that could help you catch the first shift at sailing week. Learn More Make Sure Your Boat Is Race Ready With many variables in sailing outside of our control, it is important to make sure your yacht is cleaned, light, and ready to be used with ease once your sails and crew are added. Learn More Maintaining Speed Through Changing Conditions Whether it’s your first BOISW, or you are a race veteran, it’s hard to anticipate the ever-changing conditions. North U Expert Bill Gladstone explores Angle of Attack in moderate air trim and also techniques for de-powering in heavy air and powering-up in light air. Learn More Know Your Job. Do Your Job. On board communication for racing yachts is a key factor for performance, no matter what type of sailing. However, when the number of crew increases, it becomes more and more important. Learn More Certified Service Guaranteed Bay of Islands Sailing Week is just around the corner, and your North Sails team of experts will be onsite and ready to help you with all of your sail care needs. North Sails is a long-time sponsor of BOISW, and we are back again this year to help make sure you are ready to race. Learn More READ MORE

WORLDS BEST SERVICE AT BOISW Keeping You On The Water and Having Fun! Bay of Islands Sailing Week is just around the corner, and your North Sails team of experts will be onsite and ready to help you with all of your sail care needs. North Sails is a long-time sponsor of BOISW, and we are back again this year to help make sure you are ready to race. In a beautiful location with a unique atmosphere, Bay of Islands Sailing Week is one of New Zealand's premier regattas. A highlight to the sailing calendars of many clients and staff, BOISW is an excellent opportunity for all to participate in great racing. The social aspects of the regatta are one of a kind when it comes to networking, and the race itself is a beautiful sight to see. It's a great chance to race, socialize, network, and see a full range of North Sails products in action, not only on superyachts and big race boats, but also on one designs and cruisers. North Sails experts will be on hand to answer any questions and will run a service loft at the regatta to repair sails from any manufacturer. We look forward to seeing you there! Offering you the Worlds Best Service, no matter where you are At North Sails, our mission is to provide you with expert repairs, maintenance, and upgrades promptly. We know that whether you race or cruise, your sails are a significant investment, and we're committed to helping you maximize their performance and lifespan. Our unmatched worldwide network means you get the same quality service, whether you're at home or joining us for sailing week here in the islands. Are you attending Bay of Island Sailing Week? We'll be onsite and ready to take care of all your sail needs. Have questions about tuning? Need a sail repair? Contact us today, and we'll meet you at the dock. 📸 Lizzo Photography READ MORE

BOISW LOCAL WEATHER Chris Hornell Sets the Scene for Weather on the Bay 📸 Lissa Photography One of the biggest attractions for first-timers and Sailing Week regulars alike is the weather and wind conditions enjoyed in the Bay of Islands. Bay local Chris Hornell, skipper of TP52 Kia Kaha, says the most common conditions for the height of summer is an east-northeasterly sea breeze, which can fill in up to 15 knots, especially if the wind is lighter in the morning. "However, every few years we do get a front that pushes in and we can get two to three days of a decent southwesterly and a breezy regatta," Chris says. Like much of the upper North Island, the bay has been experiencing a persistent southwesterly since Christmas, so he is hoping for a change back to more typical conditions by late January. Sailors that are familiar with our version of harbour racing often also enjoy sailing in bigger seas. While the inshore courses are more sheltered, the sea state can build in the afternoon with the sea breeze. This can also be affected by offshore systems which send in big rollers from the Pacific. Either way, the conditions and setting usually combine to create ‘champagne sailing’ for the bay races around the islands. The early morning calm before the sea breeze fills in. 📸 Lissa Photography READ MORE

WINTER SERVICE TIPS The Top Three Benefits of Winter Sail Service Winter is now in full swing, and it's time to have your sails evaluated. In the colder months when you are staying warm and off the water, you should think about giving your sails the same treatment. Three Benefits for winter sail service: 1. The sails will be inspected and ready to roll out in spring. Our 10 point inspection covers all the bases to ensure your sails are in working order come spring. Our 10 Point Inspection includes: Inspect head, tack, clew and reef attachments. Inspect webbing & hardware for chafe and UV damage. Inspect hand stitching. Inspect luff tapes and luff attachments. Inspect for chafe at external hardware contact points at spreaders, shrouds, stanchions etc. Inspect leech line, foot line and attachment system. Inspect sail for UV damage and proper furling side (if applicable). Inspect batten pocket ends, attachments and fit (if applicable). Inspect sail body for condition of cloth, seams, sail numbers, draft stripes and windows. Replace or add telltales (complimentary). Inspect miscellaneous gear: Spinnaker Snuffer line and hoop, mainsail external flaking system, headsail vertical battens, UV covers, etc. Inspect sailbag draw string, zippers, web straps, and label properly. Sail report, 10 checkpoints, comments. 2. The sails will be out of the elements of winter. No chance of a headsail unfurling in a windstorm, no more UV damage, and overall knowing that your sails are in good hands. 3. Cleaning. Did your sails seem dirty? Winter is the best time to have them cleaned, they are already off the boat and not being used. Cleaning your sails will brighten them and eliminate dirt and stains. Don't forget about our One Year Free Sail Care for North Sails under 1 year old. This program is honored anywhere in our worldwide network of sales and service locations. Every sail serviced by North Sails undergoes a thorough inspection designed to identify maintenance issues early, so they do not become major problems later on. An annual inspection of your inventory will aid significantly in extending sail life and maintaining peak performance. READ MORE

Trofejna 2019. za hrvatske laseraše Vjerujem da Europa Cup ne treba posebno predstavljati. Ipak je riječ o natjecanju koje traje dugi niz godina i naši jedriličari i jedriličarke su redoviti sudionici od samih početaka. Nekad su uspješniji, a nekad manje, a za 2019. sigurno se može reći da ulazi u one kojih ćemo se rado sjetiti. Od pet kategorija koje se boduju kroz različite regate širom starog kontinenta, Hrvatska je imala predstavnike na postolju u čak tri! Kategorije po kojima su podijeljeni sudionici Europa Cupa su Laser 4.7 za momke, Laser 4.7 za djevojke, Laser Radial za momke, Laser Radial za djevojke i Laser Standard. U principu nema dodatnih podjela po godištima za generalni plasman, a jedino dobno ograničenje je da natjecatelji moraju biti stariji od 12 godina. Naravno, na pojedinim regatama se dodatno nagrađuju i pojedine dobne skupine. O kojima je riječ najbolje se može vidjeti na popisu nagrađenih na posljednjoj Novogodišnjoj regati, a točna razgraničenja za sezonu 2019 izgledala su ovako: IZVOR: EURILCA Da bi se ovaj tour ravnopravno popularizirao u cijeloj Europi, EurILCA je odlučila uvesti podjelu na pet zona: Sjeverozapad: NED, BEL, GER, DEN, GBR, IRL Sjeveroistok: NOR, FIN, EST, LTU, POL, SWE Jugozapad: ESP, POR, FRA, SUI, MON Centralni istok: AUT, HUN, SLO, ITA Jugoistok: ROU, GRE, ISR, CRO, SRB, BUL, MNE Da ne bi bilo zabune, EurILCA je organizacija s mnogo više država članica nego što je na ovoj karti, a ove podjele su napravljene s obzirom na želje nabrojanih da budu domaćini nekoj od regata iz ciklusa. Naime, dogovoreno je da se svake godine organizira deset regata koje će se bodovati za tour i u svakoj od zona se organiziraju po dvije regate. Glavni cilj toga je da jedriličari iz pojedine zone imaju jednaku priliku sudjelovati na bar dvije regate, a ne da su hendikepirani zbog velike udaljenosti i financijskih troškova putovanja na udaljene destinacije preko cijele Europe. Regate su raspoređene tijekom cijele godine, a u 2019. na raspolaganju su bile: Europa Cup Slovenija - 15-17.03. - Koper Europa Cup Švicarska - 29-31.04. - Lugano Europa Cup Francuska - 11-14.04. - Hyères Europa Cup Italija - 9-12.05. - Torbole Europa Cup Norveška - 31.05-02.06. - Stavanger Europa Cup Nizozemska - 07-09.06. - Hoorn Europa Cup Bugarska - 14-16.06. - Varna Europa Cup Njemačka - 11-14.07. - Rostock-Warnemünde Europa Cup Mađarska - 06-08.09. - Balatonfüred Europa Cup Hrvatska - 28-31.12. - Hvar Naši predstavnici su se uglavnom koncentrirali na 5 regata, pa ih se uz Hvarski EC može pronaći i na rezultatima Europa Cupova u Sloveniji, Švicarskoj, Francuskoj i Mađarskoj. Osim očiglednog razloga o sudjelovanju u Hrvatskoj, Sloveniji i Mađarskoj, zbog blizine, natjecanja u Švicarskoj i Francuskoj su organizirana zbog povezivanja nastupa na nekoliko Europskih i Svjetskih prvenstava za Lasere koja su organizirana u Francuskoj prošlo ljeto. Što se tiče bodovanja, u obzir su se uzimala po tri najbolja rezultata, dok ih se sedam najlošijih moglo odbaciti. Pa krenimo po "kvadraturi" od najvećih prema najmanjima... U klasi Laser Standard Marko Smolić iz šibenskog JK Val osvojio je prvo mjesto! Marku je ovo posljednja godina u juniorskoj konkurenciji, tako da se na regatama na kojima je jedrio u 2019. još uvijek nalazio u konkurenciji U21, a evo što on kaže o ovoj temi: Lani sam nastupio u Europa Cupu u Sloveniji, Švicarskoj, Mađarskoj i na Hvaru. Sam početak sam dobro otvorio s drugim mjestom u Kopru i pobjedom u Luganu, a u Sloveniji su me doslovno milimetri dijelili od prvog mjesta u generalnom plasmanu. U Mađarskoj sam imao nekih problema s brzinom, tako da tu regatu nisam dobro završio. A sad na Hvaru sam samo došao odraditi posao. Imao sam i priliku završiti na postolju... nas nekoliko je bilo u par bodova. Zadnji plov sam stalno bio drugi-treći, ali sam u cilj ušao kao četvrti. Šteta... Ove godine je Europa Cup bio organiziran tako da se jedri širom Europe i da se konkurencija poveća maksimalno. Da cijelo natjecanje dobije još više na težini. To se vidi i iz rezultata, jer su na rezultatima i Ukrajinci, Portugalci, Englezi... Momci protiv kojih sam jedrio su praktički svih generacija, ima i mlađih od mene a i starijih, ali većinom su to juniori koji traže svoj put prema olimpijskim ciklusima. Što se tiče cijele moje prošle sezone mogu je opisati kao prilagodbu na Laser Standard u kombinaciji s fakultetom kojeg sam lani upisao. U dogovoru s trenerom Teom Piasevolijem nisam postavio visoke ciljeve, fakultet mi je bio na prvom mjestu. A što se tiče jedriličarskog dijela priče tu je bilo i uspona i padova. Početak sezone je bio dobar jer sam dosta vremena provodio na moru, bio sam u dobroj formi, a kako je sezona odmicala rezultati su bili lošiji jer sam se morao posvetiti i studiranju. Također sam dobio i ozljedu leđa, pa me je i ona malo vratila natrag. Sve u svemu vrlo duga sezona. Najvažnije od svega je što smo izvukli određene zaključke i znamo na čemu trebam još raditi. S druge strane zadovoljstvo mi predstavlja to što sam ostvario nekoliko vrlo lijepih rezultata unatoč tome što nisam bio na 100% svojih mogućnosti. Tu moram posebno istaknuti ulogu mog trenera Tea Piasevolija i klupskih kolega Roka Copića i Jurja Radačića koji su mi stvarno puno pomogli da prođem prvu godinu fakulteta što bezbolnije. Naravno, želim se zahvaliti i svom klubu koji me je ovako pratio do sada s nadom da ćemo tako surađivati i ubuduće. S druge strane 2020. godina je moja posljednja juniorska godina i plan je da se što bolje spremim za juniorsko Svjetsko prvenstvo, a nakon toga trebam sjesti s trenerom i vidjeti što ćemo dalje. Marko Smolić, JK Val - Šibenik Unatoč tome što Marko studira u Splitu, još uvijek većinu treninga odrađuje u Šibeniku. Jedini ozbiljni period treniranja u Splitu je bio pred Svjetsko prvenstvo koje je organizirao JK Mornar krajem listopada. Tada su u Splitu bili organizirani i kampovi za Lasere. Trenutno je na drugoj godini petogodišnjeg fakulteta, tako da je definitivno još velik posao ispred njega da uskladi sve svoje akademske i sportske obaveze. Još sedam naših jedriličara je nastupilo u Laser Standardu, a ovo su njihovi konačni plasmani: 8. Juraj Radačić - nastupio na 3/10 11. Antonio Lukšić - 3/10 15. Dominik Perković - 2/10 18. Mario Novak - 2/10 29. Alec Cvinar - 2/10 59. Stipe Gašpić - 1/10 72. Božidar Golubić - 1/10 Ukupno su u ovoj klasi zajedrila 183 jedriličara. U ženskom Radialu u 2019. je nastupila 161 djevojka. Među njima 10 s CRO jedrima. Na žalost tu nismo imali ni jednu predstavnicu s medaljom za finalni plasman iako imamo nekoliko vrlo kvalitetnih jedriličarki. Ali nastupile su na samo po jednoj regati i nisu skupile dovoljno bodova za neki ozbiljniji plasman: 15. Karla Šavar - nastupila na 2/10 25. Mare Milić - 2/10 26. Ivona Ercegovac - 2/10 31. Karmen Perković - 1/10 38. Sandra Lulić - 1/10 46. Ursula Balas - 1/10 58. Sara Mujesić - 1/10 72. Petra Mastelić - 1/10 79. Katja Frua - 1/10 83. Ana Vitasović - 1/10 Ovdje treba uzeti u obzir da su neke od ovih jedriličarki počele s jedrenjem u Radialu tek pred kraj 2019. godine, tako da su jedine bodove dobile tek na Europa Cupu u Hvaru. Tako ćemo npr. Ursulu Balas i Petru Mastelić pronaći i na rezultatima u ženskoj konkurenciji Lasera 4.7. U 4.7 konkurencija je bila nešto manja, jedrilo je sve skupa 127 jedriličarki. Više od 10% od ukupnog broja su bile hrvatske natjecateljice. Ukupno je bilo 14 naših djevojaka, a najviše veseli podatak da su zauzele 2., 3. i 4. mjesto! Jedino je ispred njih bila mlada švicarka Anja von Allmen, aktualna svjetska prvakinja u ovoj klasi. Srebrena na kraju godine bila je jedriličarka JD Val iz Crikvenice, Ursula Balas. Osim po ovom rezultatu, 2019. će joj sigurno ostati u vrlo lijepom sjećanju i po srebrenoj medalji na Europskom prvenstvu osvojenoj u Hyreseu, a s kompletiranjem kolekcije odličja počela je 2018. kad je u Grčkoj osvojila brončanu medalju također na EP. Tek nedavno sam prešla u Radial i stvarno sam zadovoljna s rezultatom na Hvaru, jer se vidi napredak u odnosu na prošlu regatu. Na početku godine sam u Laseru 4.7 odjedrila prve tri regate Europa Cupa. Tada sam nastupila u Kopru, Luganu i Hyèresu. U Sloveniji sam završila prva sveukupno... i u muškoj i u ženskoj konkurenciji. U Francuskoj sam bila druga, a u Švicarskoj sam bila treća ukupno i prva u ženskoj konkurenciji. Po pitanju konkurencije u 4.7 mislim da je puno jedriličarki bilo na mom nivou i konačni rezultati su ovisili o uvjetima koji su vladali i kome su koji više odgovarali. Tako je recimo meni najdraže kad je oko 10-15 čvorova... uvjeti slični onima koji su bili na Hvaru. Da sam tada jedrila u 4.7 možda bi imala šansu i za ukupnu pobjedu u Cupu. Ovako je prva Anja von Allmen. Nas dvije smo dosta jedrile jedna protiv druge... na proljeće smo obje bile na regatama u Kopru, Luganu i Hyèresu, a kasnije i na Europskom prvenstvu i Svjetskom prvenstvu u Kanadi. Na sve te tri regate EC-a ja sam bila brža. Što se tiče sezone ispred nas jedan od ciljeva mi je povećanje mase i daljnje privikavanje na ovu klasu. Oonda ovisno o rezultatima na prvim regatama vidjet ćemo na čemu treba dodatno raditi. A što mi je u ovoj sezoni bilo najdraže... sigurno mogu istaknuti srebro s Europskog prvenstva. Sigurna sam da je to bila najjača regata na kojoj sam jedrila, a samo jedrenje je bilo čisti užitak jer su uvjeti bili baš onakvi kakve volim. Nisam sebi ni postavila neke posebne ciljeve, već sam se samo koncentrirala na jedrenje i tek posljednja dva dana, kad sam vidjela da imam šansu za medalju, koncentrirala sam se baš na taj cilj. Naravno, svi ti rezultati ne bi bili mogući bez mog tima kojem se želim zahvaliti za sav trud... treneru Robertu Jurinčiću, treneru Leu iz teretane i svojim roditeljima! Ursula Balas, JD Val - Crikvenica Ursula je inače učenica trećeg razreda srednje škole i po svemu do sada prikazanom vrlo svijetla budućnost je ispred nje. Da bi priča iz Crikvenice bila još ljepša, pobrinula se Ursulina klupska kolegica Nika Manestar. Ona je osvojila brončanu medalju na Europa Cupu za 2019. a Novogodišnja regata joj je bila posljednja u Laseru 4.7. Ubuduće ćemo i nju viđati na regatama Laser Radiala i stvarno je odlično kad se u jednom klubu mogu istovremeno naći dvije jedriličarke ovakvih mogućnosti i kvaliteta. Ostale naše jedriličarke su EC 2019 završile ovako: 4. Eleonore Borgin - nastupila na 5/10 15. Lea Rakovac - 2/10 22. Paola Celić - 2/10 48. Petra Marendić - 1/10 53. Carla de Carina - 1/10 63. Anastazija Marendić - 1/10 69. Helena Jakšić - 1/10 72. Dora Gomerčić - 1/10 78. Petra Mastelić - 1/10 81. Nora Copić - 1/10 93. Kalista Delić - 1/10 96. Ivana Šošić - 1/10 Treća klasa u kojoj je Hrvatska osvojila medalju u Europa Cupu je Laser radial u muškoj konkurenciji. Od petnaest hrvatskih jedriličara najbolje plasiran je bio još jedan Valovac Roko Copić. Momak koji je jedan od najboljih laseraša u svojoj generaciji krenuo je furiozno na početku sezone. Potom dolazi do ozljede ramena s kojom je uspio i jedriti na velikim regatama na kraju ljeta, ali se početkom jeseni ipak morao podvrgnuti operativnom zahvatu. Unatoč tom ozbiljnom negativnom efektu uspio je osvojiti broncu, a od srebrene medalje ga je dijelio samo jedan bod s kojim ga je ukrajinski kolega pretekao na Hvaru. Sasvim realno je za vjerovati da ga je zdravlje poslužilo da bi ga vrlo vjerojatno vidjeli na pobjedničkom postolju zajedno s klupskim kolegom Markom Smolićem. Treće mjesto na Europa Cupu sam osvojio zahvaljujući rezultatima na regatama u Kopru, Luganu i Balatonfüredu. Od početka godine smo ciljali na medalju, ali nas je moja ozljeda malo zeznula, pa smo morali donijeti dosta promjena u naše planove i prilagoditi tome plan regata, a trebalo je i ciljeve prilagoditi trenutnoj situaciji. U svakom slučaju mislim da smo uspjeli izvuči maksimum iz dane situacije. Trenutno sam u procesu rehabilitacije i očekujem da bi se uskoro mogao vratiti u brod. Za sada taj proces ide bolje od očekivanog i vjerujem da će sve to biti dobro. Po trenutnom stanju stvari vjerujem da ću ponovno zajedriti za oko mjesec i pol, možda dva, a prvoj regati se nadam negdje početkom ljeta. Inače o Europa Cupu mislim sve najbolje, jer tu se stvarno dobro vidi tko je dobar u prijelaznim i tko je spreman za nastaviti dalje u ozbiljnijim klasama. Tako je i u Radialu konkurencija bila ozbiljna, ali unatoč svemu godinu smo završili sa solidnim rezultatom. Da mi nije bilo ove ozljede jedrio bi i na Hvaru i vjerujem da bi konačni rezultat bio mnogo bolji. Ako izuzmem ozljedu i napravim rezime cijele sezone mislim da je bila vrlo uspješna s mnogim novim saznanjima, pogotovo po pitanju kondicijske pripreme i samog jedrenja. S druge strane mi je pokazala i gdje sam u odnosu na svoju generaciju i što mogu očekivati u budućnosti koja je vezana za Laser Standard, jer nemamo više planova za jedrenje u Radialu. Roko Copić, JK Val - Šibenik Kako je Roko godinu stariji od Ursule i trenutno je maturant, također se nadamo od njega dugom nizu lijepih lijepih vijesti nakon što prođe rehabilitacijski ciklus. Sama konkurencija u muškom Laser Radialu je bila najbrojnija u Europa Cupu ove godine. Ukupno se 380 jedriličara kalilo u ovoj konkurenciji i brusilo svoje jedriličarske vještine. Naših momaka je bilo iz skoro svih klubova i sudjelovali su uglavnom na regatama o kojima su pričali naši sugovornici, a osvojeni bodovi su ih plasirali na slijedeće pozicije: 13. Vice Jušić - nastupio na 4/10 17. Frano Šestan - 3/10 24. Krešimir Buneta - 3/10 37. Božidar Golubić - 2/10 42. Nik Pivalica - 3/10 95. Roko Stipanović - 1/10 107. Antun Tomašević - 1/10 115. Matija Reljanović - 1/10 129. Vicko Alfirević - 1/10 160. Bruno Gašpić - 1/10 164. Marijan Mavar - 1/10 174. Robert Mislej - 1/10 193. Lovro Mirković - 1/10 243. Filip Jurišić - 1/10 Kod pojedinaca treba uzeti u obzir da su bodove osvojili samo na posljednjoj regati EC, jer im je to bila prva regata Cupa u Radialu, pa se neka imena mogu ponovno vidjeti i na rezultatima za Laser 4.7, slično kao i u ženskoj konkurenciji: 6. Roko Stipanović - nastupio na 3/10 19. Roni Bobovnik - 3/10 20. Luka Hagenauer - 3/10 45. Luka Fatović - 3/10 49. Luka Vuković - 2/10 56. Antun Tomašević - 2/10 95. Lovre Bakotić - 1/10 103. Max Gjidera - 1/10 106. Niko Jakelić - 1/10 112. Jan Komadina - 1/10 117. Tedi Leonardelli - 1/10 132. Hrvoje Mršić - 1/10 135. Leonardo Borgin - 1/10 142. Frane Baršić - 1/10 152. Simon Starić - 1/10 153. Antonio Marendić - 1/10 159. Antonio Rudelj - 1/10 171. Massimiliano Rovis - 1/10 191. Matija Reljanović - 1/10 194. Ivan Vlačić - 1/10 249. Karlo Matić - 1/10 264. Luka Kaić - 1/10 Treba dodati da je ukupna konkurencija u muškom Laseru 4.7 bila od 296 jedriličara, a svi oni koje zanimaju detaljni rezultati svih klasa mogu ih pronaći na službenim stranicama EurILCA-e. Prva regata Europa Cupa za 2020. je u Portugalu od 31. siječnja, pa do 2. veljače, dok je prva Hrvatima lakše dostupna u Italiji od 30. travnja do 3. svibnja. READ MORE

ARIZONA LEUKEMIA CUP & 62nd BIRTHDAY REGATTA 2020 Sail to Support the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society READ MORE

SPINNAKERS, DOUBLE HEAD SAILS, AND OFF-WIND SAILING North Sails Presents: An Evening of Sailing with Expert Austin Powers Austin Powers from North Sails Annapolis joins the Broad Bay Sailing Association on March 23, 2020 to discuss spinnakers, double head sails and off wind sailing. Join sailors from 6-8pm at Bold Mariner Brewing Company for a seminar full of learning, fun and everything under the sun. Please arrive early to get a beverage and food, and to check-in and get settled before the seminar starts. Limited seating so register early to guarantee your seats! READ MORE

NEW NORTH SAILMAKER WINS BLOODY MARY Jack Lewis and Dylan McPherson Beat 288-Boat Fleet 📸 Sportography.tv Having worked for North Sails Gosport as a sailmaker for just two months, Jack Lewis has already made a reputable name for himself after winning the Bloody Mary Regatta against an immense 288-boat fleet on Queen Mary Reservoir near London. The regatta runs at the beginning of every year and is hosted by Queen Mary Sailing Club. Open to dinghy classes with a PY number equal to or lower than the International Topper and to selected keelboat classes, the race runs for 150 minutes and the leading boat when the time is up is crowned the winner. This year brought the full package; 288 entries, 59 classes, and winds topping out at 30 knots. It was 17-year-old Jack Lewis and 16-year-old helmsman Dylan McPherson who managed to gain a convincing lead in their 420 to secure the win after over two hours of racing. Jack is no stranger to a big fleet having sailed the 420 World Championship last year against 89 teams. 📸 Sportography.tv Growing up near Rugby, Jack began sailing RS Tera’s at Draycote Water when he was seven, followed by the RS Feva as well as some Miracle sailing with his Dad. Dylan and Jack earned themselves a place in the National Youth Squad last year and have since been training and competing almost every weekend at various international venues. What makes their Bloody Mary win even more astounding is that the pair have been sailing together for just five months. Jack used to helm the 420 in his previous partnership and explains that his time as a helm helps him be a better crew now: “It is really helpful being able to understand what the helm is doing. This is my fifth year in the 420 and Dylan is fairly new to the boat. I contribute my experience of how the fleet works so when it comes to tactics, we bounce ideas off of each other and talk them through. We also don’t have an issue telling each other if we think their idea is silly!’’ Jack and Dylan sail with the new-design M-11 Mainsail, J-12 Jib, and S-05 Spinnaker. “Since we started using North sails,’’ Jack explains, “we noticed a big difference in sail trim and an improved sail shape which becomes particularly noticeable in heavier winds. This allows us to gain a better boat setup overall, as well as increasing boat speed and point.’’ “The Bloody Mary was a lot of fun, but scary at points because there are so many boats very close together! It got more relaxed by the time we had worked our way to the front, but then the wind died so much we even struggled to fill the spinnaker. Considering at the start the wind was blowing 24 knots, we certainly had a wide range of conditions that day!’’ Jack and Dylan are looking forward to a jam-packed 2020 with both the Worlds in Crozon-Morgat, France, and Europeans in Warnemunde, Germany happening in July. Closer to home, the Youth Nationals in April is the next major event on their schedule. Congratulations on this success and we can’t wait to follow the progress of this young and enthusiastic team. 📸 Sportography.tv 📸 Sportography.tv READ MORE

HARDWARE TIL DIN BÅD North Sails vil fremadrettet gerne være din leverandør, ikke kun til sejl, men også til alt, hvad der er forbundet med sejl. Eksempelvis rulleforstag, spilerstager, kickstang, tovværk, etc, etc... Vi er alle sejlere med erfaringen og ekspertisen til at rådgive dig. Lad os høre hvad du mangler, så kan vi helt sikkert finde den rigtige løsning til dig. PS. Øsekar, bundmaling og lignende ligger uden for vores kompetenceområde. Det er udstyrsbutikken på havnen bedre til. READ MORE

EN AFTEN MED JAN B. HANSEN, SKIPPER PÅ "THE BEAST" Tirsdag d. 4. februar kl 18:00, vil vi gerne invitere dig til en aften i shorthanded sejladsens tegn. Jan Hansen's Figaro 2 "The Beast" Jan Hansen fra North Sails har gennem mange sæsoner sejlet de fleste af de større shorthanded sejladser i Danmark. Senest sæsonen 2019, i den nyindkøbte Figaro 2, "The Beast". I de tre store danske sejladser: Danmark Rundt Singlehand, Vegvisir og Silverrudder blev det til pæne placeringer (1,1,3) I løbet af aftenen kommer vi rundt om mange emner i forbindelse med single- og doublehand kapsejlads: Valg af bådtypen, Figaro 2 Sejlpakken fra North Sails Træning Søvn, mad og fysisk form Teknisk udstyr Sikkerhed Sejladserne i 2019 Planen for 2020 Varighed ca. 2-3 timer og foregår på North Sails sejlloftet, Lyskær 10 i Herlev. Der bliver serveret en let forfriskning undervejs. Du vil også kunne møde et par andre sejlere fra North Sails salgsteam. Aftenen er gratis, men tilmelding er påkrævet til jan.hansen@northsails.com Vi har plads til 40 deltagere og det er efter først til mølle tilmelding. Vi glæder os til at se dig. Jan Hansen på "The Beast" efter en lang sejlads READ MORE

Kratka analiza ORC sezone 2019 Kalendarska godina koja se iza nas bila je jedna od sadržajnijih u dugoj tradiciji jedrenja po ovom sustavu razvrstanja u Hrvatskoj. Ako se izuzme svjetsko prvenstvo po ORC-u koje je u lipnju organizirao JK Val, onda je sadržajnosti najviše doprinio još jedan pokušaj umrežavanja i povezivanja određenih regata u cjelinu s nekim zajedničkim nazivnikom od strane Udruge ORC jedriličara Hrvatske. Već godinama oni povezuju do šest regata koje su oglašene po ORC International sustavu u kup natjecanje, a osim sustava razvrstanja ono što ih najviše povezuje je to što se te regate jedre u štap polju. Za one koji malo manje prate jedrenje u krstašima, u kalendaru hrvatskih regata najviše prevladavaju navigacijske regate, dok su aktivnosti na regatnim poljima definiranim bovama u znatno manjoj mjeri. Da ne bi bilo zabune, po ORC sustavu se može jedriti i na navigacijskim regatama, a razlika je jedino u tome što se za kalkulaciju rezultata koriste neke druge formule. Uz regate oko oznaka koje se boduju za Kup, koji se posljednjih nekoliko godina od kad je D-Marin sponzor naziva CRO ORC D-Marin Cup, spomenuto umrežavanje se odnosilo i na regate koje su navigacijske a oglašene su po ORC-u. To je započeto 2018. a pobjedu je tada odnijela jedrilica Stribor, Grand Soleil 40, koja je najviše bodova osvojila dobrim rezultatima na Regati 1000 otoka, a kako je sustav postavljen tako da se osim rezultata u formulu uzima i duljina rute tako su bodovi osvojeni na potezu između Rijeke i Tivta bili nedostižni drugoplasiranom Selcu koje je jedrilo na dosta kraćim regatama. Tako velika i praktički nedostižna razlika za jedrilice koje ne idu na toliko duge regate u 2019. se pokušala dovesti u red podjelom na duge i kratke navigacijske regate. Zato se dio regata s popisa pripremljenog za CRO ORC Offshore Cup prebacio na novi popis... CRO ORC Inshore Cup. Popis regata na klasičnoj, core business, listi je bio manje više standardan, osim što su u 2019. većinski bile u proljetnom dijelu sezone, a za jesen je ostavljeno samo Prvenstvo Hrvatske. Prvi dio godine je zamišljen kao pripremni za apsolutni vrhunac sezone u vidu Svjetskog prvenstva koje se u lipnju jedrilo u Šibeniku. Kako su se za sudjelovanje na regati u Šibeniku prijavile skoro sve jedrilice u Hrvatskoj koje su ikada malo ozbiljnije pristupile ORC-u, tako se očekivao i popriličan broj sudionika na sve tri regate koje su se organizirale u ožujku, travnju i svibnju. Međutim, broj sudionika je bio standardan, a čak ni na Uskrsnoj regati nije bio ništa veći nego što je to uobičajeno. Takav pristup se osjetio i u rezultatima na svjetskoj smotri, ali što je tu je... vratimo se glavnoj temi... Najviše jedrenja su dozvolili vremenski uvjeti u Zadru, na prvoj regati za Kup. Taj vikend se jedrilo i po slabom i po jakom vjetru i odjedrilo se maksimalno dozvoljenih pet jedrenja. S druge strane, na Hvaru, na Uskrsnoj regati odjedrila su se tri plova, a definitivno će se najviše pričati o navigacijskom plovu koji se jedrio po rubnim uvjetima. Na obje regate dominirao je X-Cite, tako da je ova ekipa preskočila sudjelovanje na posljednjoj regati pred SP, Pre Worldsu u Šibeniku na kojem su se odjedrila samo dva plova po umjerenom i laganom vjetru. Kako se na kraju nije odjedrilo Prvenstvo Hrvatske, bodovno stanje iz svibnja je postalo finalno, a raspored najboljih je identičan onom iz 2018. Najbolja jedrilica je bila X-Cite, drugoplasiran je bio Mareus II, a trećeplasiran Gringo 2, dok je najbolji kormilar u Kupu Luka Jerčić s jedrilice Mareus II. A zašto titula nije otišla na istu adresu u obje kategorije razlog ima u tome što je X-Citom na regati u Zadru kormilario Luka Šangulin, a na Uskrsnoj regati Tonko Rameša. Tako da su njihovi bodovi podijeljeni, a to je najviše išlo na ruku kormilaru Mareusa. Na novouspostavljenoj ljestvici za CRO ORC Inshore Kup našle su se regate koje se ipak nisu mogle nazvati offshoreom. Uglavnom su to višednevne regate podijeljene na više etapa, a već se dugo boduju po ORC-u, odnosno generalni pobjednik se proglašava po ovom sustavu razvrstanja. Popis se sastavio od ukupno sedma regata: Karnevalska, Gladuša, Zlarinska, Komiška, Južnodalmatinska, Lošinjska i Viška. Zajedničko im je to što su sve imale etape ne dulje od tridesetak nautičkih milja. Bodovanje im je osim generalnog plasmana uzimalo u obzir i broj sudionika u ORC skupini. Kako točno ta formula izgleda možete pročitati u Pravilniku koji se nalazi na web stranicama Udruge ORC jedriličara. Konačnu sumu bodova dale su četiri regate. Igrom slučaja tri odbacivanja su ionako definirana pravilnikom, pa se nije imalo puno izbora i prostora za kombinatoriku. A kad se na kraju podvuče crta, mora se priznati da je stvarno šteta što se na nekim regatama nije nitko prijavio u ORC razredu, a na nekima je organizator propustio u Oglas ubaciti ovu skupinu. Titula najbolje jedrilice otišla je jedinom hrvatskom Farru 40 - Toto Travelu. Njegova posada je bodove skupila na Komiškoj, Južnodalmatinskoj i Viškoj regati. Inače je ova sezona bila posljednja za ovu jedrilicu na splitskoj adresi i od iduće sezone nastupat će pod imenom Gringo 3... treba li dodati da ide pod zastavu JK Uskok? Tamo će nastaviti jedriti po ORC-u, a s obzirom na dosadašnje afinitete posade Gringa 2 morat ćemo ga tražiti na rezultatskim listama skupine ORC International. I za kraj je ostao CRO ORC Offshore Kup, ljestvica koja je u 2019. dobila svoje drugo izdanje. Na njenom popisu se našlo također sedam regata, a jedna od njih sa svoje dvije etape. Naravno, kao i lani, riječ je o Regati 1000 otoka jer se ona može jedriti odvojeno, ako se želi može se izabrati samo jedna od dvije ponuđene etape. Jednako kao i kod Inshore Kupa natjecatelji su mogli odbaciti četiri najlošija rezultata, a kako 13. Jadranska regata, prva s popisa, nije organizirana tako su se bodovi dijelili na osnovu tri najuspješnija plasmana. Još jedna sličnost između Kupa za kratke distance, a to je da se također na tri regate nitko nije prijavio po ORC-u. Suma sumarum, na kraju pobjeda odlazi austrijskoj posadi na jedrilici Vento Cadela. Ovaj portugalski prototip je skupio bodove na tri regate, a ogromnu prednost u odnosu na sve ostale je stekao pobjedama u obje etape Regate 1000 otoka. Na te tri regate ukupno je prejedrio više od 760 NM! Kad se napravi statistička analiza sudionika na regatama za Offshore i Inshore kupove lako se vidi da je je mnogo više natjecatelja u Offshore Kupu zahvaljujući regati Jabuka. Čak 46 jedrilica je svoju šansu tražilo i u ovom razredu na ovoj regati i može se reći da je sigurno u 90% slučajeva riječ o charter jedrilicama s posadama koje nisu iz Hrvatske. Razlozi zašto domaći jedriličari ne idu u ovom smjeru traže se već godinama... Uglavnom vlada mišljenje da ako netko želi nastupiti u ORC-u mora potrošiti hrpu novca na jedrilicu, opremu, izradu certifikata itd... ali vlasnici i posade koji imaju poprilične budžete mogu se pronaći i u Openu, pa nitko ne povlači takve usporedbe i u toj "neograničenoj" podjeli. Činjenica je da ORC nije toliko striktan kao što većina ljudi misli i dozvoljava da svaki vlasnik samostalno premjeri svoju jedrilicu za ORC Club certifikat. To je praksa koja se već godinama primjenjuje u Dubrovniku gdje se po ORC-u boduje Liga Orsan. S druge strane na skoro svim popularnijim regatama nastupaju posade iz unutrašnosti Hrvatske koje nemaju svoje jedrilice, već ih uzimaju u charteru, a skoro sve charter jedrilice iz monotip flota koje se iznajmljuju za vikend i charter regate imaju ORC certifikate. Čestitke svim slavodobitnicima, a u Udruzi ORC jedriličara za iduću sezonu pripremaju neke manje izmjene i nadajmo se da neke od njih uspiju privući još posada u Tour za 2020. Uskoro ćemo i o tome. READ MORE

FIVE REASONS TO FROSTBITE The Perks of Winter Sailing with North Sails Expert Austin Powers As the winter season is fully upon us (at least for those of us in the northern parts of the world), some of us are brave enough to venture out into the cold and continue to participate in the sport we love so dear. Frostbite racing happens at yacht clubs all over the country in various capacities. Some allow spinnakers, some do pursuit courses, and some even are brave enough to leave the dock in dinghies. Whether you leave the dock in a 40 footer or a boat less than ten feet, here are the top 5 reasons to love frostbite: A Late First Warning Almost universally, all frostbite events start either noon or later which means we get to skip the worst part of every normal regatta: Getting up early to make dock time Breaking Out The Foul Weather Gear A lot of us sailors spend quite a bit of money on gear for sailing in rough weather, even though when the weather turns bad we usually stay at the bar. Frostbiting gives us the excuse to break out the “foulies” from the closet and show off our sweet gear. More Relaxed Racing The winter racing is a great time for cross training if you are lucky enough to get your normal crew to come out sailing. Switch everyone’s positions on the boat for each race so that everyone gets an appreciation for the various roles on the boat. Not only does everyone respect each other's roles more, it improves coordination amongst team members because they see how the timing works from the other positions of the boat. It Makes You Tougher After a couple of hours out racing in sub 32 degree weather, 20 knots in the middle of the summer at night does not seem nearly as daunting. Food and Drink Let's face it… after a long day out sailing in the cold, nothing tastes better than warm food and a tasty beverage back at the club house (whatever your drink of choice may be). As part of the North Sails team of experts in Annapolis, Austin works with both one design classes and the local PHRF fleets. He is excited to work on growing North’s presence in Virginia and expanding the customer service offered to Southern Bay sailors. READ MORE

JOIN US AT THE 2020 VANCOUVER BOAT SHOW Shop New Sails & See What's New READ MORE

CANVAS 101 North Sails Service Experts from Detroit Share their Canvas Tips Although our boats are put away for the season and there may or may not be snow on the ground right now, it’s actually the perfect time to think about how to get your boat looking sharp in the spring. Keeping the canvas clean, waterproofed, and fitting correctly not only makes your boat look nicer, it also functions better as its main purpose, protecting your sails. Over time, canvas will lose its waterproofing treatment and will start absorbing water eventually leaking onto your sail which can lead to mold. If you start noticing mold on your sails or a heavy wet cover, its probably a good time to get it washed and water proofed. Exposure to the UV will eventually dry rot your stitching, Velcro and zippers and should all be checked over yearly. The canvas shop at your North Sails Detroit loft is here to help. Not only do we repair, wash, and water proof your canvas, we also offer new boom covers, cradle covers, genoa socks, binnacle/wheel covers, tiller covers, and miscellaneous cockpit bags. With multiple color and fabric choices available, we can easily match to your current canvas or update them to something different. We can also customize any new or used canvas items such as adding sail numbers, boat name, or logo. Whether you’re a cruiser, racer cruiser, or serious racer, the canvas on your boat should be checked over annually to ensure any zippers, Velcro, twist locks, and stitching is all intact. Afterall, it is exposed to the UV and weather almost more than anything on your boat. Its never too late to stop by with your canvas and talk to one of our experts on the condition and what we can do to expand the life, purchase new, or modify old. READ MORE

EVENT SPOTLIGHT: ANNUAL LIGHTNING MEETING Meeting, Planning, and a look at Qualifying for the PanAm Games North Sails Detroit hosted the International Lightning Class’s Michigan District members for their annual meeting in the loft. Both Skip Dieball and Spencer Colpaert were on hand as hosts and over 20 members came to conduct their annual business. The loft in Warren, Michigan is perfect for gatherings and we have a number of associations signed up to have their get-togethers in our facility. In addition to helping the Michigan District have a place to meet, North Sails donated food and refreshments. North Sails has enjoyed years of loyalty from Lightning sailors and this is our way of thanking those in the Michigan District. After the business at hand was complete, Skip Dieball gave a presentation from his trip to Peru for the 2019 Pan American Games. From the qualifying event through the travel and meeting of others on the US Sailing Team, Skip shared the highs and lows of the high-stakes event. READ MORE

2019 CICSA REGATTA SERIES Fleet Racing National Championship The weather in Kingston is a brisk 13 degrees Celsius and the water isn’t much warmer. Let's be honest, the thought of being in a wet dinghy during a Canadian fall isn’t how most would want to spend their weekend; but if it means racing, and competing in a championship event - it's the ideal two days for these sailors! Intercollegiate teams from across Canada descended on RMC campus on October 26th to wrap up the 2019 season in the Canadian Intercollegiate Sailing Association (CICSA) Fleet Racing National Championships. The Royal Military College of Canada Sailing Team were excellent hosts throughout this event. During the morning of the first day as teams registered, rigged their boats, and caught up with fellow competitors on their semesters. RMC’s team captain and president Ryan Wells was busy ensuring everyone had their questions answered and that day one was off to a smooth start. BR: RMC always goes above and beyond when hosting these races. What did you like about hosting the National Championship? RW: It was an honour for RMC to be able to host Fleet Racing Nationals again this year. We really enjoy being able to have such a large fleet of boats on the starting line, with crews from all over Canada. It’s been awesome to see CICSA grow over my time at RMC, and seeing more teams participating in nationals every year has been fantastic. Particularly, it’s incredible that UBC and Dalhousie were both able to make the trip this year. We think (although we may be slightly biased) that Kingston is the perfect venue for an event like this, with a strong sailing culture and dynamic wind conditions that always make for interesting sailing. This event was business as usual in that regard. BR: How did you think the racing went this weekend? The two days of racing couldn’t have been more different. Day one found the wind blowing no more than 6 knots at a time, and crews had to work hard to find the puffs filtering down the course, and use their weight and tactics to their advantage. Unfortunately the day had to end early due to the wind dying completely, with the plan to pick up the next day with where we left off. Day two was a completely different animal. Although the day started out with relatively light winds, allowing the group to get a couple of relatively benign races in, by noon the wind had picked up to 15 gusting 25 knots. The A fleet was able to get in a set of races after lunch, but by the time that B fleet had reached the course for their set, the wind had picked up to blowing around a steady 20 knots, with waves reaching almost 4 feet high in some places. They were able to get in their first race before the crews, and the boats, began to succumb to the challenging conditions. The races were called for the day, and eventually all the boats made it back safely to shore with only two bent masts and a couple of broken forestays to show for it. BR: Obviously, the new sight on the racing scene for Fleet Nationals this year is having North Sails as a supporting partner. What are your thoughts on having a sponsor at this event? RW: Having North Sails support this event was a huge step in showing how serious CICSA and all the teams in it are about building up the popularity and legitimacy of intercollegiate sailing in Canada. Of course, we aren’t as big as similar conferences in the United States, but we are growing. Having the support of a major player in the sailing industry helps show that progress. Every year there are eight races in the Canadian Regatta Series with many teams competing both in the regattas in Canada and in the U.S. under ICSA. It’s been a busy season with most of the larger teams like McGill sending their sailors to race and represent their school at up to 3 different races in one weekend. BR: McGill should be super proud of the fight they brought to the regattas in Canada and the US. What are your thoughts on the season as a whole? Ayden Watt: “It was a tight season of racing for McGill in CICSA, the team is proud to bring home the Fleet Race Nationals title for the fourth year in a row. Following an overall Canadian win in 2018, 2019 saw McGill bring in a strong new group of rookies, a new coach and a renewed drive to succeed. The whole team is especially thankful for our exceptional coaches, Stephen Waldie and Nicolas Tosi, and their guidance throughout the season. While this year didn't usher in the results the team was hoping for, McGill is proud of the work that got put in and is looking forward to strong Canadian competition in the coming season. This season definitely saw a lot of tight races, with fierce rivalry between McGill and Queen’s. Like McGill, the Gaels have a large team of seasoned racers competing both locally and across the border. The Queen’s Sailing Team has always been a dominant force on the water, consistently finishing regattas on the podium. Queen’s flexed their racing tact during this season to make a stellar come back. Queen’s Sail Team must ecstatic with the incredible pace they’ve had throughout the season. What are some notable points of the 2019 season? Scott Gittens: The past season for the Gaels was very successful. Most notably the team was able to bring back the CICSA League Championship making us the best ranked team in Canada. This championship included regaining the Team Racing National Championship. Despite a strong start to our season in the U.S, the Gaels unfortunately had to withdraw from one of the final qualifiers due to a larger team focus on winning the Canadian Championship. The Gaels had a strong finish to the season and will be looking to come back strong again next year to continue their dominant performance in Canada and improve upon their finish in the U.S League. The Gaels would like to extend thanks to their coaches Rachel Harris and Daniel Sheedy for their hard work and dedication in helping them achieve this year's accomplishments. While the majority of the teams that compete every year are based in the Central and Eastern region of Canada, the sailing team of University of British Columbia compete and practice ¾ of the year, and make the ~4600km journey from Vancouver, BC to Kingston, ON to compete at this race every year. BR: UBC’s commitment to racing out east is quite impressive. What is it like to travel this far to compete? It must mean something special to the team. Richard Minielly: From the moment we step on the plane each year, excitement is building. The long travel does tire us out, but also gives the four or five sailors, lucky enough to be selected, a day of travel in to clear their heads, study old regatta notes, and mentally prepare for the regatta. As Canadians, it is always a pleasure to compete against the best that our own country has to offer, and the energy for this event always contains more excitement than similar U.S. regattas. While the costs are high and the distance far, that chance to be champions of our own nation is what keeps UBC making the journey each year. The 2019 Fleet Racing Nationals closed a season that came with a lot of great racing and memorable startline drama. 2019 marked new highs for the CICSA Regatta Series as a record total of 19 University Teams now registered and competing across Canada, not to mention multiple teams competing in some of the most challenging regattas in the US. These intercollegiate teams travel hundreds if not thousands of kilometers to race their hearts out for their school while studying full time, finding time for training sessions, and racing when most people are pulling their boats out of the water for the winter. Tough? Crazy? Committed? I’d say they’re all of the above. With a burgeoning presence in the intercollegiate racing scene, these student athletes represent some of the best in Canadian Sailing. A big thank you to North Sails Toronto for supporting the Fleet Racing Nationals and donating a stunning basket full of NS Gear for our 2020 fundraising raffle (stay tuned for a sneak peak and more information on our Spring 2020 Raffle! All proceeds go to our Team Travel Bursary Program!). READ MORE

ACI Sail - globalni, a ne samo lokalni projekt FOTO: STUDIO BORLENGHI Još na proljeće se u jedriličarskim krugovima spominjao dolazak jedrilica klase Club Swan 36 u Hrvatsku. Prvo je u kombinaciji bila samo jedna jedrilica koja je trebala naslijediti već legendarni X-Cite, a ubrzo se počelo pričati i o cijeloj floti koja bi trebala jedriti pod zastavom ACI-ja. Konkretne informacije su se počele dobivati krajem lipnja i sad to više nisu bile glasine i kuloarske priče. Pojedinci odlaze u Italiju na testiranja jedrilica, a nakon ljeta svjedoci smo i prvom regatnom jedrenju jedne hrvatske posade. Od 8. do 12. listopada jedrio se The Nations Trophy - Swan One Design regata koju Nautor Swan organizira svake druge godine u suradnji s Real Club Nautico de Palma, a prvo izdanje je bilo 2017. Ove godine su u sklopu regate organizirana Svjetska prvenstva za Club Swan 50 i Club Swan 45, Club Swan 42 Europsko prvenstvo i promotivna regata za Club Swan 36. Hrvatska posada je jedrila na jedrilici klase Club Swan 36 s oznakom "ACI Sail", a o najzvučnijoj jedriličarskom novosti u Hrvatskoj nakon ovogodišnjeg ORC Svjetskog prvenstva odjedrenog u lipnju u Šibeniku popričali smo s predstavnikom nositelja projekta, ujedno i glavnim idejnim tvorcem novog poglavlja u hrvatskom jedrenju, Ivanom Kljakovićem Gašpićem: Nakon što je ACI bio vlasnik monotip flote JOD 36 s kojima su se jedrile match race regate, iznimno popularne devedesetih godina prošlog stoljeća, u ACI-ju se dugo nije ulagalo u sportski segment. Sad je stiglo vrijeme da se tvrtka ponovno okrene i u tom smjeru. Dok smo razmišljali u kojem to smjeru da se okrenemo uzimali smo u obzir sve postojeće popularne klase. TP52 je super brod, ali preskup, RC44 je stara klasa koja odumire, veliki MAXI-ji i super MAXI-ji su uglavnom "one off" a to i dalje nije strateška priča. Ono što je meni vrlo zanimljivo je foiling koncept. Osim što mislim da je to budućnost, u ACI-ju smo se odlučili orijentirati na neki trend koji je ujedno i brand u svijetu. Ako idemo gledati Melges, u jedriličarskim krugovima su to vrlo popularne jedrilice (modeli 20, 24, 32...), vrlo kvalitetne, ali široj populaciji su relativno nepoznate. Drugim riječima, rijetko tko što se ne bavi regatnim jedrenjem nije čuo ništa o Melgesu. Znači, to nije brand. S druge strane Melges 32 je stari brod i po meni se uopće ne isplati razmišljati o njemu na ovakav način. Melges 40, jedrilica koja je užasno skupa, komplicirana, nepraktična, također nije ono što nam treba. Tu negdje se pojavio Swan 36, za kojeg sam odmah kad je izašao pomislio da je to ono što nam treba. I to iz više razloga. Swan u svom Club razredu ima najveći broj članova, preko 7000 ljudi. Osim vlasnika, tu su i njihovi prijatelji... uglavnom poprilično zanimljiva skupina potencijalnih gostiju. O Swanu kao brandu mislim da je bespredmetno išta pričati, jer je riječ o jednom od najzvučnijih imena u svijetu jedrenja. Ne znam koga drugog bi mogao spomenuti u istom rangu s njim. I s druge strane jedrilice od 36 stopa se svojom veličinom mogu vezati u bilo koju ACI marinu i možemo za njih priuštiti sve što im treba. Omogućavaju nam vrlo veliku fleksibilnost kod organizacije bilo koje vrste regata, evenata itd. Jedna platforma koja po veličini i dimenzijama prihvatljiva ACI-ju i objedinjava sve one karakteristike koje sam spomenuo maloprije... foiling, moderan brod koji je također i vlasnička klasa. S druge strane Swan je u jednom velikom zamahu s klasom Swan Club 50, kojih je trenutno prodano trideset komada, što nije malen broj i evo sad na posljednjoj regati je jedrilo zajedno 18 tih jedrilica. Siguran sam da je taj brod i taj koncept nešto što će slijedećih desetak godina imati progresivan napredak. Tu se model od 36 stopa uklopio savršeno, jer se trenutno stvarno mnogo ljudi iz Melges-a, RC-a i drugih klasa gleda prebaciti u tridesetšesticu. Tako da možemo reći da je ACI s ovim napravio jedan vrlo velik korak naprijed i sudjeluje u postavljanju novih standarda na Jadranu, što je i jedan od glavnih ciljeva ACI-ja u dodatnom brandiranju Jadrana kao destinacije. S druge strane s ovim jedrilicama ćemo pružiti svim hrvatskim mladim jedriličarima mogućnost uključivanja u nove svjetske trendove. Meni osobno će biti vrlo drago da naša djeca koja prođu školu jedrenja, male klase i sve ono što sam i ja prolazio godinama, imati jednu novu stepenicu na koju će se moći popeti. Meni osobno kao jedriličaru to će biti i najveća satisfakcija, da znam da će te generacije djece, naravno ako se žele razvijati u ovom smjeru i imaju volje, imati platformu koja će ih gurnuti naprijed, a da nisu osuđeni na klasično skiperavanje. Mladi jedriličari imat će mogućnost uključivanja u cijelu priču kao instruktori u školi jedrenja na Swan-ovima 36, kad se budu organizirale raznorazne regate imat će mogućnost da se brinu o jedrilicama kao "boat captains", "shore captains". To su jedrilice koje su regatne "pile", kao mali TP, što se nauči na tom brodu s tim znanjem se može prebaciti na bilo koji Grand Prix brod i većeg i manjeg kalibra! Naučit će razmišljati na odgovarajući način i tehnički brinuti o njima. S druge strane moći će sudjelovati i u samom organiziranju regata i evanata, te naravno, kao skiperi i posade, jer će na svakom brodu trebat biti minimalno dva člana posade uz neiskusnu posadu koje ih uzmu u najam. Po svakoj regati će trebati minimalno desetak takvih mladih, nadobudnih jedriličara koji će se tu htjeti kaliti, dokazivati i s druge strane puno toga učiti. Mi smo trenutno također i u dogovorima sa Swan-om po pitanju regata koje će se u budućnosti organizirati u Hrvatskoj. Na njima će se sigurno trebat angažirati jedriličari za posade koje sigurno neće uvijek dolaziti kompletne, jer na ovakve regate često dolazi vlasnik ili sponzor s dva-tri svoja stalna jedriličara, a ostatak posade se kompletira s lokalnim jedriličarima. To su stvari na kojima trenutno radimo i vjerujem da ćemo za 2-3 godine imati na Jadranu Swan regate punog profila, znači ne samo za 36-ice, već za sve ostale Swan-ove. I tek tada projekt dolazi do svog punog izražaja, kad Hrvatska postane nova Swan destinacija. Ivan Kljaković Gašpić, ACI FOTO: STUDIO BORLENGHI ACI investira u dolazak ukupno 6 jedrilica. Jedan dio će doći do kraja ove godine, a flota će biti kompletirana do sezone 2020. Glavna baza će biti u marini ACI Split. Trenutno je tamo u izradi jedan novi montažni charter terminal u kojem će imati svoje urede i trening centar. Ali jedrilice neće biti u Splitu cijelu godinu. U planu je da ih se rotira po Jadranu, a po potrebi i po Mediteranu. Već je dosta zainteresiranih za najam za Swan regate po Mediteranu iduće godine... Copy del Ray, Rolex Swan Cup itd. Intencija je da Jadranske regate ne budu samo u Splitu, već da ih se organizira i u Dubrovniku, Rovinju, bilo kojoj drugoj lokaciji. Hrvatska premijera bila je na ovogodišnjoj Jabuci gdje su nastupile dvije ove jedrilice. Na jednoj je jedrio Ivan Kljaković Gašpić s ekipom iz Swana. S njim na palubi je bio Federico Michetti bivši CEO Melges Europe, a odnedavno sportski direktor Swan one design evenata. Dok je drugi Swan 36 iznajmljen jednoj češko - hrvatskoj posadi. READ MORE

North Sails a inauguré son nouveau loft à Lorient en présence de nombreux invités 📸Maxime Horlaville / polaRYSE Près de 150 personnes ont assisté mercredi 18 décembre à l’inauguration des nouveaux locaux de North Sails à Lorient La Base en présence de toute l’équipe de North Sails Vannes. Parmi les invités figuraient de nombreux acteurs du monde nautique tels que les membres de Charal, Gitana Team, PRB, Sodebo, Banque du Léman, des représentants de la Classe 40 et Mini 6.50 ainsi que de Multiplast, GSea Design, Tonnerre Gréement et Decosail pour n’en citer que quelques-uns. Étaient également présents des élus locaux dont Victor Tonnerre, maire de Larmor-Plage (56) et fondateur de la voilerie Tonnerre qu’occupe désormais North Sails. Cet événement était l’occasion pour les convives de découvrir le nouveau plancher de 500m2 dédié au service (réparations et modifications) et qui abrite également une équipe de six personnes, ingénieurs (bureau d'études) et technico-commerciaux. Le loft de Vannes restera le site de production pour North Sails France, et de service pour les clients de la région vannetaise. 📸Maxime Horlaville / polaRYSE 📸Maxime Horlaville / polaRYSE « Cela fait quelques années que nous souhaitions nous implanter à Lorient, a commenté Gautier Sergent, directeur général de North Sails France. Nous voulions le faire dans les meilleures conditions, selon des critères qui nous correspondent, et de manière pérenne. Cette inauguration nous a confortés dans notre choix. Nos clients et partenaires sont venus en grand nombre pour célébrer cet événement en notre compagnie. Nous sommes fiers de leur présence à nos côtés, des relations privilégiées que nous entretenons avec eux et de la palette de talents qu’ils représentent tous. Allez toujours plus loin est notre devise et nous avons désormais un support supplémentaire à notre disposition. » Ils ont dit : Franck Cammas, skipper, Edmond de Rothschild, Gitana Team « La venue de North Sails France à Lorient La Base nous concerne directement, notamment le bureau d’études avec qui nous échangeons beaucoup. Même si nos grands-voiles ne pourront être déroulées ici, nous pourrons toujours utiliser leur service de proximité pour les modifications et les voiles plus petites. Victor Tonnerre, maire de Larmor-Plage et fondateur de la voilerie Tonnerre « C’est un honneur que North Sails reprenne ce bâtiment. C’est une grande voilerie internationale compétente. Mes amis marins, ceux qui sont là et ceux qui tristement ne sont plus parmi nous, doivent être fiers. Avant ici, je tenais ma voilerie qui portait le nom de Tonnerre. Je sais qu’aujourd’hui avec North Sails, ce sera du Tonnerre. » Yann Penfornis, Directeur de Multiplast « C’est une bonne chose pour North Sails qui se donne aujourd’hui la possibilité de travailler plus étroitement avec ses clients. Cela devait déjà arriver avec le bâtiment des défis avant qu’il ne soit ravagé par un incendie. Leur présence est tout à fait logique. » Carole Bourlon, Responsable voile de compétition, Eurolarge, Bretagne Développement Innovation « Je pense que l’implantation de North Sails à Lorient en complément de Vannes s’imposait comme une évidence. » 📸Maxime Horlaville / polaRYSE 📸Maxime Horlaville / polaRYSE READ MORE

OPTIMIST NOVOS MODELOS DISPONÍVEIS Os novos modelos das velas de Optimist (MNR) já estão disponíveis, em Portugal, para demonstração. Se tem curiosidade em conhecer os novos modelos e em experimentá-los marque connosco um Demo Session para o seu Clube. A equipa North Sails Portugal leva até ao seu Clube os novos modelos para que as suas equipas tenham a oportunidade de conhecerem as velas North Sails para Optimist, em conjunto com os seus treinadores. Para marcações contacte o Vicente Pinheiro através dos contactos vicente.pinheiro@northsails.com ou 916 857 896. Saiba mais sobre o novo modelo através dos links e do video em baixo. #SailFast #GoBeyond NORTH SAILS INTRODUCES THE NEW BI-RADIAL OPTIMIST MAINSAIL NEW MNR SERIES OPTIMIST BI-RADIAL MAINSAIL https://youtu.be/D3PCbl3yjCc READ MORE

SUMMER SEASON SHAPING UP WELL FOR YOUNG P-CLASS SAILOR Great results with new sail from North Sails Auckland's One Design loft All eyes will be on Tim and his close rival Rowan Kensington this summer. The summer season is shaping up well for young P Class sailor Tim. Fourteen-year-old Tim, who is in his third season in the class, has been using a new F1 sail from North Sails Auckland’s One Design loft, and has been seeing great results. Tim, who sails out of the Kohimarama Yacht Club, won the P Class North Island championships at Tauranga at Labour Weekend, and is warming up for next year’s Tanner and Tauranga Cups event, to be held at the same venue. He also finished second at the recent Auckland champs at Glendowie, The North Island championships were sailed in fresh conditions on both days of the regatta, allowing only five races to be completed. Young sailors had to cope with not only changeable wind strength, but big changes in direction and the strong tidal flows of the Tauranga Harbour. Tim sailed consistently to win two of the races, finished second in two others, and round out his scorecard with a fourth placing, in a large fleet of 35 boats. This season Tim has moved from sailing Mintie into Vengeance, in which clubmate Blake Hinsley won the Tanner Cup earlier this year. Blake was also using a North F1 sail, and Tim decided to get one made for this season. North Sails One Design manager Derek Scott says the F1 is has a radial clew and a cross-cut top, to spread the load out of the clew. "It also allows the top of the sail to twist off nicely," Scott says. Tim’s father Richard Howse says Tim is enjoying using the sail. "He’s one of the more senior and heavier sailors in the fleet now and his Achilles heel has been sailing downwind," Richard says. "We have found his downwind speed with this sail is really, really good. It’s a real weapon." All eyes will be on Tim and his close rival Rowan Kensington this summer, especially at the 2020 Tanner Cup (interprovincial) and Tauranga Cup (national) P Class regatta, which will be sailed from January 2–7. READ MORE

2019 - A MEMORABLE YEAR FOR NORTH SAILS IRELAND Reflecting On Another Great Year Scottish Series, Tarbert 1st RC 35 Chimaera Andrew Craig 📸 Brendan Fogarty 2019 was a jam-packed and action-filled racing season for North Sails Ireland. Our team of Nigel Young, Shane Hughes, Richard Marshall and Maurice O'Connell (yours truly) were on the water around the country from the first day of the Spring Series in February to the last day of the Winter Series last weekend. Richard kept our customers going delivering our overnight service at the major events during the summer. We also competed internationally at numerous events abroad which helps us "stay current" with the trends and thinking with our North Sails colleagues from around the world. Maurice even managed to fit in some TV studio punditry at the Star Sailors League finals in Nassau in the Bahamas. Someone’s got to do it! Our customers have once again delivered an amazing set of results with numerous championship, regatta and series victories. Here is what they had to say: "This year has been an amazing year for us winning the Dun Laoghaire Dingle Race, ICRAs, Calves Week and now the ISORA series. Kieran Tarbett, our helmsman loves our new 3Di Code 1 and Code 2 jibs! Our original 2016 3DL offshore mainsail that we use for ISORA continues to perform really well and of course, our "Leinster" A3 reaching kite is such a great sail. Massive thanks to the North Sails Ireland team for helping us achieve such success" - Paul O'Higgins, JPK 1080 Rockabil VI - ICRA, ISORA and Calves Week Champions. "North Sails have been powering Joker II since 2007. They just keep getting better and better and I have no doubt their latest 3Di Raw headsails have been a big factor in our success this year in the ICRA's, Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta and now the J109 Nationals. A big Thank You to Prof and the North Sails team for your fantastic support." - John Maybury, J109 Joker II - ICRA, Volvo Dun Laoghaire Week and J109 National Champions "The new North sails contributed to the improvements that were required to deliver a very successful racing season. The 3Di Nordac sails and the new spinnaker were designed and optimised using an impressive computer based design system, they gave the boat the power required to perform well in all conditions. Hands on setup of the new sails and practical trimming advice enhanced the experience." - Denis Byrne, Trapper TS250 Cracker - RCYC Club Boat Of The Year. “I’ve regretted buying from others but never regretted buying a North sail.” - Joe Carton Dehler 34 Voyager, Howth Yacht Club Thank you to all our customers - you have all been fantastic and look at these results! Sail FAST, Merry Christmas and we look forward to seeing you all afloat in 2020. Horgans Quay October League Jump Juice at speed! Darragh McCormack Mermaid National Champion 2018 & 2019 Denis Byrne and Cracker flying her 3Di Nordac sails Paul O'Higgins' Rockabill Vl 📸 Afloat.ie Partial Inventory* READ MORE