THE CRUISING EXPERTS
MASTER SAILMAKERS
NORTH CRUISING SAILS
Looking for high-quality cruising sails that will help you make the most of your time on the water? Look no further than North Sails, the world's leading sailmaker.
Our cruising sails are designed to deliver the optimal combination of performance, durability, and ease of use, so you can enjoy your time on the water to the fullest. Whether you're a seasoned sailor or just starting out, our expert team of sail designers and engineers can help you find the perfect sails for your needs.
SAIL TYPES
EXPLORE CRUISING SAILS
CRUISE WITH CONFIDENCE
The right material makes a better cruising experience.
North Sails offers three material options to help you find the right sail for your needs. Every North cruising sail is custom-designed for your boat and sailing style. By matching the right sail materials to your sailing goals, you'll be even happier with your new North sails. That could mean easier furling and flaking, smoother tacking and jibing, headache-free sail handling and storage, or optimum performance and longevity.
SAIL MATERIALS
CRUISING CLOTH RECOMMENDATIONS
Boat Size: Any | Cruiser Type: All | Storage: Flake or Furl | Furling Mast/Boom: Yes | Fabric: 3Di Molded Composite | Features: Greater Control, Better Speed | Benefits: Reduces Heel in Breeze, Most Durable and Highest-Performance Material
Boat Size: 30'+ | Cruiser Type: Coastal, Blue Water | Furling Mast/Boom: Yes | Fabric: Aramid Laminate | Features: Radial Cut, Stretch Resistant | Benefits: Reduces Heel in a Breeze, Adds Power in Light Air
Boat Size: 25-45' | Cruiser Type: Coastal, Blue Water | Furling Mast/Boom: Yes | Fabric: Recycled polyester film, taffeta and yarn | Features: Radial Cut, Stretch Resistant | Benefits: No compromise in sail shape, durability, and longevity
Boat Size: 18-30' | Cruiser Type: Coastal | Storage: Flake or Furl | Fabric: Dacron | Features: Easy Handling, Broad Wind Range | Benefits: Built to Bluewater Specification, Soft Hand, Durable
WE GO BEYOND
SO CLOSE. SO FAR AHEAD.
Sails are a major investment, and the North sail care and repair experts are committed to helping you maximize their performance and lifespan. Our global network of service lofts puts North Sails service and support within easy reach no matter where you are.
Sails are a major investment, and the North sail care and repair experts are committed to helping you maximize their performance and lifespan. Our global network of service lofts puts North Sails service and support within easy reach no matter where you are.
RESOURCES & GUIDES
MATERIAL GUIDE FOR CRUISING SAILS
North Sails offers material options to help you find the right sails for your needs. Every North cruising sails is custom-designed for your boat and sailing style. By matching the right materials to your sailing goals, you'll be even happier with your new North sails. That could mean easier furling and flacking, smoother tacking and jibing, headache-free sail handling and storage or optimum performance and longevity.
North Sails offers material options to help you find the right sails for your needs. Every North cruising sails is custom-designed for your boat and sailing style. By matching the right materials to your sailing goals, you'll be even happier with your new North sails. That could mean easier furling and flacking, smoother tacking and jibing, headache-free sail handling and storage or optimum performance and longevity.
YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
A: For offshore cruising, ideally your core sail inventory whould include a well-cut mainsail, a roller-furling headsail, and a versatile downwind sail such as a Helix Furling Gennaker or Code Zero. For longer passages, you should also carry a heavy-weather jib, have at least two reefs in the mainsail, and keep a storm jib aboard for severe conditions. Offshore, the priority is balancing durability, versatility, and ease of handling across a wide range of weather conditions. Our full guide to cruising sail inventories for day sailing, coastal, and bluewater sailing explains what to consider for each type of cruising.
A: Cruising sailcloth comes in three main types, woven polyester, cruising laminates and 3D composite. Woven polyester is tough and structurally stable and a solid choice for coastal sailing. For offshore passages our NPL TOUR paneled sails have long set the bluewater standard thanks to their Dyneema construction. For sailors who want the best of both worlds 3Di OCEAN delivers exceptional shape-holding and durability without sacrificing longevity and is optimised specifically for cruising. The right choice depends on your passages and budget. Your local North expert can guide you through the options.
A: Sail lifespan depends on material, usage and care. The biggest single factor is the material. 3Di sails outlast traditional laminate and woven polyester sails considerably with customers regularly completing multiple offshore seasons on the same set. The most common lifespan killers are prolonged flogging, UV exposure and sailing outside a sail's designed wind range. A sail log, regular fresh water rinses and annual servicing from a North Certified Service loft will all extend the life of your investment. For a deeper look at what drives longevity read our guide to cruising sail durability.
CUSTOMER TESTIMONIALS
It feels tough and it looks good. It's also super bright white, not just white, which is kind of neat in a world where all sails are black these days. The quality, craftsmanship and stitching are all beautiful. My toy is a little bit cooler because of NPL RENEW.
Ken Lawson,
Newport