PERFECTING 3Di FOR THE MELGES 24

Worlds Success Built On North’s Infinite Goal To Refine Sail Design

The popular and competitive Melges 24 Class recently completed their World Championships in Sardinia. North Sails clients were proud to have an unrivaled marketshare and see strong results in the regatta, with eight teams in the top ten, and 21 teams in the top 30, all racing with North inventories.

As the world leader in One Design sailmaking, North Sails recently introduced a latest generation M-2 mainsail and J-3 jib. Monsoon, who finished second at the World Championships, used the latest generation M-2 and the J-3. The World Championships illustrated once again that North Sails never stop refining sails and perfecting designs to deliver faster and user-friendly products for One Design racers around the world.

Giulio Desiderato, One Design Manager with North Sails Italy “The Melges 24 World Championships was a great event with some really competitive sailing. We were excited to see three boats fighting all the way until the last race to claim the title. Monsoon and Bombarda, who took second and third respectively, are two owner-driver teams racing with North Sails who pushed Maidollis, helmed by a professional sailor, right up to the end of the regatta in a tight battle. This illustrates not only that our sails are fast, but as importantly that they are user-friendly. That is our commitment to One Design classes across the board – we are always looking to push boundaries, improve the sailing experience for our clients, and power them to better results.”

“This illustrates not only that our sails are fast, but as importantly that they are user-friendly. That is our commitment to One Design classes across the board – we are always looking to push boundaries, improve the sailing experience for our clients, and power them to better results.”

The design for the new generation of M-2 and J-3 sails focused primarily on improved load distribution to deliver enhanced durability and performance. The small layout changes and refinements also ensured a lighter feel and handling experience. The designers also sought cosmetic changes, resulting in a beautiful smooth black sail with less visible wrinkling. The new sails, composed of blended aramid, Dyneema and polyester materials, is testament to the North Sails commitment to One Design classes to deliver continuous improvement and a better product. The design team continues to turn their attention to other popular classes such as the Melges 20 to implement similar developments.

Andrea Pozzi, skipper of Bombarda, who secured his best results at the recent World Championships with a podium finish, sees the sails as a critical part of the boat’s preparation and performance “I think that the present and the future is with 3Di technology. We realized this when we tried the full set of 3Di sails in Miami during the Bacardi Cup. I really like the approach that North Sails took to develop the M-2 Mainsail and J-3 jib; I think that the key to success and the reason why so many teams choose North Sails for their campaign is that they are continuously working to improve the sails by listening to the feedback from the sailors directly from the regattas. The new generation of sails that we had onboard for the World Championships were for sure the best we used throughout the whole season; they are fast and all purpose.”

The owner and skipper of Monsoon Bruce Ayres, who has been racing with North Sails for close to 18 years, added, “In the hotel business where I work, if a contractor isn’t supplying you with the best product or service you get a new contractor. It’s the same with sailmakers; and simply put, North Sails have been the best. I have been very fortunate to get not only the best products from North Sails but also a first class customer service if we ever have any little issues or changes. North continues to deliver a product that uses the latest technology and designs. They have the professionals there to back it up, especially the likes of Vince Brun, Harry Melges and John Bowden. On the water, I always try to have the best equipment. Whether it’s rigging or boat, North Sails always delivers for me. ”