NEW LEADERSHIP FOR NORTH SAILS GERMANY

Stefan Matschuk retires as Country Manager and passes torch to Eckhard Kaller. 

After many loyal and successful years with North Sails, Stefan Matschuk is retiring as the Managing Director for Germany. In his place, Eckhard Kaller will move into the leadership position for one of the most important sailing markets in Europe. 

Stefan (known fondly to many as “Matschi”) and Eckhard have been friends and colleagues for many years, so the leadership change is expected to be seamless and provide a platform for continued growth and long term customer loyalty for which North Sails Germany is known and trusted.  

Sam Watson, CEO of North Sails and North Technology Group, commented: “It is always a memorable day when we commemorate a career milestone for a valued member of the North Sails family, and this is especially so for someone like Matschi, who has been such an important part of our team for so long. We wish him well in retirement and thank him for his dedication and service, he will be missed. But with Eckhard we have the perfect replacement - someone who learnt the business under Matschi but who no doubt will bring his own skills, character and vision to the role. I am confident North Sails in Germany will continue to go from strength to strength.” 

📸: Left: Eckhard Kaller | Right: Stefan Matschuk

Eckhard Kaller is an accomplished sailor, sail designer and sales expert. A specialist in traditional meter classes, he is multiple world champion in the 8m (Modern and Sira Class) as well as multiple national champion in classes such as Aphrodite 101, Lacustre, Trias and Longtze. He has also had success in both singlehanded and shorthanded racing, winning the German ORC Double Handed Championship in 2023. Long embedded with the Js, where he races with Topaz, Eckhard has become a leading salesman for the last decade in this popular class.  

Eckhard Kaller, the new Country Manager for North Sails Germany, commented: “I have big shoes to fill but am excited to step into this leadership role. I have worked closely with Matschi since 2009 and we have become a tightly knit team, united by shared goals, mutual respect and a strong commitment to success. I will be sure to continue Matschi’s professional approach and focus on building strong personal relationships in Germany and across the North Sails global network.”  

North Sails is the leading sailmaker in Germany for all kinds of customers, from professional racers to cruising families, with a reputation built on world class customer service, product innovation and a commitment to sustainability. The two lofts in Hamburg and Bodensee play a critical role in working with North operations and licensees across Europe and the world, as well as with the multiple sales offices across Germany. Hamburg also manages the redistribution of sails orders across Europe and more specifically functions as the principal European One Design Distribution centre for North Sails, holding a stock of over 1,000 one design sails. 

Eckhard Kaller concluded: “I am ready for the challenge to shape the future success of North Sails. I am passionate about developing the ideal sails for every customer, meeting their unique needs and aspirations. And excited about the continued innovations which we can bring to our clients to allow them to achieve their goals on the water.”  

North Sails Germany plays a critical role at a number of important sailing events around the country, including Kiel Week, Bodensee Rund Um Regatta, Bodenseewoche, classic boat events and many smaller regattas on the inland lakes of Germany.