NORTH SAILS BLOG

CEDAR POINT ONE DESIGN REGATTA 2019 Coffee With North | Weather Tips | Sail Care North Sails is excited to continue supporting the prestigious Cedar Point One Design Regatta, kicking off the sailing season in the New York, Connecticut area. Our North experts will be there to offer your team full support, both on and off the water, daily weather debriefs, tip of the day, raffles, overnight repair service and a lot more. Coffee With North Join the North Sails experts Brian Hayes, Jack Orr, Tom Castiglione, Zeke Horowitz, Allan Terhune, Pal Van Dyke every morning at the North tent for a cup of fresh brewed Joe and some morning snacks. Make sure to check weather debriefs and tips for the day from our local experts. Regatta Repair Our Certified Service Expert Bill Walker will be on site picking up sails after racing on Saturday and returning them on Sunday morning. Open to all boats for overnight sail repair, we will be there to offer every crew the peace of mind when it comes to sail care matched with expert service. READ MORE

MINI 6.50 Pornichet Select 📸Bruno Bouvry La première course en solitaire de la saison s’est déroulée le week-end dernier sur un parcours de 230 milles. 84 bateaux sur la ligne avec un départ décalé à cause d’une météo difficile et de l’état de la mer chaotique. En classement proto, Axel Tréhin (945) et François Jambou (865) se sont livrés un combat exceptionnel, 5 minutes les séparant sur la ligne d’arrivée après 1 jour et 19 heures de courses. Axel signe une très belle 2ème place. Pour l’occasion, il testait son nouveau grand spi North Sails. En classement série, Ambrogio Beccaria (943) a dominé cette épreuve du début à la fin, et s’adjuge une magnifique victoire. Félix De Navacelle (voile plate) et Matthieu Vincent (2 voiles de portant) terminent respectivement 2ème et 3ème. Quel beau podium pour les voiles North Sails. Prochaine épreuve, la Mini en Mai dans une semaine à La Trinité sur Mer. READ MORE

NORTH SAILS GANA EL NACIONAL DE OPTIMIST Los más pequeños continúan agrandando el palmarés de North Sails en competición. Los cuatro campeones del recién disputado campeonato de España de Optimist (Valencia, 14 a 19 de abril) lograron sus victorias equipando velas North Sails R2, y desde aquí queremos felicitarles por su hazaña y agradecerles su confianza en nuestros productos. Felicitamos a los nuevo campeones de España de Optimist: Javier Ojeda (campeón de Sub16 masculino y ganador absoluto del certamen), María Perelló (Sub16 femenino), Pol Nuñez Vía-Dufresne (Sub13 masculino) y Nicola Sadler (Sub13 femenino). ¡Gracias, campeones! READ MORE

CONSEJO NORTH SAILS El calendario de regatas comienza a alcanzar velocidad de crucero, y desde North Sails queremos recordarte unas pautas básicas para que disfrutes de tu tiempo de navegación. 📸 Ian Roman La anticipación resulta vital a la hora de garantizar que tenemos el barco listo para cuando suene la señal de salida, por lo que se impone una revisión completa con el mayor margen posible: mástil, cabuyería, electrónica, motor,... y, por supuesto, las velas. Para garantizar que se encuentran en estado óptimo, os recomendamos poneros en contacto con cualquier experto North Sails o directamente con nuestro equipo a través del email info@es.northsails.com. Estaremos encantados de resolver vuestras dudas y facilitaros el acceso a nuestro Servicio Certificado North Sails, el único que garantiza la puesta a punto más exhaustiva realizada por los mejores profesionales. ¡Recordad que disponemos de servicio de recogida y entrega en cualquier punto de la geografía española! Para más información, contacta con tu agente North Sails, visita www.northsails.com o escríbenos a info@es.northsails.com READ MORE

ÉXITO EN EL PRINCESA SOFÍA El Trofeo S.A.R. Princesa Sofía celebró sus bodas de oro con excelentes noticias para los clientes North Sails. 📸 Sailing Energy / Trofeo Sofía Iberostar El podio de clase 470 femenino estuvo copado por nuestras velas, con victoria absoluta del combinado británico (Hannah Mills y Eilidh McIntyre). En 470 masculino, North Sails propulsó a los dos primeros clasificados: el campeón sueco (Anton Dahlberg y Fredrik Bergström) y el subcampeón español (Jordi Xammar y Nicolás Rodríguez). Podio completo también para la marca en clase Finn, con victoria final del neozelandés Andrew Maloney. Desde North Sails España felicitamos a los ganadores y agradecemos su confianza a todos nuestros clientes. READ MORE

NUEVA 3Di OCEAN, NOVEDAD NORTH SAILS EN EL SALÓN NÁUTICO DE PALMA North Sails repitió presencia en Palma International Boat Show desplegando su extensa gama de productos, en la que destacaba como novedad absoluta la nueva 3Di Ocean, lo último en velas para superyates de crucero oceánico. Palma International Boat Show supone una cita ineludible para el sector náutico, tanto por su posición estratégica en el corazón del Mediterráneo como por las fechas de su celebración (27 de abril a 1 de mayo), justo antes del comienzo de la temporada de grandes regatas del Mediterráneo. En su 36ª edición, Palma Superyacht Show, su zona temática para superyates, acogió la mayor reunión de Europa de veleros con esloras superiores a los 24 metros, un nicho dominado por North Sails y en el que sus dos velerías de Mallorca componen el mayor centro de servicio especializado del mundo. Luis Martínez Doreste, director comercial de North Sails España explica: "El salón náutico de Palma es un evento de referencia para nosotros. Se celebra a escasos kilómetros de nuestras dos velerías especializadas en superyates (Palma y Llucmajor), por lo que supone una ocasión excepcional para encontrarnos con nuestros clientes y realizar nuevos contactos prácticamente sin salir de casa." La vela ideal para crucero oceánico La gran novedad North Sails en el 36th Palma International Boat Show fue la nueva 3Di Ocean, "Un producto ideal para armadores de cruceros oceánicos de gran eslora que valoran especialmente el compromiso entre durabilidad y prestaciones", explica Martínez Doreste. Su composición con alto contenido de UltraPE proporciona un equilibrio inédito entre durabilidad y facilidad de uso al reducir volumen, peso y rigidez al tiempo que conserva los mejores niveles de dureza y fiabilidad asociados a la tecnología 3Di. Disponible en una gama de tres colores, llega al dossier North Sails para completar la familia 3Di junto a las ya conocidas RAW, ENDURANCE, NORDAC y DOWNWIND. Pero en el Salón de Palma no todo fueron grandes esloras. Marc Patiño, responsable comercial de North Sails en Mallorca, recuerda que los superyates suponen un segmento clave para la firma, pero no la única razón de su presencia en el salón. "Aunque nuestro principal mercado en la isla es el de los superyates, prestamos servicio de velería a todo tipo de embarcaciones. Por el salón de Palma pasa todo el sector, así que sin duda es una cita ineludible para nosotros." Para más información sobre North Sails, visita https://www.northsails.com o contacta con nosotros en info@es.northsails.com READ MORE

FREMTIDENS TURSEJL 3Di NORDAC tursejl skal holde den vigtige vingeform i mange år. Det er hvad der forventes i forhold til almindeluge vævede dacron-sejl, som på få år bliver for dybe, hvilket resulterer i mere krængning og lavere fart. minbaad.dk tester i Caribien 3Di NORDAC-sejlet er utroligt strækstabilt og let at trimme. Det viste en fem timers test på en Beneteau 45, som vi sejlede ved British Virgin Island, imellem fem og ni meter pr. sekund. Hele sejladsen foregik på kryds. Bølgerne var krappe, og den friske vind gjorde, at vi måtte rebe det hvide storsejl med gennemgående sejlpinde. Sejlet var let at rebe, selv om dugen er noget mere hård end en traditionel dacron-dug. Det første, man lægger mærke til, er, at 3Di-dugen har et specielt udseende, som ikke ses lignende hos andre sejlfabrikanter. Det ser karakteristisk ud og er North Sails 3Di-signatur. Stærkt og fladt 3DiNORDAC-dugen er stærk og sejlet er dejligt fladt, men stadig med power i. Det gav sig ikke en tomme undervejs, selv ikke når større pust ramte os. En regnskylle kom også ind over os, da vi krydsede i British Virgin Island fra Tortola mod Gorda i 25 graders varme. Regnen perlede straks af sejlet. Faktisk er det umuligt for fugt at trænge ind i North Sails 3Di NORDAC-sejlet, da sejlet i polyester er mættet med lim og samtidig ikke er lamineret med film og taffeta. Det erfarede vi få uger før sejlturen, da vi besøgte fabrikken i Minden i USA. Her så vi, at 3Di-sejlene lå til hærdning i syv dage under den 22 dage lange proces, hvor sejlene bliver produceret. 108 procents fokken stod også, som den skulle, tilpas flad, men med power i. Sejlet gav sig ikke. 3Di er et komposit, hvor der anvendes mere avanceret lim og ingen mylarfilm, som det ellers ses hos de fleste sejlproducenter. Det betyder med andre ord, at 3Di NORDAC-sejlene kun anvender udspredt filament-tape, hvilket så udgør hele sejlet. Et 3Di-sejl kan derfor ikke delaminere. Enkel at trimme og mindre krængning Jesper Feldt, sælger og daglig leder af North Sails Danmark, tror på, at 3Di-sejlet kan blive det foretrukne sejl for fremtidens tursejlere i Danmark og fortæller om den positive feedback fra kunderne på 3Di NORDAC-sejlet: "3Di NORDAC er meget enkelt at trimme og holder formen længere end de hidtidige vævede dacron-sejl. Med den rigtige facon får du mere ud af sejlet og kan enkelt balancere din båd og kontrollere krængningen. Hele North Sails’ dna er, at sejlerne skal kunne sejle stærkere og mere sikkert, og sjovt nok er hurtige sejl enkle at trimme og holder faconen." "Vi har alene i Danmark solgt over 250 3Di NORDAC-sejl det første år, så det ser ud til at blive tursejlernes foretrukne sejl. Danskerne vælger nu et sejl, der er bygget med den nyeste teknologi og som holder i mange år. De fleste tursejl, der i dag produceres med polyester, begynder at miste deres facon efter to-tre år, hvor 3Di NORDAC holder faconen år efter år." Mere værdi for pengene Leveringstiden for det nye 3Di NORDAC ligger på mellem fem til otte uger. North Sails’ CEO Dan Neri, der holder til på hovedkontoret i New Port, Rhode Island i USA, var med om bord til testen i Caribien. Han fortæller, at North Sails nu satser stort på 3Di NORDAC til tursejlermarkedet. Vi tror på, at 3Di NORDAC vil dominere fremtidens tursejl, fordi det er et sejl, hvor man får stor værdi for pengene. I dag er vi verdens største producent af tursejl med 4.500 solgte tursejl årligt ud af de 33.000 sejl, vi sælger årligt (10.000 one design-sejl, red.), forklarer Dan Neri fra North Sails. Firmaet blev startet i 1957 af Lowell North i San Diego, USA, og har i dag 1.500 ansatte, fordelt på 150 sejllofter i 29 lande. Heraf arbejder de 15 i Danmark. North Sails har udviklet 3Di NORDAC gennem længere tid på 3Di-fabrikken i Nevadaørkenen i Minden, hvorefter man har ladet 45 kunder teste sejlene i over et år under alle vind- og vejrforhold. North Sails 3Di NORDAC har vægt som et almindeligt tursejl i dacron-dug og er bygget med North Sails patenterede 3Di-teknologi. Materialet er polyester, et fleksibelt materiale, der er 17 gange mere fleksibelt end et 3Di-sejl med kulfiber. Det nye 3Di NORDAC-sejl er dermed mere tilgivende og kan bedre absorbere chokeffekt, hvis man fx rammer en stor bølge, og båden går i stå. Produktionsmetoden sikrer samtidig, at sejlet ikke kan delaminere, da der anvendes termoset-lim og ikke en film på sejlet, hvilket ellers ses på alle laminatsejl. Sejlet bygges i Minden i USA og på Sri Lanka og er stærkt, hvor der er behov for det - fx ved skødebarmene. Dugen til fx en 30 fods båd består af fire lag ultra tynd polyestertape midt i sejlet og 20 lag polyestertape i skødebarmen, hvor der er stor belastning. Sejlet bygges til både op til 45 fod, og her vil der typisk være mellem seks, otte eller 10 lag polyestertape. Der er op til 50 lag ultra tynd polyestertape i skødebarmen på sejl til både op til 45 fod. Dugen er vandafvisende på grund af limen i sejlet, der fuldstændig afviser vandet, modsat almindelig dacron-dug, der suger vand. North Sails gør dermed op med den vævede dug, der har fyldt det meste af markedet i mere end 60 år. READ MORE

NORTH AFFICHE DE BELLES PERFORMANCES SUR LE SPI ET LA SNIM Un week-end de Pâques riche en émotions et en victoires pour North 📸 David Ademas / Ouest-France Le week-end de Pâques a battu son plein avec au programme deux gros événements nautiques : le Spi-Ouest à l’Ouest de la France dans la baie de Quiberon et la SNIM au Sud sur la rade de Marseille. Sur les quatre jours, les conditions météo ont donné du fil à retordre aux équipages présents (entre pétole et dépression) qui ont dû user de tout leur art, mais se sont livrés à de belles batailles. On compte un bon tiers de la flotte qui a navigué sous voiles North (jeu complet ou partiel) et autant de victoires sur le Spi-Ouest tandis que sur la SNIM, c’est quasiment la moitié des bateaux qui décrochent les places d’honneur sur le podium (jeu complet ou partiel). 📸 Thomas Bregardis / Ouest-France À la Trinité, c’était presque l’été durant ce long week-end de Pâques (19-22 avril 2019). Malgré un début timide avec vents légers, parfois absents, la 41e édition du Spi-Ouest France – Destination Morbihan s’est disputée dans des conditions plutôt idéales avec ciel bleu, soleil radieux et températures dépassant les 20 degrés. Les 440 équipages répartis en 6 zones de course ont navigué entre 4 et 16 manches selon les catégories de bateaux, sur des parcours construits ou de grands côtiers, soit 150 au total. Le niveau de jeu entre amateurs et professionnels était de taille et a offert aux spectateurs venus nombreux pour l’occasion un magnifique ballet incessant de voiliers, notamment sous spis multicolores, et des régates endiablées sur la magnifique baie de Quiberon. 📸 Pierik Photographe À Marseille, sur les quatre jours de régate, les conditions durant la 54e Semaine Nautique Internationale de Méditerranée étaient particulièrement denses et instables, avec un vent d’est capricieux, une dorsale de hautes pressions et une dépression, entraînant des flux différents et perturbés au Sud comme au Nord de la rade. Des conditions atypiques mais qui ont offert de nombreuses tactiques et de très belles courses aux 139 bateaux et 1000 marins présents. 📸 Pierik Photographe Côté classement sur le Spi Ouest, nombreux sont les bateaux dotés d’un jeu North Sails qui décrochent la plus haute marche sur le podium comme le catamaran ETF 26 Team Pro, le TP 52 Paprec Recyclage (IRC A), le XP 38 X Spain (Osiris 1), le JPK 10.80 LS Resa (IRC Double), New Territories (J/70), et Bénéteau Boat Club (First 24). Autres victoires, chez les Figaro 2, C-Magic termine 2e tandis qu’en Open 7.50, Bretagne Telecom et Le Britannia occupent les 2e et 3e places. En Multi 2000, Arbezen se classe 2e de sa catégorie. Bonne Nouvelle 2, Joke, Sage Engineering occupent les 3e places de leur catégorie respective en 31.7, Osiris 2 et J/70. Enfin dans la série ETF 26, Cool Runnings 4 se place en 2e position, suivi de Gaspe en 3e. Pour tous les résultats de course, voir sur https://evenements.ouest-france.fr/spi/. 📸 Pierik Photographe Sur la SNIM, on note les victoires des TP52 Team Vision Future, Alizée et Arobas 2 en catégorie IRC O, respectivement en position 1, 2, 3 sur le podium, qui affichent le logo North Sails. De même pour Imagine et Tonnerre de Glen qui arrivent 1er et 3e de leur série en IRC 1. Le fast 40 Sloughi Rivas Yachting prend la 2e place en IRC 2, et Absolutely emporte la 3e place en IRC 3. Dans les autres catégories, c’est Raging Bee qui décroche la 2e place en IRC 4, Espresso arrive en tête de sa catégorie en IRC Solo, suivi de très près par Hokua. Enfin en IRC Duo, c’est l’équipage de Léon 4 qui domine la flotte. Pour tous les résultats de course, voir sur https://www.lanautique.com/regate/snim-2019/. READ MORE

IMPRESSIVE TURNOUT FOR SAIL PORT STEPHENS Achieving High-End Results With North Sails Experts Onboard 📸 Hover UAV North Sails mounted a huge turnout at Sail Port Stephens 2019, both in terms of clients achieving high-end results and staff crewing across the range of boats which made up two sets of record fleets. Now in its 12th year, the popular autumn series, which is broken into two halves and open for entry to either or both, had a waiting list of owners wishing to enter but unable to find a marina berth over the busy period – a good reason to enter early for the 2020 edition! Dates are yet to be announced. The first-half Bannisters Port Stephens Commodores Cup - designed for cruiser-racers with a daily passage race making up the pointscore - enjoyed the best conditions of the week-long regatta, a light air opener for the stunning offshore islands course then two windier days for the record 100-strong fleet. 📸 Salty Dingo Conditions for the Pantaenius Yacht Insurance Port Stephens Trophy fleet of 150, also a Sail Port Stephens record, were tediously light and fickle on the opening Friday with marginal less hair-pulling on the Saturday. Finally Sunday brought enough wind, remnant from the overnight southerly change though peppered with rain squalls and significant shifts, to complete that day’s closing schedule of windward/leeward and passage races. On-water postponements, shortened courses, mid-race course adjustments and overnight changes to the racing schedule kept the race committee, led by Denis Thompson, busy between Salamander Bay where the Australian Sports Boat Association national title and VX One state titles were playing out, to the offshore course area. 📸 Salty Dingo Results-wise, North clients and staff posted multiple regatta winning low scores across the divisions including the eventual IRC division 2 champion for the fifth consecutive year, Bob Cox’s DK46 Nine Dragons, with Michael Coxon aboard. The Middle Harbour Yacht Club entry staged a late steal in the stronger winds on the final day, Sunday April 14, having been beaten up by the Farr 40s in winds eight knots and less on the Friday and Saturday. NSW IRC Championship division 1 second-placed Hooligan, Marcus Blackmore’s Pittwater based TP52, had Paul Westlake as part of its well-credentialled team, including Ben Lamb, Ed Smyth from New Zealand and Stacey Jackson, among other talent. 📸 Salty Dingo North’s Rob Greenhalgh added his expertise to Sam Haynes’ TP52 campaign, Celestial finishing third in IRC division 1 and taking out the TPR division which is a new Australian-based bespoke scoring system for the TPs based on AMS and the number of professionals aboard. Rob Pitts’ Farr 40 Double Black remained on the IRC division 2 podium right across the long weekend, North’s Aaron Cole an integral part of the Victorians’ consistency coming off the back of the class’ summer-long season of racing. 📸 Salty Dingo Adding their name to the list of North Sails noteworthy results was Steve Barlow’s MC38 Lightspeed, both the Performance Racing division 1 and Super 12 victor. David Griffith and Doug Flynn’s stunning Marten 49 Yarrandi cleaned up Performance Cruising division 1 and Steven Proud’s MC38 Swish, with Sydney-based Billy Sykes calling tactics, picked up second in the Super 12 division and third in Performance Racing division 1. North Sails staff also picked up Commodore’s Cup top three results crewing on Not a Diamond (Hamish Crossan), Mojo (Jeremy O’Donnell) and the TP52 Gweilo (Kyle Dodds and Andrew Parkes) - 12 staff in total across the week. 📸 Salty Dingo While there is a highly competitive thread across most divisions racing at Sail Port Stephens, particularly for the Port Stephens Trophy, another significant draw card for owners and crew is the fact the holiday destination is just 2.5hrs from Sydney by road, and it’s well situated between Brisbane and Melbourne for staging class and multi denominational championships. Accommodation options are plentiful and varied for crews plus family and friends to join their favourite sailors, shops are handy and boat services are easy to access. The bay offers brilliant flat-water racing made challenging by the tidal flows, sandbanks and land influence, and sailing around the striking uninhabited islands just beyond the Port Stephens entrance resembles the Queensland Whitsundays. 📸 Salty Dingo Add in a colourful program of evening social gatherings, including the dress-up Commodore’s Cup prizegiving and sponsored drinks at Broughtons at The Bay where crews gathered religiously after racing for the obligatory debrief, and it’s no wonder record numbers are heading to the Hunter coast for the annual series. Full results at www.sailportstephens.com.au 📸 Salty Dingo READ MORE

37TH GARDA OPTIMIST MEETING Thanks For Visiting Us At Fragila Vela Riva 📸 Matias Capizzano North Sails is proud to be a part of the 37th Lake Garda Meeting for the Optimist Class - the largest single-class regatta in the world. Aside from a spectacular sailing venue, Lake Garda always delivers perfect sailing conditions and this event was no exception - reliably at noon every day, the Ora wind set in. This made for exciting racing, with the top seven boats being divided by just four points after the penultimate race. Throughout the week, the North Sails booth acted as a hub for over 1000 sailors to come and talk, ask questions and play games. North Sails Optimist Class Experts offered some last minute racing tips to the sailors, coaches and parents, with sail designer Mike Marshall coming over from the U.S. to give some hands-on sail tuning advice. ''It was great to see both the coaches and sailors critically analysing the sails," commented North sail designer and Optimist expert, Mike Marshall. North Sails Optimist Class Experts offered some last minute racing tips to the sailors, coaches and parents. "It was great to see both the coaches and sailors critically analysing the sails." As well as being present onshore, our experts were out on the water putting our latest Optimist development sails through their paces. Working closely with teams from Russia, USA and Norway, we are delighted with the performance of these test sails. Testing will continue over the next month in Germany, Italy and Switzerland... watch this space! After working closely with teams from Russia, USA and Norway in Garda, the testing of our latest Optimist development sail will continue over the next month in Germany, Italy and Switzerland. Congratulations to Marco Gradoni from Italy who came top of the 887 boats in the Junior fleet and Erik Scheidt from Brazil for winning the younger Cadetti fleet with 84 boats. ''With great pride and satisfaction, we have completed this 37th edition of the Garda Optimist Meeting. This year, we were particularly lucky also with the weather conditions. that gave us a week that almost looked like summer, with warm sun and steady Ora wind, never below seven knots. It's already time to look forward, in 2020 we will also host the Optimist Worlds so it will be a great year for Fragila Vela Riva.'' Giancarlo Mirandola, President of Fragila Vela Riva. Visit the Optimist Class Page and browse our Shop Inventory now. 📸 Matias Capizzano 📸 Matias Capizzano 📸 Matias Capizzano READ MORE

WANT TO JOIN OUR CREW? North Sails Long Island Is Recruiting Would you like to work in a fun, and fast paced environment with the worldwide leader in sailmaking? Since 1957, North Sails has led the sailmaking industry with our cutting-edge technology and knowledgable team. We are looking to add an energetic and organized sales representative to our team in Huntington, NY. Job Title North Sails Sales Expert Job Overview He or she will be responsible for networking and building a customer base of sailing clients. The sales expert with work with clients to identify their needs and provide sail solutions. Responsible for identifying potential clients, providing quotations, completing the sale and entering the order to meet the client parameters of their boat. Location North Sails Long Island, 135 W Shore Road, Huntington, NY 11743. Hours This is a full-time position. Office hours and travel are required and will vary depending on season, client base and location. Essential Duties & Responsibilities Maintain knowledge and expertise in the current North Sails product line Provide first class customer service to all customers Maintain Sales Funnel Meet and/or exceed sails goals as discussed with manager Represent North Sails on an off the water in a professional manner, as described in company guidelines and code of conduct Adhere to Sales Guidelines Actively participate in local and regional sailing organizations, clubs, and events Attend and participate in sales trainings, meetings and events Qualification Requirements Must have extensive background in sailing and participation in local and regional sailing events Experience in sales position Superior customer service skills Professional written and verbal communication skills Moderate to strong computer skills Flexible / non-traditional working hours Confidentiality Ability to work without direct supervision If you are interested in this position, please send cover letter and resume to Pete.Colby@northsails.com READ MORE

LE MULTI SOUS TOUTES SES FORMES À LA GRANDE MOTTE Le Salon International du Multicoque Tout le monde est prêt pour l'ouverture Parmi les événements nautiques de la saison à ne pas manquer figure sur le calendrier le Salon International du Multicoque à la Grande Motte. Du 24 au 28 avril, la 10e édition dévoilera les grandes nouveautés 2019 en avant-première (une dizaine en exclusivité mondiale ou européenne). Seront exposés une variété de modèles conçus par les principaux constructeurs, soit près de 60 catamarans et trimarans habitables, à voile et à moteur, sur un espace de plus de 3000 m2. Ce salon de référence réunira tous les acteurs de la filière multicoque de plaisance dont le dynamisme ne faiblit pas : professionnels, architectes, chantiers, voileries (dont North Sails), accastilleurs, loueurs, assureurs, transporteurs, etc. La France reste leader sur ce marché avec environ 70% de la production. L’Afrique du Sud est le second producteur. Comme chaque année, North Sails sera présent sur le salon. L’équipe tiendra son stand sur l’esplanade (stand T2) et présentera aux visiteurs, professionnels comme amateurs, ses différentes gammes de produits les mieux adaptés aux multicoques de plaisance (Nordac et 3Di Ocean : nouveauté 2019) et à la course (3Di Raw : la voile de tous les records sur le Jules Vernes, le Trophée Saint-Exupéry, le record des 24h, etc.), sans oublier les voiles de portant du Spi symétrique au tout récent Gennaker Hélix 3Di. Le Salon International du Multicoque qui fête ses dix ans cette année a organisé sa grande première à Lorient en 2010 avant d’être relocalisé à la Grande Motte sous le soleil méditerranéen. Depuis son existence, l’événement confirme sa réputation dans le milieu avec une hausse constante des fréquentations. Environ 15 000 visiteurs du monde entier sont attendus. Pour plus d’informations : https://www.multicoque-online.com/fr/ READ MORE

MUSTANG 30 "PERIDOT" SEA TRIAL Testing the latest IRC-optimised inventory Maurice "Prof" O'Connell from North Sails Ireland onboard the Mustang 30 "Peridot" testing their new 3Di mainsail, No.1 genoa, Code 2 jib and S1.5 symmetric spinnaker on Good Friday on Dublin Bay. Speaking yesterday after the 3Di sail trial co-owner Jim McCann said, "the sails are awesome!". "North Sails Ireland have been supplying "Peridot" since 2010 and we are delighted to work with Jim and his team in developing the latest IRC-optimised inventory. Sail FAST guys!" said Prof after the sail trial. READ MORE

Odlični rezultati North Sails klijenata na XXIII. Uskršnjoj Foto: Dubravka Pajk Druga regata u kalendaru CRO ORC D-Marin Cupa je odjedrena od 11. do 13. travnja. Novost ove regate je što se u potpunosti vratila ORC-u, odnosno nije više bilo Open skupina, već su se svi rezultati vrednovali po ORC sustavu. Naravno, posade koje su na ranijim izdanjima ove regate pokazivale izrazitiji sportski naboj i ove godine su jedrile po International inačici ORC-a, dok su se bivši Openaši prijavljivali s ORC Club svjedodžbama. Ovog godine je broj "ozbiljnih sportaša" bio veći nego društva iz Naute. ORC CRuiser/Racer skupina je brojala 15 jedrilica, dok je Nauta bilo 13. Kao i ranijih godina, jedrili su na sličnim regatnim poljima, a ostao je jednak i broj krugova koji je morala svaka od flota odjedriti. Skupina International je imala nešto kraće polje, ali s obavezna dva kruga, dok su Naute jedrili na oko pola milje duljem polju i to po samo jedan krug. Osim tih štapova u programu su imali i jednu navigaciju koju su odjedrili na jednakoj ruti. Što se tiče flote ona je bila manje više poznata s ranijih izdanja regate, ali uz manje izmjene poput toga što su se dva TP-a koji su ranijih godina jedrili u Nautama ovaj put su se prebacili u Race skupinu. Jedino novo (staro) ime na startnoj listi je bila Anđela X koja je ovaj put jedrila u pomlađenom sastavu, ali pod istim klupskim bojama. Prvi natjecateljski dan je bio četvrtak. Kasnije se pokazalo da je to bio i najplodniji dan regate jer se odjedrio maksimalni program od po tri plova za svaku skupinu. Uvjeti su bili teški jer vjetar nije bio stabilan. Dolazio je iz drugog kvadranta i počeo kao jugo koje je putovalo u desno, da bi se na kraju vratilo u lijevo, u levant. Tako da je RO morao sva tri puta postavljati novo polje, a u posljednjem plovu je bio i signaliziran Charlie za skupinu "rejsera". Foto: Dubravka Pajk U svim plovovima prvi bi startali Raceri, dok bi Naute krenuli 10 minuta nakon njih. Prvi put se tako zbilo u 12:10, drugi sat i pol kasnije i treći dva sata nakon drugog. Kako je vjetar oscilirao po smjeru, bio je nestabilan i po snazi. U prvom plovu je ORC scorrer izračunao da je korigirano najbrži, X-Cite, jedrio po prosječnih 14 čvorova, dok je realno najbrža bila Assilina. U drugom plovu, kad je vjetar otišao u desno izgubio je na snazi. Prva u cilj ulazi posada drugog TP-a, Polet Furioso, dok je nakon matematičkih kalkulacija na vrh ponovno izbio X-Cite s korigiranih minut i pol prednosti ispred drugoplasiranog Poleta. Po ORC-ovom matematičkom modelu treći plov je bio po najjačem vjetru tog dana. Ekipa Assiline je nakon propusta u prethodnom plovu vratila koncentraciju i ponovno dojedrila do prvog mjesta u realnom vremenu, ali i oni i ekipa s Poleta ipak nije odjedrila kako bi trebala i zauzimaju dva posljednja mjesta. S druge strane na prva tri mjesta su izbile najmanje jedrilice u floti. Pobjedu odnosi Anđela X, a pratile su je One i Mareus II. Foto: Dubravka Pajk Što se tiče skupine Nauta, kod njih je apsolutno dominirala posada jedrilice Franko II. Posada JK Endemi je u sva tri odjedrena plova ušla prva u cilj u realnom vremenu, a od jedino mjerodavne, korigirane pobjede, u drugom plovu ih je udaljila posada jedrilice Erco. Istina, realne pobjede je lako objasniti jer je riječ o sigurno najbržoj jedrilici u skupini, ali nakon obrade rezultata pokazalo se da su stvarno dobro jedrili i da su davali sve od sebe u regatnom polju. U prvom plovu su skoro minut i pol bili brži od drugoplasirane Krke i dvije i pol minute od trećeplasiranog Zlatana, Grand Soleila 50 s Češkom posadom. Što se tiče drugog plova tu se Erco pokazao boljim po laganijem vjetru i uspijeva za 12 korigiranih sekundi pobijediti Franka II. Ali zato su se u trećem plovu vratili uvjeti po kojima je Franko bio nenadmašan i ponavlja se scenario prvog plova, samo što je ovaj put razlika između njega i ponovno drugoplasirane Krke sad smanjena na samo 31 sekundu. Sutradan je zabonacalo u Hvaru, a u planu je bila navigacija od 24NM. Na moru su se izmjenjivale zone s vjetrom, bez vjetra, vjetar je jačao i slabio... Među Racerima najbrži su bili momci s Poleta. Prednost najvišeg jarbola su dosta dobro koristili, jer su uspjeli nakon korekcije ostati na relativno visokom trećem mjestu. Inače u ovakvim uvjetima profitiraju manje jedrilice, ali ovaj put ih je bilo i na vrhu i na dnu ljestvice. Nakon korekcije su Green Pepper i One, a Green Pepper je čak ostvario prednost od skoro 17 minuta ispred jedrilice One! U skupini Nauta situacija je bila malo teža. Uvjeti na moru u kombinaciji s dosta težim jedriljem i neoptimiziranim jedrilicama rezultirala je s čak 7 DNF-ova. U danim uvjetima najbolje se snašla posada Srne V dok je na drugom mjestu ponovno bila, pogađate, Krka. Posljednjeg dana jedrenja odjedren je samo jedan plov, a (ne)sretnici su bili članovi skupine Nauta. Lagani vjetar i na kraju osam jedrilica u cilju. Pobjeda je ovaj put otišla u ruke posade jedrilice Sreća. Razlika između njih i drugoplasirane Xirene je bila skoro 9 i pol korigiranih minuta! Na kraju ipak je bilo dovoljno jedrenja da se dobiju konačni rezultati, a oni su za skupinu Racera izgledali ovako, dok su za Naute izgledali ovako. Foto: Dubravka Pajk Što se naše jedrarije tiče mi smo pobjednici u svakom pogledu. U skupini Racera, od 15 jedrilica čak 11 je ili u potpunosti ili djelomično opremljeno s North Sails jedrima dok je među Nautama od 13 jedrilica nama povjerenje poklonilo pet vlasnika. Skupina Racing 1. X-Cite 100% North Sails 4. Barba Branko 100% North Sails 5. Mareus II 100% North Sails 6. Polar 2 100% North Sails 7. Polet Furioso djelomično North Sails 9. Generali - Assilina III 100% North Sails 10. Gringo 2 100% North Sails 12. Blue Chip 100% North Sails 13. Toto Travel djelomično North Sails 14. Karpo djelomično North Sails 15. Sky djelomično North Sails Skupina Nauta 1. Franko II djelomično North Sails 2. Krka D 100% North Sails 3. Srna V djelomično North Sails 4. Zlatan djelomično North Sails 7. Adio Pameti 100% North Sails READ MORE

Klasszikus hajókra készülő vitorláknál a magas teljesítmény, tartósság mellett a vintage esztétika is elvárás. Korhű megjelenés, kortárs technológia a tradicionális kompetitív osztályokban. Például a 6mR Yacht-oknál. Nagy örömünkre szolgált az 1928-as amszterdami olimpiai részvételével az egyik legszebb történetű Magyar klasszikus a Hungária - 6mR felújításában részt venni és születésekkor jellemző "mitre" szabású vitorlákkal felszerelni. READ MORE

GET READY TO GO OFFSHORE Planning Ahead Is Essential Planning on heading out into open waters? When racing offshore, sailors have to be prepared for anything and everything, and when the ocean tosses up a new challenge, it's what you have done to prepare that will be essential. North Sails expert and two-time Volvo Ocean Race Skipper Charlie Enright will be hosting an Offshore Performance Seminar on May 16th in our San Diego Loft, alongside Southern Californian local Peter Isler, who holds an armory of offshore racing records and America's Cup victories. RSVP now and join us to talk directly with the experts and hear what they do to prepare for offshore adventures. From sail selection to squall management, Charlie and Peter can help you put together your offshore toolkit. Sail Selection | Weather & Routing | Squall Management Watch Systems | Food & Gear | Safety | Maneuvers | Communication North Sails San Diego | Thursday May 16th | 6 - 9pm | Free Entry READ MORE

CUSTOMER SPOTLIGHT: HOOLIGAN New Boat, New Suit Of 3Di © Louisa Sonosky Bruce Pierce of Mimico Cruising Club shares his process of creating the optimal sail inventory for Hooligan, a J/122, to race on the Great Lakes. Bruce, Can you walk us through the thought process in terms of deciding on the sail inventory? When we bought the boat, three and a half to three years ago, we had an existing inventory that was purchased with the boat. We made an evaluation kind of with North Sail Toronto's help, we made an evaluation of the existing inventory and then put a plan together in terms of what was good, what we could continue to use and prioritized sail inventory. At that point in time we prioritized a new main for the boat, and we did that in the first year as we bought the boat because we were putting a new mast on. Would you say it's performance has been what you expected? Or would you say it's been above expectations? Well, I hold North Sails to high expectations, so it's performing exactly the way it should. But I'm very comfortable with the quality of sail. Since then, when we bought the first 3Di, we then we bought my second one. My buddy who has the J160 out West, we were sailing on his boat, and I said to Dave, I said "You guys, even just cruising you need to go to a 3Di because you're gonna reduce onboard weight and minimize sail handling." How would you say the sails have aided with the performance of the boat? You're doing a lot of the racing around here and then last year you went down to the U.S. as well. Subsequently, we've been buying one sail a year for the last three years. We put a new main on, came back and bought a new light-medium jib which replaced one of the existing sails we had which was a panel sail. We knew it wasn't going to be in the best shape but we also took that sail and made it a jib top for us. We replaced the J1 and then we looked at our spinnaker inventory and started evaluating. Pierce also purchased a new A2 Asymmetric AirX spinnaker and a medium-heavy 3Di RAW jib. © Louisa Sonosky How do you think the crew has been with the new sails? Has their sail handling improved with the sails? Or was there a big change compared to the old boat and the older sails? Certainly the performance in the sails is significantly different. What led us to the change in the J3 to a medium-heavy what was its weight, we had a panel sail that was ballistic. It's interesting, Brian and I were on the boat in the Chicago Mac race, and when you look at the Naval Academy sail up with the main, it doesn't slot properly. You can see that when you look at the 3Di inventory, the main and jib fit really well together. You can trim so you get the same shape and the same drive and the sails were meant to be operated together. When we had the old J3 up, it was a different shape, a little flatter, ballistic. It will probably go on for ten years, if we use it every week because it's just hardened. But it was really tough to get the same shape, therefore you're not getting the same performance out of the boat. We're thrilled to see what the new shape looks like but we're confident because we built it similar to the light-medium and I know we'll get the same performance out of the boat. What prompted you to go do the Chicago Mac last year? Was it always on your bucket list? Yup. We did Transpac almost four years ago now, and personally I enjoy a lot of offshore racing and Transpac was one of those things where I was either going to finish the race and love it or hate it. I wasn't sure until we got to Hawaii and when I got off the boat in Hawaii it was like “Damn, I love that." © Louisa Sonosky What other races are on the horizon for you? What motivates you guys to keep going out and keep racing? Passion for the sport motivates to keeps us out there racing and you know what, we'll probably look to do the Caribbean 600 and likely Newport Bermuda in the future as well. Maybe not in this boat but we'll certainly do it in the future. What's your biggest piece of advice for people that are thinking about upgrading their sails? Probably just having a plan in terms of what do you want to do. Not many people can afford to put out the price for three or four sails in year one. It's looking at your existing inventory, trying to figure out how you put it together and what's the plan. I think that's what we did. We sat down and said “Okay, what's our strategy going to look like?” Each year we went back and re-evaluated it and said “Okay, does this still make sense?” I think we moved one of the sail purchases around, we accelerated the spinnaker because we didn't like the shape we were getting out of it once we had seen it in action after we had the boat long enough. © Louisa Sonosky READ MORE

NORTH SAILS DÉJÀ PRÉSENT Mini 650, La Rentrée Des Classes Ils ont passé leur hiver à s’entrainer, et le week-end dernier, 68 mini 650 faisaient leur rentrée scolaire lors de la ''Plastimo Lorient'' avec un parcours de 215 milles. Le départ et le tour de l’île de Groix s’est fait dans des conditions estivales, dans une légère brise d’Est, puis les 68 duos sont allés virer une bouée au sud des Glénans dans une nuit bien fraiche. Puis un long bord a emmené nos duos jusqu’à l’île d’Yeu, avant d’attaquer un retour express dans une nuit ventée, humide et toujours aussi fraiche jusqu’à Lorient. 20/ 25 nœuds au reaching, des pointes à 18 nœuds, de quoi avoir un sourire jusqu’aux oreilles. Axel Tréhin et Clément Bouyssou à bord du n°945 (classement proto), s’adjuge une belle 3ème place, tandis que Hendrick Witzman et Simon Koster à bord du n°920 (classement série) s’offre la seconde place. Une belle performance, d’autant plus que Simon et Hendrick sont les seuls à placer un "nez pointu" sur le podium. Prochaine étape, la Pornichet Select, mais cette fois-ci en solo. READ MORE

FOTO: PIERRICK CONTIN Nakon tri regate Europa Cupa za 2019. godinu naši momci čvrsto drže svoje položaje na vrhu Laser Standarda i djevojke na vrhu Lasera 4.7, dok imamo još i predstavnike na postolju u obje kategorije Laser Radiala. Stvarno impresivni rezultati ove generacije naših juniorki i juniora. Do kraja ciklusa ostalo je još sedam regata. Nama najbliže se jedre u Italiji i Mađarskoj, a posljednja će se tradicionalno jedriti na Hvaru. Za očekivati je da će naši laseraši preskočiti Europa Cupove u Norveškoj, Nizozemskoj, Bugarskoj i Njemačkoj, ali s nastupima na 6 od maksimalnih 10 regata sigurno mogu i dalje konkurirati za sami vrh. Ali vratimo se regati u Hyèresu. Vrijeme im je bilo netipično za ovu lokaciju. Prva tri dana je bilo poprilično oblačno i bilo je i nešto kišice. Zadnji dan se razvedrilo, bilo je sunčano, a čak je u prognozi bio i nešto jači vjetar u odnosu na prve dane kad je puhalo uglavnom do desetak čvorova. Ali i posljednjeg dana je vjetar ostao jednake snage. Konkurencija u sve tri vrste lasera je bila stvarno brojna. U Standardima je nastupio 51 natjecatelj, u Radialu 197 i u Laseru 4.7 151. Stvarno impresivna slika, a jedan od aduta za masovnost je i činjenica da će se na istom regatnom polju za oko mjesec dana jedriti Europsko prvenstvo za 4.7. Na regati smo imali 21 jedriličara i jedriličarku, od toga ih je četvero bilo u standardima, šestero u radialima i čak jedanaest u 4.7. FOTO: PIERRICK CONTIN Flota 4.7 je bila podijeljena u tri skupine. I u četiri dana regate ukupno su odjedrili 7 plovova. Od toga ih je 5 bilo kvalifikacijskih, a finalnih samo dva. Naši predstavnici su se ravnomjerno raširili po cijeloj floti, tako da smo u finalu imali po pet predstavnika u zlaznoj i srebrenoj floti i jednu jedriličarku u brončanoj. Sad već tradicionalno, najbolja naša predstavnica je bila Ursula Balas. Kvalifikacije je otvorila pobjedom u svojoj skupini, a jednom ih je završila i na drugom mjestu. Najlošiji rezultat kvalifikacija joj je bilo 13 mjesto koje je na kraju mogla odbaciti. Svi ostali rezultati su joj bili unutar deset najboljih, od čega je u finalu završila kao 3. i 4. U konačnici je zauzela izvrsno treće mjesto u generalnom plasmanu, a u ženskoj konkurenciji regatu završava na drugom mjestu. FOTO: PIERRICK CONTIN Samo jedno mjesto iza nje, četvrto u genearalnoj sumi bodova, je finalno mjesto Roka Stipanovića. On i Ursula završavaju regatu s jednakim brojem bodova, a presudila je jedna Ursulina pobjeda. Njegov najlošiji rezultat u Hyèresu je bilo deseto mjesto! Slijedeća naša predstavnica je po svom plasmanu bila Nika Manestar. Ona je završila na 18. mjestu. Vrhunsko jedrenje u kvalifikacijama i finiše unutar top ten zamijenila je s nedovoljno dobrim rezultatima u finalu. Nažalost po jedno 32. i 23. mjesto su je poprilično udaljili od vrha ljestvice. Prvi idući junior je Antun Tomašević, ujedno i jedan od najmlađih predstavnika Hrvatske. Rezultatski gledano jedrio je dosta stabilno. Osim bljeska u drugom plovu kad je završio 6. i odbačenog rezultata, prosjek bodova mu je bio 17. mjesto, ali matematika ga je postavila na 28. mjesto. Posljednja naša predstavnica u zlatnoj floti, Dora Gomerčić, doma se vratila s 38. mjesta. Analizirajući njene pojedinačne rezultate također se može reći da je pokazala kvalitetu i da nije slučajno jedrila s najboljima. Na kraju ju je od Antuna koji je završio deset mjesta bolje dijelilo samo 9 bodova. Najbolji predstavnik u srebrenoj skupini je Luka Vuković. U ovoj konkurenciji završava na četvrtom mjestu, odnosno kao 55. generalno. Između njega pa do idućeg našeg jedriličara smjestilo se 26 jedriličara iz drugih država, 82. je završio Luka Fatović. Više bodova od njega su imali Roni Bobovnik (90. mjesto), Luka Hagenauer (94. mjesto) i Eleonore Borgin (97. mjesto), te Petra Mastelić (132. mjesto). U najbrojnijoj floti, Laser radialu, također je bila podjela na tri skupine i odjedrili su jednak program kao mlađi i laganiji kolege. U jakoj međunarodnoj konkurenciji imali smo samo dvoje predstavnika u zlatnoj skupini. 63. je završio Frano Šestan, a dva mjesta iza njega povratnica u klasu, Karla Šavar. Frano je imao neloše rezultate u kvalifikacijama, ali kad se koncentrirala flota u finalu zauzeo je svoja dva najlošija mjesta na regati. Karla je na kraju regate imala 5 bodova više od Frane, a dojam da je mogla mnogo bolje ostavljaju po jedan UFD i DNF ali i činjenica da je posljednji dan jedrila pod temperaturom. Za razliku od zlatnih, srebreni i brončani su jedrili jedan finalni plov manje. Pri sredini srebrene skupine, na 102. mjestu završava Ivona Ercegovac, a na 110. mjestu Krešimir Buneta. Malo niže, u brončanoj skupini, kao 133. završava Mare Milić, te Nik Pivalica na 145. mjestu. Kao mala utjeha Mari može joj poslužiti podatak da je bila najbolja među brončanima. I na kraju je ostala skupina čiji članovi u svojim planovima možda imaju i nastupe na olimpijadama, naravno, riječ je o Laser Standardu. U floti od 51 standarda jedrila su naša 4 jedriličara. Dvadeset drugi nakon osam jedrenja (s obzirom da je bila samo jedna skupina nije bilo kvalifikacija i finala) završava Alec Cvinar. Uglavnom su se svi finiši nalazili oko tog mjesta, a najbolji rezultat mu je 6. mjesto u četvrtom plovu. Na sedamnaestom mjestu završio je najmlađi u ovom kvartetu, Antonio Lukšić. Najbolje jedrenje je pokazao u šestom plovu kad je završio 9. a u konačnici za 27 bodova bolji od Aleca. Osam mjesta iznad njega, na 9. mjestu završava najveći tragičar ove regate, Mario Novak. Momak koji je apsolutno dominirao u floti, pobijedio dva puta i dva puta bio treći, a od postolja su ga udaljila dva UFD-a za redom. FOTO: PIERRICK CONTIN kvaliteti njegovog nastupa slažu se svi, od njegovog trenera, pa do ostatka hrvatskog tima: Jedrilo se četiri dana i prevladavao je lagani vjetar do desetak čvorova. Mario Novak mi je jedrio fenomenalno, trenutno je u vrhunskoj formi. Pobijedio je na Europa Cupu u Kopru, na Palmi je prvi put u karijeri bio u zlatnoj skupini, do sada je uvijek jedrio u brončanoj. I evo sad je trebao pobijediti u Hyèresu, ali je napravio dva UFD-a. U jednom od ta dva plova je pobijedio, a u drugom je završio peti i eto da je regularno završio ta dva plova bio bi prvi. S obzirom na broj standarda na regati ni 9. mjesto nije loše, mislim, nije konkurencija bila kao na grade 1 regati, ali bila je stvarno dosta dobra. Dominik Perković iz Labuda je također izvrsno jedrio. On je na kraju pobijedio regatu. Jedrio je baš lijepo, konstantno, bez većih grešaka. Inače, sad smo se vratili s puta nakon mjesec i dva dana! Cijelo to vrijeme smo van Splita bili ja i Mario, a ostali su dolazili i odlazili ovisno o regati. Ante Ćesić, trener JK Split A Dominik Perković, na kraju najbolji u Laser Standardu, u principu je jedrio jednako kvalitetno kao i Mario Novak, samo što je bio oprezniji na startevima. Konačni zbir mu je dobiven od dva prva, tri druga, jednim trećim i jednim desetim mjestom, a DNF iz posljednjeg plova mu se odbacio. Većinom je bio lagan vjetar koji je dricavao i lijevo i desno. Regatni odbor se maksimalno trudio i kao jedriličar sam stvarno zadovoljan trudom koji su ulagali u to da nam regatno polje bude kako treba, ali nekako je većinom uvijek vukla desna strana. Trebalo je startati uz brod Regatnog odbora. Imali smo i nešto kurenta, obično je bio nešto više lijevo od vjetra i bez vala. Ja i Mario smo dominirali i stalno bili među vodećima. Nažalost on je imao dva UFD-a i to je mene na kraju u ukupnim rezultatima diglo i u zadnjem plovu nisam ni trebao jedriti, ali nisam jedrio zbog jednog udarca, ne zbog bodova. Inače, bilo je i dosta penala, trebalo je stalno paziti gdje su suci i što radimo. Ja sam bio dobar pa nisam bio među kažnjenima. I moram još jednom reći da mi je žao Marija jer je stvarno vrhunski jedrio! Dominik Perković, JK Labud FOTO: PIERRICK CONTIN I za kraj je par riječi od Dominikova trenera Vedrana Mandića: Jedrilo se po laganom vjetru. Prva tri dana je bio problem što je vjetar stalno bio promjenljivog smjera. Zadnjeg dana je bilo malo više vjetra, ali Dominik je stalno jedrio bez greške. Konkurencija je uglavnom bila u obliku natjecatelja do 21 godine, a posljednjeg dana ju je pojačao nastup Švicarca (Meerceron Eliot) i Novozelanđanina (Deegan Luke). Inače je ta mlada konkurencija nama važna jer planiramo nastup na Europskom i Svjetskom prvenstvu za Standarde do 21 godine, a Dominik je jedrio superiorno u odnosu na sve te konkurente. Fizički je spreman, a jedino nije odjedrio posljednju regatu, jer se raniji plov udario u koljeno koje ga je počelo boljeti. Pa sam ja kao trener odlučio, znači ne zbog toga što je osigurao pobjedu, da se zbog udarca i otekline koja se pojavila povuče iz jedrenja i preventivno stavi led na koljeno. Na kraju se pokazalo da je srećom damo jedan udarac, ali nije bilo potrebe ulaziti u rizik. Što se tiče Antuna Tomaševića on je još mlad, a i više bi mu odgovaralo da je bilo par čvorova više vjetra, a konkurencija je bila izrazito jaka jer im je EP na istom mjestu za mjesec dana. Vedran Mandić Baki, trener JK Labud Konačne rezultate klase Laser Standard možete pronaći na ovom linku. Idući tjedan u Betini će se organizirati službeni kamo HJS-a. Najviše se očekuje sudjelovanje jedriličara u Laseru 4.7, dok će se stariji natjecatelji koji su u završnim razredima srednjih škola možda malo više uhvatiti školskih obaveza da bi mogli rasterećeno otići na seniorsko Europsko prvenstvo u Porto. A što se tiče uvoda u kojem smo spomenuli vodeće pozicije naših jedriličara na zajedničkim ljestvicama Europa Cupa, njih možete pronaći na ovom linku.sukošan READ MORE

HET WEDSTRIJDSEIZOEN GAAT WEER BEGINNEN Hier kunt u onze experts tijdens het paasweekend vinden Het wedstrijdseizoen gaat tijdens het paasweekend op 20 april weer van start. Voor de ORC/IRC klassen en sportboten begint het seizoen in Stellendam met de Van Uden Reco Stellendam Regatta. De Open boten varen de jaarlijkse Internationale Easter Regatta vanuit Loosdrecht. Heeft u tijdens een van deze evenementen vragen over uw North Sails zeilen of zijn er reparaties nodig? De experts van North Sails Benelux staan tijdens deze evenementen voor u klaar met service en advies. Van Uden Reco Stellendam Regatta Nic Bol en Jacco Huijgen varen mee op de Swan 45 K-Force in ORC 1. Wouter Köllmann vaart met zijn eigen J/70 PlaJ in de J/70 eenheidsklasse. Bart Overgaauw vaart mee op de J/109 Joule in ORC 2. Paasei Wedstrijden Joost Houweling vaart tijdens de Internationale Easter Regatta in Loosdrecht met zijn eigen Star. Overnight repair service in Stellendam Op zaterdagavond verzorgen de experts van North Sails Overnight Repair Service, zodat u, ook bij schade, op zondag met uw beste zeilen kunt varen. Neem contact op met Jacco Huijgen op +31(0)6 504 238 32 wanneer uw zeilen schade hebben. De Service bus vertrekt op zaterdagavond van het haventerrein om 18.00u. READ MORE

NEW COWES CERTIFIED SERVICE LOFT Now Open For All Your Sail Care Needs Our new service loft based at Cowes Yacht Haven is open and ready for business ahead of the RORC Easter Challenge this weekend. With our on-site designer, sailmakers and sales knowledge, we aim to provide the best local service for you during the regatta and going forward. North Sails expert Harriet Mason is based at the loft and with a several years of sailmaking experience, has the skill set and enthusiasm to deliver the best possible service to everyone - from Optimists to Grand Prix race boats. With our prime location, we also provide overnight service, allowing us to work during regattas throughout the season. READ MORE

WHAT'S IN YOUR KIT? Here's What To Bring On Your Next Adventure Around The Racecourse Long-distance racing is one of my new favourite ways to enjoy this sport. Having put a few of these races under my belt in the past couple years, I’ve pared down my kit to the essentials, including a couple indulgent items that I like to bring as well, space permitting. Your boat will likely have a size restriction of the bag you bring, so find out before you pack your largest suitcase with every piece of sailing gear you own, “just in case”. Outside The Bag Good foulies. I spent the 2018 Caribbean 600 in a pair of pants that were no longer waterproof. Even in the tropics, I was cold and miserable. Boots: unlike day racing, once your feet get wet out there, they can stay wet until you’re over the finish line (ew!) Life jacket with tether, if not provided by boat. Inside The Bag Base layers: I have a set of 100% silk layers that I love, but merino wool is the popular choice. Natural, wicking materials are your friend here. It gets cold at night, even in the summer or in the Caribbean. 1 pair of long pants: I bring a pair of lulus that I wear over the silk if it’s really cold. 1 pair of shorts: Fast-drying, comfortable shorts. If you can get a pair with a padded rear, do it. 2 T-shirts: I prefer long sleeved UV shirts, especially on wetter boats where my sunscreen might not last long. 1 sweater to layer at night. Wool socks: I also bring my layering socks (made for skiing), for super cold nights. Gloves, and if you’re in colder weather, bring waterproof ski gloves, especially if you're driving! Small Items Baseball cap and/or a toque. Nothing is worse than being sunburnt on your scalp or freezing. Sunglasses. The raccoon eyes tan is always in. Sunscreen or a Zinc stick. Reapply often. Chapstick. There's nothing worse than chapped, salty lips. I put one in every pocket of my jacket. A sailing knife for safety. Extra hair elastics and a comb. Missed this once, 5 days later my hair was a salty matted mess. If you have long hair and want to keep it, don’t forget this one. Baby wipes. Baby wipes. Baby wipes. You will probably use these to shower. Bonus Coffee! This is my one non-essential / essential item that I always bring with me… Now. I learned the hard way that the provisioning isn’t always perfect; we ran out of coffee in the last two days of my first delivery. I’ve brought my own coffee since, just in case. I don’t bring a reusable water bottle. This seems counterintuitive in 2019, but unless your boat has a drinking fountain on board, you’re probably going to be drinking out of single use bottles. I bring a thermos-type bottle for coffee, if the boat doesn’t have them for crew. READ MORE

ON THE ROAD WITH NORTH SAILS DETROIT EXPERTS Local Seminar Circuit Team Travels To Erie, Bay City, Westshore, and Edgewater Yacht Club It has been a busy few weeks for North Sails Detroit as we took to the road and did a hand full of seminars throughout the region. On the evening of March 26th, Loft Manager Karl Kuspa gave a presentation on downwind sailing (asymmetric and symmetrical) at Erie Yacht Club. Approximately 65 people attended the event. The event was well received and we are always happy to hear the feedback. “Last night’s presentation was fantastic. Karl gave us great information that we will use next time we sail." -Jeff Benson The following night, Karl made his way to Bay City Yacht Club to join up with local dealer Joe Parker to present on downwind trim. The event drew about 35 people. “It is so much fun doing presentations with Joe” states Karl, “he has been doing this a long time at is a wealth of knowledge for the Bay City Area” “I’m more likely to get my chute out of the bag" -Aaron Ackerman Next up, Skip Dieball headed to West Shore Sail Club on April 4th as guest speaker. Skip was asked to talk about Sail Technology. A crowd of approximately 35 people showed up to hear Skip speak from him years in the industry. The biggest takeaway from this talk was the importance of matching the best materials and construction to your type of sailing and budget. Ryan Lashaway, our Cleveland representative was the final guest speaker, drawing a crowd of close to 70 people at his home club, Edgewater Yacht Club. Ryan covered three very different topics including rig tune, starting tactics and jib and main racing, showing expertise in a number of different areas of sailboat racing. “I am so happy that our Team is out there helping improve the sailing throughout our region. We have a wide range of expertise within our organization. It is fun to see each other’s strengths and weakness’ and how we can help each other. It’s really like that not only with in our region, but company wide. - North Expert Karl Kuspa As we have tried to do all winter, we asked for donations for a local sailing group. Thank you to the attendee’s for the monies raised to benefit Erie Yacht Club Junior Sailing Program and Saginaw Bay Sailing Community Center. READ MORE

NEUIGKEITEN VON LINDA UND MAJA Auf Ihrem Weg an die nächste Olympiade im 470er Newsletter_frühling_19 READ MORE

50. Trofej princeze Sofije FOTO: ROBERT DEAVES Među jedriličarima regata poznata samo kao "Palma", ove godine Mallorca je po 50. put bila u statusu Europskog, a možda čak i svjetskog proljetnog centra jedrenja. Jedrilo se u deset različitih klasa, od čega je Hrvatska imala predstavnike u čak sedam. Tako su naše djevojke jedrile u 49erFX, Laser Radialu i RS:X, dok su se momci nadmetali u 49eru, Finnu, Laser standardu i RS:X. Jedino nismo imali predstavnike u klasi 470 i u Nacri. Pa krenimo po redu koji sa svojim rezultatima već dugi niz godina nameću laseraši kao najtrofejniji kolektiv. Slično je bilo i ove godine, a naš najbolji predstavnik u ovom olimpijskom samcu je bio Filip Jurišić. Njemu i još četvorici naših laseraša konkurencija je brojala još 182 jedriličara iz više od 50 država! Njihov program se sastojao od deset jedrenja za cijelu flotu. Četiri prva plova su bila kvalifikacijska, a preostalih šest finalnih i za kraj je deset najboljih odjedrilo medal race. Flota je stalno bila podijeljena u tri grupe, naravno u finalnom dijelu na zlatnu, srebrenu i brončanu flotu. U zlatnoj su osim Filipa jedrili još Tonči Stipanović koji je regatu završio kao 14. te Mario Novak koji je na kraju bio 58. A dva naša najmlađa lasera na Palmi, Bruno Gašpić i Alec Cvinar završni dio regate jedre u brončanoj skupini i završavaju regatu na 150. i 151. mjestu. Filip je regatu otvorio s dva treća mjesta, te 7. i 20. To mu je bilo više nego dovoljno za zlatnu skupinu u kojoj je osvojio po jedno 5. i 8. mjesto, dok je u preostala četiri plova bio nešto lošiji. Evo što nam je ispričao o svom nastupu: Konkurencija je bila najbrojnija ikad. Do sada nisam jedrio u brojnijoj floti! Regata je bila iznimno teška sve dane. Puhalo je od laganog, pa do stvarno jakog vjetra... provodili smo dosta vremena na moru jer su bile tri grupe, pa je bilo dosta čekanja. Taktički je također bilo zahtjevno, ali na kraju sam vrlo zadovoljan odrađenim unatoč nekim greškama koje su posljedica prve velike regate u sezoni. Realno, koliko god da je bilo natjecatelja na Velikoj nagradi Mornara i PH ovdje je konkurencija bila na puno višem nivou. Ovdje je cijela grupa od po više od 60 jedrilica bila brza. Također nam je i polje bilo relativno kratko, a s obzirom na broj konkurenata to se ne može simulirati na treninzima. Zadnja regata ovog kalibra nam je bila u rujnu, a Miami smo ove godine ciljano izbjegli. U konačnici nemam što reći i zadovoljan sam svojim nastupom. Na medal raceu smo imali više od 20 čvorova vjetra i uvjeti su mi stvarno odgovarali, jer smo na brzini dosta radili ovu zimu. Tu sam završio na drugom mjestu... u zadnjoj krmi sam izgubio jedno mjesto. Filip Jurišić, JK Mornar FOTO: SAILING ENERGY Što se tiče Filipovog klupskog kolege Tonča Stipanovića, on je bio nešto lošiji u kvalifikacijama, ali zato mnogo bolji u finalnom dijelu regate. U šest finalnih plovova četiri puta je završio u top 10, ali kombinacija 47. mjesta i BFD-a iz kvalifikacija ga je zaustavila u desetom plovu i ovaj put se nije priključio Filipu u medal race-u: Sebi dajem neku srednju ocjenu. Ne računajući Prvenstvo Japana u studenom, zadnja prava regata nam je bila u rujnu. Tako da je trebalo malo da pohvatamo sve, pogotovo što se tiče starta. Prvog dana nam je i polje bilo dosta kratko, cijela regata je trajala 35 minuta na flotu od 64 broda. Mislim da je orca trajala oko 7 minuta, a race officer (glavni sudac na brodu Regatnog odbora, Brazilac) ima neobičan običaj puštati i nepravilne starteve. Oni koji ga dulje poznaju znaju to njegovo ponašanje pa preuranjeno startaju na sredini linije, jer on kao one koji su preuranjeno startali zapiše samo nekoliko brodova koji su najbliži njemu. Tako sam nastradao u trećem plovu iako sam startao među zadnjima, ali mi je greška bila što sam bio uz brod RO-a. Kad smo to shvatili morao sam promijeniti taktiku, ali teret tih velikih bodova daje dodatni pritisak na nastavak regate jer se sad baš svaka daljnja regata računa (samo jedno je odbacivanje). A medal race mi je pobjegao u 8. plovu. Nakon gatea smo se ja i Gašo odvojili, on je išao desno, ja lijevo, pala je totalna bonaca, a kad se vjetar ponovno vratio ja sam bio na krivoj strani i završavam 47. U kasnijim analizama, u slučaju da se može napraviti jedno odbacivanje u finalu, imao sam drugi najbolji rezultat finala, ali što je tu je. Tonči Stipanović, JK Mornar Treći naš predstavnik u zlatnoj skupini, Mario Novak, izvrsno otvara regatu. Prva dva plova je 12. i 9. i već se tada moglo vidjeti da bi regatu mogao nastaviti u zlatnoj skupini. u trećem i četvrtom plovu je bio nešto sporiji, ali na kraju je suma bodova bila dovoljna da se kvalificira među najbolje laseraše na Trofeju princeze Sofije. U grupi u kojoj je bila koncentracija najboljih laseraša na svijetu ostvaruje rezultate između 33. i 55. mjesta, a jedina tamna mrlja mu je BFD u 8. plovu, kao kod Stipanovića. Na kraju solidan 58. Što se tiče Bruna Gašpića i Aleca Cvinara, može se zaključiti da njih dvojica će u budućnosti sigurno imati bolje rezultate. Završnicu jedre u brončanoj skupini, a regatu završavaju kao 150. i 151. od 187 jedriličara. Ono što posebno veseli kod njih dvojice je da su u brončanoj skupini završavali i kao 1. i kao 2. i kao 3. Što se tiče djevojaka u Laser Radialu, također olimpijskoj disciplini kao što je i Standard za muškarce, tamo je konkurenciju činilo 118 jedriličarki, a sve tri jedriličarke s CRO na jedru su finale jedrile u zlatnoj skupini. Najbolja je bila Elena Vorobeva. FOTO: SAILING ENERGY Kiks iz prvog plova vrlo brzo je ostavila iza sebe i u nastavku kvalifikacija nastavlja mnogo bolje. S druge strane u finalu dosta oscilira, a da ima odgovarajuću kvalitetu pokazuje 2. mjesto u predzadnjm plovu. Suma sumarum, 31. mjesto. Samo dvanaest bodova iza, na 39. mjestu u generalnom plasmanu završila je Sandra Lulić. Za razliku od Elene, imala je osrednji kvalifikacijski dio, ali zato kad je zapuhalo radi vrlo dobar niz 4., 10. i 5. mjesta: Pa bilo je OK, solidan početak sezone, pogotovo što nisam regatavala od Aarhusa u kolovozu prošle godine. Tako da sam zadovoljna, jer se vide i rezultati rada na nekim segmentima jedrenja što smo trenirali ovu zimu i što mislim da sam stvarno poboljšala. A sama regata je bila dosta teška jer su uvjeti bili dosta promjenljivi i trebalo se dosta snalaziti. Nekad bi mi pošlo za rukom, nekad ne, ali sve u svemu sam zadovoljna. Rezultati bi možda bili i bolji da nisam imala nekih problema na startevima. Imala sam nesreću što sam bila sudionik nekih sudara za koje nisam bila kriva, pa dok bi se raspetljali i dok bi ponovno krenula već bi izgubila dosta vremena. A štos e tiče vjetra, puhalo je sa svih strana i uglavnom lagani vjetar od 5 do 10 čvorova. Samo jedan dan je puhalo, meni puno dražih, petnaestak čvorova. Sandra Lulić, JK Mornar A s 54. mjesta s Palme se vratila Anđela de Micheli Vitturi. U kvalifikacijama su joj rezultati slični onima od Sandre, osim 3. plova u kojem je Sandra imala UFD, a Anđela vrlo dobro 7. mjesto. Međutim u nastavku regate nije joj išlo najbolje. Rezultati su uglavnom oko 40. mjesta, BFD u predzadnjm plovu i 20. mjesto u posljednjem jedrenju kao najbolji rezultat finala. Slijedeće natjecanje na koje idu i momci i djevojke je regata Svjetskog kupa koja će se jedriti trećeg tjedna travnja u Genovi. Višednevna regata, vrlo velika konkurencija, ali s uvjetima koje jedriličari uspoređuju s onima koji obilježavaju Opatijske regate. Po pitanju drugog olimpijskog samca, kojem će po kretanjima u World Sailingu, nakon olimpijade u Tokiju biti odbrojani dani u olimpijskoj konkurenciji, na regatnom polju je imao i tri Hrvatska jedra. Naši posljednji Mohikanci u klasi, u lovu na jedino mjesto za Hrvatsku na listi za olimpijadu, u principu su podizali formu pred Europsko prvenstvo koje će se u svibnju jedriti u Ateni. Flota na Palmi je brojala 86 vrhunskih atleta, a naši su već tradicionalno bili u samom vrhu. Samo dva boda su dijelila Josipa Olujića i Milana Vujasinovića na 15. i 16. mjestu, dok je Nenad Bugarin bio nešto niže. Završio je kao 22. s 19 bodova više od Vujasinovića. Oni su kao i djevojke, jedrili u dvije flote, dok im je program bio jednak kao i kolegama laserašima. Nakon 4 kvalifikacijska plova jedrilisu još 6 finalnih, a najboljih desetorica nadmetali su se i u medal raceu. U kvalifikacijama je najbolji naš jedriličar bio Milan Vujasinović. Imao je čak 16 bodova manje od Josipa i 22 manje od Nenada. Međutim, u finalu se Josip bolje snalazi. Osvaja jedno 6. i jedno 2. mjesto uz dosta oscilacija u ostalim plovovima dok je Milan uz dva 8. mjesta uglavnom između 23. i 31. O dojmovima s regate popričali smo s Josipom Olujićem: Na Palmi su bili baš svi koji nešto znače u klasi Finn. Nitko nije izostao. Tako da je ova regata bila izvrsna za brušenje forme prije skorašnjeg Europskog prvenstva što ćemo jedriti u Grčkoj, a koje je svima vrlo važno jer ćemo se tamo pokušati izboriti normu za Tokio. Rezultatski nisam ja, a mislim ni ostali Hrvati, napravili koliko možemo, a pogotovo u okviru "nacija" kao što će se gledati na EP, a što je bitno zbog olimpijske norme. Tako će se npr. u Ateni dijeliti četiri mjesta za nacije, a na Palmi sam ja kao naš najbolji predstavnik bio 7. nacija. Gledajući tako napravili smo podbačaj, ali ja osobno mislim da sam odjedrio OK regatu. Solidan rezultat za otvaranje sezone. Uglavnom nam je puhao lagani vjetar s mora od oko 8-9 čvorova, pa je bio jedan dan s dvadesetak čvorova tramuntane i za kraj opet s mora 10-12 čvorova To je nama značilo da na početku smo imali jedrenje kad nismo pumpali u krmu, dok su zadnja dva dana bili malo jači uvjeti. Jedan kiks mi je bio što sam imao pomalo isforsirani preuranjeni start u 5. plovu. Čista nesmotrenost čija posljedica je izostanak s medal racea. Zadovoljan sam brzinom jedrenja, ali ipak sad kad budem išao u Grčku na pripreme pred Europsko morat ću poraditi na nekim detaljima. Josip Olujić, JK Labud FOTO: SAILING ENERGY Kao i dvojica bolje plasiranih kolega, tako je i Neno imao oscilacije u svom jedrenju. Kvalifikacije su bile odrađene u rasponu od 17. do 9. mjesta, a u finalu je objeručke dočekao vjetraške uvjete po kojima je u dva predposljednja plova osvojio 6. i 5 . mjesto. Što se tiče Svjetskog kupa u Genovi, nju će većina Finnista izbjeći i prebaciti se u Atenu gdje će brusiti formu za hvatanje mjesta za upad na olimpijadu. Tako će i naši momci koji će se na jug zaputiti nakon kraćeg odmora u Splitu. I posljednja skupina samaca na regati je bila još jedna trojka, ali ovaj put je riječ o jedriličarima koji regatu provedu uglavnom u stojećem položaju, naravno riječ je o surferima na dasci RS:X. Djevojaka na RS:X-u je bilo 49 i među njima samo Palma Čargo kao naša jedriličarka. Sve su jedrile zajedno u jednoj grupi, tako da nije bilo kvalifikacijskih i finalnih plovova, već se samo nakon 10 odjedrenih regata organizirao medal race za deset najbržih. Palma je na kraju završila na dvadesetom mjestu generalnog plasmana i kao 3. u kategoriji do 21 godine! Po ostvarenim rezultatima može se zaključiti da je mogla biti za nekoliko mjesta bolja jer u prvom plovu nije jedrila, a u petom je bodovana s UFD. Jedna od ove dvije kratice je na kraju odbačena, ali druga je donijela golemih 50 bodova, a prosjek ostalih jedrenja je bio oko 18. mjesta. Kad bi se taj podatak iskoristio za simulaciju mogućeg plasmana bez UFD-a, moguće da bi Palma završila mnogo bliže najboljima koje su ušle u medal race. U muškoj konkurenciji jedrilo je 58 jedriličara. Zajedno s njima naš višestruki olimpijac Luka Mratović i zvijezda u usponu, Rocco Enzo Hrvoj. FOTO: MARIN SIRIŠČEVIĆ Program jedrenja im je bio jednak onome koji su imale cure... 10 + 1. Nažalost, obojica su odjedrili samo obaveznih deset jedrenja, a jedanaesti je ostavljen nekim drugim jedriličarima. Bolji od njih dvojice je bio iskusni Mratović koji je završio na 18. mjestu. Finiše u sredini flote na početku regate popravljao je kako je regata odmicala, a kad je zapuhalo pred kraj natjecanja ulazio je u cilj i unutar najboljih deset. S druge strane Hrvoj je na početku imao slične rezultate, ali s njima je nastavio tijekom cijele regate, te na kraju završava na 35. mjestu. Kao njegov poseban adut mora se dodati to da je bio jedan od najmlađih natjecatelja i u konkurenciji do 21 godine završio je kao 8. Definitivno njegovo vrijeme tek dolazi. O ovoj našoj trojci na Trofeju princeze Sofije brigu je vodio njihov trener Marin Siriščević: Mi smo još na Palmi, jer nakon Trofeja kreće Europsko prvenstvo za RS:X. Uglavnom, sve je OK, kod sviju je vidljiv napredak, uporno radimo u nekom svom ritmu i idemo nabolje. Realno gledajući ova regata nije bila neki posebni pokazatelj, jer se puno jedriličara sprema za EP, pa su ovu regatu koristili više u nekom trening modu i flota nije bila u punom sastavu. Npr. u ženskoj floti ih je bilo pedesetak, a na Europskom će ih biti oko osamdeset. Nedostajalo ih je petnaestak iz samog vrha. Što se tiče Palme Čargo i njenih okreta na privjetrinskoj bovi bilo je OK, ali treba još raditi na njenoj i Roccovoj formi, ipak su oni među najmlađima ovdje. Na nadolazećem EP Palmina konkurencija će biti toliko jača da ako se uspije plasirati u prvih deset do 21 godine bit će ravno ovom njenom rezultatu gdje je bila 3. u istoj kategoriji. Rocco Hrvoj je napravio ogroman napredak, neznam što mu se dogodilo (smijeh), a Mrata je ono klasičan. Sigurno u top 15 u svijetu kad se jedri po jakom vjetru i kad se može glisirati, a kad padne vjetar je u srednjem điru, ali opet moram reći da je Rocco napredovao enormno. Uvjeti su nam bili šareni, od bonace do super jakog vjetra, onako kako bi svaka prava regata trebala biti. Marin Siriščević, JK Labud Što se tiče jedrenja na RS:X-u, Marin radi s još nekoliko juniora koji su još premladi za konkurenciju poput ove na Palmi i što će biti na EP, tako da surf generalno raste. Kako u svijetu raste razvoj brzih klasa koje mogu glisirati i foilati, a sve se to danas vrlo lako prati na internetu, na društvenim mrežama se objavljuju vrlo atraktivni video klipovi, tako i klinci koji izlaze iz Optimista sve više traže nešto modernije od onog što je trenutno u ponudi naših jedriličarskih klubova. Cjenovno najprihvatljivije na kraju ispadaju različite vrste surfova, pa mnogi svoje karijere preusmjeravaju u tom smjeru. Trenutno jedina organiziranija ponuda u ekstremno brzim modernim jedrilicama je u Zadru gdje se jedri na 49erima, te u Šibeniku gdje je u sklopu JK Val g.Danijel Kraljev doveo svoja dva privatna katamarana klase F18 i dao ih mladim laserašima na raspolaganje. Dok maleni kadeti iz Optimista još uvijek jurcaju u ovim dvotrupcima uz nadzor starijih jedriličara. I za kraj su ostale jedine dvije hrvatske posade koje su glisirale na nešto većim daskama za jedrenje. Među 108 muških posada u 49er-ima jedrili su aktualni svjetski prvaci ove klase, braća Šime i Mihovil Fantela. Flota je bila podijeljena u tri flote, a prije formiranja konačnih finalnih skupina morali su proći 6 kvalifikacijskih plovova. Naši momci su se uspješno plasirali u zlatnu skupinu i u njoj su odjedrili još 6 finalnih plovova. Rezultatski su i oni bili šaroliki. Dva puta su pobijedili u kvalifikacijama, a ukupno imaju pet rezultata unutar najboljih deset. Na kraju su bili 16. u generalnom plasmanu, a samo nekoliko bodova je bilo viška za par stepenica bolji plasman. Druga naša posada je bila u ženskom 49er-u. Enia Ninčević i Mihaela Zjena de Micheli Vitturi su bile dio flote od 66 jedrilica i sudjelovale su u najopsežnijem programu Trofeja princeze Sofije. Djevojke su nakon 6 kvalifikacijskih plovova odjedrile još 9 finalnih. Iako su u kvalifikacijama imale jedno 4. i jedno 8. mjesto nisu uspjele ući u zlatnu skupinu. Zato su u srebrenoj skupini bile među najboljima i na svoj konto knjiže 4., 5. i 6. mjesto, ali po jedan BFD i DSQ ih pretjerano opterećuju. Kad se podvuče crta i zbroje svi rezultati završavaju na desetom mjestu u srebrenoj skupini, odnosno na 35. u generalnom plasmanu. Sve rezultate s regate možete pronaći na ovom linku. READ MORE

CATCH YOU ON THE WATER THIS SUMMER 2019 We'll Be There. Will You? Our North Sails Toronto crew will be on the water and walking the docks at the following events this season. Look for our team in their trusty North Sails cap and gear. Don't hesitate to ask us questions about tuning, rigging, and sails. We are here to help and we are looking forward to seeing you. READ MORE

MELGES 24 SPEEDCAMP IN ASCOY Maurice "Prof" O'Connell delivered his high-energy "Speedcamp" to the Norwegian class. Melges 24 Class President Jens Altern Wathne (L) and his Party Girl team in Askoy YC 2016 Melges 24 World Champion Maurice "Prof" O'Connell from North Sails Ireland was in Bergen, Norway recently to deliver his high-energy "Speedcamp" to the Norwegian class. Sailors from all over Norway travelled to Askoy YC which is the venue for the 2019 Norwegian Nationals in August. Prof delivered intensive boathandling exercises and short race sessions afloat. Ashore some entertaining talks on starting tactics, rules and rig tune were had! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ePjw7XJlCxs&feature=youtu.be READ MORE

TIPS FROM OUR LOCAL EXPERTS North Sails Charleston Team Give Us The Inside Scoop On Racing In Charleston With the first race right around the corner, we grilled John Bowden, Rich Bowen and Ervin Grove, North Sails' local experts, on what counts and what doesn't when sailing Charleston Race Week. Here's a recap on what they told us. What season is April in Charleston? Winter may be over, but early spring can still bring some big fronts through town, which means chilly northerly winds. But more often, the days will be warm and draw in the southeasterly seabreeze. The bottom line? Get ready to dress for either condition. Water temperatures are in the high 60's, so if you're from the northeast, a wave in the face will feel like mid-summer. What's the regatta set up? Charleston Harbor is located at the confluence of three rivers - the Wando, Cooper, and Ashley - with a big island in the middle named Shutes Folly Island. Boats are parked at Patriots Point Marina (the regatta HQ, near circle 4), Carolina Yacht Club (near circle 1), and James Island Yacht Club (south of circles 1-3). Four racing areas are inside the harbor while circle 5 south and north are outside. Depending on your location and your assigned race area, it'll take 20 minutes, plus or minus, to get to the inside courses. The fleets racing outside start their first race in the harbor and sail a pursuit race out to their circle, then do the opposite at the end of the day. That minimizes the commute and congestion, and maximizes racing time. How long are the courses? The organizers aim to have one-mile beats on most courses and approximately 45 minutes per race. In a seabreeze, they can sometimes stretch the legs slightly. In winds from other directions, it's a challenge to keep the courses on different circles from overlapping, so they may shorten up. What are the common wind directions? The Charleston seabreeze typically comes in about 11am or noon from the southeast. It may start more easterly and swing to the right with a fair amount of south in it, building to 12 to 15 knots. If it's warm and the skies are cloudless in the morning, the seabreeze usually arrives sooner. If it's going to be a weak seabreeze, it may not come in until the tide changes. If a weather system comes through, the wind will often blow fairly hard for a day or two from the north-northeast with big wind shifts. The locals watch to see "which river will pay", as the wind often channels out of one river and then the other. What about the tidal current? Charleston has a strong tidal flow, and Bowden says the organizers schedule the event to minimize motoring with an ebb tide in the morning and a flood in the afternoon. The harbor is subject to a tidal range of 5.5 to 7 feet, so you would think it would make sense to know exactly what time the tide is going to change. However, because there are three rivers involved, the direction of the current flow varies across the harbor, and if it's been raining in the hills of North Carolina earlier in the week, the tide change could easily be off by an hour. It can also be very different from course to course and across a single racing area, particularly on circle 2 and 3. How do you deal with unpredictable currents? The consensus is to get to the racecourse nice and early and do your homework. Pay attention to how the signal boat is lying at anchor, sail the weather leg, and look out for crab pots. Also note your location relative to the closest river. For the rest of the day, keep watching what the current is doing as it changes. And don't be surprised to find variation in current direction on different parts of the same race circle. What's the difference when racing offshore? When racing the pursuit legs, in and out of the harbor, be aware of commercial traffic. You'll see containerships coming through and they're going fast. Stay clear! If you get a series of warning blasts from the ship, you will be disqualified. Watch your AIS, keep someone on the VHF, and don't hesitate to call the harbor pilots on channel 13 or 16. Have a conversation with them and let them know what you're trying to do. When they come past you , you can sail outside of the channel, fairly close to the jetties. Top tip for visitors? Watch what it does on the starting line and don't hit a mark and let it ruin your regatta, but don't get hung up on the current and bang the corners looking for a current advantage. The current may favor one side or the other, but when racing inshore, the wind shifts are usually more important. When you see someone winning a race by a lot during the regatta, it's usually an out-of-town boat with a sharp-eyed tactician taking advantage of a great windshift. Off the water, any food recommendations for out-of-towners? Charleston is great, bot for lunch and dinner, but it't busy. For sandwiches, go to Jersey Mikes, Publix, or Brown Dog Deli. Order ahead if you can. For dinner, make reservations early, or you'll have a very long wait. What do we do if we need sail repair during the regatta? Our North Sails loft in Charleston is ready for all your regatta repairs. Call Certified Service Manager, Ervin Grove directly at 865-789-2895 or the loft at 843-722-0823 for sail pick up and delivery information. READ MORE

RACE READY WITH NORTH SAILS & LOOR Racers Get Measured & Ready To Go For The Upcoming Sailing Season Our team of North Sails experts - Mike Wolfs, Hugh Beaton, Kid Domiciano, Joel Caro, Louisa Sonosky and Kyann Renztelos were on-hand to help racers check another thing off their to-do list before the sailing season kicks off. Racers were able to get their sails measured and certified for PHRF or IRC racing on the Great Lakes. Our team of experts walked sailors through the measurement process, what would be involved in servicing them including a brief overview of our 10 Point Inspection and recommendations for improving sail handling. Will French, fleet captain at Lakeshore Yacht Club and co-chair of LSYC Raft Party Race, stopped by to have his Olsen 911SE mainsail measured for racing while fellow LSYC/LOOR member Sandra Chave and Tri Pham stopped by for measurement for their Hanse 342 sails. Missed the event? Not to worry. Bring your sails in anytime and our service team can help get your sails measured & certified, both for PHRF and IRC ratings. To learn more about LOOR’s yacht racing/handicap requirements for racing, please see here for more detail. Learn more about North Sails Certified Service and how it can help your sailing experience. Our Toronto team thanks racers for coming out! Interested in sails? Have questions about our products? Contact us today. READ MORE

FIVE WAYS TO GET THE MOST FROM YOUR SAILMAKER We Are Here For You! North Sails Toronto provides 5 tips on how to optimize your local sailmaker to get the most from your time on the water. Building Your Sail Inventory We get it - deciding which sail to go with or what to add to your inventory next is a hard decision and one that is not always easy. Our team of North Sails experts are here to help you review your options based upon what you have, what kind of sailing you want to do, and where you want to go sailing. More Than Just Sails Getting your new sails is great and exciting however we can also help you with the hardware options that can help you optimize your sails. Items such as furlers, Tides tracks, or Antel cars are items your local North Sails expert can assist you with. This hardware also plays into fine-tuning your sail inventory and boat handling. Continued Support From the beginning of your interaction with North Sails, albeit service or new purchase, our team is here to help you. If you have questions about your sail, old or new, and want some insight or advice; our local team is more than happy to come sailing with with you to ensure you’re using your sails to their full potential. Going beyond on water assistance, we're here to provide continued support after you purchase your sails. Our design team is available - even during the purchase process - to answer any questions you may have and provide sail shape analysis of your sails. Regatta Repair Overnight repair? No sweat. Utilize the team for overnight regatta repair if something happens on the water. We want to get you back on the water as fast as you want to be back on it! Extend The Life Of Your Sails When the season is over, bring your sails or have bend off service performed and bring the sails in for a check-up. North Sails experts and our Certified Service experts are more than happy to look at your sails with you, provide feedback, and help you extend the life of your sails. We can help you catch small problems before they become big ones. READ MORE

CONSEJO NORTH SAILS ¿Qué significa NPC? Acrónimo de North Panel Cloth, son las siglas con las que en North Sails denominamos a la familia de velas fabricadas con tejido poliéster. Nuestra firma cuenta con una larga tradición en fabricación de velas de dacron desde la introducción de esta fibra para la fabricación de velas en 1950. Con el tiempo hemos perfeccionado su diseño, manufactura y acabado, alcanzando un nivel de perfección inédito que aplicamos en tres gamas: NPC Cross-Cut (la más polivalente, fabricada con tejido NorDac Fill), NPC Radian (menor estiramiento y mayor rendimiento que cualquier otra lona de poliéster no laminado) y NPC Downwind (para un máximo rendimiento en portantes). Para más información, contacta con tu agente North Sails, visita www.northsails.com/sailing/es/lofts o escríbenos a info@es.northsails.com READ MORE

TE ESPERAMOS EN EL SALÓN DE PALMA North Sails continúa apoyando los principales salones náuticos celebrados en España. Entre el 27 de abril y el 1 de mayo participaremos en el 36 Palma International Boat Show con un stand en el que expondremos nuestra gama de velas, incluyendo la nueva Helix con tecnología de reparto de cargas, la interpretación de North Sails para velas de proa sin cabo antitorsión. Te esperamos en el Moll Vell de Palma. READ MORE

VISITA A CUNTIS Participantes de la 5ª Regata Interclubes de la Ría de Pontevedra se acercaron hasta la velería de North Sails en Cuntis. Participantes de la 5ª Regata Interclubes de la Ría de Pontevedra se acercaron hasta la velería de North Sails en Cuntis para descubrir de mano de nuestro diseñador Fernando Pazó cómo trabajan nuestros expertos veleros en la fabricación y reparación de velas. Esta iniciativa formó parte del programa del ya tradicional clinic North Sails impartido en esta ocasión por Jorge Martínez Doreste, y que se celebró en el Real Club Náutico de Sanxenxo el 23 de marzo. READ MORE

NORTH SAILS, EN LA LIGA MUNDIAL DE MELGES El pasado 29 de marzo comenzó en la localidad sarda de Villasimius (Italia) la división europea de la Melges World League 2019, liga mundial de clases Melges 20 y Melges 32. 📸 Mauro Melandri Por tercer año consecutivo, North Sails participa como patrocinador de un evento que es referencia en el circuito internacional de monotipos. Expertos de North Sails estarán presentes en cada evento para prestar asistencia a los participantes y recopilar información para continuar mejorando nuestros productos. En 2018, los títulos mundiales de Melges 20 y Melges 32 fueron ganados por equipos propulsados por velas North Sails. READ MORE

CAMPEONES NORTH SAILS EN ST. BARTHS La clasificación final de la St. Barths Bucket 2019 dejó muy buenas noticias para los clientes North Sails. 📸 Studio Borlenghi El vencedor absoluto fue el barco más grande de esta edición, el colosal Hetairos, ganador además de Clase A, también denominada Les Gazelles des Mer. El Baltic de 218 pies de eslora sumó un primero, un segundo y un tercero en las mangas disputadas, empatando a puntos con el Baltic 108 WinWin diseñado por el español Javier Jáudenes; tercero finalizó el Baltic 130 My Song, tercero. También confiaron en North Sails los tres primeros clasificados de Clase B (Les Mademoiselles del Mers): el Farr de 35 metros Sojana, el Dubois 382 Farfalla y el MM330 Missy. ¡Felicidades y gracias a todos por confiar en North Sails! READ MORE

SERVICIO A DOMICILIO PARA SUPERYATES Además de diseñar, fabricar y comercializar las mejores velas del mundo, North Sails ofrece un servicio itinerante de velería en eventos donde la logística puede suponer una complicación para sus clientes. 📸 Studio Borlenghi Además de diseñar, fabricar y comercializar las mejores velas del mundo, North Sails ofrece un servicio itinerante de velería en eventos donde la logística puede suponer una complicación para sus clientes. Es el caso de la recién celebrada St. Barths Bucket 2019, donde los 34 superyates participantes pudieron competir con la tranquilidad de disponer de un equipo de veleros North Sails en tierra para resolver cualquier incidencia durante la competición. Dentro del calendario anual de competición de superyates, la St. Barths Bucket es considerada la regata de referencia en formato no profesional. Los armadores pueden compartir su pasión con amigos a bordo de sus embarcaciones y contar con un timonel de America’s Cup o un campeón olímpico navegando su barco, algo así como lanzarse a un circuito con tu coche conducido por Fernando Alonso. Es también una ocasión excepcional para comprobar el verdadero potencial de sus embarcaciones a manos de expertos capaces de explorar sus prestaciones. Tanto el puerto como los alrededores de la isla de St. Barths (San Bartolomé, territorio francés en el extremo oriental del Caribe) son ideales para acoger una regata de superyates de este calibre, pero no siempre es fácil encontrar solución a reparaciones de velas de semejantes dimensiones. Este año participaron 34 barcos con esloras comprendidas entre los 31 metros del Swan Varsovie y los 67 metros del Baltic Hetairos. Basta revisar las medidas del coloso verde, con 62,5 metros de altura de mástil, para comprender las proporciones de sus velas. Servicio North Sails Un año más, North Sails desplazó a St. Barths el equipo material y humano para brindar un completo servicio de velería a pie de pantalán, algo muy valorado por los participantes. “Antes, el velero local se traía su máquina de coser al pantalán y gente como yo se pasaba la noche reparando velas, pero desde que decidimos instalar el servicio, con todo en un mismo sitio y bien organizado, hemos facilitado mucho la vida de armadores y capitanes de los barcos”, explica el experto en superyates de North Sails Quinny Houry, que se desplazó desde su base de Palma para competir a bordo del MM330 Missy. El servicio itinerante North Sails incluye un equipo formado por entre tres y cinco veleros, en función de las características del evento, y supone un considerable esfuerzo logístico que incluye el transporte de la maquinaria y los materiales necesarios para trabajar en velas de varios cientos de kilos de peso cuya superficie se cuenta en ocasiones por miles de metros cuadrados. Para la St. Barths Bucket todo viajó desde las instalaciones de North Sails en Palma, las mayores del mundo especializadas en superyates. Localmente se alquilan elementos como carpas, suelo y cualquier otro accesorio complementario. “En los días previos al inicio de la competición realizamos modificaciones y mejoras en las velas, pero una vez que empieza la regata lo más habitual son reparaciones de spinnakers”, explica Ben Fletcher, director de servicio North Sails. “La carga de trabajo depende mucho de las condiciones meteorológicas, por lo que en algunas regatas estamos a tope, con 20 velas al día o más, mientras en otras damos servicio a 20 durante todo el evento. En la St. Barths Bucket 2018 realizamos 21 reparaciones, y este año terminamos la operación con un número similar”. Este servicio itinerante supone un considerable esfuerzo impensable sin el apoyo de una gran organización, como recuerda Quinny: “Una de las ventajas de North Sails es que es lo suficientemente grande que disponemos de los recursos necesarios para trasladar a la isla un servicio itinerante sólo para este evento. Si imaginas la logística necesaria para trasladar unas instalaciones capaces de gestionar velas de más de 200 kilos de peso, no es fácil. North Sails es la única firma con la capacidad de hacerlo, y estamos muy orgullosos de poder ofrecérselo a nuestros clientes”. Además de en la St. Barths Bucket, North Sails proporciona el servicio itinerante en la Loro Piana y la Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup de Porto Cervo (en la isla italiana de Cerdeña) y Les Voiles de Saint Tropez (Francia). Para la Sail Racing PalmaVela y la Superyacht Cup de Palma se ofrece un servicio similar pero aprovechando la infraestructura de las dos velerías de North Sails en la isla. READ MORE

European Match Race Tour - stop Tivat foto: Elena Shu - Porto Montenegro Yacht Club Druga regata European Match Race Toura za 2019. je odjedrena u Tivtu, domaćini su bili članovi Porto Montenegro Yacht Cluba, a Hrvatski predstavnici su bili ponovno članovi Wave Sailing Centera. Konkurencija je bila iznimno jaka jer je regata imala kategoriju Grade 2, što bi u prijevodu značilo da donosi hrpu bodova za WS MR ljestvicu. Regata je imala i simboličan novčani fond nagrada, za pobjedu se dodijelilo 400€, za drugo mjesto 300€ i za treće 200€. U Tivat je stiglo deset kormilara među kojima je bilo onih koji pripadaju samom vrhu dvobojskog jedrenja. Najbolje plasirani među njima su bili Ettore Botticini (ITA) - 4. na rang ljestvici, Mati Sepp (EST) - 6. na ljestvici, Dejan Presen (SLO) - 14. na ljestvici, Szymon Szymik (POL) - 21. na ljestvici... Među njima su zajedrili i mladi šibenčani s Markom Smolićem za kormilom koji trenutno zauzima 189. mjesto na svjetskoj rang ljestvici. S obzirom na broj posada program je bio vrlo opsežan, čak 45 matcheva se trebalo odjedriti da se završi kompletan Round Robin i da bi se dobili parovi koji su konačni plasman tražili u King of the Castle, polufinalu i kasnije u finalu. Što se dešavalo na moru ispričao nam je jedan Denis Marinov, koji je zajedno s Nevenom Baranom direktnim suđenjem na moru presuđivao sporne situacije: Vrijeme nas je izvrsno poslužilo i napravili smo cijeli program. U petak je puhalo s jugozapoada između 5 i 9 čvorova, dok je u subotu i nedjelju dominirao maestral koji je u dizao i do 20 čvorova. Jedrilo se s tri para jedrilica klase J70, a konkurencija je bila iznimno jaka! Naša posada je bila jedina ispod 100. mjesta na svjetskoj rang ljestvici. Denis Marinov, jedriličarski sudac Smolić i društvo prvog dana regate se nisu najbolje snašli. Lako su dobivali penale i u petak gube tri dvoboja (matcha) te dan završavaju bez bodova. U subotu su se malo trgnuli i pobijedili su u tri nova dvoboja i u jednako toliko izgubili, pa im je konačni postotak bio 33%. Posljedica je da su Round Robina završili na 8. mjestu. Imali su jednak postotak kao Danska posada Emila Kjaera, kojeg su dobro upoznali na match race regatama u Šibeniku ove i prošle godine, ali su danci pobijedili u međusobnom dvoboju pa su na idući stupanj natjecanja išli sa 7. mjesta. Kao jedna svijetla točka tog dijela regate je bila to što je iza njih završila posada Szymona Szymika koja je imala samo jednu pobjedu, odnosno osvojila je 11% dvoboja i slovenci s Bojanom Rajarom koji su iz kvalifikacijskog ciklusa izašli bez pobjede. S obzirom na nizak plasman u kvalifikacijama naši su u nedjelju mogli jedriti samo u King of the Castle. Tu su imali šansu izboriti se do dosta dobrog 5. mjesta u generalnom plasmanu. Tko je koga pobijedio u ciklusu svakog protiv svakog možete vidjeti na ovom linku. Princip napredovanja s nižih startnih pozicija je bio da su prvi dvoboj jedrili 9. i 10. nakon Round Robina. Tu je pobjedu odnijela poljska posada i u idućem matchu su ih dočekali Smolićevi momci koji (osmi nakon Round Robina). Naši su izvrsno otvorili match i vodili su cijelu regatu, da bi šansu za napad na 7. mjesto izgubili u doslovno posljednjem metru plova. Slijedeća stepenica koju su trebali prijeći Poljaci bila je s posadom Emila Kjaera. Izgleda da je nedjelja bila dan danske posade jer su glatko pobijedili poljake, kao što su napravili i u svoja iduća dva matcha te regatu završavaju na 5. mjestu. Vodeća četvorka je imala klasičniji program. U polufinalu je najbolja posada iz Round Robina, Francuzi s Jean-Baptiste Bernazom izabrala svoje protivnike i tako definirala i drugi polufinalni plov. Bernaz i Botticin pobjeđuju u oba polufinalna plova te su se sastali u finalu, dok su u malom finalu jedrila talijanska posada s Roccom Attilijem na kormilu i miješani slovensko-hrvatski sastav koji je okupio Dejan Presen. Konačni rezultat i poredak nakon regate možete pronaći na ovom linku. READ MORE

NORTH SAILS STRENGTHENS SOUTH FLORIDA PRESENCE Combining World Class Customer Service & Products In The Southeast The North Sails loft in Fort Lauderdale will merge with the former Doyle Sails East (Fort Lauderdale) loft to consolidate their expertise and personnel, giving sailors in South Florida access to unmatched service and product offering. Under the leadership of North Sails veteran Mike Toppa, the new combined team will be headed by Bob Meagher and Peter Grimm Jr, both hugely respected in the Southeast region. Meagher, the previous owner of Doyle Fort Lauderdale, will take on the role of Site Manager for Fort Lauderdale and become the Southeast Regional Manager for North Sails. He will be supported by his longtime sales expert Peter Grimm Jr. Based out of the current North Sails loft in South Florida, they will now be able to tap into North’s patented in-house software programs and the full spectrum of world-leading products to ensure their customers get the most out of their boats and sails. Now integrated into North’s unrivaled global network, sailors in the region will also benefit from world-class service. Commenting on the merger, longtime North Sails Florida leader Mike Toppa said: “As two management teams seeking to provide the best solutions possible to our customers, it made perfect sense to both parties to combine our efforts. I’ve always had a huge amount of respect for Bob and Peter and have complete trust having Bob in the operational leadership role. I am confident the new team will go from strength to strength as we build on each others’ knowledge, networks, and skills. Anyone with a boat in the region will undoubtedly reap the benefits and see the results.” Bob Meagher has built a career helping people enjoy their boats. Two decades of sail consulting have led him to become one of America’s most experienced sail experts, especially in the growing market of cruising multihulls. He has a vast knowledge of sailcloth and sail handling systems across a wide variety of boats, providing captains and project managers with a clear understanding of the sail options available to these unique boats. His twenty years of business experience with fellow sailmakers around the country gives Bob deep understanding of the sailing industry in the Southeast U.S. and the industry trends shaping sailing throughout North America. "I am confident the new team will go from strength to strength as we build on each others’ knowledge, networks, and skills. Anyone with a boat in the region will undoubtedly reap the benefits and see the results.” Commenting on the merger, Bob concluded “For a long time I have felt we can give sailors better products, better service, and better solutions if we combined forces with North Sails. Once we decided we could make it happen, it has been a very positive experience and I am excited about the future, not only for our staff but for our customers.” More than five decades of sailing and 100,000 sea miles give Peter Grimm the ability to help clients get the most out of their boat and sails. His long familiarity with owners, boat builders, spar builders, yacht designers, project managers, and captains of all experience make Peter a resource to educate clients not just about sails, but all the components needed to improve their performance and enjoyment, and his wins in races such as Montego Bay, Key West, St Barths Bucket, and the Palma Super Yacht Cup demonstrate his success. Peter's career has stayed on the cusp of the ever-growing superyacht market, from the largest 80 footers in the 80’s, to the 200 footers in the 2000’s. Constantly on the forefront of what is new, he is a regular fixture in superyacht yards and marinas of South Florida, and wherever these unique vessels gather. Commenting on the merger, Peter explained: “Throughout my career, I have competed with North Sails on and off the water through a highly personalized, hands-on approach to help clients who race or cruise around the bay or around the world. The unique North Sails products add a new dimension to my tool kit. The unrivaled level of knowledge and client support within North Sails is an advantage I’m looking forward to bring to my Superyacht clients.” To learn more about the new Fort Lauderdale loft and team, please contact us at 954-522-8840 READ MORE

BOMBARDA WINS THE BACARDI CUP Expertise And Design Provide The Perfect Platform For Success Andrea Pozzi's Bombarda, First Place Melges 24 Bacardi Cup 2019. © Mauro Melandri / Zerogradinord With eight races and one discard, It all came down to the final race to determine the winner of the Melges 24 fleet and the 2019 Bacardi Cup, and it was going to be close. Andrea Pozzi’s Bombarda came out clean, one point ahead of the fleet after a consistent scoreline. North Sails Expert, Giulio Desiderato is the coach for Melges 24 Bombarda, winner of the 2019 Bacardi Cup. Giulio campaigned with Bombarda for several years, and was tactician in 2017 when they held the number one spot on the class world rankings. He was also onboard when they took second place at the European Championship in 2016 held in Hyeres. This winter the Melges 24 specialist Matteo Ivaldi became the Tactician and he began coaching the team and has seen his teammate's performance progress as well as the North sail designs. Through practice and fine-tuning, the team is where they want to be and ready to take on the next challenge. “As their coach, I’d like to say thank you to my team for such a great week. They sailed very well, and it’s been an honor to be by their side. Big congratulations to Andrea, Matteo, Ciampa, Carlo e Nicholas, they really have been the protagonists of this success.” Sailors showed up ready to battle, and Miami served up pristine racing conditions that made it possible to get great races in the Melges 24 fleet. The level of competition remained high all week, and off the water, sailors enjoyed the camaraderie and making new connections. Team Bombarda has worked hard in the lead up to the World Championships in Sardinia, Italy later this Spring. Beginning the season on a high note is not a bad start, but Giulio says there is still work to be done. © Martina Orsini “Our journey to the Worlds has just started, and we are happy about the results, but we know that we still have many things to improve. What’s been clear is the step forward that we have taken from the previous event we sailed in January. The biggest change that we’ve made was to our sail inventory, which has made a big impact on our performance.” "Big congratulations to Andrea, Matteo, Ciampa, Carlo e Nicholas, they really have been the protagonists of this success.The biggest change that we’ve made was to our sail inventory, which has made a big impact on our performance.” Since the very first day of training for team Bombarda, the team was fast and consistent. During the practice races before the regatta, they realized that they had all the ingredients to create the perfect, winning recipe that could get them a podium finish. © Mauro Melandri / Zerogradinord Andrea Pozzi, owner and skipper of Bombarda, commented; “Sailing in the Melges 24 class is always a tough feat. I'm happy to be back in action with my team with the goal to prepare in the best way possible for the World Championship in Spain.” “Winning the Bacardi Cup in Miami was a great experience. The venue is beautiful, and our results have given us even more motivation to improve. The relationship between Bombarda and North Sails is almost historical. We’ve been together in different campaigns over the course of several seasons. Especially with our win last week at the Bacardi Cup, I want to give thanks to North for the support and the services they have provided my team.” “From the first moment we hoisted our new set of 3Di sails,” said Giulio, “we could easily adapt our old tuning to the new set up. Our goal was to be consistent, manage the risks, and try to stay in the front so we could avoid a large discard. We pulled it off!” “Since the introduction of 3Di technology into the Melges 24 class two years ago North's designers Per Andersson and Mike Marshall have done a great job and made a ton of progress in class development”, said Giulio. “Since the introduction of 3Di technology into the Melges 24 class two years ago North's designers Per Andersson and Mike Marshall have done a great job and made a ton of progress in class development”, said Giulio. The starting point of 3DL paneled sails was a benchmark in the Melges 24 fleet, but we now have advanced as far as delivering the best existing product into the class that has so far, made a huge difference in performance across the range for clients worldwide.” “They’ve constantly been working on the shape and layout of the sails to improve the design since the very beginning. The starting point of 3DL paneled sails was a benchmark in the Melges 24 fleet, but we now have advanced as far as delivering the best existing product into the class that has so far, made a huge difference in performance across the range for clients worldwide.” © Mauro Melandri / Zerogradinord READ MORE

Optimisti ulaze u završnu fazu kvalifikacija za reprezentaciju foto: Hrvoje Duvančić – www.regate.com.hr Vikend 22 - 24. ožujka bio je rezerviran za održavanje posljednjih kvalifikacijskih regata za regije sjever i jug prije formiranja popisa sudionika kvalifikacijskih regata za formiranje reprezentativnih sastava Lijepe naše. Kadeti sa sjevera su se okupili u Crikvenici, dok su južnjaci mjesto susreta imali u Makarskoj, a još jedna zajednička dodirna točka ove dvije regate je bila bezvjetrica. Lijepi rano proljetni dani su rezultirali samo jednim odjedrenim plovom u Makarskoj i s dva u Crikvenici. To ipak nije bilo dovoljno da bi konačni rezultati s tih regata bili valjani za uvrštavanje u odgovarajuće ljestvice. Klasičan uvjet valjanosti ovih regata je da se trebaju odjedriti minimalno tri plova. S obzirom da se to ovog vikenda nije uspjelo kvalifikacije koje su počele 1. rujna 2018. završile su nepotpunim programom. Sjevernjaci su konačni poredak dobili nakon pet od predviđenih šest regata, dok su južnjaci imali još manje sreće s uvjetima na moru, pa su u konačnici sumu dobili s rezultatima četiri regularno odjedrene regate. Regate koje su omogućile formiranje kvalifikacijske ljestvice regije Sjever su bile Rabačka, Kup Lošinja, ACI Kup, Sv.Nikola i Karnevalska regata. Ukupno je sudjelovalo 97 kadeta i kadetkinja iz Istre i Kvarnera. Najbolje plasiran je Buba Pulek, član Uljanik plovidbe iz Pule. Ovaj petnaestgodišnjak je dominirao na kvalifikacijama i pobijedio u tri regate od četiri na kojima je sudjelovao i bodovna zaliha je bila više nego dovoljna da preskoči jedrenje u Opatiji. Jednako uspješno je bilo još dvoje njegovih klupskih kolega, najbolja djevojčica na sjeveru je bila Lucija Škopac - 3. na kriteriju i Tol Tristan - 4. na kriteriju. Njih dvoje također je preskočilo Opatiju, a to je bio razlog zašto ih je Grigor Pettener s Malog Lošinja preskočio i kao najmlađi među prvih 14 na ljestvici zauzeo vrlo visoko drugo mjesto. Da bi se kvalificirali na izbornu ljestvicu kadeti su se morali plasirati među najboljih 38 i to je pošlo za rukom predstavnicima čak deset klubova. Konačan raspored na ljestvici možete pronaći na ovom linku. foto: Hrvoje Duvančić – www.regate.com.hr Što se tiče južnog dijela hrvatske flote optimista kvalifikacije je odjedrilo 88 malenih dalmatinaca i dalmatinki, a 42 ih se plasiralo na izbornu ljestvicu. Slično kao na sjeveru i ovdje je ovaj dio sezone prošao u znaku dominacije jednog imena. To je bila mlada Uskokova jedriličarka Noela Petešić. Ona će zapamtiti ove kvalifikacije po dvije pobjede i s jednom podjelom bodova s Petrom Marendić iz splitskog Mornara, koja u izborni dio ciklusa ulazi kao trećeplasirana na jugu. Između njih, na drugom mjestu, je završio član JK Omiš, Josip Tafra. On je ujedno i najmlađi jedriličar među prvih osmero. Bodovi su se skupljali na regatama u Dubrovniku, Primoštenu, na Hvaru i na Otvorenom prvenstvu Splita, a zbog orkanske bure nije odjedren Sv.Ivan u Omišu. Točan poredak svih na ljestvici možete pronaći na ovom linku. Osamdeset jedriličarki i jedriličara koji će se natjecati zajedno u nastavku sezone imaju dva okupljanja na sjeveru i dva na jugu. Riječ je o slijedećim regatama: 05 - 07. travnja, Memorijal Antolić Česić, JK Uljanik plovidba - Pula 12 - 14. travnja, Regata grada Poreča, JK Horizont - Poreč 03 - 05. svibnja, Split 1700, JK Split - Split 10 - 12. svibnja, Kup Vitrenjaka, JK Uskok - Zadar Uz bodove koje će osvojiti na ove četiri regate u obzir će se uzimati i bodovi osvojeni na Prvenstvu Hrvatske, a konačan cilj svima je plasman u jedan od dva reprezentativna sastava. Prvih pet će se plasirati za jedrenje na Svjetskom prvenstvu koje će se od 6. do 16. srpnja jedriti na Antigui. Slijedećih sedmero ide na Europsko prvenstvo koje se organizira u Crozon-Margatu u Francuskoj. Jedino na što se treba pripaziti prilikom slaganja sastava reprezentacije je da ne smije biti više od četvero istog spola. READ MORE

TALK SAILS WITH YOUR LOCAL EXPERTS Find Out About Helix, Talk Sail Care & Get Ready For The Season READ MORE

Oglašena je uvertira za ORC SP u Šibeniku foto: Hrvoje Duvančić – www.regate.com.hr U sklopu priprema za D-Marin ORC Svjetsko prvenstvo u 2019. organizatori iz Jedriličarskog kluba Val su odlučili regatu koju tradicionalno organiziraju početkom svibnja, a koja je i inače dio ciklusa regata koje se jedre za CRO ORC D-Marin Cup, podignuti na jedan viši nivo i iskoristiti je kao predigru i posljednji ozbiljni test pred SP. Ove godine se odustalo od uobičajena dva dana i regata će imati tri natjecateljska dana. Prijam jedrilica, okupljanje i prijave bit će organizirani u četvrtak 2. svibnja. Sutradan će natjecatelji koji možda stignu tijekom noći imati na raspolaganju još sat-dva vremena za prijave i pripreme, a na more će se izaći oko deset sati, da bi se stiglo na neko od regatnih polja na kojima će se jedriti SP četiri tjedna kasnije. Regatni odbor će na raspolaganju imati mogućnost da kombinira s dvije zone. Jedna je s jugozapadne strane otoka Zlarina. U principu ista lokacija gdje se jedrila prva regata prošlogodišnjeg TP52 World Series. To je zona koja je poprilično otvorena i prostrana, a u slučaju juga i jačeg maestrala jedriličari mogu očekivati i malo veći val, dok je kurenat malo manje izražen nego u kanalima između otoka. Druga zona koja je u kombinaciji je u Murterskom moru. Iako je dosta zatvorenija od ranije spomenute može se razviti poprilično jaka bura i maestral. Inače se u tom području jedrila Uskrsna regata dok se organizirala u Vodicama. U svakom slučaju nema problema po pitanju da li će biti dovoljno prostora za flote od 50-60 jedrilica. Ostaje nam vidjeti da li će RO Šibenik ORC Cupa, a koji je dobio i prestižni aneks "Pre-Worlds", iskoristiti mogućnost kombiniranja održavanja ove regate na obja regatna polja, a treba napomenuti da su Valovci predvidjeli i mogućnost jedrenja jednog navigacijskog plova. Inače se na regatama za CRO ORC Cup izbjegavalo jedriti navigacijska jedrenja. Ali u programu Svjetskog prvenstva su predviđena dva navigacijska jedrenja (čiji rezultati se ne mogu odbaciti), pa ako uvjeti na moru za vrijeme Pre-Worldsa ne budu odgovarali za postavljanje kvalitetnog štap polja, jedriličari ipak neće biti besposleni. foto: Hrvoje Duvančić – www.regate.com.hr Što se tiče broja sudionika očekuje se da bi ih moglo biti između 20 i 30. Od toga će većinu sudionika sigurno sačinjavati domaće posade koje su se prijavile za nastup na SP, a kojih je trenutno na prijavama čak 18. Također su neki sudionici iz daljih dijelova Europe najavili dopremanje svojih jedrilica što kopnom, što morem, te se očekuje da bi oni uz dio talijanske ORC flote koja je u velikom postotku u Jadranskom bazenu, mogli se odlučiti na testiranje Šibenskog akvatorija u uvjetima koji bi mogli biti čak i jednaki onima koji će vladati u prvom tjednu lipnja. Svi zainteresirani Oglas regate mogu pronaći na web stranicama Jedriličarskog kluba Val. READ MORE

AVEC NORTH SAILS, JE PARS SEREIN © Charal / Eloi Stichelbau À moins d’une semaine de la Sardinha Cup (26 mars-13 avril), les Figaristes accélèrent la cadence et s’attèlent aux derniers préparatifs pour la première épreuve de la saison qui se disputera à Saint-Gilles Croix-de-Vie. Près d’un tiers de la flotte des Figaro Bénéteau 3 est équipé de voiles North Sails. C’est notamment le cas pour Charal de Jérémie Beyou, un habitué du circuit, et Banque Populaire d’Armel Le Cléac’h qui revient cette année sur la Solitaire Urgo Le Figaro après six ans d’absence. Jérémie Beyou © Charal / Eloi Stichelbau Armel Le Cléac’h se lance un nouveau défi pour la saison 2019. Après le chavirage de son trimaran Banque Populaire lors de la dernière Route du Rhum et en attendant la mise à l’eau de son futur Ultim en 2020, le vainqueur du dernier Vendée Globe prendra part à la 50ème édition de la Solitaire sur son Figaro 3 flambant neuf doté de voiles North. "L’arrivée de ce nouveau monotype à foils est une belle opportunité pour moi de revenir sur cette compétition difficile, six ans après ma dernière Solitaire, confie le double vainqueur de l’épreuve. Repartir avec des voiles North sur ce Figaro 3 paraissait comme une évidence. C’est une longue histoire avec la voilerie. J’ai confiance en leur travail, et je pars serein avec mes voiles North." Pour ce marin accoutumé aux géants des mers, la Solitaire du Figaro reste une épreuve exigeante de haut niveau idéale pour ne pas perdre la main. "Naviguer sur un Figaro 3 est physique, on va chercher des limites d’un point de vue mental et sommeil, ce qui le rapproche des Ultims même si on ne va pas à la même vitesse et que le format de course est différent." "C’est North Sails quoi, du 3Di!" C’est avec le Pôle Finistère Course au large de Port-La Forêt qu’il s’entraîne à maîtriser et fiabiliser ce monotype signé VPLP, tout comme Jérémie Beyou, triple vainqueur de la Solitaire (2005, 2011 et 2014) qui signe sa 18ème participation. En parallèle à son programme Vendée Globe sur son Imoca Charal, Jérémie sera dès le 26 mars sur les pontons de Port-La-vie pour la première étape en double du circuit aux côtés du britannique Alan Roberts. Quant au choix de ses voiles, le skipper de Charal a fait confiance à la voilerie vannetaise. Derrière les voiles North Sails, c’est toute une technologie de longue date, une expertise et un savoir-faire que d’autres voileries n’ont pas encore réussi à égaler, précise Jérémie. Il n’y avait donc pas trop à réfléchir. C’est North Sails quoi, du 3Di ! Nos voiles plates 3Di sont adaptées à ce support technique et subtil et sont quasiment impeccables sans aucun défaut notamment pour la grand-voile et le foc de brise. On pourrait faire encore plus léger la prochaine fois, mais pour un premier jeu, c’est excellent. © Charal / Eloi Stichelbau Pour l’instant, l’objectif pour les deux skippers chevronnés est de poursuivre les tests en mer afin de parfaire le jeu de voiles. "On teste les voiles à tous les angles et à toutes les allures pour arriver aux meilleurs réglages possibles, explique Armel. J’échange énormément avec Quentin Ponroy, dessinateur de talent chez North Sails. Nous sommes dans la phase de finitions où on affine les détails pour obtenir un résultat qui me ressemble. Le choix des voiles pour la course doit être judicieux. Bien entendu, ces voiles vont forcément évoluer au cours de la compétition, et dans un an, elles seront peut-être complètement différentes." Les échanges entre la voilerie et le skipper sont essentiels pour arriver au jeu de voiles final souligne Jérémie. "La voilerie, et surtout Quentin Ponroy, en charge des voiles, a fait un véritable travail en amont. On passe beaucoup d’heures sur l’eau à tester différents réglages en balayant les extrêmes. Quentin est également un bon marin et son ressenti apporte une véritable plus-value." Sur cette course, "tout se jouera au cm de réglage près", ajoute Jérémie, et la tâche sera ardue, d’autant que l’édition 2019 s’annonce acharnée entre le retour des ténors et la pléthore de jeunes talents. "On met cartes sur table cette année, et les places seront chères sur le podium, il faudra être très bon, conclut Armel qui participera à sa onzième Solitaire. Les anciens n’auront pas envie de ramasser les bouées et les plus jeunes de se faire malmener ! " READ MORE

A NIGHT WITH OUR EXPERTS Winter Seminar With North Sails In Portsmouth, RI North Sails in Portsmouth, RI hosted a starting strategy, sail trim, and tuning seminar to kick off the Spring sailing season. One Design President, and multi-World Champion, expert Tim Healy gave a technical presentation about headstay sag and prebend, and how that affects your angle of attack, sail depth, and twist. Going into a significant amount of detail on headstay sag, Tim shared the ways it can be controlled on any given boat. Adjust your jib halyard Adjust your shroud tension Backstay tension Mainsheet tension Mast blocks at the deck (if your boat has it) Moving your mast forward and aft are all ways to adjust your headstay length When is headstay sag most ideal? Tim says when you have light to moderate wind conditions, or when you are looking for more power. When you are looking to get more power, headstay sag can also help get you more speed, allow you to point higher. Off the starting line, it can also contribute greatly with your accelerations. Learn more about headstay sag here. One Design expert and sail designer, Mike Marshall, fresh off his J/22 Midwinters win gave the audience some great tips on starting line strategy. Even for Mike, starting isn't easy! He presented three questions you should ask yourself before every start. Where do you want to start on the line? Boat, middle, or pin?> Am I high or low in the box? Am I leading or pushing? The same processes can be done at every start you. With main concepts to think about things like where is the wind coming from , line bias, what are the tacking angles , where is the most pressure on the race course, and is there any current that can influence where you are at your final approach. Tim Healy contributed an excellent point to Mike’s overview, which explained the importance of being confident with slow boat handling at the start. Being able to maintain your place on the line, and not accelerate too soon can almost guarantee you a hole to leeward at the start. Both Mike and Tim agreed that patience was vital because some opportunities open up a little last minute, but can save you the stress of having to find an escape route after go. Learn more about starting strategies here. Experts Tim Dawson and Henry Little were also there to support the seminar topics, giving their perspectives from racing on larger One Designs to 100-footers. All the the seminar topics can be applied to boats of all kinds, and all sizes. There was a ton to learn from some of the best in our industry at the seminar in Portsmouth, RI, and the crowd brought some great questions that we can all relate to. Sailors who partake in local racing were in grand attendance, including local Laser sailors, Thistles, VX One, Shields, J/24s, PHRF, ORC, IRC racers. Thanks to our experts for a great night, bringing local fleets together in Rhode Island to get us all pumped for some great racing in one of the best places for sailing New England has to offer. Questions about rig tune, racing, or sails? Contact your local loft today! READ MORE

MC38 AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP Clients Favor Pittwater Conditions Sweeping Title © www.tillylockmedia.com The MC38 Nationals were conducted in the waters of Pittwater in 2019 with variable conditions over three days which Pittwater is notorious for. The Maserati team with Tom Quick at the helm took out the regatta after a strong last day. Skipper Joe Turner had the following to say “We had an issue with our boat the week of the regatta so we missed our opportunity to test and commission our sails for the nationals. But the work we have done with North's over the past 12 months had paid off and the new sails were spot on out of the bag. Which got us out of a bit of trouble. We are really happy with our set up, the boat is consistently on pace in all conditions, just need to send it the right way more often! Neville has been a great leader for myself and our team. He took me on as boat captain/tactician with little one design tactical experience and over the past four years we have built a very solid team and program. His long lasting relationship with Cocko and North Sails has been a key to our success.” "Neville has been a great leader for myself and our team, and his long lasting relationship with North Sails Michael Coxon "Cocko", has been a key to our success at the MC38 Australian Nationals" © www.tillylockmedia.com North Sails powered yachts Maserati, Dark Star, Lightspeed, Hooligan, Swish, Ginger and Ghostrider all equipped with North 3Di upwind sails and V-Series downwind. Not only were North Sails powering the top yachts in the class, they were also well represented with the following staff; Paul Westlake & Matiu Tehau on Hooligan, Billy Sykes on Swish, Richie Allanson and Noel Drennan on Ginger, Rob Greenhalgh and Kyle Dodd’s on Ghostrider. © www.tillylockmedia.com © www.tillylockmedia.com © www.tillylockmedia.com READ MORE

WHO WE ARE: DEANNA TREJO Get To Know Your Local Sales Expert How long have you been involved in sailing? I’ve been sailing out of Chicago since I was four years old when my dad decided to buy a Capri 22 Catalina. As the family grew, so did the boat, and we upgraded to an Alberg 35. We did Junior Fleet and graduated to Wednesday night beer can racing. What boats/classes do you sail? For the last 15 years I’ve been sailing the Rhodes 19 with active Fleet 12. I’ve also been sailing on a Dufour 36 P for the last two years, also competing in two Chicago Mac Races on that boat. My main position is jib trim, and I also make a mean breakfast burrito for the long distance races. I’m working on making a sailor out of my husband – we chartered a boat in Lake Superior for a lovely honeymoon. What got you into the marine industry? It was a lucky break that I ended up working in the marine industry. I was looking for a new job in 2013, and a friend told me about a temporary, part time position at North Sails they saw advertised in Scuttlebutt Magazine. I applied for assistant Office Manager, was hired, and survived my first Chicago Mac at North Sails the summer of 2013. In the end offered the position full time permanently as Office Manager. What's your favorite aspect of working in the industry? Being in the industry since summer of 2013, one of my favorite aspects is learning how many other people make a living based on their love of sailing and the variety of ways in which they carve out a profession – from dealers in faraway cities and towns, to local positions at different yacht yards, to sailing instructors and yacht club managers. It’s a bigger world than I had imagined. Another aspect I enjoy at North Sails is helping customers at events we host, such as the Chicago NOOD, Strictly Sails boat show, and North U. Seminars. Learning more about sailing is always a fun activity for everyone involved, and it’s a great way to get out of the office and meet our customers in person, which is valuable. What's your favorite aspects about sailing? My favorite thing about sailing is that it’s the easiest way be outdoors and get away from the city in a place like Chicago. It’s a whole different perspective on life once you get off shore. Second to that, I love making the boat go fast. READ MORE

WHO WE ARE: LUKE LOGAN Get To Know Your Local Service Expert What do you sail? Anything from Cruising boats to racing. I grew up sailing on my family's Chesapeake 32 and Cal 36, and I've been sailing since I was a kid. What got you into the marine industry? Growing up on the water, I was drawn to a "profession" that integrated my own passion to be on/around the water, with helping people to further explore what sailing has to offer in the form of recreation and relaxation. How long have you been in the industry? Having been in the industry for over 20 years, I especially take pride in going the extra mile for customers, and maximizing their time on the water, in whatever form that may be. Whether its sailing, windsurfing, or kitesurfing, I will take great pride in offering you the best sail care that the Great Lakes has to offer! READ MORE

WHO WE ARE: CHELSIE STRONG Get To Know Your Local Team How long have you been with North Sails and what lead you to pursue a career with the Detroit office? I am the newest member of North Sails Detroit with only seven months under my belt. I was interested in working for a sail maker due to my parents and in particular, my father’s passion with sailing. Although my parents sold their modest sailboat shortly before I came into the world, I still grew up instilled with a high respect for the sport and craftsmanship involved in boat building and sail making. I thought that working for a reputable sail maker in Detroit would be a unique opportunity to sort of reconnect with my family’s past. Why do you believe your background makes you a good fit for North Sails Detroit? I see a lot of parallels with my personal background to the marine industry. I was a swimmer my whole life and am still a very avid water sports person. I love the great lakes and the beauty that our region offers, being the largest freshwater resource in the world. So to me, whether it be by sailboat, canoe, kayak or other vessel, being out on the water is one of my favorite places to be. I also spent many years working in the aquatics industry where I honed my customer relations skills which I believe is a very large part of the north sails mantra- providing excellent customer service. What excites you about your future with North Sails? Two things come to mind: One being my adult sailing lessons that I will take at Bayview Yacht Club this spring. The second being North Sails Sustainability push and the #GoBeyondPlastic campaign. I feel like learning to sail is something that should have happened for me many years ago; so I am ready to finally get out there and learn how to use the wind to power a boat. Although sailing is already a pretty sustainable activity, North is taking it a step further and doing its part to help remove harmful plastics from the oceans (and lakes) and to help each loft become more sustainable in daily practice. I like that North is being part of the solution, not the problem on this subject. What have you learned thus far about the sail-making industry? Well, I have learned a lot. Bill Lesnek, our service manager has been teaching me the lingo and a lot of basic technical stuff about sails and boats which I find fascinating. Karl Kuspa has started introducing me to the sailing community of our area so I am getting to know the people. I have also learned how much science is going into sail making today and much about the history of sails and materials used. I can also see that North Sails is a deep company with a lot of very passionate, hard-working, and friendly people that are always there to help when you need it. READ MORE

BAYVIEW MAC STRATEGY Tips on Sail Selection, Routing and More for Upcoming Bayview Mac © Martin | Photoelement On Thursday March 14th, North Sails Detroit finished up their Winter Seminar Series with a stop at Bayview Yacht Club. Once again Bill Gladstone from North U was the featured speaker with Karl Kuspa from North Sails Detroit joining him to discuss Bayview Mac Strategy, Sail Selection, and Routing. North Sails and Bayview Yacht Club are pleased to be partners for this event and the Bell’s Beer Bayview Mackinac Race. “When you partner with the best everybody wins,” said Commodore Sandy Fullerton of Bayview Yacht Club. Commodore Fullerton goes on to say “North Sails shows up bringing the brightest and the best. They pack your house! Everybody gets charged up. You learn something new, confirm what you know, shake off the winter and get jacked up about Sailing! Thank you North Sails.” With a full house of 150 people on hand it is easy to understand the enthusiasm. Sailors traveled from across the entire region to attend this two hour event. “Attending the recent North U seminars at BYC was amazing. As the Race Chair, I was particularly pleased to see the area’s that attendee’s came from. We had racers from Buffalo NY, Cleveland OH, Chicago IL and Toronto Canada. It was great to witness this kind of interest from other sailors working to hon their skills for the upcoming sailing season and 2019 Bell’s Beer Bayview Mackinac Race” states 2019 Race Chair Bob Nutter. © Martin | Photoelement The three seminar series was a first for North Sails Detroit with the first two events being held at their new loft. “With the way our loft is laid out, it is a no brainer for us to host events like this.” says Loft Manager Karl Kuspa. “Throughout my entire 30 years in the marine industry I have always tried to give back. I am just happy that I work for a company that allows us to continue to do so.” In all, over 300 people attended the three events covering topics such as sail trim, tactics and of course, the Mackinac Race. While most people have their thoughts towards Summer, North Sails Detroit has already started the planning process for next Winter's Seminar Series. We have a lot of ideas for next year. It is going to be great! READ MORE

CRO JEDRA FENOMENALNA NA EUROPA CUPU U KOPRU foto: Franjo Jurić Čak pet medalja na tri postolja u generalnom plasmanu su hrvatski jedriličari donijeli iz Dežele! Sve tri kategorije klase Laser su zastupljene u ovoj brojci, a riječ je o prvoj ovogodišnjoj regati iz ciklusa Europa Cupa. Pa da krenemo po redu: Laser Standard - ukupno 24 natjecatelja: - Mario Novak (JK Split, Split) - 1. mjesto generalno - Marko Smolić (JK Val, Šibenik) - 2. mjesto generalno i 1. mjesto U21 - Dominik Perković (JK Labud, Split) - 2. mjesto U21 i 4. mjesto generalno - Juraj Radačić (JK Val, Šibenik) - 1. mjesto U19 i 15. mjesto generalno - Lukšić Antonio (JK Opatija, Opatija) - 2. mjesto U19 i 20. generalno Laser Radial - ukupno 88 natjecateljki i natjecatelja: - Karmen Perković (JK Labud, Split) - 1. mjesto generalno i 1. mjesto U21 - Roko Copić (JK Val, Šibenik) - 3. mjesto generalno i 2. mjesto U19 Laser 4.7 - ukupno 101 natjecateljka i natjecatelj: - Ursula Balas (JD Val, Crikvenica)- 1. mjesto generalno i 1. mjesto U18 - Nika Manestar (JD Val, Crikvenica) - 2. mjesto U18 i 4. mjesto generalno Ovako velik broj natjecatelja je izgleda pozitivna posljedica promjene sustava bodovanja. Ranije se koristio sustav koji je u obzir uzimao i nacionalne regate u pojedinim državama, pa su se koristili koeficijenti u kojima je značajan element bio i broj sudionika na njima, pa su u konačnici najviše profitirale države s velikom bazičnom flotom poput Italije, Francuske, Njemačke. To je bilo vrlo nepovoljno za one s manjim brojem jedriličara u klasi, pa je zbog toga jedno vrijeme Europa Cup gubio na popularnosti. Sadašnji sustav boduje vrednuje samo regate Europa Cupa i to na način da se uzimaju po tri najbolja rezultata. Posljedica je da se prije održavanja natjecanja poput Europskih i Svjetskih prvenstava dobije mnogo realnija slika o formi natjecatelja, a i općenito o očekivanjima na tim velikim regatama. A kako je Hrvatska domaćin jednoj od regata iz ciklusa, kao što je i postojanje nekoliko regata u susjednim nam državama, to je odlična prilika za mlade natjecatelje koji tek stupaju na međunarodnu scenu da na njima skupljaju iskustvo natjecanja u velikim flotama. U tri dana regate standardi su uspjeli odjedriti 5 plovova, dok su radiali i 4.7 odjedrili po plov manje. Lako razumljivo s obzirom da su ove dvije skupine zbog broja jedriličara bile podijeljene u po dvije grupe. Vrijeme ih nije posebno mazilo, jednako kao što ni na ostatku sjevernog Jadrana vrijeme nije bilo baš bajno za jedrenje. U isto vrijeme se u Opatiji trebalo odjedriti Prvenstvo Hrvatske za klasu IOM, ali nisu imali nikakve sreće s vjetrom. Za to vrijeme na srednjem i južnom Jadranu je puhalo umjereno i jako jugo. Ali prepustimo riječ treneru šibenske ekipe, inače tajniku juniorskih klasa, Teu Piasevoliju: Kopar je područje u kojem su uvijek prevladavali lagani vjetrovi, uglavnom sa zapada. Slična prognoza je bila i za ovu regatu, lagani zapadnjak i jugo u dolasku. A s druge strane jugo u Kopru nije baš dobra prilika zbog geografskog položaja. Ne puše paralelno s obalom kao kod nas, već na svom putu nailazi na Istru preko koje treba prijeći, pa se ne uspijeva probiti. Tako da je to jugo tamo specifično, promjenjivog smjera, rupičasto, različitih pritisaka na različitim mjestima regatnog polja. U tim uvjetima je ključ ostati stabilan, održavati koncentraciju i izdržati to u glavi. Ovaj put je dodatna otežavajuća okolnost bilo i to što se prvi dan nije napravio niti jedan plov, a drugog dana samo jedan plov po termičkom zapadnjaku. Tek trećeg dana je prevladalo jugo koje je imalo snagu oko 5-6 čvorova, pa do refula od petnaestak čvorova. Na kraju se ipak uspjelo napraviti 4 i 5 plovova, jer je vrlo važno imati odbacivanje u takvim uvjetima jedrenja da bi se dobila što realnija slika. Ja sam super zadovoljan nastupom mojih jedriličara. Marko, Juraj i Roko su mladi i u naponu snage, a ovaj rezultat im je došao kao vrlo lijepa nagrada za naporne treninge koje smo imali tijekom ove zime. A što se tiče hrvatskog jedrenja mogu reći da smo apsolutni pobjednici ove regate jer smo odnijeli pobjede u svim kategorijama! Mislim da program rada sa sustavom kampova i zajedničkim treninzima svih laseraša pokazuje svoje rezultate. Npr. u Radialu je vrhunski doživljaj vidjeti da u jednom plovu u grupi pobijedi Copić, onda idući plov pobijedi Bruno Gašpić, pa plov odnese Božo Golubić... stvarno vrhunski za gledati to sa strane. A opet, iza jedrenja svi dolaze jedan do drugog i sportski i prijateljski čestitaju jedni drugima. Mišljenja sam da tako trebamo nastaviti i dalje i da se naši jedriličari još više zbliže, zajedno treniraju. Uvjeren sam da je to jedini način da naši jedriličari ostanu u vrhu i budu među najboljima u svijetu. Ako se zatvorimo u sebe i svatko krene individualno trenirati imat ćemo regate samo između nas samih a to nigdje ne vodi. Teo Piasevoli, JK Val - Šibenik U Laser Standardu bodovna situacija je bila takva da su se već od starta naša tri jedriličara našla na vrhu. To su bili Mario Novak, Marko Smolić i Dominik Perković. Između njih se još ubacio i slovenac Matej Valič i samo su nijanse odlučivale. Najbolji primjer je da su Novak i Smolić nakon 5 jedrenja imali jednak broj bodova, a odlučilo je to što je Novak uknjižio jedno prvo mjesto, dok je Smolić samo imao dobar bodovni skor, a da bi drama bila još veća do uspoređivanja rezultata na taj način je došlo u posljednjim metrima posljednjeg plova: Uvjeti su bili baš teški i stvarno je bilo teško održavati konstantne rezultate, pogotovo u nedjelju. Vjetar je mijenjao smjer doslovno po stotinjak stupnjeva. Svaka orca je bila drugačija, ali često sam jedrio u Kopru pa sam očekivao takve uvjete i odluke Regatnog odbora da će puštati regate po svemu. Tako da sam bio spreman na to i to sam pokazao tog posljednjeg dana regate. Koncentracija mi je bila na odgovarajućoj razini u cijeloj regati. Posebno mi je drago što sam značajno popravio starteve. Na svakom startu sam se uspio pozicionirati u vodećoj grupi i tijekom jedrenja ići naprijed u poretku. Jedini kiks se desio u zadnjem plovu kad smo se zadnju orcu spojili s flotom Lasera 4.7. Taj plov sam bio vodeći i kad smo se spojili s tom drugom flotom ostao sam u vakuumu između dvije jedrilice i tu su me dvojica uspjela prestići. Moram pohvaliti i konkurenciju. Znao sam da je Dominik po ovim uvjetima vrlo opasan, Mario je isto bio vrlo konstantan, samo je jedan plov loše otvorio ali mu se to na kraju odbacilo. A zadnji dan je Valič napravio dva prva mjesta i dodatno zakomplicirao situaciju na vrhu. Marko Smolić, JK Val - Šibenik Osim spomenutih jedriličara u ovoj grupi treba spomenuti i solidan nastup Jurja Radačića i Antonia Luksića, najmlađih jedriličara u floti Standarda. U floti Laser Radiala Karmen Perković je bila neprikosnovena. Izuzevši drugi plov (koji se odbacio), do pobjede je došla s jednim trećim mjestom i dvije pobjede. Koliko je dobro jedrila govori i podatak da je ona u kategoriji U21, a u floti je bilo i vrlo iskusnih seniorki. Na drugom mjestu je završio finski jedriličar Otto Dahlberg, a na trećem mjestu član JK Val iz Šibenika, Roko Copić: Bili su dosta zeznuti uvjeti. Prvog dana nismo jedrili jer je bila bonaca, a drugog dana jedva jedan plov. Polje je tada bilo vrlo teško. Vladali su različiti pritisci na različitim mjestima, a tek trećeg dana po dosta težim uvjetima uspio sam biti konstantan i dobro jedriti. Konkurencija je bila vrlo jaka. Svatko je mogao naći uvjete koji su mu odgovarali, od teškaša pa do laganijih jedriličara. Karmen je regatu vrhunski odjedrila. S njom sam zadnji dan bio u istoj grupi. Prvi plov dana kada sam ja pobijedio ona je otvorila 17. mjestom, ali je nakon toga složila dvije pobjede za redom. Bila je stvarno konstantna na čelu flote i stvarno je zasluženo prva. Roko Copić, JK Val - Šibenik A među najmlađima, u inačici 4.7 jedrilo je čak 20 CRO jedara. Slično kao i na hrvatskim regatama, najbolja je i ovaj put bila Ursula Balas, a klupska joj je kolegica Nika Manestar završila na 4. mjestu s jednakim brojem bodova kao i trećeplasirani talijan. Koliko je matematika nemilosrdna pokazuje detalj da je Nika, nakon odbacivanja, na četvrtom mjestu završila samo s trećim mjestima. Zato je Ursula imala lakšu jednadžbu i do pobjede dolazi s dva prva mjesta i jednim drugim. Naš najbolji momak u skupini bio je Luka Vuković (JK Labud, Split) s 8. mjestom u generalnom poretku. Ostali naši juniori su se većinom ravnomjerno rasporedili po ljestvici. Slijedeća regata Europa Cupa se jedri u Švicarskoj u Luganu. READ MORE