Al Declercq and Team Join North Sails

North Sails is pleased to announce that accomplished sailor and experienced sailmaker Al Declercq and his team have joined North Sails. Declercq, based in Detroit, MI, is returning to North Sails after a 22-year hiatus and made the decision with their customers’ best interests in mind. “North Sails leads the sailmaking industry with superior products and excellent customer service and sail care. It was the right choice for our client base and we are thrilled to be back with the North Sails team,” Declercq said.

“North Sails is committed to improving our presence and providing more sales representatives and sail care lofts to the thousands of sailors on the Great Lakes,” said Ken Read, President of North Sails Group. “Earlier this year, we partnered with Skip Dieball and we are thrilled that Al and his team have decided to join North Sails as well,” Read continued. “Between Al and Skip in Detroit, and our existing sales and service centers in Chicago and Toronto, they will anchor a network of North Sails lofts from Thunder Bay to Montreal. Personally, I am excited about the strength of the team we have to support the beautiful Great Lakes region,” Read concluded.

Throughout his career, Declercq has raced in the Fastnet, Transpac, Newport to Bermuda (five times) and several other notable offshore events.
He has raced in an unprecedented 49 Port Huron to Mackinac races and 36 Chicago to Mackinac races, winning a total of 26 times. “I know sailors who have worked with Al for more than 20 years because of the excellent customer service and sincerity he and his team are known for,” said Kimo Worthington, Sales Manager for North Sails in North America. “Al has sailed over 50,000 miles on the Great Lakes which makes him an undisputed expert for sail needs in that region,” Worthington said. “We welcome Al and his team, including wife Sara, who will be the Detroit office manager.”

“Returning to North Sails is a win-win for our clients and our team,” Declercq said. “North Sails is the worldwide leader in sailmaking because of technology and innovation that results in the best products and value on the market,” he continued. “We are proud to offer our clients such a vast range of products, from paneled sails to 3D sails. We have a number of cruising clients who will be amazed by the North Sails difference and we intend to work hard to keep them all happy and satisfied with their sail investments,” Declercq concluded.

Al can be reached by calling 586-790-7500 or by email: