North Sails NEWS
Story Contributors: Alby Pratt, Rob Greenhalgh, Aaron Cole
Sydney Hobart Tool Kit
The Rolex Sydney-Hobart is fast approaching. Does your team have what it takes to take on this 628nm race? Here is what you should know before you leave the dock. Created just for you, by your local team of offshore racing experts.
Provisioning
Sarah O’Kane from Shorebase Logistics is familiar with this race and many like it. Hear more on what’s important when it comes to properly provisioning before any offshore marathon, like the Sydney-Hobart.
Crew Watch Systems
To get the best out of everyone while racing the boat hard around the clock, the skipper or sailing master needs a clear view of each crew member’s skill sets.
Navigating
Australian summers can make for the ultimate offshore experience. Be prepared for everything with Chris Bedford, world renowned sailing meteorologist with 30+ years of experience and expertise in marine and coastal meteorology.
Reefing Systems
Sailing in big breeze can be fun, exciting, maybe stressful, and expensive when things go wrong. Reefing a sail quickly and easily when the breeze comes on is key to looking after your sails and your crew.
Post-Race Sail Service
Crossed the finish line and need a sail repair? North Sails Certified Service Experts will be onsite and ready to get your sails repaired so you can get back in action.
Winning The Delivery Back Home
Preparing successfully to compete in the biggest offshore races requires putting your attention to every detail. From the start of the delivery trip all the way to the starting line of the race, here’s what you need to know.
Story Contributors

Alby Pratt
One Design Expert, Sail Expert, Sales Manager — Sydney, Australia
Since 1988, Alby has held almost every position within the loft: sailmaker, service manager, project manager, sales consultant and sales manager. Getting a job as a sailmaker was a great way to get into competitive sailing on a full-time basis. Dealing...

Rob Greenhalgh
One Design Expert, Sail Expert — Sydney, Australia
Rob Greenhalgh joined North Sails in 2018 and is the International Moth Class Leader. A UK native, Rob learned to sail at age seven from his parents while the family was living in Sri Lanka. After the family moved back to...

Aaron Cole
Loft Manager, One Design Expert, Sail Expert — Melbourne, Australia
Aaron Cole is the Loft Manager in Melbourne and a former America's Cup, Volvo Ocean Race, and Audi MedCup sailmaker. Aaron has a wide range of expertise in both offshore and inshore high performance yacht racing. He's competed in 16...
Related News
August 2, 2019
Rolex Fastnet : How To Watch
A record number of entries are making their final preparations in Cowes for the August 3rd start of the Rolex Fastnet Race. This is the 48th edition of Europe’s oldest… Read More
December 30, 2019
Rolex Sydney Hobart 2019 Overall Winner
Longtime North Sails customer Matt Allen is once again hoisting the Tattersall Cup, in celebration of Ichi Ban’s victory as Overall Winner of this year’s 628 mile race from Sydney… Read More
December 23, 2021
Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2021: How to Follow
The Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race is a staple on the Australian sailing calendar, and a much-anticipated event for sailing fans around the world. Each Boxing Day, hundreds of sailors,… Read More