Cowes United Kingdom
Service, Sales
Loft Info
Cowes Yacht Haven
Cowes
Isle of Wight
Cowes, PO31 7AY
44 01983 248589
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Bend on / Bend off, Certified Service, New Sails, Sail Repair, Sail Storage, Sail WashingNorth Sails Experts
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Local News
January 5, 2021
Your North Sails Team is Live!
Catch your local teams live with our upcoming interactive webinar schedule. North Sails Class Experts from around the world have joined forces to bring you the best tips and techniques that will help you get …
December 4, 2020
Build, Test, Rinse, and Repeat
Last week we announced the launch of our new Performance range of foul weather gear that will be available in Spring 2021. Each week, until launch, we’ll unpack how our team conceived the range, the …
December 1, 2020
X-Yachts Launches New Performance Cruiser
X-Yachts are excited to introduce their new model of cruising yacht, encompassing 56 feet of luxury and performance with an emphasis on comfort. The X5⁶ is one of the biggest X-Yachts models ever to be produced …
November 17, 2020
The America’s Cup Heats Up in Auckland
Time is closing in on the 36th America’s Cup which commences in Auckland on the 6th of March 2021, and with the recent launch of Emirates Team New Zealand’s (ETNZ) second boat, competition is heating …
November 13, 2020
Vendée Globe 2020 Video Series: Episode 7
"We know when we are departing, but we do not know when we will return," recalls Loïck Peyron in this seventh and last episode of our Vendée Globe video series. Although an absent crowd marked …
November 3, 2020
Vendée Globe 2020 Video Series: Episode 5
A record of six women are included on the 33 skipper roster for the Vendée Globe 2020. This is historic, considering only seven women have participated, and six have ever completed the race since its …
October 27, 2020
Vendée Globe 2020 Video Series: Episode 4
Singlehanded ocean racing is demanding and not for the faint of heart. It is a profession that requires a certain state of mind and a great ability to adapt. "It may not sound like much …
October 6, 2020
North Sails Strengthens Great Lakes Presence
North Sails is pleased to announce that John Baxter and Christina Donnermeyer have joined the Chicago loft team. Baxter, the former owner of Doyle Midwest, brings over three decades of sailmaking industry experience and consolidates …
October 2, 2020
Force Of Nature: Josie Gliddon
https://youtu.be/0-D5Y71lUfY On the starting line with some of the top sailors in the world, Josie Gliddon is making a name for herself in the Moth class, and encouraging other women to join her on the racecourse. …
October 1, 2020
Putting Away Your Toys
North Sails Expert Tom Davis is particular about sail storage. He’s shared his best tips below to ensure your sails remain in top shape for next season. Given how strange 2020 has been in many respects, …
September 25, 2020
Connecting Kiting and Sailing
It wasn’t flashy imagery or action sports videos that got Steve Calder, North Sails designer, interested in kiting. His love for the sport began when his son decided he wasn’t interested in sailing optis while …
September 20, 2020
Tuning Tips from the Top
Pros at the top of the fleet share how the North 9DSX Moth sail takes them through the range of conditions and their personal tuning tips. Shop Moth Sails
September 2, 2020
Sesto-Cosby Makes Waves in the Optimist Fleet
Making a name for himself in the fiercely competitive Optimist fleet is 14-year-old British sailor Santiago Sesto-Cosby. Having sailed the Optimist for an astounding 10 years, we were eager to find out about his journey …
August 13, 2020
Charity Cup Coaching Takeaways
Local experts onboard the North Sails RIB took to the Solent each day to offer coaching tips to all 75 One Design and IRC boats competing in the Royal Southern Charity Cup Regatta. Neil Mackley …
August 7, 2020
Building Sails for The IMOCA
November 8th, the next edition of the Vendée Globe race is set to start from Les Sables d'Olonne, North Sails has designed the sails for the ¾ of the IMOCA fleet, 17 of which have …
August 6, 2020
Steering Downwind
Steering off the wind, on reaches and runs, requires a coordinated effort between helmsman and spinnaker trimmer. The spinnaker trimmer often has as good a feel for performance as you do while driving, and together …
August 5, 2020
How To Improve Your Tacks
The most important element of upwind boathandling is tacking, though every once in awhile an efficient reef or genoa change could also win you a race. Tacking seems like a minor thing, but the difference …
July 28, 2020
Cruising Multihull Q + A
A: Having higher loads is the biggest issue. Because the boat does not heel and release the load, when the pressure hits it means every aspect of the sails and rigging must be up-specked for …
July 17, 2020
New Sails For Summer On Swan 78 Kinina
In 2018, Mr. Enrico Bonatti purchased Kinina, a Swan 78. Why a Swan 78? “I prefer the best quality,” he said. “And the 78 is the right size for me.” Mr. Bonatti then met with …
July 16, 2020
Local Spotlight: Club Racing Results with 3Di RAW
136 boats made up three classes who raced on the Solent last weekend for the Junior Offshore Group (JOG) Lonely Tower Race, marking the most entries for a local regatta so far this year. The …
July 10, 2020
Doublehanded Tool Kit
Doublehanded sailing has gained momentum globally, as the gateway to getting back out on the water while remaining socially distant. It is also the latest event added to Paris 2024, so now is the time …
July 9, 2020
It Takes Two…
Owner and co-skipper, Catherine Pourre and co-skipper Pietro Luciani are the winning duo onboard Class40 Eärendil. Together, the pair are the reigning Class40 World Champions, have twice won the RORC Caribbean 600, The Atlantic Cup, …
July 8, 2020
Doublehanded Dream
With nearly 20-thousand miles under his belt, Sam Fitzgerald is no stranger to the challenges of going offshore, especially with only two sets of hands onboard. A naval architect and seasoned Class40 racer, with accolades …
In 2016, Ken and Liisa Bacco set sail from Newport, Rhode Island on December 1st during a snow storm onboard their Oyster 47.5 cutter rig, Altair, to meet up with the Oyster World Rally (OWR) …
July 1, 2020
The Best Sails for Cruising
A few months ago, North Materials Expert Tom Davis wrote an article titled “What are the Best Sails for Club Racing”. It only seems logical to have a companion piece to that, but with a …
June 26, 2020
ClubSwan 36 Collaboration
The ClubSwan 36, which made its debut in May 2019, is seeing significant signs of growth. Despite a delay in sailing in 2020, the North Sails team has spent the first half of this year …
June 22, 2020
Introducing DynaRig by Southern Spars
Southern Spars, a North Technology Group company, is proud to announce they have joined forces with Magma Structures to deliver a new generation of DynaRigs. The DynaRig concept has proven itself as an effective alternative …
June 17, 2020
Mirpuri Foundation Sailing Trophy
North Sails is excited to announce they are the official sail partner of the inaugural Mirpuri Foundation Sailing Trophy. The event will take place June 27-28, 2020 between Cascais and Sesimbra, Portugal. This new event …
June 16, 2020
North Sails By Appointment
Calling all sailors on the Solent! Book a one-on-one, real-time coaching session with the North Sails experts who will join you by RIB and provide tips to help kick off your season. Let us know below …
June 12, 2020
3Di OCEAN: Your Questions, Answered
A: 3Di OCEAN is the newest line of 3Di sails from North Sails, designed and engineered exclusively for cruising. A: 3Di OCEAN is for you if you are looking for a premium cruising product, providing high …
June 10, 2020
Shorthand Sailors Take Over the Solent
Single and doublehanded sailors took to the water for the first time in months last weekend for the Solent Shakedown Race organized by the Solo Offshore Racing Club. 36 participants took to the Solent, welcomed by …
June 9, 2020
Introducing the 3Di OCEAN Line Up
After an exhaustive research and development program, North Sails is thrilled to launch 3Di OCEAN 370, our latest innovative sail product that completes a line-up of 3D molded sails dedicated to cruising. This new product is …
June 2, 2020
Things to Look for in a Good Sail
You know when it feels right. It’s that moment when you could almost let go of the wheel and the boat could steer itself. A boat in perfect balance. Racing sailors will go to extraordinary …
May 26, 2020
North Sails Partners With World Cruising Club
North Sails announces an exciting new partnership with leading sailing rally organizers World Cruising Club. The aim of the partnership is to inspire sailors around the world to embark on a cruising adventure, using North …
May 22, 2020
Sails, Service & Local Support
It’s still a complicated time in many places around the world, and a huge thank you to our entire North Sails team, clients, and friends who have pulled together in a way that is quite …
May 12, 2020
The Science Behind Your Sail Trim
By Tom Whidden One of the goals for our book, The Art and Science of Sails, is to connect the theoretical with the practical. An understanding of the physics of aerodynamics will help us better trim …
May 1, 2020
Are You Onboard?
Fill your social feeds with all things sailing. Each day North Sails is curating our social media channels with content that showcases our passion for being on the water. We're collecting images that inspire us …
April 27, 2020
North Sails Cutting PPE for Front Line
The North Sails loft in Gosport UK has stepped up to show their support to local front line workers by manufacturing PPE. In collaboration with EXE Sails & Covers who is providing the material, North …
April 13, 2020
Let’s Talk J/70 | Downwind Techniques
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGcnwm5X7Hs In this J/70 webinar, North Sails experts Tim Healy, Ruairidh Scott and Allan Terhune talk winning downwind techniques. Topics covered include: 3:21 Displacement VMG Mode (2-7 knots) 15:31 Displacement Soak Mode (8-12 knots) 25:14 Displacement Wing-on-Wing …
April 10, 2020
North 3Di: Innovative Sailmaking Technology
Lightweight, reliable, unique. North 3Di sails are engineered to minimum weight and maximum performance. By eliminating the use of mylar, 3Di will not delaminate. Each 3Di sail is precisely shaped on full-sized molds and built …
April 9, 2020
North Certified Service Spinnaker Sail Care
No matter where you are in the world, you can prepare for your next event or be ready for when sailing season picks up again by knowing what to look for when it comes to …
April 7, 2020
Let’s Talk Solo with Charlie Cumbley & Tom Gillard
Solo Class Leader Charlie Cumbley and Class Expert Tom Gillard discuss all things Solo with special guest and Solo Class Chairman, Doug Latta. Topics include tips on how to maximize speed on the racecourse, boat …
April 3, 2020
We’re Here To Help With Answers
North Sails President Ken Read checked in to give us an update on what’s going on at North Sails this week. Ken, like all of us, is working from his makeshift home office in Rhode …
April 2, 2020
Navigate Material Options With Sail Finder
Do you race, cruise or do both? North Sails offers a broad range of sail materials to meet a wide variety of needs. This can make navigating sail material choices daunting. Depending on whether you …
March 31, 2020
Cruising Sailors Tool Kit
Our experts have created a variety of articles to help you gain confidence for your next getaway. Topics include battens, weather, safety, durability of cruising sails, and more. Whether you are leaving land behind or …
March 31, 2020
Ken Read on Offshore Safety
Hardcore ocean racers and coastal cruisers alike should all make safety at sea a priority. Practices from racing around the world, including the toughest conditions of the Southern Ocean, can apply to sailors of all …
March 31, 2020
Why Checking The Forecast Matters
Libby Greenhalgh has navigated around the world twice with the Volvo Ocean Race; she's a director with the Magenta Project and has an offshore resume that ranks her among the top sailors in the world. …
March 30, 2020
Let’s Talk J/70 | Lessons Learned in Miami
Keeping the J/70 conversation going with class champions Tim Healy, Ruairidh Scott, and Allan Terhune. This interactive session includes lessons learned at the 2020 Bacardi Invitational and J/70 Midwinters. https://youtu.be/VBSM_YT_SGo
March 27, 2020
Sail Care & Maintenance Tips
There are many ways you can help prolong the life of your sails. Here are some pointers to keep you aligned with our sail care maintenance practices, which can be part of your regular routine …
March 27, 2020
Roller Furlers & UV Suncovers: What You Should Know
What happens if you furl your sail the wrong way? - with the sun cover on the inside instead of the outside of the furl? Unfortunately, we see the effects of this in our service …
March 25, 2020
North Sails Client Q+A
The North Sails teams around the world have received a bunch of calls and emails recently. A quick Q+A has been put together to help provide you with information on where we are at during …
March 19, 2020
What You Should Know About Battens
Thinking about battens? Preparing for a new season is something that is on everyone’s mind. Whether you’re staging your boat to launch, planning an extended cruise, or hoisting your sails for a weeknight club race, …
March 19, 2020
Speed Reading: How To Maintain Focus Offshore
Day after day, mile after mile, distance racing reminds us of that never-ending feeling of being stuck in one place for extended periods of time. Hear more from Casey Smith (CS) how to cope with …
March 19, 2020
TNT Defends Cape 31 Title
The fourth edition of the Cape 31 Invitational Regatta took place in the stunning venue of Table Bay in Cape Town, South Africa. Gareth Blanckenberg, tactician onboard the defending champion TNT, first sailed with Tina …
March 13, 2020
Cruising Sail Durability
Cruising sailors demand durability. Yet, durability is not an easily quantified element of sail performance. Predicting durability is a tough challenge, because sails are subjected to so many different forms of use and conditions. That …
March 10, 2020
When To Replace Your Spinnaker
North Sails expert Tom Davis takes a close look at spinnaker sailcloth to explain how to use all your senses to answer this question for yourself. Remember when your spinnaker was new—how crisp and clean the …
March 6, 2020
North Coaching at the J-Cup
North Sails' local experts will be on-hand to provide free expert analysis and coaching to all participants at the J-Cup, July 2-4 2020. Crews in any J-Boat will be able to take advantage of North’s …
February 27, 2020
Why Are Racing Sails Black?
North Sails Expert Per Andersson explores fashion and function in the striking look of black sails on the water, and explains why sails may come in different shades of black. Black has not always been the …
February 25, 2020
What are the Best Sails For Club Racing?
For some sailors, “club racing” means a casual jib-and-main evening race aboard a well-stocked cruising boat carrying roller furlers and its anchor and chain in the bow. For others, it means a no-holds-barred weekend race …
February 21, 2020
The Difference Between Racing Sails and Cruising Sails
People with sailboats use them in many ways, but broadly speaking we define them as either cruising or racing. Cruising might be an hour-long daysail, with only one sail hoisted, or it might last a …
February 6, 2020
Sail Plan Dimensions
The basic rig dimension for a yacht are generally understood. However, there are some differences in how some sailors describe these dimensions. Here is how we define them at North Sails. I – Height of Foretriangle Elevation …
January 14, 2020
New North Sailmaker Wins Bloody Mary
Having worked for North Sails Gosport as a sailmaker for just two months, Jack Lewis has already made a reputable name for himself after winning the Bloody Mary Regatta against an immense 288-boat fleet on …
December 2, 2019
Black Sheep’s 10,000-Mile Season Finishes On A High
Trevor Middleton’s team onboard the Sun Fast 3600 Black Sheep celebrated a busy and rewarding 2018-2019 offshore racing season at the Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC) Annual Dinner and Prize Giving in London. As well …
September 13, 2019
Speed Reading: J/70 Worlds
The 2019 J/70 Worlds had a great showing, with 77 boats and 36 Corinthian teams. We interviewed Marshall King on Soak Racing about winning the 2019 Corinthian World title, his team (Ian Wilson, Adam Brushett, …
September 11, 2019
Success For North Clients At J/80 UK Nationals
Eleven boats fought through three days of light to medium conditions at the J/80 UK Nationals on Christchurch Bay, hosted by the Royal Lymington Yacht Club. The top four finishers used North Sails; 3Di jibs …
August 6, 2019
B14 Skiff World Championships
30 boats met at the Yacht Club de Carnac for the annual B14 World Championships. With close competition all round, particularly for the top ten boats in the fleet, it came down to the last …
August 5, 2019
Fastnet First To Finish
Records have fallen fast at this year's Rolex Fastnet Race and North Sails is proud to be a part of our client’s success in the 2019 edition of the historic event. First-to-finish were North powered …
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 offshore race, which attracts a …
July 26, 2019
Rolex Fastnet Race: “The One”
This article was originally published on Sail-World.com on June 25, 2019 Sail-World Managing Editor Mark Jardine spoke with North Sails UK-based expert Sam Richmond about the Rolex Fastnet Race, his experiences during the race and what …
July 25, 2019
North Sails Success On The Solent
With 60 boats coming together for the annual Landsail Tyres J-Cup, as always, the event did not disappoint. Open to all J/Boats, the Solent hosted both One Design and IRC racing for competitors from Great Britain, France, …
June 18, 2019
UK Nationals Victory With G-3R Sail
The Streaker UK Nationals brought of a mixed bag of conditions at Portland Harbour, with Martin Penty claiming the title using North Sails G-3R sail. Congratulations to all North clients, who took the top four places …
May 17, 2019
Rob Greenhalgh: Grand Prix Versatility
From Moths to Maxis to Multihulls, this pro sailor can make any sailboat go a little faster. While Rob Greenhalgh didn’t officially join North Sails until 2018, he says the company was the first sailmaker he …
The year 2019 will be a historic one for the America’s Cup, the competition for the oldest trophy in international sport, and the North Technology Group, with a particular focus on North Sails, Southern Spars …
April 17, 2019
New Cowes Certified Service Loft
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 …
March 7, 2019
Josie Gliddon: Accounting
Josie Gliddon is Global Finance Transformation Lead at North Sails, based in Gosport, UK. Day to day, you can find her making sure our numbers can be reconciled. After work and on the weekends, you’ll …
October 17, 2018
Introducing Our 2019 3Di Product Line
Development of 3Di began ten years ago and has continued at a rapid and accelerating pace ever since. 3Di is the sum of multiple technologies exclusive to North Sails, making it the ideal platform for …
August 30, 2018
J/111 Worlds: Speed Reading
Twelve teams battled throughout the weeklong J/111 Worlds in Breskens, Netherlands, where big-breeze speed was the key to success. Martin Dent and his team on JElvis scored nine straight bullets and a second out of …
August 24, 2018
Trifecta For Class 40’s Phil Sharp
Phil Sharp sailed Class 40 Imerys Clean Energy to line honors and first in division for the 2018 edition of the Sevenstar Round Britain and Ireland Race. They also shattered the 1800 nm race record …
June 19, 2018
J Lance 12 Crowned IRC European Champion
The IRC European Championship was a mixed bag experience for all competitors. The regatta consisted of a combination of short and long inshore races, windward/leeward courses and one Round the Isle of Wight race. The …
May 30, 2018
Success All Round for May Bank Holiday Weekend
The three day weekend is always a busy one for sailing in and around the Solent and this year’s May Bank holiday was no different. On the South coast alone there were four major events, …
February 6, 2018
North Sails Completes Shift From 3DL to 3Di Product Lines
The beginning of 2018 marks a milestone for North Sails as the company completes a 10-year transformation from 3DL string laminates to 3Di molded composite sail structures. North Sails was at the forefront of the …
January 17, 2018
North Sails Claims SAIL Pittman Innovation Award
NEWPORT, January 17th 2018: North Sails 3Di NORDAC is already recognized as game changing cruising technology and has claimed yet another coveted prize. The revolutionary polyester sail, designed for small to medium sized cruising boats, …
January 15, 2018
Interview with B14 World Champion Nick Craig
After eight races, Nick Craig and Toby Lewis won the B14 World Championship with all bullets on the scoreboard. The event gave the 30 boat fleet a mixture of conditions, however in general on the …
January 9, 2018
Clean Sweep at 420 Worlds
The 420 Worlds in Fremantle, Australia, kicked off the 2018 season for the 420 class. The big breeze event with big swell made for exciting sailing conditions for the fleets. The Spanish teams came out …
December 1, 2017
How to Care for Your Sails this Winter
As we come to the end of the sailing season and head into winter, the North Sails global service team is gearing up for a busy period - from helping clients prepare for the Caribbean …
September 26, 2017
Luke Gower Wins OK Dinghy UK National Championship
The OK UK National Championship hosted at Herne Bay in Kent gave the competitors a mixture of conditions, from blustery 25+ knots on the first day, letting the heavy weight teams in the class have …
September 13, 2017
North Sails 3Di Powers ISORA Overall Winners to New Victories
We caught up with J/109 clients Vicky and Peter who recently bought 3Di from North Sails UK. Here is what they had to say about their experience with their new sails with the help of …
August 9, 2017
North Sails Clients Power 16 Division Wins at Cowes Week
North Sails clients are successful in both IRC and One Design racing at Cowes Week this year. Cowes Week has been running since 1826 and is the UK’s longest running regatta, proving to be one …
July 20, 2017
Edinburgh Cup 2017
The Dragon Edinburgh Cup this year was sponsored by Oliver Morgan Architects and Stoneham Construction Ltd. and came to a stylish conclusion in Cowes with a thrilling race which determined the winner. A spectacular prize …
July 18, 2017
J/80 Worlds
The J/80 Worlds was a successful event for all, hosted by the Royal Southern Yacht Club in Hamble, UK, where sailors tested their strengths on the infamous Solent. 48 teams met at the Yacht Club …
July 7, 2017
Around the Isle of Wight Race
The Round the Island Race in Cowes, UK is a fun and exciting distance race where sailors from all over the world test their racing skills around the Isle of Wight. This year, 1,342 boats …
June 7, 2017
Dubarry Women’s Keelboat Championships
The 9th Dubarry Women’s Open Keelboat Championship was hosted by Hamble River Sailing Club (HRSC) over the weekend of 3rd and 4th June 2017 and sailed in the central Solent. A record number of 20 boats …
April 22, 2017
RORC Easter Challenge 2017
The Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC) Easter Challenge is an annual event on the Solent off of Cowes, UK. North Sails is proud to sponsor the regatta and was thrilled to offer the Regatta Services …