Detroit Michigan
Loft Info
24777 Forterra Drive
Warren, Michigan 48089
586 790 7500
Specialties
Bend on / Bend off, Canvas, Certified Service, Sail Hardware Upgrades, Sail Inspection / Evaluation, Sail Measurement, Sail Repair, Sail Storage, Sail WashingHours
North Sails Experts
Bill Lesnek
Service Manager
bill.lesnek@northsails.com
586 790 7500
Dan Fien
Rochester Area Representative, Sail Expert
dan.fien@northsails.com
585 230 9629
Louis Johnson
Buffalo Area Representative, Sail Expert
Louis.Johnson@northsails.com
716 435 5944
Chelsie Strong
Office Manager
chelsie.strong@northsails.com
586 790 7500
Mike Stark
Service Sailmaker
mike.stark@northsails.com
586 790 7500
Karl Kuspa
Loft Manager, Sail Expert
karl.kuspa@northsails.com
586 790 7500
586 530 2602
Joe Parker
Saginaw Bay Area Representative, Sail Expert
joe.parker@northsails.com
989 673 7569
AJ Ficcardi
Erie Area Representative, Sail Expert
aj.ficcardi@northsails.com
814-572-5621
Ryan Lashaway
Cleveland Area Representative, Sail Expert
ryan.lashaway@northsails.com
419-376-4680
Blay Shoenherr
North West Michigan Area Representative, Sail Expert
blay.shoenherr@northsails.com
313-212-3535
Nick Turney
Cleveland Area Representative, One Design Expert, Sail Expert
nick.turney@northsails.com
586-790-7500
440-862-6026
Sail Loft Services Detroit, Michigan
North Sails is the number one sailmaker in the Detroit, Michigan area for buying new sails and professional sail repair. Whether you spend your time racing or cruising, we take pride in making sure each sailor is receiving a world class sails with personal, local service.
New Sails
North Sails is regarded as the premier sailmaker for all racing and cruising sailboats. Since the founding of our first sail loft in 1957, we have been the number one new sail choice for world-champion racers, superyachts, one-design sailboats, catamarans, trimarans and casual cruisers. New sail options range to cater to any sailing adventure or budget. North Sails is the only brand in Detroit to offer sail built with 3D design and production. Contact our experts to learn more.
Professional Sail Repair
Our sail loft services are dedicated to providing the Detroit, Michigan with professional sail repairs, maintenance, and upgrades in a timely manner. We know that whether you’re dedicated to racing or cruising, your sails are a major investment, and we’re committed to helping you maximize their performance and lifespan. We recommend an annual inspection of your sail inventory to make sure you’re maintaining the intended performance and protecting your investment.
Custom Sailboat Covers
Beyond helping sailors find the right new sail, our team also wants to make sure your sails and boat are properly protected from sunlight exposure and weather. North Sails sailmakers are highly experienced at creating a range of sailboat covers that are both common and custom. From mainsail covers, to roller furling headsail covers, to dodger covers, we have a variety of solutions to protect your boat. Contact your local sail loft or expert near you to get started on your next cover.
Sail Washing
Keep your boat well maintained and looking clean by washing mold and dirt off your old sails. Washing sails will keep your sail colors as crisp as they day you got them. Contact your local North Sails loft in Detroit, Michigan for more details on how you can get your sails washed at your local loft.
Certified Service
At North Sails, our mission is to provide you with expert repairs, maintenance, and upgrades in a timely manner. We know that whether you race or cruise, your sails are a major investment, and we’re committed to helping you maximize their performance and lifespan. Our unmatched worldwide network means you get the same quality service whether you’re at home or in a distant port. And our expert staff can handle virtually any service need.
North Sails proudly offers one year of sail care and service free* with the purchase of a new cruising, racing or one design sail. This program is honored anywhere in our worldwide network of sales and service locations. Every sail serviced by North Sails undergoes a thorough inspection designed to identify maintenance issues early, so they do not become major problems later on. An annual inspection of your inventory will aid significantly in extending sail life and maintaining peak performance.
Sail Evaluation
Boat speed is what wins races, and having your sail evaluated before each season is the best way to start off in the front of the pack. Improving your boat settings and having your sails evaluated can help you find the areas of improvement. Sail Evaluations can help determine what rigging adjustments are needed, or how your sails can be refitted to work better with your mast. Bring your sails into your nearest loft so we can evaluate your sails. By getting your sails evaluated, your North expert can pinpoint what can be done to improve your sailing, no matter what kind of racing you do.
Sail Storage
As much as we don’t like to admit it, the summer sailing season goes by fast and it’s important to remember your sail care at the end of the season. Sail storage is the best way to give your sails the TLC they’ve worked hard for over the winter months is the best way to assure they are ready to take on the next sailing season. Storing your sails in a cool, dry location accessible to you on any day is the best way to protect your investment. Our team of Certified Service experts are ready to store your sails for safe-keeping in the seasons you are not on the water and make sure they are ready for your upcoming season.
One Design Consulting
You’ve got questions and we’ve got answers. Interested in a one design class? Our North Sails experts are fluent in many classes that are making waves all over the world, and they can guide you to the finish line as one design sail consultants. Need advice on finding the right one design for you? Interested in a quote for new sails? Looking for some one on one help to get familiar with sailing your one design? Contact us, your one design sail consultants, and we can help you put together all the pieces you need to get out there and enjoy racing. There are many one design classes to choose from, and we’ve got an expert that knows that class well and can help you get familiar with it too so you can focus on having fun.
10-Point Sail Inspection
Regular sail inspections are important to keep up with, especially when it comes to investing in sails. Bring your sails in for our 10-point inspection, which can guarantee you being on the water every day of the year. Our 10-point inspection includes everything from inspecting all webbings, stitching, luff tapes, attachments, leech line and foot cords, the condition of your sail cloth, batten pockets, chafe and UV. When you bring your sails in for our 10-point inspection, you get a detailed report so you know the condition of your sails.
Annual Inspection
Annual inspection of your sails will help extend the sail life and maintain performance. When your sails arrive, a member of our service team will thoroughly inspect your sails and identify any maintenance issues with recommendations on how to proceed to maintain their longevity. This service is standard across any North Sails loft due to our unmatched worldwide network means you get the same quality service whether you’re at home or in a distant port. Get your sails inspected annually to stay in the game.
Sail Measurement
Having your sails measured is important to keep up with class rules and regulations. It’s always good to know your sail measurements so you know what options you have as far as sail selection for different types of racing. Over time certain sail materials may stretch, so it’s good to get your sails measured each year to keep track of wear and tear. You may find you have an all around inventory, but maybe you need a sail that is a crossover that can perform through a wind range in case sail changes are limited. This is where getting your sails measured becomes a priority. Our North Sails experts can come to you to refit your sails, or you can bring them in so the service team can measure your sails so you have a reference. Once you know what you have and how you can use it, you can decide if you need to add an additional sail for your inventory and from there, request a sail quote to fit your needs or get a new sail replacement.
Sail Hardware Upgrades
When you need new sails, you likely need to think about a hardware upgrade. Whether it’s on the sail, or on your boat, when used extensively and pushed to maximum potential, things need to be replaced time after time when used extensively. Give us a call and we can take a look at your sail inventory to see if you need to upgrade your hardware. This will prevent an unexpected breakdown, which could be costly. Protect your investment with North Sails service teams, and get your sail hardware checked.
Serving all of Michigan, Cleveland, OH, Erie, PA, Buffalo, NY, Rochestor, NY and throughout Central Great Lake Region.
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Local News
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The 2019 J/70 North Americans hosted by Edgewater Yacht Club in Cleveland, Ohio went off without a hitch, with ten races completed for the talented 35-boat fleet. North client Oivind Lorentzen sailing on Nine with …
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Patriot Owner Ken Sharpe and his crew for their overall victory, winning six of 11 races. Chris Duhan's Tequila Mockingbird took second, and Jarrett Altmin's Soulshine took third and was also the Corinthian Champion. "Our …
North Sails expert Skip Dieball shares a recap of his winning weekend! The 2019 Hobie 33 North Americans were held at my home club on the North Cape the first weekend of September. The format was …
When J/145 owner Bill Schanen III was looking to gain that extra edge for racing this season he knew he wanted something cable-less. He contacted North Sails expert Tom Pease on what his options were. …
Rochester Yacht Club hosted the J/24 Nationals on the beautiful waters of Lake Ontario, with 48-boats in attendance. North Sails clients had the upper hand on the competition, bringing their best game to the race …
Every summer, there are two annual overnight races on the Great Lakes to Mackinac Island, and for the uninitiated they might tend to blend together. Both finish at the top of Michigan. They’re both in …
We have teamed up with our friends at Sailing Weather Service to provide all entrants of the 2019 Bell's Beer Bayview Mackinac Race with complimentary weather forecasting. Sign up now and we'll deliver the forecast …
Racers eagerly lined the docks for the 2019 Bayview One Design Regatta at Bayview Yacht Club the first weekend in June to kick-off a race filled weekend. What a great event. Even though the weather didn't …
North Sails is excited to continue our sponsorship of the Helly Hansen NOOD Regattas, and Chicago is the next stop on the circuit. North Sails local team, led by expert Perry Lewis will be on …
North Sails is pleased to announced that Spencer Colpaert has joined the Detroit team and will work alongside Karl Kuspa and Skip Dieball. Spencer’s passion for sailing started on the Detroit River and Lake St Clair …
Brian Lefeve has worked with Bill Lesnek over the years in the world of kiteboarding repairs and sailmaking, leading to a friendship filled with fond memories and priceless learning moments. He shares what makes Bill …
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 …
The One Design team at North Sails are driven by our commitment to find solutions for our customers and to always find more speed and boat performance. This is why the new F-1 mainsail was …
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 …
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 …
We caught up with our clients, Shari and Robin Scurrs to hear about their cruising adventure down in the BVI's and how this is just the beginning of their lifelong dream as live-a-boards. Shari: Robin’s brother owns …
Sailing has always been in my family and I started at at seven in the junior program at Grosse Pointe Club. By age nine, I was ready advance to a more serious program and joined …
I have been sailing for 40+ years. I have sailed in many PHRF events over the years on boats from 22' to 70'. I have sailed in the IOR One-Ton NAs and Worlds. I've also raced …
Over the past 50 years, I have sailed with numerous fleets including IC dinghy, Lightning, Laser, Thistle, J/24, Farr 30, Soling and PHRF. My experience has lead me to three One design National titles and a US Sailing Championship …
From dinghies, to offshore big-boat racing, to iceboats, I try to grow my sailing experience in as many areas as possible. For the most part I can be found racing Lasers, J24’s & T-10's. During …
I began sailing in Presque Isle Bay at The Erie Yacht Club about 20 years ago. I have raced a variety of boats in the PHRF class locally and all over Lake Erie. I have …
We had 54 people (near capacity of 60) attend North U's full day Seminar Feb. 23rd on sail trim and boat speed. This on the heels of the 110 people that attended the January Thursday …
Bayview Yacht Club and North Sails are pleased to announce their continued partnership in the Bell’s Beer Bayview to Mackinac Race and the Bayview One Design Regatta for 2019. “North Sails is committed to not …
By: North Sails Expert, Skip Dieball The kick off to the 2019 Etchells Biscayne Bay Series couldn’t have been better from a weather and racing perspective. All five races were competed in good, challenging conditions and …
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 …
North Sails Detroit’s service manager Bill Lesnek has been building and repairing sails (and kites) in the Detroit metro area since 1980. Recently we caught up with Bill to learn why he’s excited about the …
North Sails is excited to announce the relocation of our loft in the Detroit metro area. Centrally located along the 696 and 94 expressways, the new facility led by local expert Karl Kuspa is designed …
Congratulations to Jody Starck, Ian Jones and Skip Dieball on securing the US Lightning berth for the 2019 PanAm Games in Lima, Peru. Held at the Buffalo Canoe Club the weekend of September 7-9, the …
This is the third North American title for Terry McLaughlin’s Mandate. Terry bought the J/105 in late 2012 with friend Rod Wilmer. They race during the week on Tuesday evenings in Toronto and do weekend …
By the time he’s completed sailing all five Great Lakes next Summer, John Lecznar will be 70 years old and have completed a non-stop solo navigation on his Pacific Seacraft Flicka 20. A feat that …
At North Sails, our mission is to provide you with expert repairs, maintenance, and upgrades in a timely manner. Whether you race or cruise, your sails are a major investment, and we are committed to …
The new Ker 46+, Denali 3, rolled into Northern Michigan on May 31st and the commissioning team has been hard at work everyday since. Built by McConaghy and managed by Wade Morgan of Morgan Yachting, the …
Chair of the BYC Spring Match Race Invitational, Lance Smotherman, shares his advice for racers and the opportunity that lays in the qualifying event. Lance is also the chair of the Detroit Cup and the …
The Bayview One Design Regatta began in 2012 with our own Karl Kuspa as Vice-Chairman with then Governor of Bayview Yacht Club Hanson Bratton. Fast forward six years and the regatta is still going, growing …
I grew up sailing Flying Scot's but currently am sailing keelboats, specifically Beneteau 36.7s, J35, J120 and Great Lake 70's. I started working with International 50's in college, which jump started my sailing career. From there, …
I have been sailing for almost 40 years now; I've been sailing since I was a kid. Right now, I primarily sail One Design, such as Etchells, Lightning, J70, Melges 24 and Big Keelboats. I worked …
A perfect combination of pristine waters, spectacular scenery and ever changing weather conditions makes the Great Lakes an exciting place for sailors of all levels. Distance racing in this unique environment can teach even the …
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 …
The Interlake Nationals were held at the Lorain Yacht Club this year. Four days of racing were scheduled, but only four races were sailed due to a cold front that made its way across Lake …
In Detroit at the Bayview Yacht Club, 10 Etchells teams competed in the Great Lakes Champs with North Sails client Bruce Burton and his team on Firing Line took the overall win after eight races. Bruce …
With ideal sailing conditions, the 79th Queen’s Cup was smooth sailing for 140 competitors. An annual distance race from South Shore YC in Milwaukee across Lake Michigan, North Sails Clients finished in the top three …
It was a nice weekend for sailing in Cleveland with 11 classes participating in One Design weekend, which also served as the Star Western Hemispheres, T-10 Lake Erie Championships, and the J70 Great Lakes Championships. …
New York was more than slightly crazy, it was fully fledged crazy! Even with all of the insanity on the water, the same couple of teams keep coming out ahead. If I were a competitor …