Toronto Ontario
Loft Info
41 Horner Ave.
Unit 5
Toronto, Ontario M8Z 4X4
416 259 9644
Specialties
Certified Service, Sail Hardware Upgrades, Sail Inspection / Evaluation, Sail Measurement, Sail Repair, Sail StorageHours
North Sails Experts
Hugh Beaton
Loft Manager, Sail Expert
Hugh.Beaton@northsails.com
416 259 9644
416 277 9605
Mike Wolfs
Sail Expert
Mike.Wolfs@northsails.com
416 259 9644
416 399 4500
Louisa Bobyk
Office Manager
louisa.bobyk@northsails.com
416 259 9644
Domiciano Mangubat
Service Manager
domiciano.mangubat@northsails.com
416 269 9644
Geoff Moore
Sail Expert
Geoff.Moore@northsails.com
Paul Davis
One Design Expert
paul.davis@northsails.com
613 384 0246
613 539 8891
Miro Balcar (Parlant français)
Quebec Area Representative, Sail Expert
miro.balcar@northsails.com
1-514-603-0684
Doug Folsetter
Sail Expert
Doug.Folsetter@northsails.com
George Jackson
Kingston Area Representative, Sail Expert
George.Jackson@northsails.com
David Foy
Ottawa Area Representative, Sail Expert
David.Foy@northsails.com
Ross Bailey
Sail Expert, Thunder Bay Representative
Ross.Bailey@northsails.com
Sailmaker Services
North Sails is the leading sailmaker in the Toronto, Ontario, Canada area for new racing and cruising sails. When buying new sails, the North Sails team is a valuable resource for maximizing the performance and longevity of your investment. Our North Sails Service team, in addition to new sails, are the go-to resource for professional repair.
New Sails
North Sails is regarded as the premier sailmaker for buying racing and cruising sails in Canada. 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 Canada to offer sails built with 3D design and production. Contact our experts for an exclusive sail buying experience.
Professional Sail Repair
Our sail loft services are dedicated to providing Canada 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 protection of your investment.
Custom Sailboat Covers
Beyond helping Canadian 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 stackpack covers, we have a variety of solutions to protect your boat. Contact your local Canadian North Sails loft or expert near you to get 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 sais as crisp as the day you got them. Contact your local Canadian North Sails loft for more details on how you can get your sails washed at your local loft.
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. 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.
10-Point Sail Inspection
Regular sail inspections are important to keep up with, especially when it comes to investing in new sails. Bring your sails in for our 10-point inspection to help ensure their performance and longevity. 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 racing or cruising 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. This 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 racing sails measured by a professional sailmaker in Canada 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. This is where getting your sailboat measured for new 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. 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. From there, a North Sails expert can provide a new sail quote to fit your needs.
Sail Hardware Upgrades
When you decide to buy a new racing or cruising sail, 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. 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 our North Sails service teams, and get your sail hardware checked.
Contact
Local News
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
"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 …
Would you like to work in a fun, fast paced environment with the Worldwide leader in sailmaking? North Sails in Toronto is looking for a Service Advisor/Sailmaker. Since 1957, North Sails has led the sailmaking …
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 …
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 …
To many, 2020 has presented challenges unlike any in recent history. But the positive spirits and can-do attitude of cat sailors, sponsors and organizers at Water Rats Sailing Club contributed to another successful Regatta. Water …
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 …
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, …
Conditions were predicted to be less than ideal for the last races of the LOSHRS series on September 19th and 20th. That said, the wind gods prevailed and a lovely 10-12 knots came through on …
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
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 …
Man does it feel good to be back out on the water in a racing atmosphere. With the stage 3 reopening in Toronto and Peel regions, many of us were able to have racing “reopen” …
Many know the County as it’s known to folks from the Six. Sandbanks Park. The wineries. Charming inns and B&Bs. The rolling pastures dotted with quaint communities like Wellington. Most travellers arrive by car but …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
Why do people love Code Zeros? First off, the name itself sounds cool. Secondly, they have become a secret weapon for anyone looking to take their sailing to the next level. It’s the sail to …
Any trip can be exciting and overwhelming. The prospect of unplugging for a few days to relax and recharge is more than appealing for most, but the flip side of course is packing, preparing and …
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 …
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 …
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, …
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) …
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 …
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 …
Where to begin with a guy like Hugh. He’s a lifer in this industry, beginning his time like most during the summers at a local sail loft in Barrie. He learned the basics while on …
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 …
Both joining in 1985 as young ambitious gents, Domiciano (or Kid as he’s more well known) and Dennis have grown into their service managers roles with invaluable depths of skill and knowledge. Both have become …
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 …
Getting out on the water earlier this week felt like a dream. During a normal season, we’d be well into the thick of sailing by now with lots of regattas under our belts and cruising …
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 …
North Sails expert Tom Pease of North Sails in Milwaukee shows us how to use the three most common types of batten closures: velcro stuff, lace in and wing tip. To learn more about tensioning and …
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 …
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 …
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 …
Hugh Beaton from North Sails in Toronto chats with Quebec area representative Miro Balcar on his sailing career and what motivated him to join the North Sails team. Love the sport, want to learn, appreciated the …
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 …
While self-isolating, dreaming of sailing again, open up your favourite navigation app, Navionics, perhaps. Or Google Earth. Scroll over to eastern Lake Ontario...Take note of the north shore of eastern Lake Ontario. Within a long day's …
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 …
As we wait for an opportunity to get down to our boats and begin spring cleaning, now is a perfect time to get your sails and canvas work cleaned and serviced with our 10 Point …
Chris Bobyk of Mimico Cruising Club shares his thoughts on the importance of giving youth sailors opportunity to sail on keelboats and shares ideas on ways to involve them. When asked by the Toronto North Sails …
Dave Rankin grew up sailing at a young age with his family in PEI and has kept that passion for sailing going throughout his life. From J/24's to Albacore's to his FinnGulf 33, Dave has …
Personnel, lofts, clients, and friends of North Sails are navigating this global crisis together. Many of our local Certified Service Centers have taken the initiative in their areas to build masks when possible and support their …
Sooner or later all the boats will be launched, and summer will come. This season will be especially sweet. There is no end to the type and size of sailboats on Lake Ontario, but it …
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 …
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 …
If you think you are up for a challenge, try this the next time you go racing. Put a blindfold on your skipper and jib trimmer before the start of a race. If you somehow …
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 …
Local North Sails expert Hugh Beaton shares advice on building your sail inventory when it comes to Code Zero's. It all starts in a consultation with lots of open questions to fully understand how the sail …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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. …
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 …
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 …
Meet Louisa's furry coworker while she works from home. Jack is a fur-ball of fun at 7.5 months old labradoodle who is quickly growing into his floppy ears. He weighs in at a hefty 55 lbs …
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 …
Laser sailing is one of the most physically demanding boats in the dinghy world. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a high performing international competitor, fitness is one of the most important things you can …
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, …
Escape to a different oasis for a little bit with one of our staffs' favourite movies or novels. The Toronto team from North Sails has shared their favourite sailing themed novels and flicks to dive …
Kevin has joined our Toronto team for the Spring/Summer of 2020. He has immense experience with Laser sailing and keelboat sailing. He grew up sailing on Lake Ontario with his family and continued to sail …
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 …
From sailing up North to locally on Lake Ontario, Lorraine Bader has a true passion for the sport. She shares her sailing story and advice for those just getting into it. I had the very good …
Dominique Laforest's avenue to sailing isn't your typical story: she didn't grow up sailing or being on the water or in sailing camp. She came into sailing when she met her partner Will. Fast forward …
The typical story for most sailors begins with "I started sailing at a young age" or "I was put in sailing lessons" as a kid however that is not the story for everyone. We take …
Amelia grew up sailing and transitioned her way to different boats while she transitioned throughout life. Her involvement from a young age with sailing led to her career as a sailing professional with the National …
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 …
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 …
Saturday February 15th North Sails Detroit welcomed Bill Gladstone and Peter Isler into the loft to conduct a full day Seminar on the tactical and navigation software Expedition. Bill is the owner of North U …
Zoe and her Dad, North Sails Hamilton Area Rep Doug Folsetter sail out of the Royal Hamilton Yacht Club and make it their goal to sail as many different boats as possible. I currently sailing the …
Nigel Crosscombe began sailing at a young age through lessons at Etobicoke Yacht Club (EYC) thanks to his Aunt who lived nearby. From the get-go, Nigel became entrenched in the sport and loved being on …
We all have our favourite pieces of gear that we cannot leave the dock without. For me it's my sunnies, for others it's their foulies, and for some it's their hat. Either way, we all …
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 …
We had a great year in 2019, from distance races to weeknight racing to Saturday cruises, our time on the water was fantastic. As we start the New Year ahead, our team shares what they're …
His crew has sailed over 900 nm in the past year not including casual sailing or deliveries. Friends first, teammates second , Robert Dewitte and his crew have delved into the world of club racing …
Another year, another boat show begins; it's how our Toronto team knows the New Year has really begun. The team consisting of Hugh Beaton, Mike Wolfs, Geoff Moore, Louisa Bobyk, George Jackson and Doug Folsetter …
The weather in Kingston is a brisk 13 degrees Celsius and the water isn’t much warmer. Let's be honest, the thought of being in a wet dinghy during a Canadian fall isn’t how most would …
There was hardly a learning curve to speak of. After two seasons on a J/88 the J/112e felt like a more forgiving version of the J/88. For racing it helped that we were now pretty …
Ron Meredith-Jones is a longtime sailor and member of Mimico Cruising Club. You'll see him out on the course every week on his C+C 33 Jenny III with his crew, having fun and pushing the …
We're giving back this holiday season, help us support our local community. Our holiday food drive is on now until December 23rd. Our goal is to collect 250lbs of food to donate to the Mississauga …
We had intended to get some practice time in by getting out in a J/105 in Toronto Harbour, but it just didn’t work out due to busy schedules. The five dudes in front of me …
When retirement came for Brian Rutter all he wanted to do was sail, all year long. This meant summers in Toronto and winters in the Caribbean - a dream come true for many sailors. When …
How wide is your groove? Sounds like a question from the ‘60s, doesn’t it? In this story, North expert Skip Dieball explains the upwind groove and tells us what to look for. Earlier this year, as …
North Sails Toronto is looking for an energetic, hard working, dedicated individual to join their sales and service team. The ideal candidate would be computer savvy and enjoys a challenge. They are personable and customer focused …
Learn all about sail trim techniques, the science of sailmaking and more! Local North Sails expert Hugh Beaton will delve into North 3Di technology and the latest trends at Mimico Cruising Club on November 27th …
There are few men in this world who are as genuine and as hard working as Dave Courtney. From humble beginnings, Dave has never forgotten where he comes from or meaning of hard work or …
This past Saturday we came together to celebrate one thing: YOU. Our Toronto team held a customer appreciation event to say THANK YOU to our loyal customers for all the support we've received over the …
Forty-seven teams from Great Britain, the U.S.A, and Canada competed in the six-day regatta. British sailors Neville Herbert and Mark Fowler sailing You Can Call Me AL took the overall win. While the official hosts of …
On Saturday, August 10th, the women of Queen City Yacht Club (QCYC) set out to show off their skills on the race course. The conditions presented were challenging, forcing the skippers to sail in a …
Fleet 4 Captain for the J/105's, Rod Wilmer, shares his report from the 2019 J105 Canadian Championships held at the Royal Canadian Yacht Club on September 27-29th. A total of 16 boats came out for …
Early this September, local catamaran club Water Rats Sailing Club hosted their annual Water Cats Fall Regatta for 20 cat sailors. Conditions were awesome with good wind and sunshine amongst the gorgeous backdrop of the …
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 …
36 VX Ones gathered in Newport, Rhode Island from September 19-22 to race in the 2019 North American Championship. Class expert and designer Mike Marshall, sailing with North Sails design expert Madeline Gill and Jo …
From Wednesday August 14th to Tuesday August 20th, 2019, the Britannia Yacht Club, in partnerships with the Canadian Optimist Dinghy Association (CODA), was proud to host the Canadian Optimist National Championships. This year we had …
The final club regatta of the Toronto Albacore racing season was held on Saturday, September 14. Hosted by St. James Town Sailing Club, the racing was on Lake Ontario, south of the Toronto Islands, in …
The weather treated the 2019 EYC Open quite well, with light air on Saturday and a heavier breeze on Sunday sailors had an opportunity to show their skills in both conditions. On the water, Notorious, Xoomer …
North Sails, the world leader in One Design, have added a new series of user friendly Optimist sails for the exciting dinghy class, completing their full range of diverse sail solutions for any Opti sailor. The …
At North Sails, we don't forget the importance of supporting the club racers. The Eastern Yachting Circuit is a longstanding, friendly competition between ten Canadian and American clubs in Lake Ontario. EYC epitomizes what club …
This past weekend, the 3rd regatta of the 2.4mR CanAm North Regatta Series was hosted by National Yacht Club. Participants travelled from Florida, Maryland, Connecticut, Wisconsin, Montreal and Ottawa to compete with the local NYC …
The Jilàsi for Girls regatta was held on Saturday August 10th at the Boulevard Club in Toronto, Ontario, with the generous support of North Sails. The regatta was in support of The Broad Reach Foundation’s …
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 …
The 4th annual NYC Open Regatta took place on one of the most beautiful summer days we’ve had this year and featured great sailing winds ranging from a short AP in the morning until to …
North Sails and Etibicoke Yacht Club have partnered to help promote the recycling and re-purposing of used sails. Bring your old sails to the EYC Open and we will organize the donation of them to …
Thank you once again for supporting "Cruise Week", a 30+ year-old, family-friendly tradition at Britannia Yacht Club in Ottawa. This event is a mid-summer, multi-day flotilla on the Ottawa River, which offers us 25 NM of …
The 10th annual Toronto Area Hospice Regatta (TAHR) at Port Credit Yacht Club was another smashing success, raising over $47,250 for the Ian Anderson House Hospice (IAH). This brings our three-year total to over $152,000!! Mother nature …
North Sails is proud to support the 2019 LORC NYC Open. We have teamed up with our expert friends at SailFlow to provide professional weather forecasting for the event. Sign up below and have your forecast …
84 boats lined up on July 13th to begin the 300nm journey around the lake in celebration of the 30th edition of the Lake Ontario 300 presented by DriveHG. What made the start line difference …
Pointe Claire YC hosted the 13th edition of the TRY regatta this past weekend. TRY is Montreal's stop on Federation Voile du Quebec's youth circuit. The event hosts youth sailors in Optimist, C420, 29er, and …
A fight 'til the finish, Afterburn took home line honours for the 30th Edition of the Lake Ontario 300 Challenge for Main Duck Course. Owned by Darren Gornall and Craig Pirie, the crew vied for …
In an epic coming of age tale Lakeshore Yacht Club hosted their first Open Regatta this past Canada Day weekend – “The Raft Party Race”. Co-founded by LSYC Fleet Captain; Will French & Parker Media …
Lifelong sailor Francois Bertheau has been a fan of North Sails technology ever since he's owned a sailboat. His first set of sails were 3DL and he plans on crossing over to 3Di in the …
Growing the local sailing community has always been a core goal of North Sails. When it comes to distance racing and growing that local market, the Lake Ontario Short Handed Racing Series (LOSHRS) is a …
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 …
Veteran Great Lakes sailor, and North Sails expert, Doug Folsetter shares his top tips for racing the upcoming Lake Ontario 300 presented by DriveHG and the Lake Ontario Offshore Racing Committee. He has done the …
Every Wednesday boats from Mimico Cruising Club [MCC] gather to race on the lake. Boats big and small get together for friendly competition, week after week, and the hype is stronger than ever. Over 20 boats …
Countless times a sailor, coach, or parent asks me, “How do I decide what Opti sail to buy?” The answer involves a number of different factors, some more important than others. In the order of …
Toronto Island Sailing Club (TISC) hosted our Season Launch Party on the evening of May 11, 2019. Our Launch event is our kickoff event of the season where we welcome our new members to our …
Conditions were less than ideal this year for the 2019 edition of the Susan Hood Trophy Race out of Port Credit Yacht Club last Friday May 31st. Lack of wind combined with low temperatures and …
Skippers and crews gathered at Mimico Cruising Club last week for an evening of practice for the upcoming season; combined with a handful of volunteers, media personnel, chase boat and committee boat for mark set. Split …
The annual regatta, which kicks off the May long weekend around here, took place this past weekend with chilly temperatures and overcast skies. While conditions were less than favourable, sailors were excited and eager to …
AbleSail Kingston has been operating an adapted sailing program for people with disabilities out of Kingston Yacht Club since 2002. The Able Sail Program can offer the freedom of sailing to those with even extremely …
A weekend of cold temperatures, rain and FUN at Marina Gosselin with North Sails Toronto. Louisa and Kyann joined local North Sails rep Miro Balcar for the annual Expo Voile in Quebec to connect with …
Despite an ice-locked harbour as winter turned to spring cruisers from Kingston's oldest yacht club gathered to celebrate the coming of a new sailing season. Organized by past Commodore Rosemary Wilson and board member Bob Story, …
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. When we bought the boat, three and a half to three …
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 …
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 …
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 …
North Sails Toronto provides 5 tips on how to optimize your local sailmaker to get the most from your time on the water. We get it - deciding which sail to go with or what to …
You don’t need to be a sailor to know – chafe is not a friend. While this holds true in other places as well, it can be detrimental to your sails. It doesn’t take very …
North Sails Toronto and Lake Ontario Offshore Racing (LOOR) are teaming up to provide racers with a measurement and certification event to help racers prep for the upcoming 2019 season. Join the team for a …
90% of my sailing is on the race course. The other 10% is with my wife entertaining family and friends sailing around Port Credit. That’s the great advantage of a J/109, J Boats design group …
In the sailing industry we're faced with intense seasonality on the Great Lakes (compared to other areas who can sail year round) which means the season is short and the pressure to maximize results is …
Stephen shares how he and his crew, comprised of North Sails expert Geoff Moore and Breck McFarlane, took home the 2018 Shark World Championships in Kingston this past August. While the crew had minimal amount of …
Zoe has been on the Canadian Optimist Team for the past two years. She and her dad, North Sails Sales Rep Doug Folsetter, sail out of the Royal Hamilton Yacht Club. We got the chance …
What a jam-packed 10 days it was for our Toronto crew at #TIBS2019. While the weather was less than favourable the first weekend, it was still a great time with friends old and new. Our …
Our Toronto team kicked off the 2019 Toronto International Boat Show this past weekend with a bang! The team including Hugh Beaton, Louisa Sonosky, Doug Folsetter, Miro Balcar, and Kyann Rentzelos were on hand for …
Start 2019 the right way and brush up on your sailing skills with North U, the training division of North Sails. Providing the world's best seminars and instruction since 1980, our experts create curriculum to …
Storing your sails can be a headache, especially if you’re unsure how to put them away properly. Follow these three simple steps to make sure your sails are safe all winter long: Dry Fold Store …
I have sailed many different boats from an Optimist to a Tall Ship. I have been sailing my entire life. Rumour has it I was born in February and out on my parent’s boat in …
I've been sailing for 42 years now. I sail mostly in one design classes like the Star, Melges 20, Melges 24, and Etchells. I have also done blue water sailing, the Transatlantic races and Caribbean …
I currently own and race a Viper 830 - a 27’ sportboat. I started sailing at the age of 6 when my father, who had no sailing experience whatsoever, purchased a brand new, bright orange …
I have been sailing on Champlain lake and doing offshore passages for 30 years. Currently, I am racing and cruising my X-yacht 46. I enjoy spending time with customers on the water and overnight racing. I …
Around the Great Lakes, Evergreen is a well-known name that reflects an exciting time in Canadian sailing history. Skippered by Don Green from Royal Hamilton Yacht Club, Evergreen went from being the underdogs in the …
If you’d asked me in university what I wanted to do when I grow up, I would have probably told you I either wanted to go sailing, or be a sail maker. Fast forward a …
My first recollection of being on a sailboat when I was about 4 years old. My dad and a friend had a 24’ yawl. I was terrified of it tipping, and on one occasion I …
Bill Bevan from Mimico Cruising Club, co-owner of J/105 Endeavour, shares with us the thinking behind switching to North Sails and why. Plus where he hopes to see the local J/105 fleet in a few …
We often get the question: ‘how do I clean my sails’ and ‘how do I make my sails look like new again’. Our answer, without fail, is to have your sails washed. The benefits to …
I sail a Lightning, and I’m pretty sure Thunder Bay has the best dinghy one design racing in Canada. I’ve sailed since I was a kid but really started crewing when I was 13. When …
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 …
When I first bought the boat, I understood that it was more for long distances rather than short distances. In our region, we don't have many long distance regattas or races. Since I'm racing with …
The Etobicoke Yacht Club Open for 2018 was a special event with EYC Celebrating It’s 50th anniversary. The club has come a long way since its founding in 1968 and one of the regular highlights …
The team was excited for the LO300, it is always a challenging race and this is typically the highlight of our racing season. Although the race was shaping up to be a longer race than previous …
Growing up sailing, Will French experienced all dimensions of the sailing world - junior sailing, racing, coaching, crewing and even program running. Within the last few years though, he's added boat owner to his list …
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 …
Dear North Sails, Thank you for your support during “Cruise Week”, a 30+ year-old, family-friendly tradition at Britannia Yacht Club in Ottawa. This event is a mid-summer, multi-day flotilla on the Ottawa River, which offers us 25 …
Kingston Yacht Club hosted the 2018 Eastern Yachting Circuit for a weekend of racing with over 300 participants. Sixty-one boats registered for the weekend with 56-crossing the starting line in four PHRF Divisions and a …
After three plus days of offshore racing and over 300 miles traveled, Team Blast endured one of the toughest tests of perseverance and tenacity that the annual Lake Ontario 300 Challenge (LO300) could throw at …
Hot. Humid. Flies. Light Air. Muggy. How one would describe the annual Lake Ontario 300/600 Challenge, presented by DriveHG, out of Port Credit Yacht Club. A 300 nm race around Lake Ontario beginning and ending …
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 …
It's hard to miss her walking down the dock. A Soto 40 out of Port Credit Yacht Club, Afterburn, is looking to turn heads this season. Owners Craig Pirie and Darren Gornall worked with local North …
A gorgeous Tuesday evening with a SW breeze allowed for a great night racing with Bill Morland on Rum Kist, a Beneteau 10R, out of Etobicoke Yacht Club. Local North Sails Expert Hugh Beaton came by …
Around an hour and half South of Montreal sits a hidden gem for sailing with picturesque views and fantastic breeze. Hugh Beaton and Louisa Sonosky from North Sails Toronto visited Montreal based North Sails Expert …
The weather gods aligned for the 2018 Susan Hood Trophy Race presented by DriveHG at Port Credit Yacht Club this past weekend. After a short period of rain before the Skipper's Meeting, the sun came …
I’m from Toronto, but I’m always looking for an excuse to get out of the city, either going camping or getting out on the water. I graduated from the University of Toronto this past June, …
A humble man whose passion for sailing is clear the moment you start talking with him. With an impressive list of sailing titles to his name, Bruno Dubois is one of Canada’s great sailing legends. …
On a cold Wintery night, sailors gathered at the Midland Bay Cultural Centre to hear local legend Steve Killing speak on his involvement in the 35th America's Cup. Hugh Beaton, of North Sails Toronto (seen …
Inspect the luff of the sail to see if the luff slides, or the boltrope, require attention. Make sure to look for loose or missing slides, chafing through the boltrope cover. Inspect the batten pockets, both …
Domiciano, or as many know him Kid, Mangubat has been with North Sails for many years. His experience in the industry is unparalleled and speaks for itself with every sail he touches. He has been …
Racers gathered at our Toronto loft this past weekend to prepare for the upcoming season by getting their sails measured & certified. Our sales experts, Hugh Beaton and Mike Wolfs, and service team, Joel Caro, …
Sailing, as a kid, was something we did on weekends or at camp; never did it come into mind that it could be a career avenue. Growing up, I never would have thought I’d be …
I learned to sail in Barrie ON, working through Lasers, 470, International 14 and small keelboats. Early in my career I was introduced to the International 8 Metre, which quickly became my class of choice working …
I’ve been sailing since I was a kid in middle school flipping between dinghies and keelboats. I grew up sailing Hobie’s and Laser’s at camp while my father had a Beneteau 36.7. The last classes I …
Kidd and Joel hard at work on varies sails in for our 10 Point Inspection. They provide a glimpse into a typical morning at the loft, demonstrating a sails journey from start to finish when …
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 …
Racers gathered this past Wednesday at Port Credit Yacht Club to share their tales from the race course. Countless stories were told from years past with many racers highlighting favourite seconds from the Lake Ontario …
Joel Caro is from Toronto, Ontario and started Sail-making/Sailing in Santiago, Chile in the early 90's at "Mississauga Sails", his family Sail Loft. He attended INACAP Institute for Engineering in International Business. I mostly sail One Design Classes from Wayfarers, …
Geoff Moore is a Rhode Island native who grew up sailing in New England. He attended the University of Rhode Island for Political Science. Since 2002, he has been with North Sails Toronto. I have been …
This year marked the 60 th Anniversary of the Toronto Boat Show – quite the milestone for organizers. Each year has its own specialities and focus. For 2018 and our Toronto loft, the focus was …
The first weekend of the 2018 Toronto Boat Show was a great success despite the weather! Our Toronto team had a great time with customers, both familiar and new. Lots of interest was seen with our …
Our team including Hugh Beaton, Geoff Moore, Mike Wolfs, Louisa Sonosky (pictured above) are on site for the entire show to help you find the right sail for your needs. Take advantage of North Sails Boat …
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 …
We caught up with Peter Kirkwood, on his C&C 38 MK 1 Renaissance, from London, Ontario. Peter just recently purchased a 3Di main and genoa and has been using them this summer at his home …