Italiano
Español
Deutsch
Français
Vancouver British Columbia
Loft Info
11911 Machrina Way
Richmond, British Columbia V7A 4V3
604 271 2111
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
Dennis Lefeaux
Service Manager
Dennis.Lefeaux@northsails.com
604 271 2111
778 840 2981
Sailmaker Services
North Sails is the number one sailmaker in the Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada 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 British Columbia 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 Vancouver, British Columbia 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 Vancouver, British Columbia 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.
Contact
Local News
I really enjoy being on the water and sailing in strong winds, especially downwind. The feeling you get when a boat is locked and loaded on a plane is hard to compare to anything else. …
North Sails, which has powered every America’s Cup winner since 1987, is proud to be the sailmaker of choice for all entries participating in the 37th America's Cup. The five teams signed up to compete …
The English Bay Scramble out of Tiddly Cove Yacht Club is an annual tradition where "tacticians have free-reign in how the marks are rounded, even which way to cross the start line." The race this …
Sea Bags, the Maine-based designer and manufacturer of bags, totes and accessories made from repurposed sails, is pleased to announce a partnership with North Sails, the sailmaking industry leader. The two brands have teamed up …
The 2022 Vernon Yacht Club Regatta was a great success with 26 boats and well over 100 sailors participating from 4 clubs, including Penticton, Summerland, Kelowna, and Vernon. Some great winds picked up the racer’s spirits …
What’s unique about this regatta? After all, there are now many solo sailing regattas now; the impact of that concept has evolved over the years since it was first launched in the 1970’s by Capt. …
Round Salt Spring 2022 had a good turn out with 79 boats and ended up being a very challenging race for competitors. Racers showed up on Friday at Salt Spring Yacht Club where a BBQ …
The Maple Bay Yacht Club's Thetis Island Race was one for the ages and the North Sails Vancouver loft was proud to support the 2022 edition of the race. With the PNW's spring yet to …
North Sails sponsored the 2022 Polar Bear series run by the Vancouver Rowing Club and it wrapped up this weekend with two final races. 43 boats were registered and raced over 4 Sunday's between February …
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, …
We’ve teamed up with our friends at X-Yachts and are excited to release an all-new 'How To' video series aimed at every type of cruiser. All seven videos are now live and available to watch …
The 6th of September and the end of Kiel Week 2021 marked the beginning of the ninth edition of the longest offshore race in the grueling Baltic Sea, the Nord Stream Race. Sailing the 1000 nautical …
North Sails cruising experts Jeremy Smart, Bob Meagher, and Ridgely MacKenzie join World Cruising Club’s Andrew Bishop to discuss sail selection for offshore bluewater sailing and ARC Preparations. This webinar is a particularly beneficial watch …
Nicolas (Nico) Cohen-Addad’s J/122 Jinn captured the attention of the North Sails team in Hong Kong after winning a host of recent regattas, including the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club Summer Cup (IRC) and the …
We are excited to get back out racing again, and we wanted to reshare some of our favorite articles and webinars before you head to Annapolis for the J/70 North American Championship. This Tool Kit …
You can imagine the future or you can be a part of it. Lowell North decided to be a part of it-- and lead it. When he started North Sails, Lowell North’s philosophy was simple...get …
With the help of smarttune load sensors from Cyclops Marine, North Sails One Design Expert, and J/70 World Champion Charlie Cumbley explains how the dynamic balance of upwind performance hinges on forestay load. Click here to …
The MOD70 Trimaran PowerPlay, led by Peter Cunningham and skippered by Ned Collier Wakefield, has set a new Fastnet record. The team completed the original Fastnet course of 595 nautical miles in a new world Fastnet …
When it comes to downwind sails, there are a dizzying array of choices for today’s sailor. There are even two types of spinnaker: asymmetric and symmetric. So how do you decide what would be right …
The J/70 class attracts sailors who demand the best, and North Sails continues to upgrade and improve an already successful inventory. New for 2021 are two designs added to the North class line-up; the XCS-4 …
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 …
North Sails is excited to introduce the Helix Furling Gennaker, a new sail type for the cruising community. The structured luff Helix Furling Gennaker eliminates the heavy cable needed for traditional furling and is the …
Jamie and Cathy Copeland cruise the PNW with their two kids Will and Belle. Jamie and Cathy are both airline pilots and the founders of the Online Booking Platform www.swiftharbour.com and the home organization app …
Grant Brandlmayer shares the history of locally known Spencer 34 Coho, still raced out of Royal Vancouver Yacht Club going on 35 years. The decision was made to build the Spencer 34 Coho to race and …
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 …
A passion for sailing brought this enthusiastic 26 year old sailor from Nakhodka, Russia to Vancouver, British Columbia. Learn how Alexander Levkovskiy's passion developed from a young age and still brings him great joy in …
Local North Sails expert Drew Mitchell sat down with Matthew Henderson, owner of C&C 29 MK2 Mariah, to discuss her new sails and the impact they've had. North Sails and Drew Mitchell were recommended to me …
Avid sailor and office manager for the Vancouver loft of North Sails, Sarah Unwin shares one of her favourite cruising spots in British Columbia, Wallace Island. My husband and I race and cruise on a Spencer …
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, …
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 …
Krizia Marban and Doug Hampton share a glimpse into their sailing adventure aboard their 1976 Catalina 27 Tall Rig with their two pups in Vancouver. Krizia was born and raised in the desert, but always knew …
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
Local North Sails expert Drew Mitchell catches up with Joey Drake, owner of Havoc, a C&C SR 33 out of Vancouver. I've always wanted a more serious race boat of my own, one that was large …
With almost 40 years sailing under his belt, Gord Wylie is a veteran of the new boat ownership club, having four keelboats so far. His favourite? The J/29. It was his first keelboat and chance …
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 …
North Sails expert Drew Mitchell out of Vancouver reports from the annual LOWISA regatta in Lake of the Woods. After 54 years of LOWISA being the sailing event to attend within Manitoba and Western Ontario, the …
North Sails were lucky to have the two doublehanded experts Armel Le Cléac’h & Clarisse Crémer host a webinar for an in-depth masterclass. Best known as a singlehanded sailor with notable race wins in the Solitaire …
Lunenburg Yacht Club held the first sanctioned regatta in Nova Scotia since the start of the pandemic. They named it the Welcome Back Regatta and was organized in less than three weeks! Lunenburg offers some …
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 …
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 that focuses on cruising, so …
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 …
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 …
North Sails was contacted by Troy McNamara aka “Creative Troy” about 2 weeks ago with a different project that he thought we could help out with. Troy’s company Creative Others was commissioned by Translink to …
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 …
Sarah Unwin joined North Sails a year and a half ago as the office manager of North Sails Vancouver. She is born and raised in Vancouver at 38 years old. She first learned to sail in …
Ross MacDonald has been with North Sails for 14 years; 4 years with One Design and 10 years with the team at the Vancouver loft. He is 55 years old and was born in Vancouver. …
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 …
Chris Walter is part of the service team at the Vancouver loft and has been with North Sails for seven years. He is 34 years old from Vancouver and the first boat he sailed on …
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 …
Dennis Lefeaux has been a staple at North Sails Vancouver for years. He has worked for North Sails for over 40 years and is currently the service manager for Vancouver. He was born in Vancouver …
Drew Mitchell was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia and has worked at North Sails for nine years as a sales rep and loft manager for the Vancouver loft. He is 32 years old and the …
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 …
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 …
Drew Mitchell, North Sails expert from our Vancouver loft, check-ins with Andrew Madding from Royal Victoria Yacht Club. Madding shares how they are getting members on the water and racing during these unprecedented times. All boats …
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 …
Aidan Koster, 26, grew up in Victoria, British Columbia and started sailing out of Caddy Bay with his parents at a young age. By age 8, he was hooked thanks to summer sailing camps. By …
Dave Miller was born in 1943 in Vancouver and since then has created a life impacting the sailing world both locally and globally. His Olympic results include 7th place in the Star Class at the …
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 …
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 …
Travis was a great sailor and a great friend of mine. I contacted the sailor who spent the most time racing with him on Turnagain as well as his partner and asked them a few …
The first time I met Travis was on his Beneteau Oceanis 50 Turnagain when installing a new sail he purchased from North Sails Vancouver. 6 years later I was invited by Travis to race to …
North Sails Vancouver wants to help you get ahead this season and your local service expert Chris Walter is here to make it happen. Due to our current global situation, please call us to arrange for …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
SHOP SAILS REQUEST A QUOTE 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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
Great breeze and blue skies welcomed forty-one teams from five different nations for the 2018 Melges 24 World Championship held at the Royal Victoria Yacht Club in Victoria, BC, Canada. Tough competition with a total …
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 …