Please select your home edition
Edition
North Sails Loft 57 Podcast




This is North Sails: the team, the tools, and the technology

by North Sails 12 May 2021 05:46 PDT
This is North Sails: the team, the tools, and the technology © North Sails

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 the best people and commit yourself to make the best product.

Be clear, creative, methodical and competitive in spirit. Surpass your wildest imagination.

Over the last three months, teams powered by North Sails have achieved remarkable results. Our customers commanded the Vendée Globe top 10. Luna Rossa went head to head with INEOS Team UK to win the Prada Cup. Emirates Team New Zealand successfully defended the America's Cup. And the 49er and 49erFX Olympic classes unanimously selected North 3Di one design sails for the 2024 Olympic cycle.

Those pinnacle events are all an integral part of the North Sails culture and share two important elements: the North Design Suite and 3Di sail structures. But the real power of North Sails is the seamless collaboration of our global team. And the range of our recent successes—from offshore to inshore to one design—sheds light on the hundreds of projects being moved forward every day by the collaborative efforts of North Sails designers, manufacturers, and sail experts around the world. We all benefit and learn, and as a result, so do our customers.

Lessons learned

Currently, our design team is working through the intensive debrief that always follows the America's Cup. Comments received from the teams highlight confidence in the North Design Suite to engineer both sails and key boat components. We'll be sure to update you once the review is complete.

Navigating what comes next

2020 took the entire world by surprise. But even as we found ourselves limited to our homes and North manufacturing reduced operations, we were inspired by the creativity of our local sailing communities to get back out on the water. A global reset, but definitely not a retreat from the sport.

Demand in 2021 for North sails is way up, which is a positive sign for our sport. Like many companies worldwide, we are navigating supply chain issues, which brings a new form of uncertainty. It's a new challenge for North Sails, but the behind-the-scenes support functions are adjusting by adding new employees to increase design and production capacity and expanding shipping options from all seven North manufacturing sites. More than ever, we are committed to getting your orders delivered and maximizing your time on the water.

An influx of innovation

The sport of sailing has seen significant innovation in the past three years, and North Sails is at the heart of this development. North 3Di was onboard with 22 of the 33 teams participating in the Vendee Globe 2020-21. Seven sail designers were embedded amongst three America's Cup teams, and our 3D loft in Minden, Nevada, manufactured all their AC75 sails. Equally crucial to winning is the experience we gain. We are so proud to be leading our sport, transferring what we learn into all sails that we make for the future. With over six decades of expertise, North Sails remains the company to provide the experience you expect and more.

Find out more at www.northsails.com/sailing

Related Articles

Webinar: North Sails Rolex Sydney Hobart Debrief
Join North Sails experts Alby Pratt, Mark Bradford and Rob Greenhalgh for a lively panel discussion Join North Sails experts Alby Pratt, Mark Bradford and Rob Greenhalgh for a lively panel discussion hosted by North Sails President Ken Read, as they break down the 2025 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race and share key strategies to prepare for the season. Posted on 14 Jan
Glimpse Inside Grand Prix Sailing's Biggest Wins
Read the story behind North Sails' standout victories In 2025, the world's top racing programs didn't just win, they redefined what success looks like. Behind the scenes, North Sails partnered with teams to deliver strategy, expertise, and relentless support, helping them reach their version of the podium. Posted on 11 Jan
Performance Starts with the Proper Sailcloth
Every great sailing experience starts with sails you can trust Every great sailing experience starts with sails you can trust. North Sails offers three advanced material technologies, each engineered for precision, durability, and performance. Posted on 5 Jan
Countdown to Boxing Day
North Sails Rolex Sydney Hobart 2025 Preview Anticipation is building for the 80th edition of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, a milestone moment for one of the world's most storied offshore challenges. Posted on 24 Dec 2025
New Leadership announced at North Sails UK
Dave Lenz and Jeremy Smart appointed to drive continued growth and success Dave Lenz and Jeremy Smart are furthering their decades-long relationship with the world's leading sailmaker by stepping into the role of General Manager and Sales Manager, respectively. Posted on 15 Dec 2025
Maximize Performance with Proper Care
Sail care should start the minute your get your new sails Sail care should start the minute your get your new sails. Whether in season or off season, there are sail care basics to follow that keep sails in peak condition. Posted on 4 Dec 2025
North Sails Opens Flagship Loft in Genoa
The 3,500 m² facility is one of the largest sail loft floors in the world On Friday, North Sails celebrated the opening of its latest flagship loft in Genoa, Italy. The 3,500 m² facility is one of the largest sail loft floors in the world and represents a landmark addition to the North Sails' global network. Posted on 17 Nov 2025
North Sails France Welcomes New Managing Director
Marine Derrien brings nearly two decades of experience North Sails France announces a key leadership transition: Marine Derrien has been appointed Managing Director, bringing nearly two decades of experience in offshore racing, international sailing campaigns, and event management. Posted on 1 Nov 2025
North Sails Innovation Powers the XR 41
The latest boat from X-Yachts has had an extraordinary year, winning every regatta entered When X-Yachts set out to design a next-generation racer, they turned to North Sails to push performance to new heights. The result: the XR 41. Posted on 23 Oct 2025
North Sails Named Official Apparel Supplier
To Team Francesca Clapcich Powered by 11th Hour Racing North Sails Apparel, the clothing line created by the world's leading sailmaker, has partnered with Team Francesca Clapcich Powered by 11th Hour Racing. Posted on 23 Oct 2025
North Sails Loft 57 Podcast