North Sails becomes Major Partner and Official Sailmaker of RNZYS

RNZYS Vice Commodore Gillian Williams with North Sails New Zealand General Manager Richard Bicknell © RNZYS Media

The Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron (RNZYS) has announced North Sails as a new major partner.

This partnership sees North Sails become RNZYS’ Official Sailmaker for the next three years, and the supplier to the club’s new Emirates Team New Zealand Elliott 7 fleet due to launch in early 2024.

North Sails, the global leader in sailmaking, has earned its reputation as the best in the industry through a relentless commitment to innovation and performance. Since 1957, their sails have dominated world-class racing events and cruising adventures for over six decades. The brand's dedication to pushing the boundaries of sail technology sets them apart, making their products the top choice for sailors who compete at the highest level.

Through this new partnership, the RNZYS’ Mastercard Youth Training Programme will have access to the best sail technology in the world and the support of an extensive network of the most knowledgeable sail designers, sailmakers, and local experts worldwide.

"We are thrilled to welcome North Sails to the RNZYS community” says RNZYS Vice Commodore Gillian Williams. "Their commitment to innovation and excellence aligns ideally with our own values, and we look forward to having their enthusiasm and energy at the club."

The RNZYS’ two North Sails Sundowner Beach Parties are now poised to become cornerstone events for RNZYS members and their friends, thanks to the support of the North Sails team who also extend additional backing to the PIC Insurance Brokers Cruising Series. Crucially, as the new naming rights partner for the North Sails Winter Series starting in May 2024, NZ’s largest keelboat race series is bolstered for continued success.

"Our entire team is honoured to partner with the RNZYS," says Richard Bicknell, General Manager of North Sails New Zealand. "North Sails embodies excellence and sets the standard for sailmaking worldwide. We look forward to working with and supporting all of the club members both on and off the water."

About North Sails

North Sails is a pioneering force in sailmaking technology. The company's impressive legacy is marked by patented innovations like the 3Di™ composite construction process, revolutionizing the sailing industry with high-performance sails with unrivalled shape-holding capability. Recognized as the preferred sailmaker for America's Cup, Grand Prix, Ocean Race boats, and Superyachts, North Sails offers a comprehensive range of sails underpinned by an unwavering commitment to customer support. North Sails further solidifies its position as the world's leading sailmaker for one-design classes, boasting an unmatched track record of National, World, and Olympic Class victories, surpassing all competitors combined. As an industry frontrunner, North Sails continues to redefine sailmaking, consistently delivering unmatched quality, innovation, and performance to sailors across the globe.

North Sails is an Official Supplier to Team New Zealand's defence of the 37th America's Cup and is the exclusive one design sail supplier to the AC40. www.northsails.com

About the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron

The Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron (RNZYS) is one of New Zealand’s leading yacht clubs, with an illustrious history dating back to 1871. The RNZYS is the holder of the America’s Cup, after Emirates Team New Zealand defended the oldest sporting trophy in the world at the 36th America’s Cup in Auckland in 2021. The club offers a wide range of events and services; running thousands of races per calendar year, member events, private functions and world class dining opportunities. www.rnzys.org.nz